DYRK1A inhibition suppresses STAT3/EGFR/Met signalling and sensitizes EGFR wild-type NSCLC cells to AZD9291

Chemoresistance Mechanisms in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-Opportunities for Drug Repurposing

Globally, lung cancer contributes significantly to the public health burden-associated mortality. As this form of cancer is insidious in nature, there is an inevitable diagnostic delay leading to chronic tumor development. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes 80-85% of all lung cancer cases, making this neoplasia form a prevalent subset of lung carcinoma. One of the most vital aspects for proper diagnosis, prognosis, and adequate therapy is the precise classification of non-small cell lung cancer based on biomarker expression profiling. This form of biomarker profiling has provided opportunities for improvements in patient stratification, mechanistic insights, and probable druggable targets. However, numerous patients have exhibited numerous toxic side effects, tumor relapse, and development of therapy-based chemoresistance. As a result of these exacting situations, there is a dire need for efficient and effective new cancer therapeutics. De novo drug development approach is a costly and tedious endeavor, with an increased attrition rate, attributed, in part, to toxicity-related issues. Drug repurposing, on the other hand, when combined with computer-assisted systems biology approach, provides alternatives to the discovery of new, efficacious, and safe drugs. Therefore, in this review, we focus on a comparison of the conventional therapy-based chemoresistance mechanisms with the repurposed anti-cancer drugs from three different classes-anti-parasitic, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotics for cancer treatment with a primary focus on NSCLC therapeutics. Certainly, amalgamating these novel therapeutic approaches with that of the conventional drug regimen in NSCLC-affected patients will possibly complement/synergize the existing therapeutic modalities. This approach has tremendous translational significance, since it can combat drug resistance and cytotoxicity-based side effects and provides a relatively new strategy for possible application in therapy of individuals with NSCLC.

Research progress on the antitumor effects of harmine

Harmine is a naturally occurring β-carboline alkaloid originally isolated from Peganum harmala. As a major active component, harmine exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, particularly remarkable antitumor effects. Recent mechanistic studies have shown that harmine can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, harmine reduces drug resistance when used in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. Despite its remarkable antitumor activity, the application of harmine is limited by its poor solubility and toxic side effects, particularly neurotoxicity. Novel harmine derivatives have demonstrated strong clinical application prospects, but further validation based on drug activity, acute toxicity, and other aspects is necessary. Here, we present a review of recent research on the action mechanism of harmine in cancer treatment and the development of its derivatives, providing new insights into its potential clinical applications and strategies for mitigating its toxicity while enhancing its efficacy.

Systems biology approach to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC), is the third most prevalent cancer across the globe, and is often detected at advanced stage. Late diagnosis of CRC, leave the chemotherapy and radiotherapy as the main options for the possible treatment of the disease which are associated with severe side effects. In the present study, we seek to explore CRC gene expression data using a systems biology framework to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for earlier diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Methods

The expression data was retrieved from the gene expression omnibus (GEO). Differential gene expression analysis was conducted using R/Bioconductor package. The PPI network was reconstructed by the STRING. Cystoscope and Gephi software packages were used for visualization and centrality analysis of the PPI network. Clustering analysis of the PPI network was carried out using k-mean algorithm. Gene-set enrichment based on Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway databases was carried out to identify the biological functions and pathways associated with gene groups. Prognostic value of the selected identified hub genes was examined by survival analysis, using GEPIA.

Results

A total of 848 differentially expressed genes were identified. Centrality analysis of the PPI network resulted in identification of 99 hubs genes. Clustering analysis dissected the PPI network into seven interactive modules. While several DEGs and the central genes in each module have already reported to contribute to CRC progression, survival analysis confirmed high expression of central genes, CCNA2, CD44, and ACAN contribute to poor prognosis of CRC patients. In addition, high expression of TUBA8, AMPD3, TRPC1, ARHGAP6, JPH3, DYRK1A and ACTA1 was found to associate with decreased survival rate.

Conclusion

Our results identified several genes with high centrality in PPI network that contribute to progression of CRC. The fact that several of the identified genes have already been reported to be relevant to diagnosis and treatment of CRC, other highlighted genes with limited literature information may hold potential to be explored in the context of CRC biomarker and drug target discovery.

Hypomethylation of DYRK4 in peripheral blood is associated with increased lung cancer risk

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is urgent to identify new biomarkers for the early detection of LC. DNA methylation in peripheral blood has been reported to be associated with cancers. We conducted two independent case-control studies and a nested case-control study (168 LC cases and 167 controls in study Ⅰ, 677 LC cases and 833 controls in study Ⅱ, 147 precancers and 21 controls in the nested case-control study). The methylation levels of DYRK4 CpG sites were measured using mass spectrometry and their correlations with LC were analyzed by logistic regression and nonparametric tests. Bonferroni correction was used for the multiple comparisons. LC-related decreased DYRK4 methylation was discovered in Study I and validated in Study II (the odds ratios [ORs] for the lowest vs. highest quartile of all three DYRK4 CpG sites ranged from 1.64 to 2.09, all p < 0.001). Combining the two studies, hypomethylation of DYRK4 was observed in stage I cases (ORs per -10% methylation ranged from 1.16 to 1.38, all p < 5.9E-04), and could be enhanced by male gender (ORs ranged from 1.77 to 4.17 via interquartile analyses, all p < 0.017). Hypomethylation of DYRK4_A_CpG_2 was significantly correlated with tumor size, length, and stage (p = 0.034, 0.002, and 0.002, respectively) in LC cases. Our study disclosed the association between DYRK4 hypomethylation in peripheral blood and LC, suggesting the feasibility of blood-based DNA methylation as new biomarker for LC detection.

Insights from the protein interaction Universe of the multifunctional "Goldilocks" kinase DYRK1A

Human Dual specificity tyrosine (Y)-Regulated Kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is encoded by a dosage-dependent gene located in the Down syndrome critical region of human chromosome 21. The known substrates of DYRK1A include proteins involved in transcription, cell cycle control, DNA repair and other processes. However, the function and regulation of this kinase is not fully understood, and the current knowledge does not fully explain the dosage-dependent function of this kinase. Several recent proteomic studies identified DYRK1A interacting proteins in several human cell lines. Interestingly, several of known protein substrates of DYRK1A were undetectable in these studies, likely due to a transient nature of the kinase-substrate interaction. It is possible that the stronger-binding DYRK1A interacting proteins, many of which are poorly characterized, are involved in regulatory functions by recruiting DYRK1A to the specific subcellular compartments or distinct signaling pathways. Better understanding of these DYRK1A-interacting proteins could help to decode the cellular processes regulated by this important protein kinase during embryonic development and in the adult organism. Here, we review the current knowledge of the biochemical and functional characterization of the DYRK1A protein-protein interaction network and discuss its involvement in human disease.

DYRK1A-mediated PLK2 phosphorylation regulates the proliferation and invasion of glioblastoma cells

Polo-like kinases (PLKs) are a family of serine-threonine kinases that exert regulatory effects on diverse cellular processes. Dysregulation of PLKs has been implicated in multiple cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). Notably, PLK2 expression in GBM tumor tissue is lower than that in normal brains. Notably, high PLK2 expression is significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Thus, it can be inferred that PLK2 expression alone may not be sufficient for accurate prognosis evaluation, and there are unknown mechanisms underlying PLK2 regulation. In the present study, it was demonstrated that dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) interacts with and phosphorylates PLK2 at Ser358. DYRK1A-mediated phosphorylation of PLK2 increases its protein stability. Moreover, PLK2 kinase activity was markedly induced by DYRK1A, which was exemplified by the upregulation of alpha-synuclein S129 phosphorylation. Furthermore, it was found that phosphorylation of PLK2 by DYRK1A contributes to the proliferation, migration and invasion of GBM cells. DYRK1A further enhances the inhibition of the malignancy of GBM cells already induced by PLK2. The findings of the present study indicate that PLK2 may play a crucial role in GBM pathogenesis partially in a DYRK1A-dependent manner, suggesting that PLK2 Ser358 may serve as a therapeutic target for GBM.

Azaindole derivatives as potential kinase inhibitors and their SARs elucidation

Currently, heterocycles have occupied an important position in the fields of drug design. Among them, azaindole moiety is regarded as one privileged scaffold to develop therapeutic agents. Since two nitrogen atoms of azaindole increase the possibility to form hydrogen bonds in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding site, azaindole derivatives are important sources of kinase inhibitors. Moreover, some of them have been on the market or in clinical trials for the treatment of some kinase-related diseases (e.g., vemurafenib, pexidartinib, decernotinib). In this review, we focused on the recent development of azaindole derivatives as potential kinase inhibitors based on kinase targets, such as adaptor-associated kinase 1 (AAK1), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), AXL, cell division cycle 7 (Cdc7), cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), dual-specificity tyrosine (Y)-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and proviral insertion site in moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases. Meanwhile, the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of most azaindole derivatives were also elucidated. In addition, the binding modes of some azaindoles complexed with kinases were also investigated during the SARs elucidation. This review may offer an insight for medicinal chemists to rationally design more potent kinase inhibitors bearing the azaindole scaffold.

Function and Inhibition of DYRK1A: emerging roles of treating multiple human diseases

Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase and the most studied member of the Dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase (DYRK) family. It has been shown that it participates in the development of plenty of diseases, and both the low or high expression of DYRK1A protein could lead to disorder. Thus, DYRK1A is recognized as a key target for the therapy for these diseases, and the studies on natural or synthetic DYRK1A inhibitors have become more and more popular. Here, we provide a comprehensive review for DYRK1A from the structure and function of DYRK1A, the roles of DYRK1A in various types of diseases, including diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, and kinds of cancers, and the studies of its natural and synthetic inhibitors.

The β-carboline Harmine improves the therapeutic benefit of anti-PD1 in melanoma by increasing the MHC-I-dependent antigen presentation

Harmine is a dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) inhibitor that displays a number of biological and pharmacological properties. Also referred to as ACB1801 molecule, we have previously reported that harmine increases the presentation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I-dependent antigen on melanoma cells. Here, we show that ACB1801 upregulates the mRNA expression of several proteins of the MHC-I such as Transporter Associated with antigen Processing TAP1 and 2, Tapasin and Lmp2 (hereafter referred to as MHC-I signature) in melanoma cells. Treatment of mice bearing melanoma B16-F10 with ACB1801 inhibits the growth and weight of tumors and induces a profound modification of the tumor immune landscape. Strikingly, combining ACB1801 with anti-PD1 significantly improves its therapeutic benefit in B16-F10 melanoma-bearing mice. These results suggest that, by increasing the MHC-I, ACB1801 can be combined with anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy to improve the survival benefit in cancer patients displaying a defect in MHC-I expression. This is further supported by data showing that i) high expression levels of TAP1, Tapasin and Lmp2 was observed in melanoma patients that respond to anti-PD1; ii) the survival is significantly improved in melanoma patients who express high MHC-I signature relative to those expressing low MHC-I signature; and iii) high expression of MHC-I signature in melanoma patients was correlated with increased expression of CD8 and NK cell markers and overexpression of proinflammatory chemokines involved in the recruitment of CD8+ T cells.

The Omnipresence of DYRK1A in Human Diseases

The increasing population will challenge healthcare, particularly because the worldwide population has never been older. Therapeutic solutions to age-related disease will be increasingly critical. Kinases are key regulators of human health and represent promising therapeutic targets for novel drug candidates. The dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase (DYRKs) family is of particular interest and, among them, DYRK1A has been implicated ubiquitously in varied human diseases. Herein, we focus on the characteristics of DYRK1A, its regulation and functional role in different human diseases, which leads us to an overview of future research on this protein of promising therapeutic potential.

DYRK1A reinforces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via cooperatively activating STAT3 and SMAD

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of liver cancer cases, while metastasis is considered the leading cause of HCC-related death. However, the currently available treatment strategies for efficient suppression of metastasis are limited. Therefore, novel therapeutic targets to inhibit metastasis and effectively treat HCC are urgently required.

Methods

Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to determine the migration and invasion abilities of HCC cells in vitro. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), protein array, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation experiments were used to study the mechanism of DYRK1A-mediated metastasis. A tail vein metastasis model and H&E staining were utilized to assess metastatic potential in vivo.

Results

The results of the current study demonstrated that dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues. Additionally, the level of DYRK1A was increased in primary HCC tissues of patients with metastasis compared with those of patients without metastasis, and DYRK1A overexpression correlated with worse outcomes in liver cancer patients. Gain- and loss-of-function studies suggested that DYRK1A enhanced the invasion and migration abilities of HCC cells by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Regarding the promoting effect of DYRK1A on cell invasion, the results showed that DYRK1A was coexpressed with TGF-β/SMAD and STAT3 signalling components in clinical tumour samples obtained from patients with HCC. DYRK1A also activated TGF-β/SMAD signalling by interacting with tuberous sclerosis 1 (TSC1) and enhanced metastasis of HCC cells by activating STAT3. Furthermore, DYRK1A promoted EMT by cooperatively activating STAT3/SMAD signalling.

Conclusion

Overall, the present study not only uncovered the promoting effect of DYRK1A on HCC metastasis and revealed the mechanism but also provided a new approach to predict and treat metastatic HCC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-022-00817-y.

A Bioinformatics Evaluation of the Role of Dual-Specificity Tyrosine-Regulated Kinases in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

The dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase (DYRK) family has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. However, its role in colorectal cancer has not been elucidated. In this research, we used publicly available web-based tools to investigate DYRKs status in colorectal cancer. Our results showed that among DYRKs, only DYRK1A was upregulated significantly in late tumor stages, and it is associated with poor prognosis for colorectal cancer patients. These finding comprehensively characterized DYRK1A as a potential new therapeutic approach in CRC, especially in late tumor stages.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and has an increasing incidence in younger populations. The dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase (DYRK) family has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. However, the role and contribution of the distinct family members in regulating CRC tumorigenesis has not been addressed yet. Herein, we used publicly available CRC patient datasets (TCGA RNA sequence) and several bioinformatics webtools to perform in silico analysis (GTEx, GENT2, GEPIA2, cBioPortal, GSCALite, TIMER2, and UALCAN). We aimed to investigate the DYRK family member expression pattern, prognostic value, and oncological roles in CRC. This study shed light on the role of distinct DYRK family members in CRC and their potential outcome predictive value. Based on mRNA level, DYRK1A is upregulated in late tumor stages, with lymph node and distant metastasis. All DYRKs were found to be implicated in cancer-associated pathways, indicating their key role in CRC pathogenesis. No significant DYRK mutations were identified, suggesting that DYRK expression variation in normal vs. tumor samples is likely linked to epigenetic regulation. The expression of DYRK1A and DYRK3 expression correlated with immune-infiltrating cells in the tumor microenvironment and was upregulated in MSI subtypes, pointing to their potential role as biomarkers for immunotherapy. This comprehensive bioinformatics analysis will set directions for future biological studies to further exploit the molecular basis of these findings and explore the potential of DYRK1A modulation as a novel targeted therapy for CRC.

Selective Macrocyclic Inhibitors of DYRK1A/B

Dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is a therapeutic target of interest due to the roles it plays in both neurological diseases and cancer. We present the development of the first macrocyclic inhibitors of DYRK1A. Initial lead inhibitor JH-XIV-68-3 (3) displayed selectivity for DYRK1A and close family member DYRK1B in biochemical and cellular assays, and demonstrated antitumor efficacy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. However, we noted that it suffered from rapid aldehyde oxidase (AO)-mediated metabolism. To overcome this liability, we generated a derivative (JH-XVII-10 (10)), where fluorine was introduced to block the 2-position of the azaindole and render the molecule resistant to AO activity. We showed that 10 maintains remarkable potency and selectivity in biochemical and cellular assays as well as antitumor efficacy in HNSCC cell lines and improved metabolic stability. Therefore, 10 represents a promising new scaffold for developing DYRK1A-targeting chemical probes and therapeutics.

The chromosome 21 kinase DYRK1A: emerging roles in cancer biology and potential as a therapeutic target

Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1 A (DYRK1A) is a serine/threonine kinase that belongs to the DYRK family of proteins, a subgroup of the evolutionarily conserved CMGC protein kinase superfamily. Due to its localization on chromosome 21, the biological significance of DYRK1A was initially characterized in the pathogenesis of Down syndrome (DS) and related neurodegenerative diseases. However, increasing evidence has demonstrated a prominent role in cancer through its ability to regulate biologic processes including cell cycle progression, DNA damage repair, transcription, ubiquitination, tyrosine kinase activity, and cancer stem cell maintenance. DYRK1A has been identified as both an oncogene and tumor suppressor in different models, underscoring the importance of cellular context in its function. Here, we review mechanistic contributions of DYRK1A to cancer biology and its role as a potential therapeutic target.

DYRK1A suppression attenuates HIF‑1α accumulation and enhances the anti‑liver cancer effects of regorafenib and sorafenib under hypoxic conditions

Hypoxia promotes drug resistance and induces the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‑1α in liver cancer cells. However, to date, no selective HIF‑1α inhibitor has been clinically approved. The aim of this study is to investigate a drug‑targetable molecule that can regulate HIF‑1α under hypoxia. The present study demonstrated that hyperactivation of dual‑specificity tyrosine‑phosphorylation‑regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A)/HIF‑1α signaling was associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. In addition, DYRK1A knockdown using small interfering RNA transfection or treatment with harmine, a natural alkaloid, significantly reduced the protein expression levels of HIF‑1α in liver cancer cells under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Conversely, DYRK1A overexpression‑vector transfection in liver cancer cell lines notably induced HIF‑1α expression under the same conditions. Furthermore, DYRK1A was shown to interact and activate STAT3 under hypoxia to regulate HIF‑1α expression. These findings indicated that DYRK1A may be a potential upstream activator of HIF‑1α and positively regulate HIF‑1α via the STAT3 signaling pathway in liver cancer cells. Additionally, treatment with harmine attenuated the proliferative ability of liver cancer cells under hypoxic conditions using sulforhodamine B and colony formation assay. Furthermore, DYRK1A knockdown could significantly enhance the anti‑liver cancer effects of regorafenib and sorafenib under hypoxia. Co‑treatment with harmine and either regorafenib or sorafenib also promoted cell death via the STAT3/HIF‑1α/AKT signaling pathway under hypoxia using PI staining and western blotting. Overall, the results from the present study suggested that DYRK1A/HIF‑1α signaling may be considered a novel pathway involved in chemoresistance, thus providing a potentially effective therapeutic regimen for treating liver cancer.

DYRK1B-STAT3 Drives Cardiac Hypertrophy and Heart Failure by Impairing Mitochondrial Bioenergetics

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a global public health issue that is associated with increasing morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction plays critical roles in the progression of heart failure; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Because kinases have been reported to modulate mitochondrial function, we investigated the effects of DYRK1B (dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 1B) on mitochondrial bioenergetics, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure.

METHODS

We engineered DYRK1B transgenic and knockout mice and used transverse aortic constriction to produce an in vivo model of cardiac hypertrophy. The effects of DYRK1B and its downstream mediators were subsequently elucidated using RNA-sequencing analysis and mitochondrial functional analysis.

RESULTS

We found that DYRK1B expression was clearly upregulated in failing human myocardium and in hypertrophic murine hearts, as well. Cardiac-specific DYRK1B overexpression resulted in cardiac dysfunction accompanied by a decline in the left ventricular ejection fraction, fraction shortening, and increased cardiac fibrosis. In striking contrast to DYRK1B overexpression, the deletion of DYRK1B mitigated transverse aortic constriction-induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Mechanistically, DYRK1B was positively associated with impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics by directly binding with STAT3 to increase its phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation, ultimately contributing toward the downregulation of PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α). Furthermore, the inhibition of DYRK1B or STAT3 activity using specific inhibitors was able to restore cardiac performance by rejuvenating mitochondrial bioenergetics.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the findings of this study provide new insights into the previously unrecognized role of DYRK1B in mitochondrial bioenergetics and the progression of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Consequently, these findings may provide new therapeutic options for patients with heart failure.

DYRK1A inhibitors for disease therapy: Current status and perspectives

Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1 A (DYRK1A) is a conserved protein kinase that plays essential roles in various biological processes. It is located in the region q22.2 of chromosome 21, which is involved in the pathogenesis of Down syndrome (DS). Moreover, DYRK1A has been shown to promote the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides leading to gradual Tau hyperphosphorylation, which contributes to neurodegeneration. Additionally, alterations in the DRK1A expression are also associated with cancer and diabetes. Recent years have witnessed an explosive increase in the development of DYRK1A inhibitors. A variety of novel DYRK1A inhibitors have been reported as potential treatments for human diseases. In this review, the latest therapeutic potential of DYRK1A for different diseases and the novel DYRK1A inhibitors discoveries are summarized, guiding future inhibitor development and structural optimization.

Novel DYRK1A Inhibitor Rescues Learning and Memory Deficits in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is a complex genetic disorder associated with substantial physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. Due to better treatment options for the physical co-morbidities of DS, the life expectancy of individuals with DS is beginning to approach that of the general population. However, the cognitive deficits seen in individuals with DS still cannot be addressed pharmacologically. In young individuals with DS, the level of intellectual disability varies from mild to severe, but cognitive ability generally decreases with increasing age, and all individuals with DS have early onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology by the age of 40. The present study introduces a novel inhibitor for the protein kinase DYRK1A, a key controlling kinase whose encoding gene is located on chromosome 21. The novel inhibitor is well characterized for use in mouse models and thus represents a valuable tool compound for further DYRK1A research.

DYRK1A Overexpression in Mice Downregulates the Gonadotropic Axis and Disturbs Early Stages of Spermatogenesis

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder. It is responsible for intellectual disability (ID) and several medical conditions. Although men with DS are thought to be infertile, some spontaneous paternities have been reported. The few studies of the mechanism of infertility in men with DS are now dated. Recent research in zebrafish has indicated that overexpression of DYRK1A (the protein primarily responsible for ID in DS) impairs gonadogenesis at the embryonic stage. To better ascertain DYRK1A's role in infertility in DS, we investigated the effect of DYRK1A overexpression in a transgenic mouse model. We found that overexpression of DYRK1A impairs fertility in transgenic male mice. Interestingly, the mechanism in mice differs slightly from that observed in zebrafish but, with disruption of the early stages of spermatogenesis, is similar to that seen in humans. Unexpectedly, we observed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in the transgenic mice.

Diabetic Kinome Inhibitors-A New Opportunity for β-Cells Restoration

Diabetes, and several diseases related to diabetes, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders, represent one of the major ongoing threats to human life, becoming a true pandemic of the 21st century. Current treatment strategies for diabetes mainly involve promoting β-cell differentiation, and one of the most widely studied targets for β-cell regeneration is DYRK1A kinase, a member of the DYRK family. DYRK1A has been characterized as a key regulator of cell growth, differentiation, and signal transduction in various organisms, while further roles and substrates are the subjects of extensive investigation. The targets of interest in this review are implicated in the regulation of β-cells through DYRK1A inhibition-through driving their transition from highly inefficient and death-prone populations into efficient and sufficient precursors of islet regeneration. Increasing evidence for the role of DYRK1A in diabetes progression and β-cell proliferation expands the potential for pharmaceutical applications of DYRK1A inhibitors. The variety of new compounds and binding modes, determined by crystal structure and in vitro studies, may lead to new strategies for diabetes treatment. This review provides recent insights into the initial self-activation of DYRK1A by tyrosine autophosphorylation. Moreover, the importance of developing novel DYRK1A inhibitors and their implications for the treatment of diabetes are thoroughly discussed. The evolving understanding of DYRK kinase structure and function and emerging high-throughput screening technologies have been described. As a final point of this work, we intend to promote the term "diabetic kinome" as part of scientific terminology to emphasize the role of the synergistic action of multiple kinases in governing the molecular processes that underlie this particular group of diseases.

DYRK1A is required for maintenance of cancer stemness, contributing to tumorigenic potential in oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

DYRK1A, one of the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs), plays an important role in various biological processes by regulating downstream targets via kinase-dependent and independent mechanisms. Here, we report a novel role of DYRK1A in maintaining tumor growth and stemness of oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Deletion of DYRK1A from OSCC cells abrogated their in vivo tumorigenicity and self-renewal capacity, the key features of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs; also referred to as tumor-initiating cells). The DYRK1A deletion also induced the suppression of CSC populations and properties, such as migration ability and chemoresistance. Conversely, ectopic expression of DYRK1A in OSCC cells augmented their CSC phenotype. Among five DYRK members (DYRK1A, 1B, 2, 3, and 4), DYRK1A is the most dominantly expressed kinase, and its expression is upregulated in OSCC compared to normal oral epithelial cells. More importantly, DYRK1A was highly enriched in various CSC-enriched OSCC populations compared to their corresponding non-CSC populations, indicating its pivotal role in cancer progression and stemness. Further, our study revealed that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a key regulator in the DYRK1A-mediated CSC regulation. Functional studies demonstrated that the loss of DYRK1A inhibits CSC phenotype via reduction of FGF2. Overexpression of DYRK1A promotes CSC phenotype via upregulation of FGF2. Our study delineates a novel mechanism of cancer stemness regulation by DYRK1A-FGF2 axis in OSCC. Thus, inhibition of DYRK1A would lead to a potential novel therapeutic option for targeting CSCs in OSCC.

MicroRNA-215-5p inhibits the proliferation of keratinocytes and alleviates psoriasis-like inflammation by negatively regulating DYRK1A and its downstream signalling pathways

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal hyperproliferation and differentiation. The object of this study is to explore the role of microRNA-215-5p in psoriasis-like inflammation. The expression of miR-215-5p was found to be down-regulated in pro-inflammatory factor-stimulated HaCaT cells and imiquimod (IMQ)-treated skin tissues. Overexpression of miR-215-5p suppressed the proliferation and cell cycle progression of HaCaT cells. Further, miR-215-5p agomir alleviated the disease severity, pathological features and Ki67 positive cells in IMQ-treated mice. Luciferase assay confirmed that miR-215-5p could bind to the 3'UTR of DYRK1A. The in vitro and in vivo results showed that miR-215-5p negatively regulates DYRK1A, which further inhibited EGFR and its downstream signalling pathways, AKT and ERK. Collectively, our results provide evidence that overexpression of miR-215-5p inhibits the proliferation of HaCaT cells and alleviates psoriasis-like inflammation partly by DYRK1A mediated inhibition of the EGFR signalling pathway. miR-215-5p may serve as a novel small molecule for therapeutic intervention in psoriasis.

The role of endolysosomal trafficking in anticancer drug resistance

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major obstacle towards curative treatment of cancer. Despite considerable progress in delineating the basis of intrinsic and acquired MDR, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Emerging evidences suggest that dysregulation in endolysosomal compartments is involved in mediating MDR through multiple mechanisms, such as alterations in endosomes, lysosomes and autophagosomes, that traffic and biodegrade the molecular cargo through macropinocytosis, autophagy and endocytosis. For example, altered lysosomal pH, in combination with transcription factor EB (TFEB)-mediated lysosomal biogenesis, increases the sequestration of hydrophobic anti-cancer drugs that are weak bases, thereby producing an insufficient and off-target accumulation of anti-cancer drugs in MDR cancer cells. Thus, the use of well-tolerated, alkalinizing compounds that selectively block Vacuolar H⁺-ATPase (V-ATPase) may be an important strategy to overcome MDR in cancer cells and increase chemotherapeutic efficacy. Other mechanisms of endolysosomal-mediated drug resistance include increases in the expression of lysosomal proteases and cathepsins that are involved in mediating carcinogenesis and chemoresistance. Therefore, blocking the trafficking and maturation of lysosomal proteases or direct inhibition of cathepsin activity in the cytosol may represent novel therapeutic modalities to overcome MDR. Furthermore, endolysosomal compartments involved in catabolic pathways, such as macropinocytosis and autophagy, are also shown to be involved in the development of MDR. Here, we review the role of endolysosomal trafficking in MDR development and discuss how targeting endolysosomal pathways could emerge as a new therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance in cancer.

DYRK1A: a down syndrome-related dual protein kinase with a versatile role in tumorigenesis

Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is a dual kinase that can phosphorylate its own activation loop on tyrosine residue and phosphorylate its substrates on threonine and serine residues. It is the most studied member of DYRK kinases, because its gene maps to human chromosome 21 within the Down syndrome critical region (DSCR). DYRK1A overexpression was found to be responsible for the phenotypic features observed in Down syndrome such as mental retardation, early onset neurodegenerative, and developmental heart defects. Besides its dual activity in phosphorylation, DYRK1A carries the characteristic of duality in tumorigenesis. Many studies indicate its possible role as a tumor suppressor gene; however, others prove its pro-oncogenic activity. In this review, we will focus on its multifaceted role in tumorigenesis by explaining its participation in some cancer hallmarks pathways such as proliferative signaling, transcription, stress, DNA damage repair, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, and finally, we will discuss targeting DYRK1A as a potential strategy for management of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Pharmacological effects of harmine and its derivatives: a review

Harmine is isolated from the seeds of the medicinal plant, Peganum harmala L., and has been used for thousands of years in the Middle East and China. Harmine has many pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antitumor activities. Moreover, harmine exhibits insecticidal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Harmine derivatives exhibit pharmacological effects similar to those of harmine, but with better antitumor activity and low neurotoxicity. Many studies have been conducted on the pharmacological activities of harmine and harmine derivatives. This article reviews the pharmacological effects and associated mechanisms of harmine. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of harmine derivatives has been summarized.

ReN VM spheroids in matrix: A neural progenitor three-dimensional in vitro model reveals DYRK1A inhibitors as potential regulators of radio-sensitivity

INTRODUCTION

Pre-clinical testing of small molecules for therapeutic development across many pathologies relies on the use of in-vitro and in-vivo models. When designed and implemented well, these models serve to predict the clinical outcome as well as the toxicity of the evaluated therapies. The two-dimensional (2D) reductionist approach where cells are incubated in a mono-layer on hard plastic microtiter plates is relatively inexpensive but not physiologically relevant. In contrast, well developed and applied three dimensional (3D) in vitro models could be employed to bridge the gap between 2D in vitro primary screening and expensive in vivo rodent models by incorporating key features of the tissue microenvironment to explore differentiation, cortical development, cancers and various neuronal dysfunctions. These features include an extracellular matrix, co-culture, tension and perfusion and could replace several hundred rodents in the drug screening validation cascade.

METHODS

Human neural progenitor cells from middle brain (ReN VM, Merck Millipore, UK) were expanded as instructed by the supplier (Merck Millipore, UK), and then seeded in 96-well low-attachment plates (Corning, UK) to form multicellular spheroids followed by adding a Matrigel layer to mimic extracellular matrix around neural stem cell niche. ReN VM cells were then differentiated via EGF and bFGF deprivation for 7 days and were imaged at day 7. Radiotherapy was mimicked via gamma-radiation at 2Gy in the absence and presence of selected DYRK1A inhibitors Harmine, INDY and Leucettine 41 (L41). Cell viability was measured by AlamarBlue assay. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess cell pluripotency marker SOX2 and differentiation marker GFAP.

RESULTS

After 7 days of differentiation, neuron early differentiation marker (GFAP, red) started to be expressed among the cells expressing neural stem cell marker SOX2 (green). Radiation treatment caused significant morphology change including the reduced viability of the spheroids. These spheroids also revealed sensitizing potential of DYRK1A inhibitors tested in this study, including Harmine, INDY and L41.

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS

Combined with the benefit of greatly reducing the issues associated with in vivo rodent models, including reducing numbers of animals used in a drug screening cascade, cost, ethics, and potential animal welfare burden, we feel the well-developed and applied 3D neural spheroid model presented in this study will provide a crucial tool to evaluate combinatorial therapies, optimal drug concentrations and treatment dosages.

LncRNA TSLNC8 synergizes with EGFR inhibitor osimertinib to inhibit lung cancer tumorigenesis by blocking the EGFR-STAT3 pathway

The roles of lncRNA TSLNC8 and its synergetic effects with osimertinib remain unknown in lung cancer. qRT-PCR or western blotting was performed to determine the expression levels of TSLNC8, EGFR and STAT3. Colony formation and MTT assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to assess migration and invasion abilities. Flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining was used to detect changes in cell apoptosis. Nude mice subcutaneous tumor model was constructed and used for validating the effects of TSLNC8 and osimertinib in vivo. Expression of TSLNC8 was down-regulated in clinical lung cancer tissues and cell lines. TSLNC8 overexpression or osimertinib administration led to promotion of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as deactivation of the EGFR-STAT3 pathway, whereas TSLNC8 knockdown had opposite effects. Moreover, the above effects of osimertinib were remarkably enhanced by TSLNC8 overexpression and inhibited by TSLNC8 knockdown, respectively. Meanwhile, the effects of TSLNC8 overexpression were reversed by STAT3 activation or EGFR overexpression. In the animal model, combination of TSLNC8 overexpression and osimertinib administration resulted in efficient suppression of tumor growth. In this study, we revealed a TSLNC8-EGFR-STAT3 signaling axis in lung cancer, and TSLNC8 overexpression significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effects of osimertinib via inhibiting EGFR-STAT3 signaling.

Integrating Phenotypic Search and Phosphoproteomic Profiling of Active Kinases for Optimization of Drug Mixtures for RCC Treatment

Combined application of multiple therapeutic agents presents the possibility of enhanced efficacy and reduced development of resistance. Definition of the most appropriate combination for any given disease phenotype is challenged by the vast number of theoretically possible combinations of drugs and doses, making extensive empirical testing a virtually impossible task. We have used the streamlined-feedback system control (s-FSC) technique, a phenotypic approach, which converges to optimized drug combinations (ODC) within a few experimental steps. Phosphoproteomics analysis coupled to kinase activity analysis using the novel INKA (integrative inferred kinase activity) pipeline was performed to evaluate ODC mechanisms in a panel of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines. We identified different ODC with up to 95% effectivity for each RCC cell line, with low doses (ED_5-25) of individual drugs. Global phosphoproteomics analysis demonstrated inhibition of relevant kinases, and targeting remaining active kinases with additional compounds improved efficacy. In addition, we identified a common RCC ODC, based on kinase activity data, to be effective in all RCC cell lines under study. Combining s-FSC with a phosphoproteomic profiling approach provides valuable insight in targetable kinase activity and allows for the identification of superior drug combinations for the treatment of RCC.

WD Repeat Domain 1 Deficiency Inhibits Neointima Formation in Mice Carotid Artery by Modulation of Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Proliferation

The migration, dedifferentiation, and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are responsible for intimal hyperplasia, but the mechanism of this process has not been elucidated. WD repeat domain 1 (WDR1) promotes actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin-mediated depolymerization of actin filaments (F-actin). The role of WDR1 in neointima formation and progression is still unknown. A model of intimal thickening was constructed by ligating the left common carotid artery in Wdr1 deletion mice, and H&E staining showed that Wdr1 deficiency significantly inhibits neointima formation. We also report that STAT3 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs by directly promoting WDR1 transcription. Mechanistically, we clarified that WDR1 promotes the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and neointima formation is regulated by the activation of the JAK2/STAT3/WDR1 axis.

The DYRK Family of Kinases in Cancer: Molecular Functions and Therapeutic Opportunities

DYRK (dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinases) are an evolutionary conserved family of protein kinases with members from yeast to humans. In humans, DYRKs are pleiotropic factors that phosphorylate a broad set of proteins involved in many different cellular processes. These include factors that have been associated with all the hallmarks of cancer, from genomic instability to increased proliferation and resistance, programmed cell death, or signaling pathways whose dysfunction is relevant to tumor onset and progression. In accordance with an involvement of DYRK kinases in the regulation of tumorigenic processes, an increasing number of research studies have been published in recent years showing either alterations of DYRK gene expression in tumor samples and/or providing evidence of DYRK-dependent mechanisms that contribute to tumor initiation and/or progression. In the present article, we will review the current understanding of the role of DYRK family members in cancer initiation and progression, providing an overview of the small molecules that act as DYRK inhibitors and discussing the clinical implications and therapeutic opportunities currently available.

DYRK1A suppression restrains Mcl-1 expression and sensitizes NSCLC cells to Bcl-2 inhibitors

Objective: Mcl-1 overexpression confers acquired resistance to Bcl-2 inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but no direct Mcl-1 inhibitor is currently available for clinical use. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to target Mcl-1 and sensitize the anti-NSCLC activity of Bcl-2 inhibitors. Methods: Cell proliferation was measured using sulforhodamine B and colony formation assays, and apoptosis was detected with Annexin V-FITC staining. Gene expression was manipulated using siRNAs and plasmids. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein levels. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were used to analyze co-localization of dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) and Mcl-1. Results: Suppression of DYRK1A resulted in reduced Mcl-1 expression in NSCLC cells, whereas overexpression of DYRK1A significantly increased Mcl-1 expression. Suppression of DYRK1A did not alter Mcl-1 mRNA levels, but did result in an accelerated degradation of Mcl-1 protein in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, DYRK1A mediated proteasome-dependent degradation of Mcl-1 in NSCLC cells, and DYRK1A co-localized with Mcl-1 in NSCLC cells and was co-expressed with Mcl-1 in tumor samples from lung cancer patients, suggesting that Mcl-1 may be a novel DYRK1A substrate. We showed that combined therapy with harmine and Bcl-2 antagonists significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines as well as primary NSCLC cells. Conclusions: Mcl-1 is a novel DYRK1A substrate, and the role of DYRK1A in promoting Mcl-1 stability makes it an attractive target for decreasing Bcl-2 inhibitor resistance.

The β-Carboline Harmine Induces Actin Dynamic Remodeling and Abrogates the Malignant Phenotype in Tumorigenic Cells

Numerous studies have shown that alteration of actin remodeling plays a pivotal role in the regulation of morphologic and phenotypic changes leading to malignancy. In the present study, we searched for drugs that can regulate actin polymerization and reverse the malignant phenotype in cancer cells. We developed a cell-free high-throughput screening assay for the identification of compounds that induce the actin polymerization in vitro, by fluorescence anisotropy. Then, the potential of the hit compound to restore the actin cytoskeleton and reverse the malignant phenotype was checked in EWS-Fli1-transformed fibroblasts and in B16-F10 melanoma cells. A β-carboline extracted from Peganum harmala (i.e., harmine) is identified as a stimulator of actin polymerization through a mechanism independent of actin binding and requiring intracellular factors involved in a process that regulates actin kinetics. Treatment of malignant cells with non-cytotoxic concentrations of harmine induces the recovery of a non-malignant cell morphology accompanied by reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, rescued cell–cell adhesion, inhibition of cell motility and loss of anchorage-independent growth. In conclusion, harmine induces the reversion of the malignant phenotype by a process involving the modulation of actin dynamics and is a potential anti-tumor agent acting principally through a non-cytotoxic process.

Licocoumarone induces BxPC-3 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell death by inhibiting DYRK1A

Protein kinases play an indispensable role in signaling pathways that regulate tumor cell functions, which represent potent therapeutic targets in cancers. Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) as a serine/threonine kinase has recently been reported to be upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and show protumorigenic effect. By activity-guided phytochemical investigation of the extracts from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, we expect to find the effective constituents that can suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and/or induce cells apoptotic by inhibiting DYRK1A. Eight isopentenyl-substituted compounds (1-8), including four coumarins (1-4), one benzofuran (5), and three flavonoids (6-8), were isolated and identified from G. uralensis Fisch. Among them, licocoumarone (LC, 5) showed effective inhibitory activity against DYRK1A with an IC50 value of 12.56 μM. Molecular docking analysis suggested that LC completely occupied the whole pocket of DYRK1A and formed obvious hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with DYRK1A residues. Further in vitro validation, including Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) techniques, demonstrated the specific combining capacity of LC to DYRK1A. Meanwhile, LC induced significant cytotoxicity against DYRK1A-overexpressing BxPC-3 cells with an IC50 value of 50.77 μM. Mechanism studies revealed that LC reduced c-MET protein level by inhibiting DYRK1A. These findings provide preliminary evidences that LC as a natural DYRK1A inhibitor suppresses human pancreatic adenocarcinoma BxPC-3 cell proliferation and induces cell apoptotic, which might present new options and possibilities for targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer therapy.

DYRK1A inhibition suppresses STAT3/EGFR/Met signalling and sensitizes EGFR wild-type NSCLC cells to AZD9291

DYRK1A is considered a potential cancer therapeutic target, but the role of DYRK1A in NSCLC oncogenesis and treatment requires further investigation. In our study, high DYRK1A expression was observed in tumour samples from patients with lung cancer compared with normal lung tissues, and the high levels of DYRK1A were related to a reduced survival time in patients with lung cancer. Meanwhile, the DYRK1A inhibitor harmine could suppress the proliferation of NSCLC cells compared to that of the control. As DYRK1A suppression might be effective in treating NSCLC, we next explored the possible specific molecular mechanisms that were involved. We showed that DYRK1A suppression by siRNA could suppress the levels of EGFR and Met in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, DYRK1A siRNA could inhibit the expression and nuclear translocation of STAT3. Meanwhile, harmine could also regulate the STAT3/EGFR/Met signalling pathway in human NSCLC cells. AZD9291 is effective to treat NSCLC patients with EGFR-sensitivity mutation and T790 M resistance mutation, but the clinical efficacy in patients with wild-type EGFR remains modest. We showed that DYRK1A repression could enhance the anti-cancer effect of AZD9291 by inducing apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation in EGFR wild-type NSCLC cells. In addition, harmine could enhance the anti-NSCLC activity of AZD9291 by modulating STAT3 pathway. Finally, harmine could enhance the anti-cancer activity of AZD9291 in primary NSCLC cells. Collectively, targeting DYRK1A might be an attractive target for AZD9291 sensitization in EGFR wild-type NSCLC patients.