1
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Wang S, Liu Y, Zhao X, Wang X, Lou J, Jin P, Zhang Y, Yu J, Wang K. RUNX1::ETO and CBFβ::MYH11 converge on aberrant activation of BCAT1 to confer a therapeutic vulnerability in core-binding factor-acute myeloid leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:552-567. [PMID: 38802066 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Effectively targeting transcription factors in therapeutic interventions remains challenging, especially in core-binding factor-acute myeloid leukaemia (CBF-AML) characterized by RUNX1::ETO and CBFβ::MYH11 fusions. However, recent studies have drawn attention towards aberrant amino acid metabolisms as actionable therapeutic targets. Here, by integrating the expression profile and genetic makeup in AML cohort, we found higher BCAT1 expression in CBF-AML patients compared with other subtypes. Metabolic profiling revealed that high BCAT1 expression led to reprogrammed branch amino acid metabolism in CBF-AML and was associated with sphingolipid pathway relating to the fitness of leukaemia cells, supported by transcriptomic profiling. Mechanistically, we demonstrated in cell lines and primary patient samples that BCAT1 was directly activated by RUNX1::ETO and CBFβ::MYH11 fusion proteins similarly in a RUNX1-dependent manner through rewiring chromatin conformation at the BCAT1 gene locus. Furthermore, BCAT1 inhibition resulted in blunted cell cycle, enhanced apoptosis and myeloid differentiation of CBF-AML cells in vitro, and alleviated leukaemia burden and prolonged survival in vivo. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of BCAT1 using the specific inhibitor Gabapentin demonstrated therapeutic effects, as evidenced by delayed leukaemia progression and improved survival in vivo. In conclusion, our study uncovers BCAT1 as a genetic vulnerability and a promising targeted therapeutic opportunity for CBF-AML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Animals
- Core Binding Factor beta Subunit/genetics
- Core Binding Factor beta Subunit/metabolism
- Mice
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Cell Line, Tumor
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yabin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xujie Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiacheng Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Translational Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Peng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kankan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Dhuri K, Alachkar H. Differences in the mutational landscape of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential among races and between male and female patients with cancer. Exp Hematol 2024:104271. [PMID: 38969020 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2024.104271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) has emerged as a significant precursor to hematological malignancies and is associated with several age-related diseases. We leveraged public data to explore differences in the mutational landscape of CHIP between males (Ms) and females (Fs) and across diverse racial populations. DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) mutations were substantially more prevalent in Fs than in Ms (38.94% vs. 31.37%, p-value: < 0.001, q-value: < 0.001). Additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1) mutations were more frequent in Ms than Fs (5.82% vs. 2.69%, p-value < 0.001, q-value < 0.001). In the racial cohorts with sufficient sample sizes, STAT5B and CSF1R mutations were most frequent in Asian populations (1.40% and 0.84%), followed by Black populations (0.98% and 0.24%) and White populations (0.29% and 0.09%) (p-value: < 0.001 , q-value: 0.023 for both genes). Several other CHIP mutations were enriched in Black: RARA, SMAD2, CDKN1B, CENPA, CTLA4, EIF1AX, ELF3, MSI1, MYC, SOX17, and AURKA. On the other hand, H3C1, H3C4, and MYCL were enriched in the Asian cohort. Our analysis highlights sex and racial differences in CHIP mutations among patients with cancer. As CHIP continues to gain recognition as a critical precursor to malignancies and other diseases, understanding how these differences contribute to CHIP's underlying mechanisms and clinical implications is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanaka Dhuri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Houda Alachkar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
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3
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Peramangalam PS, Surapally S, Veltri AJ, Zheng S, Burns R, Zhu N, Rao S, Muller-Tidow C, Bushweller JH, Pulikkan JA. N-MYC regulates cell survival via eIF4G1 in inv(16) acute myeloid leukemia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh8493. [PMID: 38416825 PMCID: PMC10901375 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh8493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
N-MYC (encoded by MYCN) is a critical regulator of hematopoietic stem cell function. While the role of N-MYC deregulation is well established in neuroblastoma, the importance of N-MYC deregulation in leukemogenesis remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that N-MYC is overexpressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with chromosome inversion inv(16) and contributes to the survival and maintenance of inv(16) leukemia. We identified a previously unknown MYCN enhancer, active in multiple AML subtypes, essential for MYCN mRNA levels and survival in inv(16) AML cells. We also identified eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1 (eIF4G1) as a key N-MYC target that sustains leukemic survival in inv(16) AML cells. The oncogenic role of eIF4G1 in AML has not been reported before. Our results reveal a mechanism whereby N-MYC drives a leukemic transcriptional program and provides a rationale for the therapeutic targeting of the N-MYC/eIF4G1 axis in myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sridevi Surapally
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Anthony J. Veltri
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shikan Zheng
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Robert Burns
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Nan Zhu
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sridhar Rao
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Carsten Muller-Tidow
- Department of Medicine, Hematology, Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John H. Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John A. Pulikkan
- Program in Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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4
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Hasan A, Khan NA, Uddin S, Khan AQ, Steinhoff M. Deregulated transcription factors in the emerging cancer hallmarks. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 98:31-50. [PMID: 38123029 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.12.001] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is a multifaceted process that entails several stages and demands the persistent expression or activation of transcription factors (TFs) to facilitate growth and survival. TFs are a cluster of proteins with DNA-binding domains that attach to promoter or enhancer DNA strands to start the transcription of genes by collaborating with RNA polymerase and other supporting proteins. They are generally acknowledged as the major regulatory molecules that coordinate biological homeostasis and the appropriate functioning of cellular components, subsequently contributing to human physiology. TFs proteins are crucial for controlling transcription during the embryonic stage and development, and the stability of different cell types depends on how they function in different cell types. The development and progression of cancer cells and tumors might be triggered by any anomaly in transcription factor function. It has long been acknowledged that cancer development is accompanied by the dysregulated activity of TF alterations which might result in faulty gene expression. Recent studies have suggested that dysregulated transcription factors play a major role in developing various human malignancies by altering and rewiring metabolic processes, modifying the immune response, and triggering oncogenic signaling cascades. This review emphasizes the interplay between TFs involved in metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, evading immune attacks, cellular senescence, and the maintenance of cancer stemness in cancerous cells. The insights presented herein will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic modalities to tackle the dysregulated transcription factors underlying cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Naushad Ahmad Khan
- Department of Surgery, Trauma and Vascular Surgery Clinical Research, Hamad General Hospital, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India; Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar.
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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5
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Patalano SD, Fuxman Bass P, Fuxman Bass JI. Transcription factors in the development and treatment of immune disorders. Transcription 2023:1-23. [PMID: 38100543 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2023.2294623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune function is highly controlled at the transcriptional level by the binding of transcription factors (TFs) to promoter and enhancer elements. Several TF families play major roles in immune gene expression, including NF-κB, STAT, IRF, AP-1, NRs, and NFAT, which trigger anti-pathogen responses, promote cell differentiation, and maintain immune system homeostasis. Aberrant expression, activation, or sequence of isoforms and variants of these TFs can result in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as hematological and solid tumor cancers. For this reason, TFs have become attractive drug targets, even though most were previously deemed "undruggable" due to their lack of small molecule binding pockets and the presence of intrinsically disordered regions. However, several aspects of TF structure and function can be targeted for therapeutic intervention, such as ligand-binding domains, protein-protein interactions between TFs and with cofactors, TF-DNA binding, TF stability, upstream signaling pathways, and TF expression. In this review, we provide an overview of each of the important TF families, how they function in immunity, and some related diseases they are involved in. Additionally, we discuss the ways of targeting TFs with drugs along with recent research developments in these areas and their clinical applications, followed by the advantages and disadvantages of targeting TFs for the treatment of immune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D Patalano
- Biology Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paula Fuxman Bass
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan I Fuxman Bass
- Biology Department, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Day RB, Hickman JA, Xu Z, Katerndahl CD, Ferraro F, Ramakrishnan SM, Erdmann-Gilmore P, Sprung RW, Mi Y, Townsend RR, Miller CA, Ley TJ. Proteogenomic analysis reveals cytoplasmic sequestration of RUNX1 by the acute myeloid leukemia-initiating CBFB::MYH11 oncofusion protein. J Clin Invest 2023; 134:e176311. [PMID: 38061017 PMCID: PMC10866659 DOI: 10.1172/jci176311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Several canonical translocations produce oncofusion genes that can initiate acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although each translocation is associated with unique features, the mechanisms responsible remain unclear. While proteins interacting with each oncofusion are known to be relevant for how they act, these interactions have not yet been systematically defined. To address this issue in an unbiased fashion, we fused a promiscuous biotin ligase (TurboID) in-frame with 3 favorable-risk AML oncofusion cDNAs (PML::RARA, RUNX1::RUNX1T1, and CBFB::MYH11) and identified their interacting proteins in primary murine hematopoietic cells. The PML::RARA- and RUNX1::RUNX1T1-TurboID fusion proteins labeled common and unique nuclear repressor complexes, implying their nuclear localization. However, CBFB::MYH11-TurboID-interacting proteins were largely cytoplasmic, probably because of an interaction of the MYH11 domain with several cytoplasmic myosin-related proteins. Using a variety of methods, we showed that the CBFB domain of CBFB::MYH11 sequesters RUNX1 in cytoplasmic aggregates; these findings were confirmed in primary human AML cells. Paradoxically, CBFB::MYH11 expression was associated with increased RUNX1/2 expression, suggesting the presence of a sensor for reduced functional RUNX1 protein, and a feedback loop that may attempt to compensate by increasing RUNX1/2 transcription. These findings may have broad implications for AML pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan B. Day
- Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Julia A. Hickman
- Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Ziheng Xu
- Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Casey D.S. Katerndahl
- Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Francesca Ferraro
- Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | | | - Petra Erdmann-Gilmore
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Robert W. Sprung
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yiling Mi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - R. Reid Townsend
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher A. Miller
- Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Timothy J. Ley
- Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
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7
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Bao Y, Xu Y, Jia F, Li M, Xu R, Zhang F, Guo J. Allosteric inhibition of myosin by phenamacril: a synergistic mechanism revealed by computational and experimental approaches. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:4977-4989. [PMID: 37540764 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myosin plays a crucial role in cellular processes, while its dysfunction can lead to organismal malfunction. Phenamacril (PHA), a highly species-specific and non-competitive inhibitor of myosin I (FgMyoI) from Fusarium graminearum, has been identified as an effective fungicide for controlling plant diseases caused by partial Fusarium pathogens, such as wheat scab and rice bakanae. However, the molecular basis of its action is still unclear. RESULTS This study used multiple computational approaches first to elucidate the allosteric inhibition mechanism of FgMyoI by PHA at the atomistic level. The results indicated the increase of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding affinity upon PHA binding, which might impede the release of hydrolysis products. Furthermore, simulations revealed a broadened outer cleft and a significantly more flexible interface for actin binding, accompanied by a decrease in signaling transduction from the catalytic center to the actin-binding interface. These various effects might work together to disrupt the actomyosin cycle and hinder the ability of motor to generate force. Our experimental results further confirmed that PHA reduces the enzymatic activity of myosin and its binding with actin. CONCLUSION Therefore, our findings demonstrated that PHA might suppress the function of myosin through a synergistic mechanism, providing new insights into myosin allostery and offering new avenues for drug/fungicide discovery targeting myosin. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiong Bao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangying Jia
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengrong Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China
- Engineering Research Centre of Applied Technology on Machine Translation and Artificial Intelligence, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China
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8
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Centa M, Thermidor C, Fiel MI, Alexandropoulos K. Profiling of mouse and human liver diseases identifies targets for therapeutic treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Clin Immunol 2023; 256:109807. [PMID: 37821072 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are chronic liver diseases (CLDs) of distinct etiologies that represent a public health risk with limited therapeutic options. A common feature among CLDs is an aggressive T cell response resulting in destruction of liver tissue and fibrosis. Here, we assessed the presence and nature of T cell inflammation in late-stage human AIH, PSC and NASH and examined whether targeting the T cell response can improve disease pathology in a mouse model (Traf6ΔTEC) of spontaneous AIH. T cell infiltration and ensuing inflammatory pathways were present in human AIH and PSC and to a lesser extent in NASH. However, we observed qualitative differences in infiltrating T cell subsets and upregulation of inflammatory pathways among these diseases, while mouse and human AIH exhibited similar immunogenic signatures. While gene expression profiles differed among diseases, we identified 52 genes commonly upregulated across all diseases that included the JAK3 tyrosine kinase. Therapeutic targeting of chronic AIH with the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib reduced hepatic T cell infiltration, AIH histopathology and associated immune parameters in treated Traf6ΔTEC mice. Our results indicate that targeting T cell responses in established hepatic autoimmune inflammation is a feasible strategy for developing novel therapeutic approaches to treat AIH and possibly other CLDs irrespective of etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Centa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christelle Thermidor
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Isabel Fiel
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Konstantina Alexandropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Gui W, Kodadek T. Facile Synthesis of Homodimeric Protein Ligands. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300392. [PMID: 37449865 PMCID: PMC10615197 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Many proteins exist as oligomers (homodimers, homotrimers, etc.). A proven strategy for the development of high affinity ligands for such targets is to link together two modest affinity ligands that allows the formation of a 2 : 2 (or higher-order) protein-ligand complex. We report here the discovery of a convenient, "click-like" reaction for the homodimerization of protein ligands that is efficient, operationally simple to carry out, and tolerant of many functional groups. This chemistry reduces the synthetic burden inherent in the creation of homodimeric ligands since only a single precursor is required. The utility of this strategy is demonstrated by the synthesis of homodimeric inhibitors, including PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Gui
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 120 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Thomas Kodadek
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, 120 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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10
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Liu X, Liu X, Du Y, Zou D, Tian C, Li Y, Lan X, David CJ, Sun Q, Chen M. Aberrant accumulation of Kras-dependent pervasive transcripts during tumor progression renders cancer cells dependent on PAF1 expression. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112979. [PMID: 37572321 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112979] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer, and mutant KRAS is responsible for over 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most lethal cancer. Here, we show that RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 complex (PAF1C) is specifically required for survival of PDAC but not normal adult pancreatic cells. We show that PAF1C maintains cancer cell genomic stability by restraining overaccumulation of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) and promoter upstream transcripts (PROMPTs) driven by mutant Kras. Loss of PAF1C leads to cancer-specific lengthening and accumulation of pervasive transcripts on chromatin and concomitant aberrant R-loop formation and DNA damage, which, in turn, trigger cell death. We go on to demonstrate that the global transcriptional hyperactivation driven by Kras signaling during tumorigenesis underlies the specific demand for PAF1C by cancer cells. Our work provides insights into how enhancer transcription hyperactivation causes general transcription factor addiction during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiangzheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yingxue Du
- Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Di Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chen Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xun Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Charles J David
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qianwen Sun
- Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Mo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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11
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Chetverina D, Vorobyeva NE, Gyorffy B, Shtil AA, Erokhin M. Analyses of Genes Critical to Tumor Survival Reveal Potential 'Supertargets': Focus on Transcription. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113042. [PMID: 37297004 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of mechanisms that underlie the biology of individual tumors is aimed at the development of personalized treatment strategies. Herein, we performed a comprehensive search of genes (termed Supertargets) vital for tumors of particular tissue origin. In so doing, we used the DepMap database portal that encompasses a broad panel of cell lines with individual genes knocked out by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. For each of the 27 tumor types, we revealed the top five genes whose deletion was lethal in the particular case, indicating both known and unknown Supertargets. Most importantly, the majority of Supertargets (41%) were represented by DNA-binding transcription factors. RNAseq data analysis demonstrated that a subset of Supertargets was deregulated in clinical tumor samples but not in the respective non-malignant tissues. These results point to transcriptional mechanisms as key regulators of cell survival in specific tumors. Targeted inactivation of these factors emerges as a straightforward approach to optimize therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Chetverina
- Group of Epigenetics, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Nadezhda E Vorobyeva
- Group of Dynamics of Transcriptional Complexes, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Balazs Gyorffy
- Departments of Bioinformatics and Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Enzymology, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexander A Shtil
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoye Shosse, Moscow 115522, Russia
| | - Maksim Erokhin
- Group of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov Street, Moscow 119334, Russia
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12
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Fernández NB, Sosa SM, Roberts JT, Recouvreux MS, Rocha-Viegas L, Christenson JL, Spoelstra NS, Couto FL, Raimondi AR, Richer JK, Rubinstein N. RUNX1 Is Regulated by Androgen Receptor to Promote Cancer Stem Markers and Chemotherapy Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030444. [PMID: 36766786 PMCID: PMC9913961 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype for which no effective targeted therapies are available. Growing evidence suggests that chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells with stem-like properties (CSC) may repopulate the tumor. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in up to 50% of TNBCs, and AR inhibition decreases CSC and tumor initiation. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) correlates with poor prognosis in TNBC and is regulated by the AR in prostate cancer. Our group has shown that RUNX1 promotes TNBC cell migration and regulates tumor gene expression. We hypothesized that RUNX1 is regulated by the AR and that both may work together in TNBC CSC to promote disease recurrence following chemotherapy. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments in MDA-MB-453 revealed AR binding to RUNX1 regulatory regions. RUNX1 expression is upregulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in MDA-MB-453 and in an AR+-TNBC HCI-009 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors (p < 0.05). RUNX1 is increased in a CSC-like experimental model in MDA-MB-453 and SUM-159PT cells (p < 0.05). Inhibition of RUNX1 transcriptional activity reduced the expression of CSC markers. Interestingly, RUNX1 inhibition reduced cell viability and enhanced paclitaxel and enzalutamide sensitivity. Targeting RUNX1 may be an attractive strategy to potentiate the anti-tumor effects of AR inhibition, specifically in the slow-growing CSC-like populations that resist chemotherapy which lead to metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia B. Fernández
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Sofía M. Sosa
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Justin T. Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - María S. Recouvreux
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luciana Rocha-Viegas
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Jessica L. Christenson
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nicole S. Spoelstra
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Facundo L. Couto
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Ana R. Raimondi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Jennifer K. Richer
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Natalia Rubinstein
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- Correspondence:
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13
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Cai T, Xie L, Zhang S, Chen M, He D, Badkul A, Liu Y, Namballa HK, Dorogan M, Harding WW, Mura C, Bourne PE, Xie L. End-to-end sequence-structure-function meta-learning predicts genome-wide chemical-protein interactions for dark proteins. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010851. [PMID: 36652496 PMCID: PMC9886305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Systematically discovering protein-ligand interactions across the entire human and pathogen genomes is critical in chemical genomics, protein function prediction, drug discovery, and many other areas. However, more than 90% of gene families remain "dark"-i.e., their small-molecule ligands are undiscovered due to experimental limitations or human/historical biases. Existing computational approaches typically fail when the dark protein differs from those with known ligands. To address this challenge, we have developed a deep learning framework, called PortalCG, which consists of four novel components: (i) a 3-dimensional ligand binding site enhanced sequence pre-training strategy to encode the evolutionary links between ligand-binding sites across gene families; (ii) an end-to-end pretraining-fine-tuning strategy to reduce the impact of inaccuracy of predicted structures on function predictions by recognizing the sequence-structure-function paradigm; (iii) a new out-of-cluster meta-learning algorithm that extracts and accumulates information learned from predicting ligands of distinct gene families (meta-data) and applies the meta-data to a dark gene family; and (iv) a stress model selection step, using different gene families in the test data from those in the training and development data sets to facilitate model deployment in a real-world scenario. In extensive and rigorous benchmark experiments, PortalCG considerably outperformed state-of-the-art techniques of machine learning and protein-ligand docking when applied to dark gene families, and demonstrated its generalization power for target identifications and compound screenings under out-of-distribution (OOD) scenarios. Furthermore, in an external validation for the multi-target compound screening, the performance of PortalCG surpassed the rational design from medicinal chemists. Our results also suggest that a differentiable sequence-structure-function deep learning framework, where protein structural information serves as an intermediate layer, could be superior to conventional methodology where predicted protein structures were used for the compound screening. We applied PortalCG to two case studies to exemplify its potential in drug discovery: designing selective dual-antagonists of dopamine receptors for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), and illuminating the understudied human genome for target diseases that do not yet have effective and safe therapeutics. Our results suggested that PortalCG is a viable solution to the OOD problem in exploring understudied regions of protein functional space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Cai
- Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Li Xie
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Muge Chen
- Master Program in Computer Science, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Di He
- Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Amitesh Badkul
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hari Krishna Namballa
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Dorogan
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Wayne W. Harding
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Cameron Mura
- School of Data Science & Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Philip E. Bourne
- School of Data Science & Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Lei Xie
- Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Research Institute, Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
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14
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The roles of Runx1 in skeletal development and osteoarthritis: A concise review. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12656. [PMID: 36636224 PMCID: PMC9830174 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor-1 (Runx1) is well known for its functions in hematopoiesis and leukemia but recent research has focused on its role in skeletal development and osteoarthritis (OA). Deficiency of the Runx1 gene is fatal in early embryonic development, and specific knockout of Runx1 in cell lineages of cartilage and bone leads to delayed cartilage formation and impaired bone calcification. Runx1 can regulate genes including collagen type II (Col2a1) and X (Col10a1), SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9), aggrecan (Acan) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), and the up-regulation of Runx1 improves the homeostasis of the whole joint, even in the pathological state. Moreover, Runx1 is activated as a response to mechanical compression, but impaired in the joint with the pathological progress associated with osteoarthritis. Therefore, interpretation about the role of Runx1 could enlarge our understanding of key marker genes in the skeletal development and an increased understanding of Runx1 could be helpful to identify treatments for osteoarthritis. This review provides the most up-to-date advances in the roles and bio-mechanisms of Runx1 in healthy joints and osteoarthritis from all currently published articles and gives novel insights in therapeutic approaches to OA based on Runx1.
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15
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Wray JP, Deltcheva EM, Boiers C, Richardson SЕ, Chhetri JB, Brown J, Gagrica S, Guo Y, Illendula A, Martens JHA, Stunnenberg HG, Bushweller JH, Nimmo R, Enver T. Regulome analysis in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia exposes Core Binding Factor addiction as a therapeutic vulnerability. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7124. [PMID: 36411286 PMCID: PMC9678885 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34653-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ETV6-RUNX1 onco-fusion arises in utero, initiating a clinically silent pre-leukemic state associated with the development of pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We characterize the ETV6-RUNX1 regulome by integrating chromatin immunoprecipitation- and RNA-sequencing and show that ETV6-RUNX1 functions primarily through competition for RUNX1 binding sites and transcriptional repression. In pre-leukemia, this results in ETV6-RUNX1 antagonization of cell cycle regulation by RUNX1 as evidenced by mass cytometry analysis of B-lineage cells derived from ETV6-RUNX1 knock-in human pluripotent stem cells. In frank leukemia, knockdown of RUNX1 or its co-factor CBFβ results in cell death suggesting sustained requirement for RUNX1 activity which is recapitulated by chemical perturbation using an allosteric CBFβ-inhibitor. Strikingly, we show that RUNX1 addiction extends to other genetic subtypes of pediatric B-ALL and also adult disease. Importantly, inhibition of RUNX1 activity spares normal hematopoiesis. Our results suggest that chemical intervention in the RUNX1 program may provide a therapeutic opportunity in ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Wray
- Department of Cancer Biology UCL Cancer Institute, UCL, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Elitza M Deltcheva
- Department of Cancer Biology UCL Cancer Institute, UCL, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Charlotta Boiers
- Department of Cancer Biology UCL Cancer Institute, UCL, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Simon Е Richardson
- Department of Cancer Biology UCL Cancer Institute, UCL, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | | | - John Brown
- Department of Cancer Biology UCL Cancer Institute, UCL, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Sladjana Gagrica
- IMED Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yanping Guo
- Department of Cancer Biology UCL Cancer Institute, UCL, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Anuradha Illendula
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Joost H A Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik G Stunnenberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - John H Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Rachael Nimmo
- Department of Cancer Biology UCL Cancer Institute, UCL, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
- Oxford Biomedica (UK) Ltd, Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford, OX4 6LT, UK
| | - Tariq Enver
- Department of Cancer Biology UCL Cancer Institute, UCL, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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16
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Xie K, Tan K, Naylor MJ. Transcription Factors as Novel Therapeutic Targets and Drivers of Prostate Cancer Progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:854151. [PMID: 35547880 PMCID: PMC9082354 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.854151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among men worldwide. Androgen deprivation therapy, the most common targeted therapeutic option, is circumvented as prostate cancer progresses from androgen dependent to castrate-resistant disease. Whilst the nuclear receptor transcription factor, androgen receptor, drives the growth of prostate tumor during initial stage of the disease, androgen resistance is associated with poorly differentiated prostate cancer. In the recent years, increased research has highlighted the aberrant transcriptional activities of a small number of transcription factors. Along with androgen receptors, dysregulation of these transcription factors contributes to both the poorly differentiated phenotypes of prostate cancer cells and the initiation and progression of prostate carcinoma. As master regulators of cell fate decisions, these transcription factors may provide opportunity for the development of novel therapeutic targets for the management of prostate cancer. Whilst some transcriptional regulators have previously been notoriously difficult to directly target, technological advances offer potential for the indirect therapeutic targeting of these transcription factors and the capacity to reprogram cancer cell phenotype. This mini review will discuss how recent advances in our understanding of transcriptional regulators and material science pave the way to utilize these regulatory molecules as therapeutic targets in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangzhe Xie
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Keely Tan
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew J Naylor
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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NOXA expression drives synthetic lethality to RUNX1 inhibition in pancreatic cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2105691119. [PMID: 35197278 PMCID: PMC8892327 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2105691119] [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] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence demonstrated the existence of molecular subtypes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which resist all current therapies. The paucity of therapeutic options, including a complete lack of targeted therapies, underscores the urgent and unmet medical need for the identification of targets and novel treatment strategies for PDAC. Our study unravels a function of the transcription factor RUNX1 in apoptosis regulation in PDAC. We show that pharmacological RUNX1 inhibition in PDAC is feasible and leads to NOXA-dependent apoptosis. The development of targeted therapies that influence the transcriptional landscape of PDAC might have great benefits for patients who are resistant to conventional therapies. RUNX1 inhibition as a new therapeutic intervention offers an attractive strategy for future therapies. Evasion from drug-induced apoptosis is a crucial mechanism of cancer treatment resistance. The proapoptotic protein NOXA marks an aggressive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subtype. To identify drugs that unleash the death-inducing potential of NOXA, we performed an unbiased drug screening experiment. In NOXA-deficient isogenic cellular models, we identified an inhibitor of the transcription factor heterodimer CBFβ/RUNX1. By genetic gain and loss of function experiments, we validated that the mode of action depends on RUNX1 and NOXA. Of note is that RUNX1 expression is significantly higher in PDACs compared to normal pancreas. We show that pharmacological RUNX1 inhibition significantly blocks tumor growth in vivo and in primary patient-derived PDAC organoids. Through genome-wide analysis, we detected that RUNX1-loss reshapes the epigenetic landscape, which gains H3K27ac enrichment at the NOXA promoter. Our study demonstrates a previously unknown mechanism of NOXA-dependent cell death, which can be triggered pharmaceutically. Therefore, our data show a way to target a therapy-resistant PDAC, an unmet clinical need.
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18
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Jeong EM, Pereira M, So EY, Wu KQ, Del Tatto M, Wen S, Dooner MS, Dubielecka PM, Reginato AM, Ventetuolo CE, Quesenberry PJ, Klinger JR, Liang OD. Targeting RUNX1 as a novel treatment modality for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:3211-3224. [PMID: 35018410 PMCID: PMC9799056 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease without a cure. Previously, we found that transcription factor RUNX1-dependent haematopoietic transformation of endothelial progenitor cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of PAH. However, the therapeutic potential of RUNX1 inhibition to reverse established PAH remains unknown. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether RUNX1 inhibition was sufficient to reverse Sugen/hypoxia (SuHx)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) in rats. We also aimed to demonstrate possible mechanisms involved. METHODS AND RESULTS We administered a small molecule specific RUNX1 inhibitor Ro5-3335 before, during, and after the development of SuHx-PH in rats to investigate its therapeutic potential. We quantified lung macrophage recruitment and activation in vivo and in vitro in the presence or absence of the RUNX1 inhibitor. We generated conditional VE-cadherin-CreERT2; ZsGreen mice for labelling adult endothelium and lineage tracing in the SuHx-PH model. We also generated conditional Cdh5-CreERT2; Runx1(flox/flox) mice to delete Runx1 gene in adult endothelium and LysM-Cre; Runx1(flox/flox) mice to delete Runx1 gene in cells of myeloid lineage, and then subjected these mice to SuHx-PH induction. RUNX1 inhibition in vivo effectively prevented the development, blocked the progression, and reversed established SuHx-induced PH in rats. RUNX1 inhibition significantly dampened lung macrophage recruitment and activation. Furthermore, lineage tracing with the inducible VE-cadherin-CreERT2; ZsGreen mice demonstrated that a RUNX1-dependent endothelial to haematopoietic transformation occurred during the development of SuHx-PH. Finally, tissue-specific deletion of Runx1 gene either in adult endothelium or in cells of myeloid lineage prevented the mice from developing SuHx-PH, suggesting that RUNX1 is required for the development of PH. CONCLUSION By blocking RUNX1-dependent endothelial to haematopoietic transformation and pulmonary macrophage recruitment and activation, targeting RUNX1 may be as a novel treatment modality for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eui-Young So
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Keith Q Wu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Michael Del Tatto
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Sicheng Wen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Mark S Dooner
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Patrycja M Dubielecka
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Anthony M Reginato
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Corey E Ventetuolo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Peter J Quesenberry
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - James R Klinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Olin D Liang
- Corresponding author. Tel: 617-816-8885; fax: 401-444-2486, E-mail:
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19
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Transcriptional circuit dynamics in HSPCs. Blood 2021; 138:1382-1384. [PMID: 34673950 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021012452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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20
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van der Kouwe E, Heller G, Czibere A, Pulikkan JA, Agreiter C, Castilla LH, Delwel R, Di Ruscio A, Ebralidze AK, Forte M, Grebien F, Heyes E, Kazianka L, Klinger J, Kornauth C, Le T, Lind K, Barbosa IAM, Pemovska T, Pichler A, Schmolke AS, Schweicker CM, Sill H, Sperr WR, Spittler A, Surapally S, Trinh BQ, Valent P, Vanura K, Welner RS, Zuber J, Tenen DG, Staber PB. Core-binding factor leukemia hijacks the T-cell-prone PU.1 antisense promoter. Blood 2021; 138:1345-1358. [PMID: 34010414 PMCID: PMC8525333 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020008971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood system serves as a key model for cell differentiation and cancer. It is orchestrated by precise spatiotemporal expression of crucial transcription factors. One of the key master regulators in the hematopoietic systems is PU.1. Reduced levels of PU.1 are characteristic for human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are known to induce AML in mouse models. Here, we show that transcriptional downregulation of PU.1 is an active process involving an alternative promoter in intron 3 that is induced by RUNX transcription factors driving noncoding antisense transcription. Core-binding factor (CBF) fusions RUNX1-ETO and CBFβ-MYH11 in t(8;21) and inv(16) AML, respectively, activate the PU.1 antisense promoter that results in a shift from sense toward antisense transcription and myeloid differentiation blockade. In patients with CBF-AML, we found that an elevated antisense/sense transcript and promoter accessibility ratio represents a hallmark compared with normal karyotype AML or healthy CD34+ cells. Competitive interaction of an enhancer with the proximal or the antisense promoter forms a binary on/off switch for either myeloid or T-cell development. Leukemic CBF fusions thus use a physiological mechanism used by T cells to decrease sense transcription. Our study is the first example of a sense/antisense promoter competition as a crucial functional switch for gene expression perturbation by oncogenes. Hence, this disease mechanism reveals a previously unknown Achilles heel for future precise therapeutic targeting of oncogene-induced chromatin remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- E van der Kouwe
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - G Heller
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - C Agreiter
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - L H Castilla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - R Delwel
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Di Ruscio
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - A K Ebralidze
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - M Forte
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - F Grebien
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - E Heyes
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - L Kazianka
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - J Klinger
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - C Kornauth
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - T Le
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - K Lind
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - I A M Barbosa
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - T Pemovska
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - A Pichler
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - A-S Schmolke
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - C M Schweicker
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - H Sill
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - W R Sperr
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - A Spittler
- Core Facility Flow Cytometry and Surgical Research Laboratories, and
| | - S Surapally
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI
| | - B Q Trinh
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - P Valent
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Vanura
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
| | - R S Welner
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and
| | - J Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - D G Tenen
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - P B Staber
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, and
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21
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Radaeva M, Ton AT, Hsing M, Ban F, Cherkasov A. Drugging the 'undruggable'. Therapeutic targeting of protein-DNA interactions with the use of computer-aided drug discovery methods. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2660-2679. [PMID: 34332092 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) act as major oncodrivers in many cancers and are frequently regarded as high-value therapeutic targets. The functionality of TFs relies on direct protein-DNA interactions, which are notoriously difficult to target with small molecules. However, this prior view of the 'undruggability' of protein-DNA interfaces has shifted substantially in recent years, in part because of significant advances in computer-aided drug discovery (CADD). In this review, we highlight recent examples of successful CADD campaigns resulting in drug candidates that directly interfere with protein-DNA interactions of several key cancer TFs, including androgen receptor (AR), ETS-related gene (ERG), MYC, thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX), topoisomerase II (TOP2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Importantly, these findings open novel and compelling avenues for therapeutic targeting of over 1600 human TFs implicated in many conditions including and beyond cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Radaeva
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Anh-Tien Ton
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Michael Hsing
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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22
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Preleukemic and leukemic evolution at the stem cell level. Blood 2021; 137:1013-1018. [PMID: 33275656 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematological malignancies are an aggregate of diverse populations of cells that arise following a complex process of clonal evolution and selection. Recent approaches have facilitated the study of clonal populations and their evolution over time across multiple phenotypic cell populations. In this review, we present current concepts on the role of clonal evolution in leukemic initiation, disease progression, and relapse. We highlight recent advances and unanswered questions about the contribution of the hematopoietic stem cell population to these processes.
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23
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Gene Transcription as a Therapeutic Target in Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147340. [PMID: 34298959 PMCID: PMC8304797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood malignancies often arise from undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells or partially differentiated stem-like cells. A tight balance of multipotency and differentiation, cell division, and quiescence underlying normal hematopoiesis requires a special program governed by the transcriptional machinery. Acquisition of drug resistance by tumor cells also involves reprogramming of their transcriptional landscape. Limiting tumor cell plasticity by disabling reprogramming of the gene transcription is a promising strategy for improvement of treatment outcomes. Herein, we review the molecular mechanisms of action of transcription-targeted drugs in hematological malignancies (largely in leukemia) with particular respect to the results of clinical trials.
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24
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Jung J. Characterizing therapeutic signatures of transcription factors in cancer by incorporating profiles in compound treated cells. Bioinformatics 2021; 37:1008-1014. [PMID: 32886093 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Cancers are promoted by abnormal alterations in biological processes, such as cell cycle and apoptosis. An immediate reason for those aberrant processes is the deregulation of their involved transcription factors (TFs). Thus, the deregulated TFs in cancer have been experimented as successful therapeutic targets, such as RARA and RUNX1. This therapeutic strategy can be accelerated by characterizing new potential TF targets. RESULTS Two kinds of therapeutic signatures of TFs in A375 (skin) and HT29 (colon) cancer cells were characterized by analyzing TF activities under effective and ineffective compounds to cancer. First, the therapeutic TFs (TTs) were identified as the TFs that are significantly activated or repressed under effective compared to ineffective compounds. Second, the therapeutically correlated TF pairs (TCPs) were determined as the TF pairs whose activity correlations show substantial discrepancy between the effective and ineffective compounds. It was facilitated by incorporating (i)compound-induced gene expressions (LINCS), (ii) compound-induced cell viabilities (GDSC) and (iii) TF-target interactions (TRUST2). As a result, among 627 TFs, the 35 TTs (such as MYCN and TP53) and the 214 TCPs (such as FOXO3 and POU2F2 pair) were identified. The TTs and the proteins on the paths between TCPs were compared with the known therapeutic targets, tumor suppressors, oncogenes and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening, which yielded significant consequences. We expect that the results provide good candidates for therapeutic TF targets in cancer. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The data and Python implementations are available at https://github.com/jmjung83/TT_and_TCP. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmyung Jung
- Division of Data Science, College of Information and Communication Technology, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong 18323, Republic of Korea
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25
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Henley MJ, Koehler AN. Advances in targeting 'undruggable' transcription factors with small molecules. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:669-688. [PMID: 34006959 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) represent key biological players in diseases including cancer, autoimmunity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, outside nuclear receptors, TFs have traditionally been considered 'undruggable' by small-molecule ligands due to significant structural disorder and lack of defined small-molecule binding pockets. Renewed interest in the field has been ignited by significant progress in chemical biology approaches to ligand discovery and optimization, especially the advent of targeted protein degradation approaches, along with increasing appreciation of the critical role a limited number of collaborators play in the regulation of key TF effector genes. Here, we review current understanding of TF-mediated gene regulation, discuss successful targeting strategies and highlight ongoing challenges and emerging approaches to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Henley
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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26
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Abstract
The core binding factor composed of CBFβ and RUNX subunits plays a critical role in most hematopoietic lineages and is deregulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The fusion oncogene CBFβ-SMMHC expressed in AML with the chromosome inversion inv(16)(p13q22) acts as a driver oncogene in hematopoietic stem cells and induces AML. This review focuses on novel insights regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in CBFβ-SMMHC-driven leukemogenesis and recent advances in therapeutic approaches to target CBFβ-SMMHC in inv(16) AML.
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27
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Gonzales F, Barthélémy A, Peyrouze P, Fenwarth L, Preudhomme C, Duployez N, Cheok MH. Targeting RUNX1 in acute myeloid leukemia: preclinical innovations and therapeutic implications. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:299-309. [PMID: 33906574 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1915991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: RUNX1 is an essential transcription factor for normal and malignant hematopoiesis. RUNX1 forms a heterodimeric complex with CBFB. Germline mutations and somatic alterations (i.e. translocations, mutations and abnormal expression) are frequently associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1 mutations conferring unfavorable prognosis. Therefore, RUNX1 constitutes a potential innovative and interesting therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss recent therapeutic advances of RUNX1 targeting in AML.Areas covered: Firstly, we cover the clinical basis for RUNX1 targeting. We have subdivided recent therapeutic approaches either by common biochemical pathways or by similar pharmacological targets. Genome editing of RUNX1 induces anti-leukemic effects; however, off-target events prohibit clinical use. Several molecules inhibit the interaction between RUNX1/CBFB and control AML development and progression. BET protein antagonists target RUNX1 (i.e. specific BET inhibitors, BRD4 shRNRA, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) or expression-mimickers). All these molecules improve survival in mutant RUNX1 AML preclinical models.Expert opinion: Some of these novel molecules have shown encouraging anti-leukemic potency at the preclinical stage. A better understanding of RUNX1 function in AML development and progression and its key downstream pathways, may result in more precise and more efficient RUNX1 targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Gonzales
- Factors of Leukemic cell Persistence, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, IRCL, Canther, Lille, France.,Pediatric Hematology Department, University Hospital of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Adeline Barthélémy
- Factors of Leukemic cell Persistence, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, IRCL, Canther, Lille, France
| | - Pauline Peyrouze
- Factors of Leukemic cell Persistence, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, IRCL, Canther, Lille, France
| | - Laurène Fenwarth
- Factors of Leukemic cell Persistence, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, IRCL, Canther, Lille, France.,Laboratory of Hematology, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Claude Preudhomme
- Factors of Leukemic cell Persistence, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, IRCL, Canther, Lille, France.,Laboratory of Hematology, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Duployez
- Factors of Leukemic cell Persistence, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, IRCL, Canther, Lille, France.,Laboratory of Hematology, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Meyling H Cheok
- Factors of Leukemic cell Persistence, Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, IRCL, Canther, Lille, France
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28
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RUNX1 and CBFβ-SMMHC transactivate target genes together in abnormal myeloid progenitors for leukemia development. Blood 2021; 136:2373-2385. [PMID: 32929473 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020007747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inversion of chromosome 16 is a consistent finding in patients with acute myeloid leukemia subtype M4 with eosinophilia, which generates a CBFB-MYH11 fusion gene. It is generally considered that CBFβ-SMMHC, the fusion protein encoded by CBFB-MYH11, is a dominant negative repressor of RUNX1. However, recent findings challenge the RUNX1-repression model for CBFβ-SMMHC-mediated leukemogenesis. To definitively address the role of Runx1 in CBFB-MYH11-induced leukemia, we crossed conditional Runx1 knockout mice (Runx1f/f) with conditional Cbfb-MYH11 knockin mice (Cbfb+/56M). On Mx1-Cre activation in hematopoietic cells induced by poly (I:C) injection, all Mx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice developed leukemia in 5 months, whereas no leukemia developed in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice, and this effect was cell autonomous. Importantly, the abnormal myeloid progenitors (AMPs), a leukemia-initiating cell population induced by Cbfb-MYH11 in the bone marrow, decreased and disappeared in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice. RNA-seq analysis of AMP cells showed that genes associated with proliferation, differentiation blockage, and leukemia initiation were differentially expressed between Mx1-CreCbfb+/56M and Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice. In addition, with the chromatin immunocleavage sequencing assay, we observed a significant enrichment of RUNX1/CBFβ-SMMHC target genes in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M cells, especially among downregulated genes, suggesting that RUNX1 and CBFβ-SMMHC mainly function together as activators of gene expression through direct target gene binding. These data indicate that Runx1 is indispensable for Cbfb-MYH11-induced leukemogenesis by working together with CBFβ-SMMHC to regulate critical genes associated with the generation of a functional AMP population.
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29
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Sletta KY, Castells O, Gjertsen BT. Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:654817. [PMID: 33842370 PMCID: PMC8027480 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.654817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive heterogeneous blood cancer derived from hematopoietic stem cells. Tumor-stromal interactions in AML are of importance for disease development and therapy resistance, and bone marrow stroma seem like an attractive therapeutic target. Of particular interest is colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R, M-CSFR, c-FMS, CD115) and its role in regulating plasticity of tumor-associated macrophages. We discuss first the potential of CSF1R-targeted therapy as an attractive concept with regards to the tumor microenvironment in the bone marrow niche. A second therapy approach, supported by preclinical research, also suggests that CSF1R-targeted therapy may increase the beneficial effect of conventional and novel therapeutics. Experimental evidence positioning inhibitors of CSF1R as treatment should, together with data from preclinical and early phase clinical trials, facilitate translation and clinical development of CSF1R-targeted therapy for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Yttersian Sletta
- CCBIO, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, Precision Oncology Research Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Oriol Castells
- Department of Medicine, Hematology Section, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Tore Gjertsen
- CCBIO, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, Precision Oncology Research Group, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Hematology Section, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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30
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Swart LE, Heidenreich O. The RUNX1/RUNX1T1 network: translating insights into therapeutic options. Exp Hematol 2021; 94:1-10. [PMID: 33217477 PMCID: PMC7854360 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RUNX1/RUNX1T1 is the most common fusion gene found in acute myeloid leukemia. Seminal contributions by many different research groups have revealed a complex regulatory network promoting leukemic self-renewal and propagation. Perturbation of RUNX1/RUNX1T1 levels and its DNA binding affects chromatin accessibility and transcription factor occupation at multiple gene loci associated with changes in gene expression levels. Exploration of this transcriptional program by targeted RNAi screens uncovered a crucial role of RUNX1/RUNX1T1 in cell cycle progression by regulating CCND2. This dependency results in a high vulnerability toward inhibitors of CDK4 and CDK6 and suggests new avenues for therapeutic intervention against acute myeloid leukemia.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Cycle
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Gene Regulatory Networks
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Protein Interaction Maps
- RUNX1 Translocation Partner 1 Protein/genetics
- RUNX1 Translocation Partner 1 Protein/metabolism
- Transcriptional Activation
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Swart
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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31
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Edginton-White B, Bonifer C. The transcriptional regulation of normal and malignant blood cell development. FEBS J 2021; 289:1240-1255. [PMID: 33511785 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Development of multicellular organisms requires the differential usage of our genetic information to change one cell fate into another. This process drives the appearance of different cell types that come together to form specialized tissues sustaining a healthy organism. In the last decade, by moving away from studying single genes toward a global view of gene expression control, a revolution has taken place in our understanding of how genes work together and how cells communicate to translate the information encoded in the genome into a body plan. The development of hematopoietic cells has long served as a paradigm of development in general. In this review, we highlight how transcription factors and chromatin components work together to shape the gene regulatory networks controlling gene expression in the hematopoietic system and to drive blood cell differentiation. In addition, we outline how this process goes astray in blood cancers. We also touch upon emerging concepts that place these processes firmly into their associated subnuclear structures adding another layer of the control of differential gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Edginton-White
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Constanze Bonifer
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Birmingham, UK
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32
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Zhou Y, Takacs GP, Lamba JK, Vulpe C, Cogle CR. Functional Dependency Analysis Identifies Potential Druggable Targets in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123710. [PMID: 33321907 PMCID: PMC7764352 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Refractory disease is a major challenge in treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Whereas the armamentarium has expanded in the past few years for treating AML, long-term survival outcomes have yet to be proven. To further expand the arsenal for treating AML, we searched for druggable gene targets in AML by analyzing screening data from a lentiviral-based genome-wide pooled CRISPR-Cas9 library and gene knockout (KO) dependency scores in 15 AML cell lines (HEL, MV411, OCIAML2, THP1, NOMO1, EOL1, KASUMI1, NB4, OCIAML3, MOLM13, TF1, U937, F36P, AML193, P31FUJ). Ninety-four gene KOs met the criteria of (A) specifically essential to AML cell survival, (B) non-essential in non-AML cells, and (C) druggable according to three-dimensional (3D) modeling or ligand-based druggability scoring. Forty-four of 94 gene-KOs (47%) had an already-approved drug match and comprised a drug development list termed "deKO." Fifty of 94 gene-KOs (53%) had no drug in development and comprised a drug discovery list termed "disKO." STRING analysis and gene ontology categorization of the disKO targets preferentially cluster in the metabolic processes of UMP biosynthesis, IMP biosynthesis, dihydrofolate metabolism, pyrimidine nucleobase biosynthesis, vitellogenesis, and regulation of T cell differentiation and hematopoiesis. Results from this study serve as a testable compendium of AML drug targets that, after validation, may be translated into new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Zhou
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0278, USA; (Y.Z.); (G.P.T.)
| | - Gregory P. Takacs
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0278, USA; (Y.Z.); (G.P.T.)
| | - Jatinder K. Lamba
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0278, USA;
| | - Christopher Vulpe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0278, USA;
| | - Christopher R. Cogle
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0278, USA; (Y.Z.); (G.P.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(352)-273-7493; Fax: +1-(352)-273-5006
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Rao
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti; Medical College of Wisconsin
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34
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Khan I, Eklund EE, Gartel AL. Therapeutic Vulnerabilities of Transcription Factors in AML. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 20:229-237. [PMID: 33158995 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by impaired myeloid lineage differentiation, uncontrolled proliferation, and inhibition of proapoptotic pathways. In spite of a relatively homogeneous clinical disease presentation, risk of long-term survival in AML varies from 20% to 80% depending on molecular disease characteristics. In recognition of the molecular heterogeneity of AML, the European Leukemia Net (ELN) and WHO classification systems now incorporate cytogenetics and increasing numbers of gene mutations into AML prognostication. Several of the genomic AML subsets are characterized by unique transcription factor alterations that are highlighted in this review. There are many mechanisms of transcriptional deregulation in leukemia. We broadly classify transcription factors based on mechanisms of transcriptional deregulation including direct involvement of transcription factors in recurrent translocations, loss-of-function mutations, and intracellular relocalization. Transcription factors, due to their pleiotropic effects, have been attractive but elusive targets. Indirect targeting approaches include inhibition of upstream kinases such as TAK1 for suppression of NFκB signaling and downstream effectors such as FGF signaling in HOXA-upregulated leukemia. Other strategies include targeting scaffolding proteins like BrD4 in the case of MYC or coactivators such as menin to suppress HOX expression; disrupting critical protein interactions in the case of β-catenin:TCF/LEF, and preventing transcription factor binding to DNA as in the case of PU.1 or FOXM1. We comprehensively describe the mechanism of deregulation of transcription factors in genomic subsets of AML, consequent pathway addictions, and potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irum Khan
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elizabeth E Eklund
- Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois.
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Biswas A, Rajesh Y, Mitra P, Mandal M. ETV6 gene aberrations in non-haematological malignancies: A review highlighting ETV6 associated fusion genes in solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188389. [PMID: 32659251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
ETV6 (translocation-Ets-leukemia virus) gene is a transcriptional repressor mainly involved in haematopoiesis and maintenance of vascular networks and has developed to be a major oncogene with the potential ability of forming fusion partners with many other genes with carcinogenic consequences. ETV6 fusions function primarily by constitutive activation of kinase activity of the fusion partners, modifications in the normal functions of ETV6 transcription factor, loss of function of ETV6 or the partner gene and activation of a proto-oncogene near the site of translocation. The role of ETV6 fusion gene in tumorigenesis has been well-documented and more variedly found in haematological malignancies. However, the role of the ETV6 oncogene in solid tumors has also risen to prominence due to an increasing number of cases being reported with this malignancy. Since, solid tumors can be well-targeted, the diagnosis of this genre of tumors based on ETV6 malignancy is of crucial importance for treatment. This review highlights the important ETV6 associated fusions in solid tumors along with critical insights as to existing and novel means of targeting it. A consolidation of novel therapies such as immune, gene, RNAi, stem cell therapy and protein degradation hitherto unused in the case of ETV6 solid tumor malignancies may open further therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angana Biswas
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Yetirajam Rajesh
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Pralay Mitra
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
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Riddell A, McBride M, Braun T, Nicklin SA, Cameron E, Loughrey CM, Martin TP. RUNX1: an emerging therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:1410-1423. [PMID: 32154891 PMCID: PMC7314639 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor-1 (RUNX1), also known as acute myeloid leukaemia 1 protein (AML1), is a member of the core-binding factor family of transcription factors which modulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in multiple systems. It is a master-regulator transcription factor, which has been implicated in diverse signalling pathways and cellular mechanisms during normal development and disease. RUNX1 is best characterized for its indispensable role for definitive haematopoiesis and its involvement in haematological malignancies. However, more recently RUNX1 has been identified as a key regulator of adverse cardiac remodelling following myocardial infarction. This review discusses the role RUNX1 plays in the heart and highlights its therapeutic potential as a target to limit the progression of adverse cardiac remodelling and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Riddell
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Martin McBride
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Thomas Braun
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstr. 43, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Stuart A Nicklin
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Ewan Cameron
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Garscube Campus, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Christopher M Loughrey
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Tamara P Martin
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Lee J, Cha H, Park TH, Park JH. Enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells by direct delivery of Cbfβ protein. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:2897-2910. [PMID: 32510167 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Core binding factor β (Cbfβ) is a non-DNA binding cofactor of Runx2 that potentiates DNA binding. Previously, it has been reported that Cbfβ plays an essential role in osteogenic differentiation and skeletal development by inhibition adipogenesis. Here, we delivered the recombinant Cbfβ protein into human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and triggered osteogenic lineage commitment. The efficient delivery of Cbfβ was achieved by fusing 30Kc19 protein, which is a cell-penetrating protein derived from the silkworm. After the production of the recombinant Cbfβ-30Kc19 protein in the Escherichia coli expression system, and confirmation of its intracellular delivery, MSCs were treated with the Cbfβ-30Kc19 once or twice up to 300 µg/ml. By investigating the upregulation of osteoblast-specific genes and phenotypical changes, such as calcium mineralization, we demonstrated that Cbfβ-30Kc19 efficiently induced osteogenic differentiation in MSCs. At the same time, Cbfβ-30Kc19 suppressed adipocyte formation and downregulated the expression of adipocyte-specific genes. Our results demonstrate that the intracellularly delivered Cbfβ-30Kc19 enhances osteogenesis in MSCs, whereas it suppresses adipogenesis by altering the transcriptional regulatory network involved in osteoblast-adipocyte lineage commitment. Cbfβ-30Kc19 holds great potential for the treatment of bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, by allowing transcriptional regulation in MSCs, and overcoming the limitations of current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyoung Lee
- Department of Medical Biomaterials Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjin Cha
- Department of Medical Biomaterials Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai Hyun Park
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Park
- Department of Medical Biomaterials Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
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Illiano M, Conte M, Salzillo A, Ragone A, Spina A, Nebbioso A, Altucci L, Sapio L, Naviglio S. The KDM Inhibitor GSKJ4 Triggers CREB Downregulation via a Protein Kinase A and Proteasome-Dependent Mechanism in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:799. [PMID: 32582541 PMCID: PMC7289982 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a progressive hematopoietic-derived cancer arising from stepwise genetic mutations of the myeloid lineage. cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a nuclear transcription factor, which plays a key role in the multistep process of leukemogenesis, thus emerging as an attractive potential drug target for AML treatment. Since epigenetic dysregulations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, as well as chromatin remodeling, are a frequent occurrence in AML, an increasing and selective number of epi-drugs are emerging as encouraging therapeutic agents. Here, we demonstrate that the histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) JMJD3/UTX inhibitor GSKJ4 results in both proliferation decrease and CREB protein downregulation in AML cells. We found that GSKJ4 clearly decreases CREB protein, but not CREB mRNA levels. By cycloheximide assay, we provide evidence that GSKJ4 reduces CREB protein stability; moreover, proteasome inhibition largely counteracts the GSKJ4-induced CREB downregulation. Very interestingly, a rapid CREB phosphorylation at the Ser133 residue precedes CREB protein decrease in response to GSKJ4 treatment. In addition, protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 inhibition, almost completely prevents both GSKJ4-induced p-Ser133-CREB phosphorylation and CREB protein downregulation. Overall, our study enforces the evidence regarding CREB as a potential druggable target, identifies the small epigenetic molecule GSKJ4 as an “inhibitor” of CREB, and encourages the design of future GSKJ4-based studies for the development of innovative approaches for AML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Illiano
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Conte
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Salzillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Ragone
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Spina
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Nebbioso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Sapio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvio Naviglio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
Transcription factors in the bHLH family are potentially relevant for tumor growth. Activation requires homodimerization or heterodimerization. Thus, the dimerization step is a likely significant drug target. The oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (OLIG2) is overexpressed in gliomas. Here, we developed a fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy protocol to examine 10 compounds selected using a pharmacophore-based computational strategy targeting OLIG2 dimerization. We showed that the potency to interact with OLIG2 dimerization in live cells correlates with carcinostatic efficacy. The data indicate a promising approach toward drug development targeting transcription factor overactivity and protein–protein interaction more generally. Transcription factors (TFs) are fundamental in the regulation of gene expression in the development and differentiation of cells. They may act as oncogenes and when overexpressed in tumors become plausible targets for the design of antitumor agents. Homodimerization or heterodimerization of TFs are required for DNA binding and the association interface between subunits, for the design of allosteric modulators, appears as a privileged structure for the pharmacophore-based computational strategy. Based on this strategy, a set of compounds were earlier identified as potential suppressors of OLIG2 dimerization and found to inhibit tumor growth in a mouse glioblastoma cell line and in a whole-animal study. To investigate whether the antitumor activity is due to the predicted mechanism of action, we undertook a study of OLIG2 dimerization using fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) of live HEK cells transfected with 2 spectrally different OLIG2 clones. The selected compounds showed an effect with potency, which correlated with the earlier observed antitumor activity. The OLIG2 proteins showed change in diffusion time under compound treatment in line with dissociation from DNA. The data suggest a general approach of drug discovery based on the design of allosteric modulators of protein–protein interaction.
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Abstract
Mutated or dysregulated transcription factors represent a unique class of drug targets that mediate aberrant gene expression, including blockade of differentiation and cell death gene expression programmes, hallmark properties of cancers. Transcription factor activity is altered in numerous cancer types via various direct mechanisms including chromosomal translocations, gene amplification or deletion, point mutations and alteration of expression, as well as indirectly through non-coding DNA mutations that affect transcription factor binding. Multiple approaches to target transcription factor activity have been demonstrated, preclinically and, in some cases, clinically, including inhibition of transcription factor-cofactor protein-protein interactions, inhibition of transcription factor-DNA binding and modulation of levels of transcription factor activity by altering levels of ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasome degradation or by inhibition of regulators of transcription factor expression. In addition, several new approaches to targeting transcription factors have recently emerged including modulation of auto-inhibition, proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs), use of cysteine reactive inhibitors, targeting intrinsically disordered regions of transcription factors and combinations of transcription factor inhibitors with kinase inhibitors to block the development of resistance. These innovations in drug development hold great promise to yield agents with unique properties that are likely to impact future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Hao Y, Zhang N, Wei N, Yin H, Zhang Y, Xu H, Zhu C, Li D. Matrine induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:2891-2896. [PMID: 31452769 PMCID: PMC6704321 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrine has been demonstrated to exert anticancer effects on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines. However, the mechanisms of matrine in AML remain largely unknown. The present study investigated the anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of matrine on human AML cells in vitro. THP-1 cell lines were cultured and treated with different doses of matrine (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 g/l). The effects of matrine on the cell proliferation were assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The apoptotic effects were evaluated by DAPI and annexin V/propidium iodide staining assays. The effects of the drug on phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/ mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) protein expression were studied by western blot analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that matrine suppressed the viability of THP-1 cells. The anticancer effects were identified to be dose-dependent and the IC50 value was 1.2 g/l in THP-1 cells. Matrine inhibited cell viability and induced cell apoptosis of AML cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, it was observed that matrine decreased the expression of phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR remained almost unaltered. These findings indicated that matrine may inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis of AML cells and may be a novel effective chemotherapeutic agent against AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Nannan Wei
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Yin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Chaomang Zhu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Duojie Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
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Maniaci C, Ciulli A. Bifunctional chemical probes inducing protein-protein interactions. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 52:145-156. [PMID: 31419624 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inducing biomolecular interactions with synthetic molecules to impact biological function is a concept of enormous appeal. Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in designing bispecific molecules that serve as bridging agents to bring proteins together. Pioneering structural and biophysical investigation of ternary complexes formed by mono-functional and bifunctional ligands highlights that proximity-induced stabilization or de novo formation of protein-protein interactions is a common feature of their molecular recognition. In this review, we illustrate these concepts and advances with representative case studies, and highlight progress over the past three years, with particular focus on recruitment to E3 ubiquitin ligases by 'molecular glues' and chimeric dimerizers (PROTACs) for targeted protein degradation. This approach promises to significantly expand the range of tractable targets for chemical biology and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Maniaci
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, DD1 5EH, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, DD1 5EH, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
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Chae HD, Cox N, Capolicchio S, Lee JW, Horikoshi N, Kam S, Ng AA, Edwards J, Butler TL, Chan J, Lee Y, Potter G, Capece MC, Liu CW, Wakatsuki S, Smith M, Sakamoto KM. SAR optimization studies on modified salicylamides as a potential treatment for acute myeloid leukemia through inhibition of the CREB pathway. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:2307-2315. [PMID: 31253529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) provides a potential new strategy to address acute leukemia, a disease associated with poor prognosis, and for which conventional treatment options often carry a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. We describe the structure-activity relationships (SAR) for a series of XX-650-23 derived from naphthol AS-E phosphate that disrupts binding and activation of CREB by the CREB-binding protein (CBP). Through the development of this series, we identified several salicylamides that are potent inhibitors of acute leukemia cell viability through inhibition of CREB-CBP interaction. Among them, a biphenyl salicylamide, compound 71, was identified as a potent inhibitor of CREB-CBP interaction with improved physicochemical properties relative to previously described derivatives of naphthol AS-E phosphate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Don Chae
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nick Cox
- Medicinal Chemistry Knowledge Center, Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford, CA, USA; Presently at Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle, Inc., USA
| | | | - Jae Wook Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Naoki Horikoshi
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Sharon Kam
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrew A Ng
- Medicinal Chemistry Knowledge Center, Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Edwards
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tae-León Butler
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Justin Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yvonne Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Garrett Potter
- Medicinal Chemistry Knowledge Center, Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mark C Capece
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Corey W Liu
- Macromolecular Structure Knowledge Center, Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Soichi Wakatsuki
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; BioSciences Division, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Mark Smith
- Medicinal Chemistry Knowledge Center, Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Sakamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Laying the foundation for genomically-based risk assessment in chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2019; 33:1835-1850. [PMID: 31209280 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0512-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Outcomes for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have substantially improved due to advances in drug development and rational treatment intervention strategies. Despite these significant advances there are still unanswered questions on patient management regarding how to more reliably predict treatment failure at the time of diagnosis and how to select frontline tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for optimal outcome. The BCR-ABL1 transcript level at diagnosis has no established prognostic impact and cannot guide frontline TKI selection. BCR-ABL1 mutations are detected in ~50% of TKI resistant patients but are rarely responsible for primary resistance. Other resistance mechanisms are largely uncharacterized and there are no other routine molecular testing strategies to facilitate the evaluation and further stratification of TKI resistance. Advances in next-generation sequencing technology has aided the management of a growing number of other malignancies, enabling the incorporation of somatic mutation profiles in diagnosis, classification, and prognostication. A largely unexplored area in CML research is whether expanded genomic analysis at diagnosis, resistance, and disease transformation can enhance patient management decisions, as has occurred for other cancers. The aim of this article is to review publications that reported mutated cancer-associated genes in CML patients at various disease phases. We discuss the frequency and type of such variants at initial diagnosis and at the time of treatment failure and transformation. Current limitations in the evaluation of mutants and recommendations for future reporting are outlined. The collective evaluation of mutational studies over more than a decade suggests a limited set of cancer-associated genes are indeed recurrently mutated in CML and some at a relatively high frequency. Genomic studies have the potential to lay the foundation for improved diagnostic risk classification according to clinical and genomic risk, and to enable more precise early identification of TKI resistance.
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Use of polymeric CXCR4 inhibitors as siRNA delivery vehicles for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 27:45-55. [PMID: 31028289 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0095-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults and is associated with poor long-term survival often owing to relapse. Current treatments for AML are associated with considerable toxicity and are frequently not effective after relapse. Thus, it is important to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Short interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics targeting key oncogenes have been proposed as treatments for AML. We recently developed novel siRNA delivery polycations (PCX) based on AMD3100 (plerixafor), an FDA-approved inhibitor of the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Inhibitors of CXCR4 have been shown to sensitize leukemia cells to chemotherapy. Therefore, PCX has the potential to target leukemia cells via two mechanisms: inhibition of CXCR4 and delivery of siRNAs against critical genes. In this report, we show that PCX exerts a cytotoxic effect on leukemia cells more effectively than other CXCR4 inhibitors, including AMD3100. In addition, we show that PCX can deliver siRNAs against the transcription factor RUNX1 to mouse and human leukemia cells. Overall, our study provides the first evidence that dual-function PCX/siRNA nanoparticles can simultaneously inhibit CXCR4 and deliver siRNAs, targeting key oncogenes in leukemia cells and that PCX/siRNA has clinical potential for the treatment of AML.
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Ortmayr K, Dubuis S, Zampieri M. Metabolic profiling of cancer cells reveals genome-wide crosstalk between transcriptional regulators and metabolism. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1841. [PMID: 31015463 PMCID: PMC6478870 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional reprogramming of cellular metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. However, systematic approaches to study the role of transcriptional regulators (TRs) in mediating cancer metabolic rewiring are missing. Here, we chart a genome-scale map of TR-metabolite associations in human cells using a combined computational-experimental framework for large-scale metabolic profiling of adherent cell lines. By integrating intracellular metabolic profiles of 54 cancer cell lines with transcriptomic and proteomic data, we unraveled a large space of associations between TRs and metabolic pathways. We found a global regulatory signature coordinating glucose- and one-carbon metabolism, suggesting that regulation of carbon metabolism in cancer may be more diverse and flexible than previously appreciated. Here, we demonstrate how this TR-metabolite map can serve as a resource to predict TRs potentially responsible for metabolic transformation in patient-derived tumor samples, opening new opportunities in understanding disease etiology, selecting therapeutic treatments and in designing modulators of cancer-related TRs. Aberrant gene expression in cancer coincides with drastic changes in metabolism. Here, the authors combined metabolome, transcriptome and proteome data in 54 cancer cell lines to uncover a genome-scale network of associations between transcriptional regulators and metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Ortmayr
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Dubuis
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Zampieri
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Ni D, Lu S, Zhang J. Emerging roles of allosteric modulators in the regulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs): A new paradigm for PPI drug discovery. Med Res Rev 2019; 39:2314-2342. [PMID: 30957264 DOI: 10.1002/med.21585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are closely implicated in various types of cellular activities and are thus pivotal to health and disease states. Given their fundamental roles in a wide range of biological processes, the modulation of PPIs has enormous potential in drug discovery. However, owing to the general properties of large, flat, and featureless interfaces of PPIs, previous attempts have demonstrated that the generation of therapeutic agents targeting PPI interfaces is challenging, rendering them almost "undruggable" for decades. To date, rapid progress in chemical and structural biology techniques has promoted the exploitation of allostery as a novel approach in drug discovery. By attaching to allosteric sites that are topologically and spatially distinct from PPI interfaces, allosteric modulators can achieve improved physiochemical properties. Thus, allosteric modulators may represent an alternative strategy to target intractable PPIs and have attracted intense pharmaceutical interest. In this review, we first briefly introduce the characteristics of PPIs and then present different approaches for investigating PPIs, as well as the latest methods for modulating PPIs. Importantly, we comprehensively review the recent progress in the development of allosteric modulators to inhibit or stabilize PPIs. Finally, we conclude with future perspectives on the discovery of allosteric PPI modulators, especially the application of computational methods to aid in allosteric PPI drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Ni
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Clinical and Fundamental Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Clinical and Fundamental Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Clinical and Fundamental Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Single-Cell Omics, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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48
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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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49
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Kuhlen M, Klusmann JH, Hoell JI. Molecular Approaches to Treating Pediatric Leukemias. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:368. [PMID: 31555628 PMCID: PMC6742719 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, striking progress has been made in the treatment of pediatric leukemia, approaching 90% overall survival in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 75% in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This has mainly been achieved through multiagent chemotherapy including CNS prophylaxis and risk-adapted therapy within collaborative clinical trials. However, prognosis in children with refractory or relapsed leukemia remains poor and has not significantly improved despite great efforts. Hence, more effective and less toxic therapies are urgently needed. Our understanding of disease biology, molecular drivers, drug resistance and, thus, the possibility to identify children at high-risk for treatment failure has significantly improved in recent years. Moreover, several new drugs targeting key molecular pathways involved in leukemia development, cell growth, and proliferation have been developed and approved. These striking achievements are linked to the great hope to further improve survival in children with refractory and relapsed leukemia. This review gives an overview on current molecularly targeted therapies in children with leukemia, including kinase, and proteasome inhibitors, epigenetic and enzyme targeting, as well as apoptosis regulators among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kuhlen
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, University Children's Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Henning Klusmann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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50
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Currie SL, Warner SL, Vankayalapati H, Liu XH, Sharma S, Bearss DJ, Graves BJ. Development of High-Throughput Screening Assays for Inhibitors of ETS Transcription Factors. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2019; 24:77-85. [PMID: 30204534 PMCID: PMC7416497 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218798571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
ETS transcription factors from the ERG and ETV1/4/5 subfamilies are overexpressed in the majority of prostate cancer patients and contribute to disease progression. Here, we have developed two in vitro assays for the interaction of ETS transcription factors with DNA that are amenable to high-throughput screening. Using ETS1 as a model, we applied these assays to screen 110 compounds derived from a high-throughput virtual screen. We found that the use of lower-affinity DNA binding sequences, similar to those that ERG and ETV1 bind to in prostate cells, allowed for higher inhibition from many of these test compounds. Further pilot experiments demonstrated that the in vitro assays are robust for ERG, ETV1, and ETV5, three of the ETS transcription factors that are overexpressed in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon L. Currie
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-5550, USA
| | - Stephen L. Warner
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-5550, USA
- Current Address: Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lehi, UT, 84043-5563, USA
| | - Hariprasad Vankayalapati
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-5550, USA
| | - Xiao-Hui Liu
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-5550, USA
| | - Sunil Sharma
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-5550, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - David J. Bearss
- Center for Investigational Therapeutics, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-5550, USA
- Current Address: Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lehi, UT, 84043-5563, USA
| | - Barbara J. Graves
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-5550, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815-6789, USA
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