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Mars JC, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KL. eIF4E orchestrates mRNA processing, RNA export and translation to modify specific protein production. Nucleus 2024; 15:2360196. [PMID: 38880976 PMCID: PMC11185188 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2360196] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E acts as a multifunctional factor that simultaneously influences mRNA processing, export, and translation in many organisms. Its multifactorial effects are derived from its capacity to bind to the methyl-7-guanosine cap on the 5'end of mRNAs and thus can act as a cap chaperone for transcripts in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In this review, we describe the multifactorial roles of eIF4E in major mRNA-processing events including capping, splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, nuclear export and translation. We discuss the evidence that eIF4E acts at two levels to generate widescale changes to processing, export and ultimately the protein produced. First, eIF4E alters the production of components of the mRNA processing machinery, supporting a widescale reprogramming of multiple mRNA processing events. In this way, eIF4E can modulate mRNA processing without physically interacting with target transcripts. Second, eIF4E also physically interacts with both capped mRNAs and components of the RNA processing or translation machineries. Further, specific mRNAs are sensitive to eIF4E only in particular mRNA processing events. This selectivity is governed by the presence of cis-acting elements within mRNAs known as USER codes that recruit relevant co-factors engaging the appropriate machinery. In all, we describe the molecular bases for eIF4E's multifactorial function and relevant regulatory pathways, discuss the basis for selectivity, present a compendium of ~80 eIF4E-interacting factors which play roles in these activities and provide an overview of the relevance of its functions to its oncogenic potential. Finally, we summarize early-stage clinical studies targeting eIF4E in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Clément Mars
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine L.B. Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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2
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Zhang J, Jin H, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Gu L, Lin G, Lin C, Wang Q. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E regulates flowering and circadian rhythm in Arabidopsis. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39145515 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Translation initiation is a critical, rate-limiting step in protein synthesis. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) plays an essential role in this process. However, the mechanisms by which eIF4E-dependent translation initiation regulates plant growth and development remain not fully understood. In this study, we found that Arabidopsis eIF4E proteins are distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, with only the cytoplasmic eIF4E being involved in the control of photoperiodic flowering. Genome-wide translation profiling using Ribo-tag sequencing reveals that eIF4E may regulate plant flowering by maintaining the homeostatic translation of components in the photoperiodic flowering pathway. eIF4E not only regulates the translation of flowering genes such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and FLOWERING LOCUS D (FLD) but also influences the translation of circadian genes like CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) and PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 9 (PRR9). Consistently, our results show that the eIF4E modulates the rhythmic oscillation of the circadian clock. Together, our study provides mechanistic insights into how the protein translation regulates multiple developmental processes in Arabidopsis, including the circadian clock and photoperiodic flowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yadi Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lianfeng Gu
- College of Life Sciences, Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guifang Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chentao Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Basic Forestry and Proteomics Research Center, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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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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Borden KLB. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E unexpectedly acts in splicing thereby coupling mRNA processing with translation: eIF4E induces widescale splicing reprogramming providing system-wide connectivity between splicing, nuclear mRNA export and translation. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300145. [PMID: 37926700 PMCID: PMC11021180 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300145] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings position the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E as a novel modulator of mRNA splicing, a process that impacts the form and function of resultant proteins. eIF4E physically interacts with the spliceosome and with some intron-containing transcripts implying a direct role in some splicing events. Moreover, eIF4E drives the production of key components of the splicing machinery underpinning larger scale impacts on splicing. These drive eIF4E-dependent reprogramming of the splicing signature. This work completes a series of studies demonstrating eIF4E acts in all the major mRNA maturation steps whereby eIF4E drives production of the RNA processing machinery and escorts some transcripts through various maturation steps. In this way, eIF4E couples the mRNA processing-export-translation axis linking nuclear mRNA processing to cytoplasmic translation. eIF4E elevation is linked to worse outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia patients where these activities are dysregulated. Understanding these effects provides new insight into post-transcriptional control and eIF4E-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. B. Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell BiologyUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
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5
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Assouline S, Gasiorek J, Bergeron J, Lambert C, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Cocolakis E, Zakaria C, Szlachtycz D, Yee K, Borden KLB. Molecular targeting of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes in high-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia patients: a randomized phase II trial of vismodegib, ribavirin with or without decitabine. Haematologica 2023; 108:2946-2958. [PMID: 36951168 PMCID: PMC10620574 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance underpins poor outcomes in many malignancies including refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML). Glucuronidation is a common mechanism of drug inactivation impacting many AML therapies, e.g., cytarabine, decitabine, azacytidine and venetoclax. In AML cells, the capacity for glucuronidation arises from increased production of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A (UGT1A) enzymes. UGT1A elevation was first observed in AML patients who relapsed after response to ribavirin, a drug used to target the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, and subsequently in patients who relapsed on cytarabine. UGT1A elevation resulted from increased expression of the sonic-hedgehog transcription factor GLI1. Vismodegib inhibited GLI1, decreased UGT1A levels, reduced glucuronidation of ribavirin and cytarabine, and re-sensitized cells to these drugs. Here, we examined if UGT1A protein levels, and thus glucuronidation activity, were targetable in humans and if this corresponded to clinical response. We conducted a phase II trial using vismodegib with ribavirin, with or without decitabine, in largely heavily pre-treated patients with high-eIF4E AML. Pre-therapy molecular assessment of patients' blasts indicated highly elevated UGT1A levels relative to healthy volunteers. Among patients with partial response, blast response or prolonged stable disease, vismodegib reduced UGT1A levels, which corresponded to effective targeting of eIF4E by ribavirin. In all, our studies are the first to demonstrate that UGT1A protein, and thus glucuronidation, are targetable in humans. These studies pave the way for the development of therapies that impair glucuronidation, one of the most common drug deactivation modalities. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02073838.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Assouline
- Jewish General Hospital and McGill University 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T1E2.
| | - Jadwiga Gasiorek
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Julie Bergeron
- CEMTL installation Maisonneuve Rosemont, 5415 boul. de l'Assomption, Montreal H1T 2M4
| | - Caroline Lambert
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Eftihia Cocolakis
- Jewish General Hospital and McGill University 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T1E2
| | - Chadi Zakaria
- Jewish General Hospital and McGill University 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T1E2
| | - David Szlachtycz
- Jewish General Hospital and McGill University 3755 Cote Ste Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T1E2
| | - Karen Yee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec.
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Chen X, An Y, Tan M, Xie D, Liu L, Xu B. Biological functions and research progress of eIF4E. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1076855. [PMID: 37601696 PMCID: PMC10435865 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1076855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E can specifically bind to the cap structure of an mRNA 5' end, mainly regulating translation initiation and preferentially enhancing the translation of carcinogenesis related mRNAs. The expression of eIF4E is closely related to a variety of malignant tumors. In tumor cells, eIF4E activity is abnormally increased, which stimulates cell growth, metastasis and translation of related proteins. The main factors affecting eIF4E activity include intranuclear regulation, phosphorylation of 4EBPs, and phosphorylation and sumoylation of eIF4E. In this review, we summarize the biological functions and the research progress of eIF4E, the main influencing factors of eIF4E activity, and the recent progress of drugs targeting eIF4E, in the hope of providing new insights for the treatment of multiple malignancies and development of targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Fenyang College of Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, China
| | - Yang An
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Fenyang College of Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, China
| | - Mengsi Tan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Fenyang College of Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, China
| | - Dongrui Xie
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Fenyang College of Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Fenyang College of Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lvliang for Clinical Molecular Diagnostics, Fenyang, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fenyang Hospital of Shanxi Province, Fenyang, China
| | - Benjin Xu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Fenyang College of Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Lvliang for Clinical Molecular Diagnostics, Fenyang, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fenyang Hospital of Shanxi Province, Fenyang, China
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7
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Huang Q, Mo J, Yang H, Ji Y, Huang R, Liu Y, Pan Y. Analysis of m7G-Related signatures in the tumour immune microenvironment and identification of clinical prognostic regulators in breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:583. [PMID: 37353728 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11012-z] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a malignant tumour that seriously threatens women's life and health and exhibits high inter-individual heterogeneity, emphasising the need for more in-depth research on its pathogenesis. While internal 7-methylguanosine (m7G) modifications affect RNA processing and function and are believed to be involved in human diseases, little is currently known about the role of m7G modification in breast cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS We elucidated the expression, copy number variation incidence and prognostic value of 24 m7G-related genes (m7GRGs) in breast cancer. Subsequently, based on the expression of these 24 m7GRGs, consensus clustering was used to divide tumour samples from the TCGA-BRCA dataset into four subtypes based on significant differences in their immune cell infiltration and stromal scores. Differentially expressed genes between subtypes were mainly enriched in immune-related pathways such as 'Ribosome', 'TNF signalling pathway' and 'Salmonella infection'. Support vector machines and multivariate Cox regression analysis were applied based on these 24 m7GRGs, and four m7GRGs-AGO2, EIF4E3, DPCS and EIF4E-were identified for constructing the prediction model. An ROC curve indicated that a nomogram model based on the risk model and clinical factors had strong ability to predict the prognosis of breast cancer. The prognoses of patients in the high- and low-TMB groups were significantly different (p = 0.03). Moreover, the four-gene signature was able to predict the response to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we identified four different subtypes of breast cancer with significant differences in the immune microenvironment and pathways. We elucidated prognostic biomarkers associated with breast cancer and constructed a prognostic model involving four m7GRGs. In addition, we predicted the candidate drugs related to breast cancer based on the prognosis model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, P.R. China
| | - Jianlan Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Huawei Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, P.R. China
| | - Yinan Ji
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, P.R. China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, P.R. China.
- Department of BreastBone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, China.
| | - You Pan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Research of Guangxi Department of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530000, P.R. China.
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8
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Fernandez A, Monsen PJ, Platanias LC, Schiltz GE. Medicinal chemistry approaches to target the MNK-eIF4E axis in cancer. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1060-1087. [PMID: 37360400 PMCID: PMC10285747 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00121k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant translation of proteins that promote cell proliferation is an essential factor that defines oncogenic processes and cancer. The process for ribosomal translation of proteins from mRNA requires an essential initiation step which is controlled by the protein eIF4E, which binds the RNA 5'-cap and forms the eIF4F complex that subsequently translates protein. Typically, eIF4E is activated by phosphorylation on Ser209 by MNK1 and MNK2 kinases. Substantial work has shown that eIF4E and MNK1/2 are dysregulated in many cancers and this axis has therefore become an active area of interest for developing new cancer therapeutics. This review summarizes and discusses recent work to develop small molecules that target different steps in the MNK-eIF4E axis as potential cancer therapeutics. The aim of this review is to cover the breadth of different molecular approaches being taken and the medicinal chemistry basis for their optimization and testing as new cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Paige J Monsen
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston IL 60208 USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Chicago IL 60611 USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Chicago IL 60611 USA
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center Chicago IL 60612 USA
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University Evanston IL 60208 USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Chicago IL 60611 USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago IL 60611 USA
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9
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Jackson JT, Nutt SL, McCormack MP. The Haematopoietically-expressed homeobox transcription factor: roles in development, physiology and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197490. [PMID: 37398663 PMCID: PMC10313424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Haematopoietically expressed homeobox transcription factor (Hhex) is a transcriptional repressor that is of fundamental importance across species, as evident by its evolutionary conservation spanning fish, amphibians, birds, mice and humans. Indeed, Hhex maintains its vital functions throughout the lifespan of the organism, beginning in the oocyte, through fundamental stages of embryogenesis in the foregut endoderm. The endodermal development driven by Hhex gives rise to endocrine organs such as the pancreas in a process which is likely linked to its role as a risk factor in diabetes and pancreatic disorders. Hhex is also required for the normal development of the bile duct and liver, the latter also importantly being the initial site of haematopoiesis. These haematopoietic origins are governed by Hhex, leading to its crucial later roles in definitive haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, lymphopoiesis and haematological malignancy. Hhex is also necessary for the developing forebrain and thyroid gland, with this reliance on Hhex evident in its role in endocrine disorders later in life including a potential role in Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the roles of Hhex in embryological development throughout evolution appear to be linked to its later roles in a variety of disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T. Jackson
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Nutt
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew P. McCormack
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- iCamuno Biotherapeutics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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10
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Takahashi S. Combination Therapies with Kinase Inhibitors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment. Hematol Rep 2023; 15:331-346. [PMID: 37367084 DOI: 10.3390/hematolrep15020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting kinase activity is considered to be an attractive therapeutic strategy to overcome acute myeloid leukemia (AML) since aberrant activation of the kinase pathway plays a pivotal role in leukemogenesis through abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation block. Although clinical trials for kinase modulators as single agents remain scarce, combination therapies are an area of therapeutic interest. In this review, the author summarizes attractive kinase pathways for therapeutic targets and the combination strategies for these pathways. Specifically, the review focuses on combination therapies targeting the FLT3 pathways, as well as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, CDK and CHK1 pathways. From a literature review, combination therapies with the kinase inhibitors appear more promising than monotherapies with individual agents. Therefore, the development of efficient combination therapies with kinase inhibitors may result in effective therapeutic strategies for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Takahashi
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai 983-8536, Japan
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11
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Istomine R, Al-Aubodah TA, Alvarez F, Smith JA, Wagner C, Piccirillo CA. The eIF4EBP-eIF4E axis regulates CD4 + T cell differentiation through modulation of T cell activation and metabolism. iScience 2023; 26:106683. [PMID: 37187701 PMCID: PMC10176268 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106683] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells are critical for adaptive immunity, differentiating into distinct effector and regulatory subsets. Although the transcriptional programs underlying their differentiation are known, recent research has highlighted the importance of mRNA translation in determining protein abundance. We previously conducted genome-wide analysis of translation in CD4+ T cells revealing distinct translational signatures distinguishing these subsets, identifying eIF4E as a central differentially translated transcript. As eIF4E is vital for eukaryotic translation, we examined how altered eIF4E activity affected T cell function using mice lacking eIF4E-binding proteins (BP-/-). BP-/- effector T cells showed elevated Th1 responses ex vivo and upon viral challenge with enhanced Th1 differentiation observed in vitro. This was accompanied by increased TCR activation and elevated glycolytic activity. This study highlights how regulating T cell-intrinsic eIF4E activity can influence T cell activation and differentiation, suggesting the eIF4EBP-eIF4E axis as a potential therapeutic target for controlling aberrant T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Istomine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Tho-Alfakar Al-Aubodah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Fernando Alvarez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jacob A. Smith
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carston Wagner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ciriaco A. Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Corresponding author
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Ghram M, Morris G, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Mars JC, Gendron P, Skrabanek L, Revuelta MV, Cerchietti L, Guzman ML, Borden KLB. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E reprograms alternative splicing. EMBO J 2023; 42:e110496. [PMID: 36843541 PMCID: PMC10068332 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant splicing is typically attributed to splice-factor (SF) mutation and contributes to malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we discovered a mutation-independent means to extensively reprogram alternative splicing (AS). We showed that the dysregulated expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E elevated selective splice-factor production, thereby impacting multiple spliceosome complexes, including factors mutated in AML such as SF3B1 and U2AF1. These changes generated a splicing landscape that predominantly supported altered splice-site selection for ~800 transcripts in cell lines and ~4,600 transcripts in specimens from high-eIF4E AML patients otherwise harboring no known SF mutations. Nuclear RNA immunoprecipitations, export assays, polysome analyses, and mutational studies together revealed that eIF4E primarily increased SF production via its nuclear RNA export activity. By contrast, eIF4E dysregulation did not induce known SF mutations or alter spliceosome number. eIF4E interacted with the spliceosome and some pre-mRNAs, suggesting its direct involvement in specific splicing events. eIF4E induced simultaneous effects on numerous SF proteins, resulting in a much larger range of splicing alterations than in the case of mutation or dysregulation of individual SFs and providing a novel paradigm for splicing control and dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghram
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gavin Morris
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Clement Mars
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Gendron
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucy Skrabanek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Applied Bioinformatics Core, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Victoria Revuelta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leandro Cerchietti
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica L Guzman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ekaterina Z, Daria S, Lyubov G, Ekaterina M, Varvara M, Diana G, Andrey M, Ekaterina L. Synthetic 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamides Induce Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3478-3487. [PMID: 38083885 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128275084231202153602] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies demonstrate the efficacy of ribavirin against various cancer types in in vitro and in vivo models. However, ribavirin induces the development of multiple side effects, suggesting a high demand for ribavirin analogues with improved therapeutic indexes. OBJECTIVE This study was focused on the analysis of ribavirin, its aglycon 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide, and several of its derivatives activities in blood cancer cells in vitro. METHODS Four 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized. Antiproliferative effects were evaluated in chronic myeloid leukemia cells К562 and acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells CCRF-SB as well as in the cells of whole blood mononuclear fraction of healthy volunteers by cell counting using the trypan blue exclusion method. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis under the influence of the compounds were analyzed by flow cytometry with PI staining, and then apoptosis data were confirmed by Western blot analysis for PARP1 and caspase-3 cleavage. RESULTS We demonstrated the significant antiproliferative effect of 5-(tetrahydropyran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3- carboxamide and 1-(tetrahydropyran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-carboxamide in leukemia cell lines in vitro in comparison to non-transformed monocytes, providing the rationale for further studies of 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as anti-leukemia drugs. CONCLUSION These results implied that the 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide derivatives exhibited their antiproliferative activities by induction of cell cycle arrest. Consequently, 5-(tetrahydropyran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide and 1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-carboxamide may present antimetabolites with potential anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidkova Ekaterina
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Ministry of Health of Russia, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Stepanycheva Daria
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA - Russian Technological University, 78 Vernadsky Avenue, Moscow 119571, Russia
| | - Grebenkina Lyubov
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA - Russian Technological University, 78 Vernadsky Avenue, Moscow 119571, Russia
| | - Mikhina Ekaterina
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA - Russian Technological University, 78 Vernadsky Avenue, Moscow 119571, Russia
| | - Maksimova Varvara
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Ministry of Health of Russia, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Grigoreva Diana
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Ministry of Health of Russia, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Matveev Andrey
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA - Russian Technological University, 78 Vernadsky Avenue, Moscow 119571, Russia
| | - Lesovaya Ekaterina
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Ministry of Health of Russia, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow 115478, Russia
- Faculty of Oncology, I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, 9 Vysokovol'tnaya St., Ryazan 390026, Russia
- Laboratory of Single Cell Biology, Friendship University of Russia, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117198, Russia
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14
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Naksawat M, Norkaew C, Charoensedtasin K, Roytrakul S, Tanyong D. Anti-leukemic effect of menthol, a peppermint compound, on induction of apoptosis and autophagy. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15049. [PMID: 36923503 PMCID: PMC10010179 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Menthol, a natural compound in peppermint leaves, has several biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer properties. This study revealed the anti-leukemic effects and its underlying mechanisms of the menthol related apoptosis signaling pathway and autophagy in both NB4 and Molt-4 leukemic cell lines. Methods Both leukemic cells were treated with menthol in various concentration. Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, whereas apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI and anti-LC3/FITC antibodies staining, respectively. Apoptotic and autophagic related gene and protein expression were detected using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Moreover, STITCH database was used to predicts the interaction between menthol and proposed proteins. Results Menthol significantly decreased cell viability in NB4 and Molt-4 cell lines in dose dependent manner. In combination of menthol and daunorubicin, synergistic cytotoxic effects were observed in leukemic cells. However, there was a minimal effect found on normal, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, menthol significantly induced apoptosis induction via upregulation of caspase-3, BAX, p53 and downregulation of MDM2 mRNA expression. Autophagy was also induced by menthol through upregulating ATG3 and downregulating mTOR mRNA expression. For protein expression, menthol significantly increased caspase-3 whereas decreased mTOR in both leukemic cells. Conclusions. These results suggest that menthol exhibits cytotoxic activities by inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and autophagy through activating the caspase cascade, altering BAX and p53/MDM2, and regulating autophagy via the ATG3/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashima Naksawat
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Chosita Norkaew
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Kantorn Charoensedtasin
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Proteomics Technology Laboratory, Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology for Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Dalina Tanyong
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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15
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Subramanian C, Spielbauer KK, Pearce R, Kovatch KJ, Prince ME, Timmermann BN, Cohen MS. Combination Treatment of Withalongolide a Triacetate with Cisplatin Induces Apoptosis by Targeting Translational Initiation, Migration, and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245398. [PMID: 36558560 PMCID: PMC9782118 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment regimens for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) typically include cisplatin and radiotherapy and are limited by toxicities. We have identified naturally derived withalongolide A triacetate (WGA-TA) from Physalis longifolia as a lead compound for targeting HNSCC. We hypothesized that combining WGA-TA with cisplatin may allow for lower, less toxic cisplatin doses. HNSCC cell lines were treated with WGA-TA and cisplatin. After treatment with the drugs, the cell viability was determined by MTS assay. The combination index was calculated using CompuSyn. The expression of proteins involved in the targeting of translational initiation complex, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and apoptosis were measured by western blot. Invasion and migration were measured using the Boyden-chamber assay. Treatment of MDA-1986 and UMSCC-22B cell lines with either WGA-TA or cisplatin alone for 72 h resulted in a dose dependent decrease in cell viability. Cisplatin in combination with WGA-TA resulted in significant synergistic cell death starting from 1.25 μM cisplatin. Combination treatment with WGA-TA resulted in lower cisplatin dosing while maintaining the downregulation of translational initiation complex proteins, the induction of apoptosis, and the blockade of migration, invasion, and EMT transition. These results suggest that combining a low concentration of cisplatin with WGA-TA may provide a safer, more effective therapeutic option for HNSCC that warrants translational validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Subramanian
- Departments of Surgery and Bioengineering, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (M.S.C.)
| | - Katie K. Spielbauer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Robin Pearce
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Mark E. Prince
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Mark S. Cohen
- Departments of Surgery and Bioengineering, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (M.S.C.)
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16
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Rubio A, Garland GD, Sfakianos A, Harvey RF, Willis AE. Aberrant protein synthesis and cancer development: The role of canonical eukaryotic initiation, elongation and termination factors in tumorigenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:151-165. [PMID: 35487398 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In tumourigenesis, oncogenes or dysregulated tumour suppressor genes alter the canonical translation machinery leading to a reprogramming of the translatome that, in turn, promotes the translation of selected mRNAs encoding proteins involved in proliferation and metastasis. It is therefore unsurprising that abnormal expression levels and activities of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), elongation factors (eEFs) or termination factors (eRFs) are associated with poor outcome for patients with a wide range of cancers. In this review we discuss how RNA binding proteins (RBPs) within the canonical translation factor machinery are dysregulated in cancers and how targeting such proteins is leading to new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rubio
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Gavin D Garland
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Aristeidis Sfakianos
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Robert F Harvey
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Anne E Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
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17
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Borden KL. Cancer cells hijack RNA processing to rewrite the message. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1447-1456. [PMID: 36282006 PMCID: PMC9704515 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220621] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Typically, cancer is thought to arise due to DNA mutations, dysregulated transcription and/or aberrant signalling. Recently, it has become clear that dysregulated mRNA processing, mRNA export and translation also contribute to malignancy. RNA processing events result in major modifications to the physical nature of mRNAs such as the addition of the methyl-7-guanosine cap, the removal of introns and the addition of polyA tails. mRNA processing is a critical determinant for the protein-coding capacity of mRNAs since these physical changes impact the efficiency by which a given transcript can be exported to the cytoplasm and translated into protein. While many of these mRNA metabolism steps were considered constitutive housekeeping activities, they are now known to be highly regulated with combinatorial and multiplicative impacts i.e. one event will influence the capacity to undergo others. Furthermore, alternative splicing and/or cleavage and polyadenylation can produce transcripts with alternative messages and new functionalities. The coordinated processing of groups of functionally related RNAs can potently re-wire signalling pathways, modulate survival pathways and even re-structure the cell. As postulated by the RNA regulon model, combinatorial regulation of these groups is achieved by the presence of shared cis-acting elements (known as USER codes) which recruit machinery for processing, export or translation. In all, dysregulated RNA metabolism in cancer gives rise to an altered proteome that in turn elicits biological responses related to malignancy. Studies of these events in cancer revealed new mechanisms underpinning malignancies and unearthed novel therapeutic opportunities. In all, cancer cells coopt RNA processing, export and translation to support their oncogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L.B. Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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18
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Borden K. The search for genetic dark matter and lessons learned from the journey. Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 100:276-281. [DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, I describe our scientific journey to unearth the impact of RNA metabolism in cancer using the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E as an exemplar. This model allowed us to discover new structural, biochemical, and molecular features of RNA processing, and to reveal their substantial impact on cell physiology. This led us to develop proof-of-principle strategies to target these pathways in cancer patients leading to clinical benefit. I discuss the important role that the unexpected plays in research and the necessity of embracing the data even when it clashes with dogma. I also touch on the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion to the success of the scientific enterprise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Borden
- University of Montreal, 5622, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Osborne MJ, Volpon L, Memarpooryazdi M, Pillay S, Thambipillai A, Czarnota S, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Trahan C, Oeffinger M, Cowling VH, L B Borden K. Identification and characterization of the interaction between the methyl-7-guanosine cap maturation enzyme RNMT and the cap-binding protein eIF4E. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167451. [PMID: 35026230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The control of RNA metabolism is an important aspect of molecular biology with wide-ranging impacts on cells. Central to processing of coding RNAs is the addition of the methyl-7 guanosine (m7G) "cap" on their 5' end. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E directly binds the m7G cap and through this interaction plays key roles in many steps of RNA metabolism including nuclear RNA export and translation. eIF4E also stimulates capping of many transcripts through its ability to drive the production of the enzyme RNMT which methylates the G-cap to form the mature m7G cap. Here, we found that eIF4E also physically associated with RNMT in human cells. Moreover, eIF4E directly interacted with RNMT in vitro. eIF4E is only the second protein reported to directly bind the methyltransferase domain of RNMT, the first being its co-factor RAM. We combined high-resolution NMR methods with biochemical studies to define the binding interfaces for the RNMT-eIF4E complex. Further, we found that eIF4E competes for RAM binding to RNMT and conversely, RNMT competes for binding of well-established eIF4E-binding partners such as the 4E-BPs. RNMT uses novel structural means to engage eIF4E. Finally, we observed that m7G cap-eIF4E-RNMT trimeric complexes form, and thus RNMT-eIF4E complexes may be employed so that eIF4E captures newly capped RNA. In all, we show for the first time that the cap-binding protein eIF4E directly binds to the cap-maturation enzyme RNMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Osborne
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Laurent Volpon
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mina Memarpooryazdi
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Subhadra Pillay
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Department of Biological Chemistry, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Aksharh Thambipillai
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sylwia Czarnota
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Christian Trahan
- Department for Systems Biology, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marlene Oeffinger
- Department for Systems Biology, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria H Cowling
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK, DD1 5EH
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Pavilion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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20
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Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KLB. Subcellular Fractionation Suitable for Studies of RNA and Protein Trafficking. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2502:91-104. [PMID: 35412233 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2337-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear pore complex is the major conduit for trafficking between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Nuclear import and export of both proteins and RNAs represent important functional steps for many biological processes. One of the major means to study NPC activity and the nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of proteins and RNAs is through biochemical fractionation. Here, we describe detailed methods to generate high quality nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions simultaneously capturing RNA and proteins which can be used subsequently for a wide array of biochemical characterizations including proteomics and next generation sequencings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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21
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Mars JC, Ghram M, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KLB. The Cap-Binding Complex CBC and the Eukaryotic Translation Factor eIF4E: Co-Conspirators in Cap-Dependent RNA Maturation and Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6185. [PMID: 34944805 PMCID: PMC8699206 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The translation of RNA into protein is a dynamic process which is heavily regulated during normal cell physiology and can be dysregulated in human malignancies. Its dysregulation can impact selected groups of RNAs, modifying protein levels independently of transcription. Integral to their suitability for translation, RNAs undergo a series of maturation steps including the addition of the m7G cap on the 5' end of RNAs, splicing, as well as cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA). Importantly, each of these steps can be coopted to modify the transcript signal. Factors that bind the m7G cap escort these RNAs through different steps of maturation and thus govern the physical nature of the final transcript product presented to the translation machinery. Here, we describe these steps and how the major m7G cap-binding factors in mammalian cells, the cap binding complex (CBC) and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, are positioned to chaperone transcripts through RNA maturation, nuclear export, and translation in a transcript-specific manner. To conceptualize a framework for the flow and integration of this genetic information, we discuss RNA maturation models and how these integrate with translation. Finally, we discuss how these processes can be coopted by cancer cells and means to target these in malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Clement Mars
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mehdi Ghram
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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22
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Construction and Validation of a Potent Epigenetic Modification-Related Prognostic Signature for Osteosarcoma Patients. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:2719172. [PMID: 34853590 PMCID: PMC8629625 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2719172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence has shown that tumorigenesis correlates with aberrant epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, RNA m6A modification, RNA binding proteins, and transcription factors. However, it is unclear that how epigenetic genes linked with alteration contribute to osteosarcoma's incidence and clinical prognosis. We developed an epigenetic modification-related prognostic model that may improve the diagnosis and prognosis of osteosarcoma. Methods We investigated the epigenetic modification-associated genes and their clinical significance in osteosarcoma in this research. Our gene transcriptome data were obtained from the TARGET database and the GEO database. Bioinformatics techniques were used to investigate their functionalities. The diagnostic and prognostic models were constructed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression. In addition, we developed a nomogram indicating the practicability of the prognostic model described above. Results A risk score model constructed based on four epigenetic modification-related genes (MYC, TERT, EIF4E3, and RBM34) can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma. Based on the risk score and clinical features, we constructed a nomogram. Conclusion Epigenetic modification-related genes have been identified as important prognostic markers that may assist in osteosarcoma therapy therapeutic decision-making.
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23
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Xu W, Kannan S, Verma CS, Nacro K. Update on the Development of MNK Inhibitors as Therapeutic Agents. J Med Chem 2021; 65:983-1007. [PMID: 34533957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases 1 and 2 (MNK1/2) represent a central class of enzymes that are activated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. MNK1 and MNK2 coordinate cellular signaling, control production of inflammatory chemokines, and regulate cell proliferation and survival. MNK1/2 are referred to as serine/threonine kinases as they phosphorylate serine or threonine residues on their substrates. Upon activation, MNK1/2 phosphorylate eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) at Ser209, which in turn initiates ribosome assembly and protein translation. Deleterious overexpression of MNK1/2 and/or eIF4E have been reported in several diseases including cancers, neurological disorders, autism, and inflammation. Recently, there have been intense efforts toward the development of potent and selective inhibitors of MNK1/2 in both academia and industry. Herein, we review the current understanding of the structural and biological aspects of MNK1/2 and provide an update of pharmacological inhibitors of MNK1/2 including candidates in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Xu
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), A*STAR, 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos #05-01, 138670, Singapore
| | | | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Kassoum Nacro
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), A*STAR, 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos #05-01, 138670, Singapore
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24
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Belpaire M, Ewbank B, Taminiau A, Bridoux L, Deneyer N, Marchese D, Lima-Mendez G, Baurain JF, Geerts D, Rezsohazy R. HOXA1 Is an Antagonist of ERα in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:609521. [PMID: 34490074 PMCID: PMC8417444 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.609521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and the leading cause of female cancer mortality worldwide. About 70% of breast cancers express ERα. HOX proteins are master regulators of embryo development which have emerged as being important players in oncogenesis. HOXA1 is one of them. Here, we present bioinformatic analyses of genome-wide mRNA expression profiles available in large public datasets of human breast cancer samples. We reveal an extremely strong opposite correlation between HOXA1 versus ER expression and that of 2,486 genes, thereby supporting a functional antagonism between HOXA1 and ERα. We also demonstrate in vitro that HOXA1 can inhibit ERα activity. This inhibition is at least bimodal, requiring an intact HOXA1 DNA-binding homeodomain and involving the DNA-binding independent capacity of HOXA1 to activate NF-κB. We provide evidence that the HOXA1-PBX interaction known to be critical for the transcriptional activity of HOXA1 is not involved in the ERα inhibition. Finally, we reveal that HOXA1 and ERα can physically interact but that this interaction is not essential for the HOXA1-mediated inhibition of ERα. Like other HOX oncoproteins interacting with ERα, HOXA1 could be involved in endocrine therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Belpaire
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Bruno Ewbank
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Taminiau
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Laure Bridoux
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Noémie Deneyer
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Damien Marchese
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Gipsi Lima-Mendez
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Baurain
- Pôle d'imagerie moléculaire, radiothérapie et oncologie (MIRO), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium.,King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centrum (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - René Rezsohazy
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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25
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Borden K, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Cowling VH. To cap it all off, again: dynamic capping and recapping of coding and non-coding RNAs to control transcript fate and biological activity. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:1347-1360. [PMID: 34241559 PMCID: PMC8344758 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1930929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The addition of the methyl-7-guanosine (m7G) “cap” on the 5' ends of coding and some non-coding RNAs is essential for their protein coding capacity and biochemical activity, respectively. It was previously considered that capping was a constitutive process that generates a complete cap on all transcripts at steady-state. However, development of new methodologies demonstrated that steady-state capping is a dynamic and regulatable feature of many coding and non-coding RNAs. Indeed, capping status of specific RNAs can flux during differentiation and development, thereby impacting on their protein-coding capacity and activity. Moreover, in some primary cancer specimens, capping can be elevated for transcripts encoding proteins involved in proliferation and survival corresponding to their increased protein levels. Overexpression of one of the capping enzymes (RNMT), the transcription factor MYC or the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E all led to increased levels of steady-state capping of selected transcripts. Additionally, transcripts can be decapped and recapped, allowing these to be sequestered until needed. This review provides a summary of the major advances in enzymatic and affinity-based approaches to quantify m7G capping. Further, we summarize the evidence for regulation of capping. Capping has emerged as a significant regulatory step in RNA metabolism which is poised to impact a myriad of biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klb Borden
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - B Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - V H Cowling
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK, UK
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26
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Weiss B, Allen GE, Kloehn J, Abid K, Jaquier-Gubler P, Curran JA. eIF4E3 forms an active eIF4F complex during stresses (eIF4FS) targeting mTOR and re-programs the translatome. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5159-5176. [PMID: 33893802 PMCID: PMC8136781 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The eIF4E are a family of initiation factors that bind the mRNA 5' cap, regulating the proteome and the cellular phenotype. eIF4E1 mediates global translation and its activity is controlled via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. mTOR down-regulation results in eIF4E1 sequestration into an inactive complex with the 4E binding proteins (4EBPs). The second member, eIF4E2, regulates the translatome during hypoxia. However, the exact function of the third member, eIF4E3, has remained elusive. We have dissected its function using a range of techniques. Starting from the observation that it does not interact with 4EBP1, we demonstrate that eIF4E3 recruitment into an eIF4F complex occurs when Torin1 inhibits the mTOR pathway. Ribo-seq studies demonstrate that this complex (eIF4FS) is translationally active during stress and that it selects specific mRNA populations based on 5' TL (UTR) length. The interactome reveals that it associates with cellular proteins beyond the cognate initiation factors, suggesting that it may have 'moon-lighting' functions. Finally, we provide evidence that cellular metabolism is altered in an eIF4E3 KO background but only upon Torin1 treatment. We propose that eIF4E3 acts as a second branch of the integrated stress response, re-programming the translatome to promote 'stress resistance' and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Weiss
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George Edward Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karim Abid
- Catecholamine and Peptides Laboratory, Service of Clinical Pharmacology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Jaquier-Gubler
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Alphonsus Curran
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Switzerland
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27
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Inhibitory effects of Tomivosertib in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2021; 12:955-966. [PMID: 34012509 PMCID: PMC8121614 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The MAPK-interacting kinases 1 and 2 (MNK1/2) have generated increasing interest as therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We evaluated the therapeutic potential of the highly-selective MNK1/2 inhibitor Tomivosertib on AML cells. Tomivosertib was highly effective at blocking eIF4E phosphorylation on serine 209 in AML cells. Such inhibitory effects correlated with dose-dependent suppression of cellular viability and leukemic progenitor colony formation. Moreover, combination of Tomivosertib and Venetoclax resulted in synergistic anti-leukemic responses in AML cell lines. Mass spectrometry studies identified novel putative MNK1/2 interactors, while in parallel studies we demonstrated that MNK2 - RAPTOR - mTOR complexes are not disrupted by Tomivosertib. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Tomivosertib exhibits potent anti-leukemic properties on AML cells and support the development of clinical translational efforts involving the use of this drug, alone or in combination with other therapies for the treatment of AML.
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28
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Evseeva MN, Dyikanov DT, Karagyaur MN, Prikazchikova TA, Sheptulina AF, Balashova MS, Zatsepin TS, Rubtsov YP, Kulebyakin KY. Hematopoietically-expressed homeobox protein HHEX regulates adipogenesis in preadipocytes. Biochimie 2021; 185:68-77. [PMID: 33677034 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a key health problem and is associated with a high risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Increased weight as well as dysregulation of adipocyte homeostasis are the main drivers of obesity. Pathological adipogenesis plays a central role in obesity-related complications such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and others. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in physiological and pathogenic adipogenesis can help to develop new strategies to prevent or cure obesity and related diseases. Previously, genetic polymorphisms in the HHEX gene that encodes the homeobox transcription factor HEX (PRH) were found to be associated with type 2 diabetes and high body mass index at birth by GWAS in distinct human populations. To understand whether HHEX has a regulatory function in adipogenesis, we performed RNAi-mediated knockdown of Hhex in preadipocyte cell line 3T3-L1 in vitro, and studied changes in the efficacy of adipogenesis. We found that Hhex knockdown blocks adipogenesis in preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner and leads to a significant decrease of PPAR-gamma protein - the main regulator of adipogenesis. We also propose that Hhex can play an important role in adipocyte differentiation by affecting the level of the PPAR-gamma protein. Our study supports the claim that Hhex plays an important role in adipocyte differentiation program and can contribute to fat tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Evseeva
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia.
| | | | | | - Tatyana A Prikazchikova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow, Russia; Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna F Sheptulina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sechenov 1st State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria S Balashova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sechenov 1st State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow, Russia; Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yury P Rubtsov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
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29
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Elcheva IA, Spiegelman VS. Targeting RNA-binding proteins in acute and chronic leukemia. Leukemia 2021; 35:360-376. [PMID: 33149266 PMCID: PMC7868134 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-01066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a crucial role in cellular physiology by regulating RNA processing, translation, and turnover. In neoplasms, RBP support of cancer-relevant expression of alternatively spliced, modified, and stabilized mRNA transcripts is essential to self-renewal, proliferation, and adaptation to stress. In this review, we assess the impact of key families of RBPs in leukemogenesis, review progress in targeting those proteins with small molecules, and discuss how multilevel composition of posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression could be used for potential therapies in acute and chronic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Elcheva
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Vladimir S Spiegelman
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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30
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The Nuclear Pore Complex and mRNA Export in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010042. [PMID: 33375634 PMCID: PMC7796397 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Export of mRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is a key regulatory step in the expression of proteins. mRNAs are transported through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Export of mRNAs responds to a variety of cellular stimuli and stresses. Revelations of the specific effects elicited by NPC components and associated co-factors provides a molecular basis for the export of selected RNAs, independent of bulk mRNA export. Aberrant RNA export has been observed in primary human cancer specimens. These cargo RNAs encode factors involved in nearly all facets of malignancy. Indeed, the NPC components involved in RNA export as well as the RNA export machinery can be found to be dysregulated, mutated, or impacted by chromosomal translocations in cancer. The basic mechanisms associated with RNA export with relation to export machinery and relevant NPC components are described. Therapeutic strategies targeting this machinery in clinical trials is also discussed. These findings firmly position RNA export as a targetable feature of cancer along with transcription and translation.
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31
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Zhang K, Zhao Q, Li Z, Fu F, Zhang H, Fu J, Zheng M, Zhang S. Clinicopathological Significances of Cancer Stem Cell-Associated HHEX Expression in Breast Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:605744. [PMID: 33425911 PMCID: PMC7785851 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.605744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the transcription factor hematopoietic ally expressed homeobox/proline-rich homeodomain (HHEX/PRH) is implicated in numerous cancers. However, the association of HHEX with breast cancer (BC) remains unclear. In this study, HHEX mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using the Oncomine, UALCAN, GEPIA, TCGAportal, and HPA databases. We evaluated the effect of HHEX on clinicopathological parameters using Kaplan–Meier plotter, OncoLnc, TCGAportal, PROGgeneV2, and BC-GenExMiner. Western blotting was performed to compare the level of HHEX in breast samples of Tientsin Albino 2 mice, human breast precancerous lesions, benign breast tumors, and BC. The correlation between HHEX and cancer stem cells was investigated using the GEO (GSE52327 and GSE94865) and GEPIA datasets. Networks between HHEX and survival-related gene marker sets and microRNAs were analyzed using GEPIA, StarBase, and Cytoscape. Results of this study showed that HHEX expression in BC was significantly lower than those in breast precancerous lesions and benign breast tumors at both mRNA and protein levels. BC patients with lower HHEX expression had significantly worse overall survival and disease-free survival. Moreover, HHEX significantly affected the clinicopathology of BC. Specifically, low HHEX expression was correlated with the following groups of patients: age ≤51 years, ER-negative or PR-negative patients, HER-2 positive, triple-negative breast cancer, and basal-like BC. Immunohistochemical analysis of the breast samples showed significant differences of HHEX staining index (P < 0.001) among the three groups. To further investigate the mechanism, we determined the intersection of differentially expressed genes related to BC stem cells and those genes after HHEX expression was altered. This led to the identification of four potentially regulated genes-CXL12, BLNK, PAG1, and LPXN. Using StarBase and km-plotter, the negative regulation of HHEX expression and survival trends, including miR-130b, miR-30e, and miR-301b were joined into miRNA-HHEX-mRNA potential regulatory network. The abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion increased in MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 breast cancer cell lines after HHEX down expression and decreased after HHEX overexpression compared them in the control cells. In conclusion, these data suggest that HHEX expression is downregulated in BC and HHEX may regulate the development of BC through the stem cell-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zugui Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China.,Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangmei Fu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China.,Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China.,Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Junjie Fu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
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32
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Deesrisak K, Chatupheeraphat C, Roytrakul S, Anurathapan U, Tanyong D. Autophagy and apoptosis induction by sesamin in MOLT-4 and NB4 leukemia cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:32. [PMID: 33262824 PMCID: PMC7693381 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sesamin, the major furofuran lignan found in the seeds of Sesamum indicum L., has been investigated for its various medicinal properties. In the present study, the anti-leukemic effects of sesamin and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in MOLT-4 and NB4 acute leukemic cells. Leukemic cells were treated with various concentrations of sesamin. Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay. Flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and anti-LC3/FITC antibodies was applied to detect the level of apoptosis and autophagy, respectively. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to examine the alterations in the mRNA expression of apoptotic and autophagic genes. In addition, bioinformatics tools were used to predict the possible interactions between sesamin and its targets. The results revealed that sesamin inhibited MOLT-4 and NB4 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, sesamin induced both apoptosis and autophagy. In sesamin-treated cells, the gene expression levels of caspase 3 and unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) were upregulated, while those of mTOR were downregulated compared with in the control. Notably, the protein-chemical interaction network indicated that caspase 3, mTOR and ULK1 were the essential factors involved in the effects of sesamin treatment, as with anticancer agents, such as rapamycin, AZD8055, Torin1 and 2. Overall, the findings of the present study suggested that sesamin inhibited MOLT-4 and NB4 cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis and autophagy through the regulation of caspase 3 and mTOR/ULK1 signaling, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamolchanok Deesrisak
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Chawalit Chatupheeraphat
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Proteomics Research Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Usanarat Anurathapan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Dalina Tanyong
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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33
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Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Skrabanek L, Revuelta MV, Gasiorek J, Cowling VH, Cerchietti L, Borden KLB. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E elevates steady-state m 7G capping of coding and noncoding transcripts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:26773-26783. [PMID: 33055213 PMCID: PMC7604501 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002360117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-7-guanosine (m7G) "capping" of coding and some noncoding RNAs is critical for their maturation and subsequent activity. Here, we discovered that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), itself a cap-binding protein, drives the expression of the capping machinery and increased capping efficiency of ∼100 coding and noncoding RNAs. To quantify this, we developed enzymatic (cap quantification; CapQ) and quantitative cap immunoprecipitation (CapIP) methods. The CapQ method has the further advantage that it captures information about capping status independent of the type of 5' cap, i.e., it is not restricted to informing on m7G caps. These methodological advances led to unanticipated revelations: 1) Many RNA populations are inefficiently capped at steady state (∼30 to 50%), and eIF4E overexpression increased this to ∼60 to 100%, depending on the RNA; 2) eIF4E physically associates with noncoding RNAs in the nucleus; and 3) approximately half of eIF4E-capping targets identified are noncoding RNAs. eIF4E's association with noncoding RNAs strongly positions it to act beyond translation. Coding and noncoding capping targets have activities that influence survival, cell morphology, and cell-to-cell interaction. Given that RNA export and translation machineries typically utilize capped RNA substrates, capping regulation provides means to titrate the protein-coding capacity of the transcriptome and, for noncoding RNAs, to regulate their activities. We also discovered a cap sensitivity element (CapSE) which conferred eIF4E-dependent capping sensitivity. Finally, we observed elevated capping for specific RNAs in high-eIF4E leukemia specimens, supporting a role for cap dysregulation in malignancy. In all, levels of capping RNAs can be regulated by eIF4E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Lucy Skrabanek
- Applied Bioinformatics Core, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Maria V Revuelta
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Jadwiga Gasiorek
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Victoria H Cowling
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Cerchietti
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
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34
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Zhou J, Quah JY, Ng Y, Chooi JY, Toh SHM, Lin B, Tan TZ, Hosoi H, Osato M, Seet Q, Ooi AL, Lindmark B, McHale M, Chng WJ. ASLAN003, a potent dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor for differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2020; 105:2286-2297. [PMID: 33054053 PMCID: PMC7556493 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.230482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation therapies achieve remarkable success in acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. However, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia, clinical benefits of differentiation therapies are negligible in acute myeloid leukemia except for mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase catalyses the fourth step of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway. ASLAN003 is a highly potent dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor that induces differentiation, as well as reduces cell proliferation and viability, of acute myeloid leukemia cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia blasts including in chemo-resistant cells. Apoptotic pathways are triggered by ASLAN003, and it also significantly inhibits protein synthesis and activates AP-1 transcription, contributing to its differentiation promoting capacity. Finally, ASLAN003 substantially reduces leukemic burden and prolongs survival in acute myeloid leukemia xenograft mice and acute myeloid leukemia patient-derived xenograft models. Notably, the drug has no evident effect on normal hematopoietic cells and exhibits excellent safety profiles in mice, even after a prolonged period of administration. Our results, therefore, suggest that ASLAN003 is an agent targeting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase with potential in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. ASLAN003 is currently being evaluated in phase 2a clinical trial in acute myeloid leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | | | - Yvonne Ng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | - Jing-Yuan Chooi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | | | - Baohong Lin
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, NUHS
| | - Tuan Zea Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | - Hiroki Hosoi
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | - Motomi Osato
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, NUHS
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35
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Valli D, Gruszka AM, Alcalay M. Has Drug Repurposing Fulfilled its Promise in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia? J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1892. [PMID: 32560371 PMCID: PMC7356362 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing is a method of drug discovery that consists of finding a new therapeutic context for an old drug. Compound identification arises from screening of large libraries of active compounds, through interrogating databases of cell line gene expression response upon treatment or by merging several types of information concerning disease-drug relationships. Although, there is a general consensus on the potential and advantages of this drug discovery modality, at the practical level to-date no non-anti-cancer repurposed compounds have been introduced into standard acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) management, albeit that preclinical validation yielded several candidates. The review presents the state-of-the-art drug repurposing approach in AML and poses the question of what has to be done in order to take a full advantage of it, both at the stage of screening design and later when progressing from the preclinical to the clinical phases of drug development. We argue that improvements are needed to model and read-out systems as well as to screening technologies, but also to more funding and trust in drug repurposing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Valli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
| | - Alicja M. Gruszka
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
| | - Myriam Alcalay
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20 139 Milan, Italy; (D.V.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20 122 Milan, Italy
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36
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Borden KLB, Volpon L. The diversity, plasticity, and adaptability of cap-dependent translation initiation and the associated machinery. RNA Biol 2020; 17:1239-1251. [PMID: 32496897 PMCID: PMC7549709 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1766179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Translation initiation is a critical facet of gene expression with important impacts that underlie cellular responses to stresses and environmental cues. Its dysregulation in many diseases position this process as an important area for the development of new therapeutics. The gateway translation factor eIF4E is typically considered responsible for ‘global’ or ‘canonical’ m7G cap-dependent translation. However, eIF4E impacts translation of specific transcripts rather than the entire translatome. There are many alternative cap-dependent translation mechanisms that also contribute to the translation capacity of the cell. We review the diversity of these, juxtaposing more recently identified mechanisms with eIF4E-dependent modalities. We also explore the multiplicity of functions played by translation factors, both within and outside protein synthesis, and discuss how these differentially contribute to their ultimate physiological impacts. For comparison, we discuss some modalities for cap-independent translation. In all, this review highlights the diverse mechanisms that engage and control translation in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L B Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Laurent Volpon
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Québec, Canada
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37
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Prieto C, Kharas MG. RNA Regulators in Leukemia and Lymphoma. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a034967. [PMID: 31615866 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a034967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA is a powerful and tightly controlled process in which cells command the integrity, diversity, and abundance of their protein products. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are the principal players that control many intermediary steps of posttranscriptional regulation. Recent advances in this field have discovered the importance of RBPs in hematological diseases. Herein we will review a number of RBPs that have been determined to play critical functions in leukemia and lymphoma. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential therapeutic strategies that are currently being studied to specifically target RBPs in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Prieto
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Michael G Kharas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
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38
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Wojcicki AV, Kadapakkam M, Frymoyer A, Lacayo N, Chae HD, Sakamoto KM. Repurposing Drugs for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Worthy Cause or a Futile Pursuit? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020441. [PMID: 32069925 PMCID: PMC7072462 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clinically and genetically heterogenous malignancy of myeloid progenitor cells that affects patients of all ages. Despite decades of research and improvement in overall outcomes, standard therapy remains ineffective for certain subtypes of AML. Current treatment is intensive and leads to a number of secondary effects with varying results by patient population. Due to the high cost of discovery and an unmet need for new targeted therapies that are well tolerated, alternative drug development strategies have become increasingly attractive. Repurposing existing drugs is one approach to identify new therapies with fewer financial and regulatory hurdles. In this review, we provide an overview of previously U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved non-chemotherapy drugs under investigation for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Wojcicki
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
| | - Meena Kadapakkam
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
| | - Adam Frymoyer
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Norman Lacayo
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
| | - Hee-Don Chae
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
| | - Kathleen M. Sakamoto
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.V.W.); (M.K.); (N.L.); (H.-D.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +650-725-7126
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39
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Kosciuczuk EM, Kar AK, Blyth GT, Fischietti M, Abedin S, Mina AA, Siliezar R, Rzymski T, Brzozka K, Eklund EA, Beauchamp EM, Eckerdt F, Saleiro D, Platanias LC. Inhibitory effects of SEL201 in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2019; 10:7112-7121. [PMID: 31903169 PMCID: PMC6935253 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MAPK interacting kinase (MNK), a downstream effector of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, activates eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and plays a key role in the mRNA translation of mitogenic and antiapoptotic genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. We examined the antileukemic properties of a novel MNK inhibitor, SEL201. Our studies provide evidence that SEL201 suppresses eIF4E phosphorylation on Ser209 in AML cell lines and in primary patient-derived AML cells. Such effects lead to growth inhibitory effects and leukemic cell apoptosis, as well as suppression of leukemic progenitor colony formation. Combination of SEL201 with 5'-azacytidine or rapamycin results in synergistic inhibition of AML cell growth. Collectively, these results suggest that SEL201 has significant antileukemic activity and further underscore the relevance of the MNK pathway in leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa M Kosciuczuk
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aroop K Kar
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gavin T Blyth
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mariafausta Fischietti
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sameem Abedin
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology Department of Medicine Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alain A Mina
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebekah Siliezar
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth A Eklund
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elspeth M Beauchamp
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Diana Saleiro
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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40
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Abdelaziz AM, Diab S, Islam S, Basnet SKC, Noll B, Li P, Mekonnen LB, Lu J, Albrecht H, Milne RW, Gerber C, Yu M, Wang S. Discovery of N-Phenyl-4-(1H-pyrrol-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine Derivatives as Potent Mnk2 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, SAR Analysis, and Evaluation of in vitro Anti-leukaemic Activity. Med Chem 2019; 15:602-623. [PMID: 30569866 DOI: 10.2174/1573406415666181219111511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is common in many types of cancer including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Phosphorylation of eIF4E by MAPK-interacting kinases (Mnks) is essential for the eIF4E-mediated oncogenic activity. As such, the pharmacological inhibition of Mnks can be an effective strategy for the treatment of cancer. METHODS A series of N-phenyl-4-(1H-pyrrol-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine derivatives was designed and synthesised. The Mnk inhibitory activity of these derivatives as well as their anti-proliferative activity against MV4-11 AML cells was determined. RESULTS These compounds were identified as potent Mnk2 inhibitors. Most of them demonstrated potent anti-proliferative activity against MV4-11 AML cells. The cellular mechanistic studies of the representative inhibitors revealed that they reduced the level of phosphorylated eIF4E and induced apoptosis by down-regulating the anti-apoptotic protein myeloid cell leukaemia 1 (Mcl-1) and by cleaving poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP). The lead compound 7k possessed desirable pharmacokinetic properties and oral bioavailability. CONCLUSION This work proposes that exploration of the structural diversity in the context of Nphenyl- 4-(1H-pyrrol-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine would offer potent and selective Mnk inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abdelaziz
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Sarah Diab
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Saiful Islam
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Sunita K C Basnet
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Benjamin Noll
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Peng Li
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Laychiluh B Mekonnen
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Jingfeng Lu
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Hugo Albrecht
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Robert W Milne
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Cobus Gerber
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Mingfeng Yu
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
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41
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Shallis RM, Bewersdorf JP, Boddu PC, Zeidan AM. Hedgehog pathway inhibition as a therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2019; 19:717-729. [PMID: 31422721 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1652095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The Hedgehog (HH) pathway constitutes a collection of signaling molecules which critically influence embryogenesis. In adults, however, the HH pathway remains integral to the proliferation, maintenance, and apoptosis of adult stem cells including hematopoietic stem cells. Areas covered: We discuss the current understanding of the HH pathway as it relates to normal hematopoiesis, the pathology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the rationale for and data from combination therapies including HH pathway inhibitors, and ultimately the prospects that might offer promise in targeting this pathway in AML. Expert opinion: Efforts to target the HH pathway have been focused on impeding this disposition and restoring chemosensitivity to conventional myeloid neoplasm therapies. The year 2018 saw the first approval of a HH pathway inhibitor (glasdegib) for AML, though for an older population and in combination with an uncommonly-used therapy. Several other clinical trials with agents targeting modulators of HH signaling in AML and MDS are underway. Further study and understanding of the interplay between the numerous aspects of HH signaling and how it relates to the augmented survival of AML will provide a more reliable substrate for therapeutic strategies in patients with this poor-risk disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory M Shallis
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Prajwal C Boddu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA
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42
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Casaos J, Gorelick NL, Huq S, Choi J, Xia Y, Serra R, Felder R, Lott T, Kast RE, Suk I, Brem H, Tyler B, Skuli N. The Use of Ribavirin as an Anticancer Therapeutic: Will It Go Viral? Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1185-1194. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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43
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Volpon L, Osborne MJ, Borden KL. Biochemical and Structural Insights into the Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor eIF4E. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:525-535. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190110142438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A major question in cell and cancer biology is concerned with understanding the flow of
information from gene to protein. Indeed, many studies indicate that the proteome can be decoupled
from the transcriptome. A major source of this decoupling is post-transcriptional regulation. The eukaryotic
translation initiation factor eIF4E serves as an excellent example of a protein that can modulate
the proteome at the post-transcriptional level. eIF4E is elevated in many cancers thus highlighting
the relevance of this mode of control to biology. In this review, we provide a brief overview of various
functions of eIF4E in RNA metabolism e.g. in nuclear-cytoplasmic RNA export, translation,
RNA stability and/or sequestration. We focus on the modalities of eIF4E regulation at the biochemical
and particularly structural level. In this instance, we describe not only the importance for the m7Gcap
eIF4E interaction but also of recently discovered non-traditional RNA-eIF4E interactions as well
as cap-independent activities of eIF4E. Further, we describe several distinct structural modalities used
by the cell and some viruses to regulate or co-opt eIF4E, substantially extending the types of proteins
that can regulate eIF4E from the traditional eIF4E-binding proteins (e.g. 4E-BP1 and eIF4G). Finally,
we provide an overview of the results of targeting eIF4E activity in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Volpon
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Universite de Montreal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael J. Osborne
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Universite de Montreal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Katherine L.B. Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Universite de Montreal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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44
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Shah O'Brien P, Xi Y, Miller JR, Brownell AL, Zeng Q, Yoo GH, Garshott DM, O'Brien MB, Galinato AE, Cai P, Narula N, Callaghan MU, Kaufman RJ, Fribley AM. Disulfiram (Antabuse) Activates ROS-Dependent ER Stress and Apoptosis in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050611. [PMID: 31064122 PMCID: PMC6571807 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A paucity of advances in the development of novel therapeutic agents for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, oral cavity (OSCC) and oropharynx, has stagnated disease free survival rates over the past two decades. Although immunotherapies targeted against checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 or CTLA-4 are just now entering the clinic for late stage disease with regularity the median improvement in overall survival is only about three months. There is an urgent unmet clinical need to identify new therapies that can be used alone or in combination with current approaches to increase survival by more than a few months. Activation of the apoptotic arm of the unfolded response (UPR) with small molecules and natural products has recently been demonstrated to be a productive approach in pre-clinical models of OSCC and several other cancers. The aim of current study was to perform a high throughput screen (HTS) with a diverse chemical library to identify compounds that could induce CHOP, a component of the apoptotic arm of the UPR. Disulfiram (DSF, also known as Antabuse) the well-known aversion therapy used to treat chronic alcoholism emerged as a hit that could generate reactive oxygen species, activate the UPR and apoptosis and reduce proliferation in OSCC cell cultures and xenografts. A panel of murine embryonic fibroblasts null for key UPR intermediates (e.g., Chop and Atf4) was resistant to DSF suggesting that an intact UPR is a key element of the mechanism regulating the antiproliferative effects of DSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Shah O'Brien
- Department of Otolaryngology⁻Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Yue Xi
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Justin R Miller
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Amy L Brownell
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Qinghua Zeng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - George H Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology⁻Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Danielle M Garshott
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Matthew B O'Brien
- Henry Ford Hospital, Diagnostic Radiology Residency, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Anthony E Galinato
- Henry Ford Hospital, Diagnostic Radiology Residency, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Peter Cai
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Neha Narula
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Michael U Callaghan
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Randal J Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Andrew M Fribley
- Department of Otolaryngology⁻Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Hhex induces promyelocyte self-renewal and cooperates with growth factor independence to cause myeloid leukemia in mice. Blood Adv 2019; 2:347-360. [PMID: 29453249 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017013243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hematopoietically expressed homeobox (Hhex) transcription factor is overexpressed in human myeloid leukemias. Conditional knockout models of murine acute myeloid leukemia indicate that Hhex maintains leukemia stem cell self-renewal by enabling Polycomb-mediated epigenetic repression of the Cdkn2a tumor suppressor locus, encoding p16Ink4a and p19Arf However, whether Hhex overexpression also affects hematopoietic differentiation is unknown. To study this, we retrovirally overexpressed Hhex in hematopoietic progenitors. This enabled serial replating of myeloid progenitors, leading to the rapid establishment of interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent promyelocytic cell lines. Use of a Hhex-ERT2 fusion protein demonstrated that continuous nuclear Hhex is required for transformation, and structure function analysis demonstrated a requirement of the DNA-binding and N-terminal-repressive domains of Hhex for promyelocytic transformation. This included the N-terminal promyelocytic leukemia protein (Pml) interaction domain, although deletion of Pml failed to prevent Hhex-induced promyelocyte transformation, implying other critical partners. Furthermore, deletion of p16Ink4a or p19Arf did not promote promyelocyte transformation, indicating that repression of distinct Hhex target genes is required for this process. Indeed, transcriptome analysis showed that Hhex overexpression resulted in repression of several myeloid developmental genes. To test the potential for Hhex overexpression to contribute to leukemic transformation, Hhex-transformed promyelocyte lines were rendered growth factor-independent using a constitutively active IL-3 receptor common β subunit (βcV449E). The resultant cell lines resulted in a rapid promyelocytic leukemia in vivo. Thus, Hhex overexpression can contribute to myeloid leukemia via multiple mechanisms including differentiation blockade and enabling epigenetic repression of the Cdkn2a locus.
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Maida I, Zanna P, Guida S, Ferretta A, Cocco T, Palese LL, Londei P, Benelli D, Azzariti A, Tommasi S, Guida M, Pellacani G, Guida G. Translational control mechanisms in cutaneous malignant melanoma: the role of eIF2α. J Transl Med 2019; 17:20. [PMID: 30634982 PMCID: PMC6329103 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1772-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma cells develop adaptive responses in order to cope with particular conditions of tumor microenvironment, characterized by stress conditions and deregulated proliferation. Recently, the interplay between the stress response and the gene expression programs leading to metastatic spread has been reported. METHODS We evaluated levels and localization of eIF2α/peIF2α in V600BRAF and wtBRAF metastatic melanoma cell lines by means of western blot and confocal microscopy analyses. Furthermore, we performed a sequence analyses and structure and dynamics studies of eIF2α protein to reveal the role of eIF2α and its correlations in different pathways involved in the invasive phase of melanoma. RESULTS We found peIF2α both in cytoplasm and nucleus. Nuclear localization was more represented in V600BRAF melanoma cell lines. Our studies on eIF2α protein sequence indicated the presence of a predicted bipartite NLS as well as a nuclear export signal NES and an S1 domain, typical of RNA interacting proteins. Furthermore, we found high levels of transcription factor EB (TFEB), a component of the MiT/TFE family, and low β-catenin levels in V600BRAF cells. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, we suggest that peIF2α nuclear localization can be crucial in ER stress response and in driving the metastatic spread of melanoma, through lysosomal signaling and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In conclusion, this is the first evidence of nuclear localization of peIF2α, representing a possible target for future therapeutic approaches for metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immacolata Maida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Zanna
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Guida
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Science with Interest Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Ferretta
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cocco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Leonardo Palese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Londei
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology BCE, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Benelli
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology BCE, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- National Cancer Research Centre “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Tommasi
- National Cancer Research Centre “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Guida
- National Cancer Research Centre “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Science with Interest Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Targeting EIF4E signaling with ribavirin in infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncogene 2018; 38:2241-2262. [PMID: 30478448 PMCID: PMC6440839 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0567-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The poor outcomes in infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) necessitate new treatments. Here we discover that EIF4E protein is elevated in most cases of infant ALL and test EIF4E targeting by the repurposed antiviral agent ribavirin, which has anticancer properties through EIF4E inhibition, as a potential treatment. We find that ribavirin treatment of actively dividing infant ALL cells on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) at clinically achievable concentrations causes robust proliferation inhibition in proportion with EIF4E expression. Further, we find that ribavirin treatment of KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-R) infant ALL cells and the KMT2A-AFF1 cell line RS4:11 inhibits EIF4E, leading to decreases in oncogenic EIF4E-regulated cell growth and survival proteins. In ribavirin-sensitive KMT2A-R infant ALL cells and RS4:11 cells, EIF4E-regulated proteins with reduced levels of expression following ribavirin treatment include MYC, MCL1, NBN, BCL2 and BIRC5. Ribavirin-treated RS4:11 cells exhibit impaired EIF4E-dependent nuclear to cytoplasmic export and/or translation of the corresponding mRNAs, as well as reduced phosphorylation of the p-AKT1, p-EIF4EBP1, p-RPS6 and p-EIF4E signaling proteins. This leads to an S-phase cell cycle arrest in RS4:11 cells corresponding to the decreased proliferation. Ribavirin causes nuclear EIF4E to re-localize to the cytoplasm in KMT2A-AFF1 infant ALL and RS4:11 cells, providing further evidence for EIF4E inhibition. Ribavirin slows increases in peripheral blasts in KMT2A-R infant ALL xenograft-bearing mice. Ribavirin cooperates with chemotherapy, particularly L-asparaginase, in reducing live KMT2A-AFF1 infant ALL cells in BMSC co-cultures. This work establishes that EIF4E is broadly elevated across infant ALL and that clinically relevant ribavirin exposures have preclinical activity and effectively inhibit EIF4E in KMT2A-R cases, suggesting promise in EIF4E targeting using ribavirin as a means of treatment.
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48
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VENTURI V, MASEK T, POSPISEK M. A Blood Pact: the Significance and Implications of eIF4E on Lymphocytic Leukemia. Physiol Res 2018. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) are implicated in neoplasia, with cumulative evidence pointing to its role in the etiopathogenesis of hematological diseases. As a node of convergence for several oncogenic signaling pathways, eIF4E has attracted a great deal of interest from biologists and clinicians whose efforts have been targeting this translation factor and its biological circuits in the battle against leukemia. The role of eIF4E in myeloid leukemia has been ascertained and drugs targeting its functions have found their place in clinical trials. Little is known, however, about the pertinence of eIF4E to the biology of lymphocytic leukemia and a paucity of literature is available in this regard that prospectively evaluates the topic to guide practice in hematological cancer. A comprehensive analysis on the significance of eIF4E translation factor in the clinical picture of leukemia arises, therefore, as a compelling need. This review presents aspects of eIF4E involvement in the realm of the lymphoblastic leukemia status; translational control of immunological function via eIF4E and the state-of-the-art in drugs will also be outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M. POSPISEK
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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49
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de Rooij LPMH, Chan DCH, Keyvani Chahi A, Hope KJ. Post-transcriptional regulation in hematopoiesis: RNA binding proteins take control 1. Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 97:10-20. [PMID: 29898370 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2017-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal hematopoiesis is sustained through a carefully orchestrated balance between hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and differentiation. The functional importance of this axis is underscored by the severity of disease phenotypes initiated by abnormal HSC function, including myelodysplastic syndromes and hematopoietic malignancies. Major advances in the understanding of transcriptional regulation of primitive hematopoietic cells have been achieved; however, the post-transcriptional regulatory layer that may impinge on their behavior remains underexplored by comparison. Key players at this level include RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which execute precise and highly coordinated control of gene expression through modulation of RNA properties that include its splicing, polyadenylation, localization, degradation, or translation. With the recent identification of RBPs having essential roles in regulating proliferation and cell fate decisions in other systems, there has been an increasing appreciation of the importance of post-transcriptional control at the stem cell level. Here we discuss our current understanding of RBP-driven post-transcriptional regulation in HSCs, its implications for normal, perturbed, and malignant hematopoiesis, and the most recent technological innovations aimed at RBP-RNA network characterization at the systems level. Emerging evidence highlights RBP-driven control as an underappreciated feature of primitive hematopoiesis, the greater understanding of which has important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura P M H de Rooij
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Derek C H Chan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Ava Keyvani Chahi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Kristin J Hope
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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Chen K, Chen Y, Chen Z, Shi Y, He Z, Ding B, Wang C, Yu L. miR-134 increases the antitumor effects of cytarabine by targeting Mnks in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:3141-3147. [PMID: 29872325 PMCID: PMC5975600 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s143465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The relapse and resistance to cytarabine (Ara-C) therapy is still a dominating obstacle to the successful clinical treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recent studies have shown that dysregulation of miRNAs might modulate the resistance of cancer cells to anticancer drugs; yet, the mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we showed a significant downregulation of miR-134 in human multidrug-resistant leukemia cells and relapsed/refractory AML patient samples. Overexpression of miR-134 sensitized K562/A02 and HL-60/ADM cells to Ara-C, inhibited cell colony formation, and enhanced the ability of Ara-C to induce apoptosis. Mechanistic analyses revealed that Mnks was a putative target of miR-134, which was inversely correlated with miR-134 expression in human multidrug-resistant leukemia cells and relapsed/refractory AML patient samples. Further investigation showed that miR-134 increased the anti-tumor effects of Ara-C through inhibiting phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E and downregulating Mcl-1 and bcl2, which was independent of p38 and Erk1/2 activation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR-134 plays a pivotal role in AML Ara-C resistance through increasing cell sensitivity to Ara-C and promoting apoptosis by targeting Mnks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kankan Chen
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Huaian No 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Huaian No 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Huaian No 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuye Shi
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Huaian No 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengmei He
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Huaian No 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Banghe Ding
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Huaian No 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunling Wang
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Huaian No 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liang Yu
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Huaian No 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, Jiangsu, China
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