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Wang Y, Yang G, Zhang X, Bai R, Yuan D, Gao D, He Q, Yuan Y, Zhang X, Kou J, Zheng L, Huang Y, Tang Z, Bao Y, Song X, Zhao Y. Antitumor Effect of Anti-c-Myc Aptamer-Based PROTAC for Degradation of the c-Myc Protein. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309639. [PMID: 38682443 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Targeting "undruggable" targets with intrinsically disordered structures is of great significance for the treatment of disease. The transcription factor c-Myc controls global gene expression and is an attractive therapeutic target for multiple types of cancers. However, due to the lack of defined ligand binding pockets, targeted c-Myc have thus far been unsuccessful. Herein, to address the dilemma of lacking ligands, an efficient and high throughput aptamer screening strategy is established, named polystyrene microwell plate-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (microwell-SELEX), and identify the specific aptamer (MA9C1) against c-Myc. The multifunctional aptamer-based Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC) for proteolysis of the c-Myc (ProMyc) is developed using the aptamer MA9C1 as the ligand. ProMyc not only significantly degrades c-Myc by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, but also reduces the Max protein, synergistically inhibiting c-Myc transcriptional activity. Combination of the artificial cyclization and anti-PD-L1 aptamer (PA1)-based delivery system, circular PA1-ProMyc chimeras achieve tumor regression in the xenograft tumor model, laying a solid foundation for the development of efficacious c-Myc degrader for the clinic. Therefore, this aptamer-based degrader provides an invaluable potential degrader in drug discovery and anti-tumor therapy, offering a promising degrader to overcome the challenge of targeting intractable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchun Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Gang Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Ruoling Bai
- College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Deyu Yuan
- College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Denghui Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Qianyu He
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Natural Products Research Centre, Chengdu Institution of Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Xinghe Zhang
- lncTAC Bio., Chengdu, Sichuan, 610200, P. R. China
| | | | - Lihua Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Yanxin Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Tang
- Natural Products Research Centre, Chengdu Institution of Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yongli Bao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Xu Song
- College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Yongyun Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, College of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
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Chan KI, Zhang S, Li G, Xu Y, Cui L, Wang Y, Su H, Tan W, Zhong Z. MYC Oncogene: A Druggable Target for Treating Cancers with Natural Products. Aging Dis 2024; 15:640-697. [PMID: 37450923 PMCID: PMC10917530 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Various diseases, including cancers, age-associated disorders, and acute liver failure, have been linked to the oncogene, MYC. Animal testing and clinical trials have shown that sustained tumor volume reduction can be achieved when MYC is inactivated, and different combinations of therapeutic agents including MYC inhibitors are currently being developed. In this review, we first provide a summary of the multiple biological functions of the MYC oncoprotein in cancer treatment, highlighting that the equilibrium points of the MYC/MAX, MIZ1/MYC/MAX, and MAD (MNT)/MAX complexes have further potential in cancer treatment that could be used to restrain MYC oncogene expression and its functions in tumorigenesis. We also discuss the multifunctional capacity of MYC in various cellular cancer processes, including its influences on immune response, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, multidrug resistance, and intestinal flora. Moreover, we summarize the MYC therapy patent landscape and emphasize the potential of MYC as a druggable target, using herbal medicine modulators. Finally, we describe pending challenges and future perspectives in biomedical research, involving the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate MYC or its targeted genes. Patients with cancers driven by MYC signaling may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, which could delay cancerous growth and recover antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Iong Chan
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yida Xu
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
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Papadimitropoulou A, Makri M, Zoidis G. MYC the oncogene from hell: Novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116194. [PMID: 38340508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer comprises a heterogeneous disease, characterized by diverse features such as constitutive expression of oncogenes and/or downregulation of tumor suppressor genes. MYC constitutes a master transcriptional regulator, involved in many cellular functions and is aberrantly expressed in more than 70 % of human cancers. The Myc protein belongs to a family of transcription factors whose structural pattern is referred to as basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper. Myc binds to its partner, a smaller protein called Max, forming an Myc:Max heterodimeric complex that interacts with specific DNA recognition sequences (E-boxes) and regulates the expression of downstream target genes. Myc protein plays a fundamental role for the life of a cell, as it is involved in many physiological functions such as proliferation, growth and development since it controls the expression of a very large percentage of genes (∼15 %). However, despite the strict control of MYC expression in normal cells, MYC is often deregulated in cancer, exhibiting a key role in stimulating oncogenic process affecting features such as aberrant proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, genomic instability and oncogenic transformation. In this review we aim to meticulously describe the fundamental role of MYC in tumorigenesis and highlight its importance as an anticancer drug target. We focus mainly on the different categories of novel small molecules that act as inhibitors of Myc function in diverse ways hence offering great opportunities for an efficient cancer therapy. This knowledge will provide significant information for the development of novel Myc inhibitors and assist to the design of treatments that would effectively act against Myc-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Papadimitropoulou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, 11527, Greece
| | - Maria Makri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, GR-15771, Athens, Greece.
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Xie X, Yu T, Li X, Zhang N, Foster LJ, Peng C, Huang W, He G. Recent advances in targeting the "undruggable" proteins: from drug discovery to clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:335. [PMID: 37669923 PMCID: PMC10480221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Undruggable proteins are a class of proteins that are often characterized by large, complex structures or functions that are difficult to interfere with using conventional drug design strategies. Targeting such undruggable targets has been considered also a great opportunity for treatment of human diseases and has attracted substantial efforts in the field of medicine. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the recent development of drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins and their application in clinic. To make this review well organized, we discuss the design strategies targeting the undruggable proteins, including covalent regulation, allosteric inhibition, protein-protein/DNA interaction inhibition, targeted proteins regulation, nucleic acid-based approach, immunotherapy and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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Gao J, Wang Y, Li K, Zhang J, Geng X. Comparative analysis of compound NSC13728 as Omomyc homodimer stabilizer by molecular dynamics simulation and MM/GBSA free energy calculation. J Mol Model 2022; 28:92. [PMID: 35294626 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05082-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Myc is a master transcriptional regulator that controls almost all cellular processes, whose function is dependent on dimerization with its obligate partner Max. Stabilization of Max homodimer by small molecules (such as compound NSC13728) has proven an effective way to reduce the availability of Myc-Max dimer. Omomyc, a peptide inhibitor of Myc, is able to form Omomyc homodimer, which can competitively inhibit the binding of Myc-Max to the E-box of DNA. Considering the high amino acid sequence homology between Omomyc and Max, we put forward the hypothesis that Max-Max stabilizers could stabilize the Omomyc homodimer. Hence, through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) free energy calculation, we discovered that the stability of Omomyc-Omomyc is remarkably higher than that of Max-Max. Moreover, after adding the compound NSC13728 into the well-defined "Site 3," the binding affinity between two Omomyc monomers can be further increased. Compound NSC13728 has stronger binding interaction to Omomyc-Omomyc than to Max-Max. "Site 3" of Omomyc is more hydrophobic than that of Max, which enlightens us that the more potent Omomyc-Omomyc stabilizers may be hydrophobic in structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China.
| | - Yinchuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China
| | - Kaihang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China
| | - Xiaoju Geng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221,004, PR, China
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Normal and Neoplastic Growth Suppression by the Extended Myc Network. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040747. [PMID: 35203395 PMCID: PMC8870482 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the first discovered and most prominent cellular oncogenes is MYC, which encodes a bHLH-ZIP transcription factor (Myc) that both activates and suppresses numerous genes involved in proliferation, energy production, metabolism and translation. Myc belongs to a small group of bHLH-ZIP transcriptional regulators (the Myc Network) that includes its obligate heterodimerization partner Max and six "Mxd proteins" (Mxd1-4, Mnt and Mga), each of which heterodimerizes with Max and largely opposes Myc's functions. More recently, a second group of bHLH-ZIP proteins (the Mlx Network) has emerged that bears many parallels with the Myc Network. It is comprised of the Myc-like factors ChREBP and MondoA, which, in association with the Max-like member Mlx, regulate smaller and more functionally restricted repertoires of target genes, some of which are shared with Myc. Opposing ChREBP and MondoA are heterodimers comprised of Mlx and Mxd1, Mxd4 and Mnt, which also structurally and operationally link the two Networks. We discuss here the functions of these "Extended Myc Network" members, with particular emphasis on their roles in suppressing normal and neoplastic growth. These roles are complex due to the temporal- and tissue-restricted expression of Extended Myc Network proteins in normal cells, their regulation of both common and unique target genes and, in some cases, their functional redundancy.
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Llombart V, Mansour MR. Therapeutic targeting of "undruggable" MYC. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103756. [PMID: 34942444 PMCID: PMC8713111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
c-MYC controls global gene expression and regulates cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell cycle, metabolism and apoptosis. According to some estimates, MYC is dysregulated in ≈70% of human cancers and strong evidence implicates aberrantly expressed MYC in both tumor initiation and maintenance. In vivo studies show that MYC inhibition elicits a prominent anti-proliferative effect and sustained tumor regression while any alteration on healthy tissue remains reversible. This opens an exploitable window for treatment that makes MYC one of the most appealing therapeutic targets for cancer drug development. This review describes the main functional and structural features of the protein structure of MYC and provides a general overview of the most relevant or recently identified interactors that modulate MYC oncogenic activity. This review also summarizes the different approaches aiming to abrogate MYC oncogenic function, with a particular focus on the prototype inhibitors designed for the direct and indirect targeting of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Llombart
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Department of Haematology, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Marc R Mansour
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Department of Haematology, London WC1E 6DD, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Developmental Biology and Cancer, London, UK.
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Sun L, Yan Y, Lv H, Li J, Wang Z, Wang K, Wang L, Li Y, Jiang H, Zhang Y. Rapamycin targets STAT3 and impacts c-Myc to suppress tumor growth. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 29:373-385.e6. [PMID: 34706270 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Rapamycin is widely recognized as an inhibitor of mTOR, and has been approved for clinical use as an immunosuppressant. Its potencies in anti-cancer, anti-aging, and neurodegenerative diseases are emergingly established. The exploration of other targets of rapamycin will further elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action. In this study, we use a chemical proteomics strategy that has identified STAT3, a transcription factor considered to be undruggable, as a direct functional protein target of rapamycin. Together with other multi-dimensional proteomics data, we show that rapamycin treatment in cell culture significantly inhibits c-Myc-regulated gene expression. Furthermore, we show that rapamycin suppresses tumor growth along with a decreased expression of STAT3 and c-Myc in an in vivo xenograft mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma. Our data suggest that rapamycin acts directly on STAT3 to decrease its transcription activity, providing important information for the pharmacological and pharmaceutical development of STAT3 inhibitors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Sun
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Heng Lv
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianlong Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Wang
- ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yaoyang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China.
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9
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Whitfield JR, Soucek L. The long journey to bring a Myc inhibitor to the clinic. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212429. [PMID: 34160558 PMCID: PMC8240852 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202103090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogene Myc is deregulated in the majority of human tumors and drives numerous hallmarks of cancer. Despite its indisputable role in cancer development and maintenance, Myc is still undrugged. Developing a clinical inhibitor for Myc has been particularly challenging owing to its intrinsically disordered nature and lack of a binding pocket, coupled with concerns regarding potentially deleterious side effects in normal proliferating tissues. However, major breakthroughs in the development of Myc inhibitors have arisen in the last couple of years. Notably, the direct Myc inhibitor that we developed has just entered clinical trials. Celebrating this milestone, with this Perspective, we pay homage to the different strategies developed so far against Myc and all of the researchers focused on developing treatments for a target long deemed undruggable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Edifici Cellex, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Samarasinghe KTG, Jaime-Figueroa S, Burgess M, Nalawansha DA, Dai K, Hu Z, Bebenek A, Holley SA, Crews CM. Targeted degradation of transcription factors by TRAFTACs: TRAnscription Factor TArgeting Chimeras. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:648-661.e5. [PMID: 33836141 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many diseases, including cancer, stem from aberrant activation or overexpression of oncoproteins that are associated with multiple signaling pathways. Although proteins with catalytic activity can be successfully drugged, the majority of other protein families, such as transcription factors, remain intractable due to their lack of ligandable sites. In this study, we report the development of TRAnscription Factor TArgeting Chimeras (TRAFTACs) as a generalizable strategy for targeted transcription factor degradation. We show that TRAFTACs, which consist of a chimeric oligonucleotide that simultaneously binds to the transcription factor of interest (TOI) and to HaloTag-fused dCas9 protein, can induce degradation of the former via the proteasomal pathway. Application of TRAFTACs to two oncogenic TOIs, NF-κB and brachyury, suggests that TRAFTACs can be successfully employed for the targeted degradation of other DNA-binding proteins. Thus, TRAFTAC technology is potentially a generalizable strategy to induce degradation of other transcription factors both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusal T G Samarasinghe
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Saul Jaime-Figueroa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Michael Burgess
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Dhanusha A Nalawansha
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Katherine Dai
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Zhenyi Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Adrian Bebenek
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Scott A Holley
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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11
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Duffy MJ, O'Grady S, Tang M, Crown J. MYC as a target for cancer treatment. Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 94:102154. [PMID: 33524794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The MYC gene which consists of 3 paralogs, C-MYC, N-MYC and L-MYC, is one of the most frequently deregulated driver genes in human cancer. Because of its high prevalence of deregulation and its causal role in cancer formation, maintenance and progression, targeting MYC is theoretically an attractive strategy for treating cancer. As a potential anticancer target, MYC was traditionally regarded as undruggable due to the absence of a suitable pocket for high-affinity binding by low molecular weight inhibitors. In recent years however, several compounds that directly or indirectly inhibit MYC have been shown to have anticancer activity in preclinical tumor models. Amongst the most detailed investigated strategies for targeting MYC are inhibition of its binding to its obligate interaction partner MAX, prevention of MYC expression and blocking of genes exhibiting synthetic lethality with overexpression of MYC. One of the most extensively investigated MYC inhibitors is a peptide/mini-protein known as OmoMYC. OmoMYC, which acts by blocking the binding of all 3 forms of MYC to their target promoters, has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity in a diverse range of preclinical models, with minimal side effects. Based on its broad efficacy and limited toxicity, OmoMYC is currently being developed for evaluation in clinical trials. Although no compound directly targeting MYC has yet progressed to clinical testing, APTO-253, which partly acts by decreasing expression of MYC, is currently undergoing a phase I clinical trial in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Duffy
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland; UCD Clinical Research Centre, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Shane O'Grady
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Minhong Tang
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
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12
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Madden SK, de Araujo AD, Gerhardt M, Fairlie DP, Mason JM. Taking the Myc out of cancer: toward therapeutic strategies to directly inhibit c-Myc. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:3. [PMID: 33397405 PMCID: PMC7780693 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a transcription factor that is constitutively and aberrantly expressed in over 70% of human cancers. Its direct inhibition has been shown to trigger rapid tumor regression in mice with only mild and fully reversible side effects, suggesting this to be a viable therapeutic strategy. Here we reassess the challenges of directly targeting c-Myc, evaluate lessons learned from current inhibitors, and explore how future strategies such as miniaturisation of Omomyc and targeting E-box binding could facilitate translation of c-Myc inhibitors into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Madden
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Aline Dantas de Araujo
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mara Gerhardt
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - David P Fairlie
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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13
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Bailly C, Vergoten G. Protein homodimer sequestration with small molecules: Focus on PD-L1. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 174:113821. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Abstract
Targeting the function of MYC oncoproteins holds the promise of achieving conceptually new and effective anticancer therapies that can be applied to a broad range of tumors. The nature of the target however—a broadly, possibly universally acting transcription factor that has no enzymatic activity and is largely unstructured unless complexed with partner proteins—has so far defied the development of clinically applicable MYC-directed therapies. At the same time, lingering questions about exactly which functions of MYC proteins account for their pervasive oncogenic role in human tumors and need to be targeted have prevented the development of effective therapies using surrogate targets that act in critical MYC-dependent pathways. In this review, we therefore argue that rigorous testing of critical oncogenic functions and protein/protein interactions and new chemical approaches to target them are necessary to successfully eradicate MYC-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmar Wolf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;,
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;,
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15
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Chen A, Koehler AN. Transcription Factor Inhibition: Lessons Learned and Emerging Targets. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:508-518. [PMID: 32359481 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors have roles at focal points in signaling pathways, controlling many normal cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis, immune responses, and differentiation. Their activity is frequently deregulated in disease and targeting this class of proteins is a major focus of interest. However, the structural disorder and lack of binding pockets have made design of small molecules for transcription factors challenging. Here, we review some of the most recent developments for small molecule inhibitors of transcription factors emphasized in James Darnell's vision 17 years ago. We also discuss the progress so far on transcription factors recently nominated by genome-scale loss-of-function screens from the cancer dependency map project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA
| | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA.
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16
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Han H, Jain AD, Truica MI, Izquierdo-Ferrer J, Anker JF, Lysy B, Sagar V, Luan Y, Chalmers ZR, Unno K, Mok H, Vatapalli R, Yoo YA, Rodriguez Y, Kandela I, Parker JB, Chakravarti D, Mishra RK, Schiltz GE, Abdulkadir SA. Small-Molecule MYC Inhibitors Suppress Tumor Growth and Enhance Immunotherapy. Cancer Cell 2019; 36:483-497.e15. [PMID: 31679823 PMCID: PMC6939458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules that directly target MYC and are also well tolerated in vivo will provide invaluable chemical probes and potential anti-cancer therapeutic agents. We developed a series of small-molecule MYC inhibitors that engage MYC inside cells, disrupt MYC/MAX dimers, and impair MYC-driven gene expression. The compounds enhance MYC phosphorylation on threonine-58, consequently increasing proteasome-mediated MYC degradation. The initial lead, MYC inhibitor 361 (MYCi361), suppressed in vivo tumor growth in mice, increased tumor immune cell infiltration, upregulated PD-L1 on tumors, and sensitized tumors to anti-PD1 immunotherapy. However, 361 demonstrated a narrow therapeutic index. An improved analog, MYCi975 showed better tolerability. These findings suggest the potential of small-molecule MYC inhibitors as chemical probes and possible anti-cancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Han
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Atul D Jain
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Mihai I Truica
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Javier Izquierdo-Ferrer
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Jonathan F Anker
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Barbara Lysy
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Vinay Sagar
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yi Luan
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Zachary R Chalmers
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kenji Unno
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hanlin Mok
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rajita Vatapalli
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Young A Yoo
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yara Rodriguez
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Irawati Kandela
- Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - J Brandon Parker
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Debabrata Chakravarti
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL 60611, USA
| | - Rama K Mishra
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL 60611, USA
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago IL 60611, USA
| | - Sarki A Abdulkadir
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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17
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Struntz NB, Chen A, Deutzmann A, Wilson RM, Stefan E, Evans HL, Ramirez MA, Liang T, Caballero F, Wildschut MH, Neel DV, Freeman DB, Pop MS, McConkey M, Muller S, Curtin BH, Tseng H, Frombach KR, Butty VL, Levine SS, Feau C, Elmiligy S, Hong JA, Lewis TA, Vetere A, Clemons PA, Malstrom SE, Ebert BL, Lin CY, Felsher DW, Koehler AN. Stabilization of the Max Homodimer with a Small Molecule Attenuates Myc-Driven Transcription. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:711-723.e14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of PharmacyEast China University of Science and Technology Shanghai 200237 China
| | - Shiliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of PharmacyEast China University of Science and Technology Shanghai 200237 China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of PharmacyEast China University of Science and Technology Shanghai 200237 China
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19
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20
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Carabet LA, Rennie PS, Cherkasov A. Therapeutic Inhibition of Myc in Cancer. Structural Bases and Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:E120. [PMID: 30597997 PMCID: PMC6337544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc (avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog) represents one of the most sought after drug targets in cancer. Myc transcription factor is an essential regulator of cell growth, but in most cancers it is overexpressed and associated with treatment-resistance and lethal outcomes. Over 40 years of research and drug development efforts did not yield a clinically useful Myc inhibitor. Drugging the "undruggable" is problematic, as Myc inactivation may negatively impact its physiological functions. Moreover, Myc is a disordered protein that lacks effective binding pockets on its surface. It is well established that the Myc function is dependent on dimerization with its obligate partner, Max (Myc associated factor X), which together form a functional DNA-binding domain to activate genomic targets. Herein, we provide an overview of the knowledge accumulated to date on Myc regulation and function, its critical role in cancer, and summarize various strategies that are employed to tackle Myc-driven malignant transformation. We focus on important structure-function relationships of Myc with its interactome, elaborating structural determinants of Myc-Max dimer formation and DNA recognition exploited for therapeutic inhibition. Chronological development of small-molecule Myc-Max prototype inhibitors and corresponding binding sites are comprehensively reviewed and particular emphasis is placed on modern computational drug design methods. On the outlook, technological advancements may soon provide the so long-awaited Myc-Max clinical candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia A Carabet
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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21
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Kumaraswamy A, Mamidi A, Desai P, Sivagnanam A, Perumalsamy LR, Ramakrishnan C, Gromiha M, Rajalingam K, Mahalingam S. The non-enzymatic RAS effector RASSF7 inhibits oncogenic c-Myc function. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15691-15705. [PMID: 30139745 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a proto-oncogene controlling expression of multiple genes involved in cell growth and differentiation. Although the functional role of c-Myc as a transcriptional regulator has been intensively studied, targeting this protein in cancer remains a challenge. Here, we report a trimodal regulation of c-Myc function by the Ras effector, Ras-association domain family member 7 (RASSF7), a nonenzymatic protein modulating protein-protein interactions to regulate cell proliferation. Using HEK293T and HeLa cell lines, we provide evidence that RASSF7 destabilizes the c-Myc protein by promoting Cullin4B-mediated polyubiquitination and degradation. Furthermore, RASSF7 competed with MYC-associated factor X (MAX) in the formation of a heterodimeric complex with c-Myc and attenuated its occupancy on target gene promoters to regulate transcription. Consequently, RASSF7 inhibited c-Myc-mediated oncogenic transformation, and an inverse correlation between the expression levels of the RASSF7 and c-Myc genes was evident in human cancers. Furthermore, we found that RASSF7 interacts with c-Myc via its RA and leucine zipper (LZ) domains and LZ domain peptide is sufficient to inhibit c-Myc function, suggesting that this peptide might be used to target oncogenic c-Myc. These results unveil that RASSF7 and c-Myc are functionally linked in the control of tumorigenesis and open up potential therapeutic avenues for targeting the "undruggable" c-Myc protein in a subset of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbarasu Kumaraswamy
- From the National Cancer Tissue Biobank, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and
| | - Anitha Mamidi
- From the National Cancer Tissue Biobank, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and
| | - Pavitra Desai
- From the National Cancer Tissue Biobank, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and
| | - Ananthi Sivagnanam
- From the National Cancer Tissue Biobank, Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and
| | | | - Chandrasekaran Ramakrishnan
- Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai 600036, India and
| | - Michael Gromiha
- Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai 600036, India and
| | - Krishnaraj Rajalingam
- the MSU-FZI, Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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22
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Macalino SJY, Basith S, Clavio NAB, Chang H, Kang S, Choi S. Evolution of In Silico Strategies for Protein-Protein Interaction Drug Discovery. Molecules 2018; 23:E1963. [PMID: 30082644 PMCID: PMC6222862 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23081963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of advanced molecular modeling software, big data analytics, and high-speed processing units has led to the exponential evolution of modern drug discovery and better insights into complex biological processes and disease networks. This has progressively steered current research interests to understanding protein-protein interaction (PPI) systems that are related to a number of relevant diseases, such as cancer, neurological illnesses, metabolic disorders, etc. However, targeting PPIs are challenging due to their "undruggable" binding interfaces. In this review, we focus on the current obstacles that impede PPI drug discovery, and how recent discoveries and advances in in silico approaches can alleviate these barriers to expedite the search for potential leads, as shown in several exemplary studies. We will also discuss about currently available information on PPI compounds and systems, along with their usefulness in molecular modeling. Finally, we conclude by presenting the limits of in silico application in drug discovery and offer a perspective in the field of computer-aided PPI drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani Joy Y Macalino
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| | - Shaherin Basith
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| | - Nina Abigail B Clavio
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| | - Hyerim Chang
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| | - Soosung Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| | - Sun Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
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23
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microRNA-206 impairs c-Myc-driven cancer in a synthetic lethal manner by directly inhibiting MAP3K13. Oncotarget 2017; 7:16409-19. [PMID: 26918941 PMCID: PMC4941324 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Myc (Myc) is one of the most frequently dysregulated oncogenic transcription factors in human cancer. By functionally screening a microRNA (miR) library, we identified miR-206 as being a synthetic lethal in Myc over-expressing human cancer cells. miR-206 inhibited MAP3K13, which resulted in Myc protein de-stabilization, and an inhibition of anchorage-independent growth and in vivo tumorigenesis by Myc over-expressing human cancer cells. Eliminating MAP3K13 by shRNA recapitulated the effects caused by miR-206, thus supporting the idea that miR-206's effect on Myc was mediated through MAP3K13. Conversely, enforced expression of MAP3K13 stabilized Myc by promoting its N-terminal phosphorylation and enhancing its transcriptional activity. Gene expression analyses of breast cancers expressing high levels of Myc indicated that low miR-206 expression and high MAP3K13 expression correlated with poor patient survival. The critical link between miR-206 and MAP3K13 in the development of Myc over-expressing human cancers suggests potential points of therapeutic intervention for this molecular sub-category.
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24
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Whitfield JR, Beaulieu ME, Soucek L. Strategies to Inhibit Myc and Their Clinical Applicability. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:10. [PMID: 28280720 PMCID: PMC5322154 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc is an oncogene deregulated in most-perhaps all-human cancers. Each Myc family member, c-, L-, and N-Myc, has been connected to tumor progression and maintenance. Myc is recognized as a "most wanted" target for cancer therapy, but has for many years been considered undruggable, mainly due to its nuclear localization, lack of a defined ligand binding site, and physiological function essential to the maintenance of normal tissues. The challenge of identifying a pharmacophore capable of overcoming these hurdles is reflected in the current absence of a clinically-viable Myc inhibitor. The first attempts to inhibit Myc used antisense technology some three decades ago, followed by small molecule inhibitors discovered through "classical" compound library screens. Notable breakthroughs proving the feasibility of systemic Myc inhibition were made with the Myc dominant negative mutant Omomyc, showing both the great promise in targeting this infamous oncogene for cancer treatment as well as allaying fears about the deleterious side effects that Myc inhibition might have on normal proliferating tissues. During this time many other strategies have appeared in an attempt to drug the undruggable, including direct and indirect targeting, knockdown, protein/protein and DNA interaction inhibitors, and translation and expression regulation. The inhibitors range from traditional small molecules to natural chemicals, to RNA and antisense, to peptides and miniproteins. Here, we briefly describe the many approaches taken so far, with a particular focus on their potential clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Whitfield
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'HebronBarcelona, Spain; Peptomyc, Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'HebronBarcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis AvançatsBarcelona, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterra, Spain
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25
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Direct inhibition of c-Myc-Max heterodimers by celastrol and celastrol-inspired triterpenoids. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32380-95. [PMID: 26474287 PMCID: PMC4741700 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many oncogenic signals originate from abnormal protein-protein interactions that are potential targets for small molecule inhibitors. However, the therapeutic disruption of these interactions has proved elusive. We report here that the naturally-occurring triterpenoid celastrol is an inhibitor of the c-Myc (Myc) oncoprotein, which is over-expressed in many human cancers. Most Myc inhibitors prevent the association between Myc and its obligate heterodimerization partner Max via their respective bHLH-ZIP domains. In contrast, we show that celastrol binds to and alters the quaternary structure of the pre-formed dimer and abrogates its DNA binding. Celastrol contains a reactive quinone methide group that promiscuously forms Michael adducts with numerous target proteins and other free sulfhydryl-containing molecules. Interestingly, triterpenoid derivatives lacking the quinone methide showed enhanced specificity and potency against Myc. As with other Myc inhibitors, these analogs rapidly reduced the abundance of Myc protein and provoked a global energy crisis marked by ATP depletion, neutral lipid accumulation, AMP-activated protein kinase activation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. They also inhibited the proliferation of numerous established human cancer cell lines as well as primary myeloma explants that were otherwise resistant to JQ1, a potent indirect Myc inhibitor. N-Myc amplified neuroblastoma cells showed similar responses and, in additional, underwent neuronal differentiation. These studies indicate that certain pharmacologically undesirable properties of celastrol such as Michael adduct formation can be eliminated while increasing selectivity and potency toward Myc and N-Myc. This, together with their low in vivo toxicity, provides a strong rationale for pursuing the development of additional Myc-specific triterpenoid derivatives.
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26
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Li Y, Zhu Y, Prochownik EV. MicroRNA-based screens for synthetic lethal interactions with c-Myc. RNA & DISEASE 2016; 3:e1330. [PMID: 27975083 PMCID: PMC5152767 DOI: 10.14800/rd.1330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRs) are small, non-coding RNAs, which play crucial roles in the development and progression of human cancer. Given that miRs are stable, easy to synthetize and readily introduced into cells, they have been viewed as having potential therapeutic benefit in cancer. c-Myc (Myc) is one of the most commonly deregulated oncogenic transcription factors and has important roles in the pathogenesis of cancer, thus making it an important, albeit elusive therapeutic target. Here we review the miRs that have been identified as being both positive and negative targets for Myc and how these participate in the complex phenotypes that arise as a result of Myc-driven transformation. We also discussseveral recent reports of Myc-synthetic lethal interactions with miRs.These highlight the importance and complexity of miRs in Myc-mediated biological functions and the opportunities for Myc-driven human cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yahui Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Edward V. Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224, USA
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27
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Abstract
Computational docking can be used to predict bound conformations and free energies of binding for small-molecule ligands to macromolecular targets. Docking is widely used for the study of biomolecular interactions and mechanisms, and it is applied to structure-based drug design. The methods are fast enough to allow virtual screening of ligand libraries containing tens of thousands of compounds. This protocol covers the docking and virtual screening methods provided by the AutoDock suite of programs, including a basic docking of a drug molecule with an anticancer target, a virtual screen of this target with a small ligand library, docking with selective receptor flexibility, active site prediction and docking with explicit hydration. The entire protocol will require ∼5 h.
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28
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Hagenbuchner J, Ausserlechner MJ. Targeting transcription factors by small compounds--Current strategies and future implications. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 107:1-13. [PMID: 26686579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors are central regulators of gene expression and critically steer development, differentiation and death. Except for ligand-activated nuclear receptors, direct modulation of transcription factor function by small molecules is still widely regarded as "impossible". This "un-druggability" of non-ligand transcription factors is due to the fact that the interacting surface between transcription factor and DNA is huge and subject to significant changes during DNA-binding. Besides some "success studies" with compounds that directly interfere with DNA binding, drug targeting approaches mostly address protein-protein interfaces with essential co-factors, transcription factor dimerization partners, chaperone proteins or proteins that regulate subcellular shuttling. An alternative strategy represent DNA-intercalating, alkylating or DNA-groove-binding compounds that either block transcription factor-binding or change the 3D-conformation of the consensus DNA-strand. Recently, much interest has been focused on chromatin reader proteins that steer the recruitment and activity of transcription factors to a gene transcription start site. Several small compounds demonstrate that these epigenetic reader proteins are exciting new drug targets for inhibiting lineage-specific transcription in cancer therapy. In this research update we will discuss recent advances in targeting transcription factors with small compounds, the challenges that are related to the complex function and regulation of these proteins and also the possible future directions and applications of transcription factor drug targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Hagenbuchner
- Department of Pediatrics II, Medical University Innsbruck, Innrain 66, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael J Ausserlechner
- Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innrain 66, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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29
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Abstract
Cancer, more than any other human disease, now has a surfeit of potential molecular targets poised for therapeutic exploitation. Currently, a number of attractive and validated cancer targets remain outside of the reach of pharmacological regulation. Some have been described as undruggable, at least by traditional strategies. In this article, we outline the basis for the undruggable moniker, propose a reclassification of these targets as undrugged, and highlight three general classes of this imposing group as exemplars with some attendant strategies currently being explored to reclassify them. Expanding the spectrum of disease-relevant targets to pharmacological manipulation is central to reducing cancer morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Lazo
- Fiske Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0735; ,
| | - Elizabeth R Sharlow
- Fiske Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0735; ,
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Zarzycka B, Kuenemann MA, Miteva MA, Nicolaes GAF, Vriend G, Sperandio O. Stabilization of protein-protein interaction complexes through small molecules. Drug Discov Today 2015; 21:48-57. [PMID: 26434617 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Most of the small molecules that have been identified thus far to modulate protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are inhibitors. Another promising way to interfere with PPI-associated biological processes is to promote PPI stabilization. Even though PPI stabilizers are still scarce, stabilization of PPIs by small molecules is gaining momentum and offers new pharmacological options. Therefore, we have performed a literature survey of PPI stabilization using small molecules. From this, we propose a classification of PPI stabilizers based on their binding mode and the architecture of the complex to facilitate the structure-based design of stabilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zarzycka
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mélaine A Kuenemann
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 973 Inserm, Paris 75013, France; Inserm, U973, Paris 75013, France
| | - Maria A Miteva
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 973 Inserm, Paris 75013, France; Inserm, U973, Paris 75013, France
| | - Gerry A F Nicolaes
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Vriend
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics (CMBI), Radboudumc, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier Sperandio
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 973 Inserm, Paris 75013, France; Inserm, U973, Paris 75013, France; Faculté de Pharmacie, CDithem, 1 rue du Prof. Laguesse, 59000 Lille, France.
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Surfing the Protein-Protein Interaction Surface Using Docking Methods: Application to the Design of PPI Inhibitors. Molecules 2015; 20:11569-603. [PMID: 26111183 PMCID: PMC6272567 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200611569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blocking protein-protein interactions (PPI) using small molecules or peptides modulates biochemical pathways and has therapeutic significance. PPI inhibition for designing drug-like molecules is a new area that has been explored extensively during the last decade. Considering the number of available PPI inhibitor databases and the limited number of 3D structures available for proteins, docking and scoring methods play a major role in designing PPI inhibitors as well as stabilizers. Docking methods are used in the design of PPI inhibitors at several stages of finding a lead compound, including modeling the protein complex, screening for hot spots on the protein-protein interaction interface and screening small molecules or peptides that bind to the PPI interface. There are three major challenges to the use of docking on the relatively flat surfaces of PPI. In this review we will provide some examples of the use of docking in PPI inhibitor design as well as its limitations. The combination of experimental and docking methods with improved scoring function has thus far resulted in few success stories of PPI inhibitors for therapeutic purposes. Docking algorithms used for PPI are in the early stages, however, and as more data are available docking will become a highly promising area in the design of PPI inhibitors or stabilizers.
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Marasco D, Scognamiglio PL. Identification of inhibitors of biological interactions involving intrinsically disordered proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:7394-412. [PMID: 25849651 PMCID: PMC4425024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16047394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions involving disordered partners have unique features and represent prominent targets in drug discovery processes. Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) are involved in cellular regulation, signaling and control: they bind to multiple partners and these high-specificity/low-affinity interactions play crucial roles in many human diseases. Disordered regions, terminal tails and flexible linkers are particularly abundant in DNA-binding proteins and play crucial roles in the affinity and specificity of DNA recognizing processes. Protein complexes involving IDPs are short-lived and typically involve short amino acid stretches bearing few "hot spots", thus the identification of molecules able to modulate them can produce important lead compounds: in this scenario peptides and/or peptidomimetics, deriving from structure-based, combinatorial or protein dissection approaches, can play a key role as hit compounds. Here, we propose a panoramic review of the structural features of IDPs and how they regulate molecular recognition mechanisms focusing attention on recently reported drug-design strategies in the field of IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi (CIRPEB), University of Naples "Federico II", DFM-Scarl, 80134 Naples, Italy.
| | - Pasqualina Liana Scognamiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi (CIRPEB), University of Naples "Federico II", DFM-Scarl, 80134 Naples, Italy.
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Identification of synthetic lethality of PRKDC in MYC-dependent human cancers by pooled shRNA screening. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:944. [PMID: 25495526 PMCID: PMC4320452 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MYC family members are among the most frequently deregulated oncogenes in human cancers, yet direct therapeutic targeting of MYC in cancer has been challenging thus far. Synthetic lethality provides an opportunity for therapeutic intervention of MYC-driven cancers. Methods A pooled kinase shRNA library screen was performed and next-generation deep sequencing efforts identified that PRKDC was synthetically lethal in cells overexpressing MYC. Genes and proteins of interest were knocked down or inhibited using RNAi technology and small molecule inhibitors, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR using TaqMan probes examined mRNA expression levels and cell viability was assessed using CellTiter-Glo (Promega). Western blotting was performed to monitor different protein levels in the presence or absence of RNAi or compound treatment. Statistical significance of differences among data sets were determined using unpaired t test (Mann–Whitney test) or ANOVA. Results Inhibition of PRKDC using RNAi (RNA interference) or small molecular inhibitors preferentially killed MYC-overexpressing human lung fibroblasts. Moreover, inducible PRKDC knockdown decreased cell viability selectively in high MYC-expressing human small cell lung cancer cell lines. At the molecular level, we found that inhibition of PRKDC downregulated MYC mRNA and protein expression in multiple cancer cell lines. In addition, we confirmed that overexpression of MYC family proteins induced DNA double-strand breaks; our results also revealed that PRKDC inhibition in these cells led to an increase in DNA damage levels. Conclusions Our data suggest that the synthetic lethality between PRKDC and MYC may in part be due to PRKDC dependent modulation of MYC expression, as well as MYC-induced DNA damage where PRKDC plays a key role in DNA damage repair. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-944) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Uversky VN, Davé V, Iakoucheva LM, Malaney P, Metallo SJ, Pathak RR, Joerger AC. Pathological unfoldomics of uncontrolled chaos: intrinsically disordered proteins and human diseases. Chem Rev 2014; 114:6844-79. [PMID: 24830552 PMCID: PMC4100540 DOI: 10.1021/cr400713r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
- Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vrushank Davé
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Lilia M. Iakoucheva
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Prerna Malaney
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Steven J. Metallo
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia 20057, United States
| | - Ravi Ramesh Pathak
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Andreas C. Joerger
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
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Myc and its interactors take shape. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:469-83. [PMID: 24933113 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Myc oncoprotein is a key contributor to the development of many human cancers. As such, understanding its molecular activities and biological functions has been a field of active research since its discovery more than three decades ago. Genome-wide studies have revealed Myc to be a global regulator of gene expression. The identification of its DNA-binding partner protein, Max, launched an area of extensive research into both the protein-protein interactions and protein structure of Myc. In this review, we highlight key insights with respect to Myc interactors and protein structure that contribute to the understanding of Myc's roles in transcriptional regulation and cancer. Structural analyses of Myc show many critical regions with transient structures that mediate protein interactions and biological functions. Interactors, such as Max, TRRAP, and PTEF-b, provide mechanistic insight into Myc's transcriptional activities, while others, such as ubiquitin ligases, regulate the Myc protein itself. It is appreciated that Myc possesses a large interactome, yet the functional relevance of many interactors remains unknown. Here, we discuss future research trends that embrace advances in genome-wide and proteome-wide approaches to systematically elucidate mechanisms of Myc action. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Myc proteins in cell biology and pathology.
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Fletcher S, Prochownik EV. Small-molecule inhibitors of the Myc oncoprotein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:525-43. [PMID: 24657798 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The c-Myc (Myc) oncoprotein is among the most attractive of cancer targets given that it is de-regulated in the majority of tumors and that its inhibition profoundly affects their growth and/or survival. However, its role as a seldom-mutated transcription factor, its lack of enzymatic activity for which suitable pharmaceutical inhibitors could be crafted and its expression by normal cells have largely been responsible for its being viewed as "undruggable". Work over the past several years, however, has begun to reverse this idea by allowing us to view Myc within the larger context of global gene regulatory control. Thus, Myc and its obligate heterodimeric partner, Max, are integral to the coordinated recruitment and post-translational modification of components of the core transcriptional machinery. Moreover, Myc over-expression re-programs numerous critical cellular functions and alters the cell's susceptibility to their inhibition. This new knowledge has therefore served as a framework upon which to develop new pharmaceutical approaches. These include the continuing development of small molecules which act directly to inhibit the critical Myc-Max interaction, those which act indirectly to prevent Myc-directed post-translational modifications necessary to initiate productive transcription and those which inhibit vital pathways upon which the Myc-transformed cell is particularly reliant. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Myc proteins in cell biology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Fletcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, USA; University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA; The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Honarparvar B, Govender T, Maguire GEM, Soliman MES, Kruger HG. Integrated Approach to Structure-Based Enzymatic Drug Design: Molecular Modeling, Spectroscopy, and Experimental Bioactivity. Chem Rev 2013; 114:493-537. [DOI: 10.1021/cr300314q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Honarparvar
- Catalysis
and Peptide Research Unit and ‡School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Thavendran Govender
- Catalysis
and Peptide Research Unit and ‡School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Glenn E. M. Maguire
- Catalysis
and Peptide Research Unit and ‡School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Mahmoud E. S. Soliman
- Catalysis
and Peptide Research Unit and ‡School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Hendrik G. Kruger
- Catalysis
and Peptide Research Unit and ‡School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
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Duran-Frigola M, Mosca R, Aloy P. Structural Systems Pharmacology: The Role of 3D Structures in Next-Generation Drug Development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:674-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Peck B, Ferber EC, Schulze A. Antagonism between FOXO and MYC Regulates Cellular Powerhouse. Front Oncol 2013; 3:96. [PMID: 23630664 PMCID: PMC3635031 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in cellular metabolism are a key feature of the transformed phenotype. Enhanced macromolecule synthesis is a prerequisite for rapid proliferation but may also contribute to induction of angiogenesis, metastasis formation, and tumor progression, thereby leading to a poorer clinical outcome. Metabolic adaptations enable cancer cells to survive in suboptimal growth conditions, such as the limited supply of nutrient and oxygen often found in the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic changes, including activation of glycolysis and inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production, are induced under hypoxia to promote survival in low oxygen. FOXO3a, a transcription factor that is inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway and is upregulated in hypoxia, has emerged as an important negative regulator of MYC function. Recent studies have revealed that FOXO3a acts as a negative regulator of mitochondrial function through inhibition of MYC. Ablation of FOXO3a prevents the inhibition of mitochondrial function induced by hypoxia and results in enhanced oxidative stress. This review will focus on the antagonism between FOXO3a and MYC and discuss their role in cellular bioenergetics, reactive oxygen metabolism, and adaptation to hypoxia, raising questions about the role of FOXO proteins in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrie Peck
- Gene Expression Analysis Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute London, UK
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Merski M, Shoichet BK. The impact of introducing a histidine into an apolar cavity site on docking and ligand recognition. J Med Chem 2013; 56:2874-84. [PMID: 23473072 PMCID: PMC3624796 DOI: 10.1021/jm301823g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Simplified
model binding sites allow one to isolate entangled terms
in molecular energy functions. Here, we investigate the effects on
ligand recognition of the introduction of a histidine into a hydrophobic
cavity in lysozyme. We docked 656040 molecules and tested 26 highly
and nine poorly ranked. Twenty-one highly ranked molecules bound and
five were false positives, while three poorly ranked molecules were
false negatives. In the 16 X-ray complexes now known, the docking
predictions overlaid well with the crystallographic results. Although
ligand enrichment was high, the false negatives, the false positives,
and the inability to rank order illuminated weaknesses in our scoring,
particularly overweighed apolar and underweighted polar terms. Adjusting
these led to new problems, reflecting the entangled nature of docking
scoring functions. Changes in ligand affinity relative to other lysozyme
cavities speak to the subtleties of molecular recognition even in
these simple sites and to their relevance for testing different models
of recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Merski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, 1700 Fourth Street, San Francisco, California 94158-2550, United States
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Functional genomics identifies therapeutic targets for MYC-driven cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:9545-50. [PMID: 22623531 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1121119109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC oncogene family members are broadly implicated in human cancers, yet are considered "undruggable" as they encode transcription factors. MYC also carries out essential functions in proliferative tissues, suggesting that its inhibition could cause severe side effects. We elected to identify synthetic lethal interactions with c-MYC overexpression (MYC-SL) in a collection of ~3,300 druggable genes, using high-throughput siRNA screening. Of 49 genes selected for follow-up, 48 were confirmed by independent retesting and approximately one-third selectively induced accumulation of DNA damage, consistent with enrichment in DNA-repair genes by functional annotation. In addition, genes involved in histone acetylation and transcriptional elongation, such as TRRAP and BRD4, were identified, indicating that the screen revealed known MYC-associated pathways. For in vivo validation we selected CSNK1e, a kinase whose expression correlated with MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma (an established MYC-driven cancer). Using RNAi and available small-molecule inhibitors, we confirmed that inhibition of CSNK1e halted growth of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma xenografts. CSNK1e had previously been implicated in the regulation of developmental pathways and circadian rhythms, whereas our data provide a previously unknown link with oncogenic MYC. Furthermore, expression of CSNK1e correlated with c-MYC and its transcriptional signature in other human cancers, indicating potential broad therapeutic implications of targeting CSNK1e function. In summary, through a functional genomics approach, pathways essential in the context of oncogenic MYC but not to normal cells were identified, thus revealing a rich therapeutic space linked to a previously "undruggable" oncogene.
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Thiel P, Kaiser M, Ottmann C. Small-molecule stabilization of protein-protein interactions: an underestimated concept in drug discovery? Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 51:2012-8. [PMID: 22308055 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201107616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The modulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) has been recognized as one of the most challenging tasks in drug discovery. While their systematic development has long been considered as intractable, this view has changed over the last years, with the first drug candidates undergoing clinical studies. To date, the vast majority of PPI modulators are interaction inhibitors. However, in many biological contexts a prolonged lifespan of a PPI might be desirable, calling for the complementary approach of PPI stabilization. In fact, nature offers impressive examples of this concept and some PPI-stabilizing natural products have already found application as important drugs. Moreover, directed small-molecule stabilization has recently been demonstrated. Therefore, it is time to take a closer look at the constructive side of modulating PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Thiel
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Dortmund, Germany
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Thiel P, Kaiser M, Ottmann C. Niedermolekulare Stabilisatoren von Protein-Protein-Wechselwirkungen: ein unterschätztes Konzept in der Wirkstoffentwicklung? Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201107616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Hollis A, Sperl B, Gräber M, Berg T. The Natural Product Betulinic Acid Inhibits C/EBP Family Transcription Factors. Chembiochem 2011; 13:302-7. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201100652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Metallo SJ. Intrinsically disordered proteins are potential drug targets. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2010; 14:481-8. [PMID: 20598937 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2010.06.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Revised: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered (ID) proteins that lack stable secondary and tertiary structure in substantial regions (or throughout) are prevalent in eukaryotes. They exist as ensembles of rapidly fluctuating structures and many undergo coupled folding and binding reactions. Because ID proteins are overrepresented in major disease pathways they are desirable targets for inhibition; however, the feasibility of targeting proteins without defined structures was unclear. Recently, small molecules have been found that bind to the disordered regions of c-Myc, Abeta, EWS-Fli1, and various peptides. As with structured targets, initial hits were further optimized to increase specificity and affinity. Given the number and biological importance of ID proteins, the ability to inhibit their interactions opens tremendous potential in chemical biology and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Metallo
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, 37th & O Streets, NW, Washington, DC 20057, United States.
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Cosconati S, Forli S, Perryman AL, Harris R, Goodsell DS, Olson AJ. Virtual Screening with AutoDock: Theory and Practice. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2010; 5:597-607. [PMID: 21532931 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2010.484460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 369] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE TO THE FIELD: Virtual screening is a computer-based technique for identifying promising compounds to bind to a target molecule of known structure. Given the rapidly increasing number of protein and nucleic acid structures, virtual screening continues to grow as an effective method for the discovery of new inhibitors and drug molecules. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: We describe virtual screening methods that are available in the AutoDock suite of programs, and several of our successes in using AutoDock virtual screening in pharmaceutical lead discovery. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: A general overview of the challenges of virtual screening is presented, along with the tools available in the AutoDock suite of programs for addressing these challenges. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Virtual screening is an effective tool for the discovery of compounds for use as leads in drug discovery, and the free, open source program AutoDock is an effective tool for virtual screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Cosconati
- Dipartimento di Chimica Farmaceutica e Tossicologica, Università degli Studi de Napoli "Federico II", via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
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Abstract
The transcription factor c-Myc is overexpressed in many tumors in human beings and has been identified as a highly promising target for cancer therapy. Most biological functions of c-Myc require heterodimerization with its activation partner Max. Inhibition of the protein-protein interactions between c-Myc and Max by small molecules has been shown to be a feasible and powerful approach toward the inhibition of c-Myc functions. More recently, stabilization of Max homodimers to reduce the amount of Max available for activating c-Myc has also been demonstrated to counteract Myc activity. This review summarizes our current knowledge on small organic molecules that inhibit c-Myc by modulating protein-protein interactions relevant for the biological function of this important oncoprotein.
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