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Schmitt L, Hoppe J, Cea-Medina P, Bruch PM, Krings KS, Lechtenberg I, Drießen D, Peter C, Bhatia S, Dietrich S, Stork B, Fritz G, Gohlke H, Müller TJJ, Wesselborg S. Novel meriolin derivatives potently inhibit cell cycle progression and transcription in leukemia and lymphoma cells via inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:279. [PMID: 38862521 PMCID: PMC11167047 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02056-6] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A key feature of cancer is the disruption of cell cycle regulation, which is characterized by the selective and abnormal activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Consequently, targeting CDKs via meriolins represents an attractive therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. Meriolins represent a semisynthetic compound class derived from meridianins and variolins with a known CDK inhibitory potential. Here, we analyzed the two novel derivatives meriolin 16 and meriolin 36 in comparison to other potent CDK inhibitors and could show that they displayed a high cytotoxic potential in different lymphoma and leukemia cell lines as well as in primary patient-derived lymphoma and leukemia cells. In a kinome screen, we showed that meriolin 16 and 36 prevalently inhibited most of the CDKs (such as CDK1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20). In drug-to-target modeling studies, we predicted a common binding mode of meriolin 16 and 36 to the ATP-pocket of CDK2 and an additional flipped binding for meriolin 36. We could show that cell cycle progression and proliferation were blocked by abolishing phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (a major target of CDK2) at Ser612 and Thr82. Moreover, meriolin 16 prevented the CDK9-mediated phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II at Ser2 which is crucial for transcription initiation. This renders both meriolin derivatives as valuable anticancer drugs as they target three different Achilles' heels of the tumor: (1) inhibition of cell cycle progression and proliferation, (2) prevention of transcription, and (3) induction of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schmitt
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Hoppe
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Pablo Cea-Medina
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter-Martin Bruch
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karina S Krings
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ilka Lechtenberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Drießen
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Peter
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sanil Bhatia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Björn Stork
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerhard Fritz
- Institute of Toxicology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
- John von Neumann Institute for Computing (NIC), Jülich Supercomputing Center (JSC) and Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas J J Müller
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wesselborg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIO ABCD), Düsseldorf, Germany.
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2
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Green JR, Mahalingaiah PKS, Gopalakrishnan SM, Liguori MJ, Mittelstadt SW, Blomme EAG, Van Vleet TR. Off-target pharmacological activity at various kinases: Potential functional and pathological side effects. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2023; 123:107468. [PMID: 37553032 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2023.107468] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
In drug discovery, during the lead optimization and candidate characterization stages, novel small molecules are frequently evaluated in a battery of in vitro pharmacology assays to identify potential unintended, off-target interactions with various receptors, transporters, ion channels, and enzymes, including kinases. Furthermore, these screening panels may also provide utility at later stages of development to provide a mechanistic understanding of unexpected safety findings. Here, we present a compendium of the most likely functional and pathological outcomes associated with interaction(s) to a panel of 95 kinases based on an extensive curation of the scientific literature. This panel of kinases was designed by AbbVie based on safety-related data extracted from the literature, as well as from over 20 years of institutional knowledge generated from discovery efforts. For each kinase, the scientific literature was reviewed using online databases and the most often reported functional and pathological effects were summarized. This work should serve as a practical guide for small molecule drug discovery scientists and clinical investigators to predict and/or interpret adverse effects related to pharmacological interactions with these kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon R Green
- Departments of Preclinical Safety, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States.
| | | | - Sujatha M Gopalakrishnan
- Drug Discovery Science and Technology, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Michael J Liguori
- Departments of Preclinical Safety, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Scott W Mittelstadt
- Departments of Preclinical Safety, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Eric A G Blomme
- Departments of Preclinical Safety, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Terry R Van Vleet
- Departments of Preclinical Safety, AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
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3
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Ranjan A, Pang Y, Butler M, Merchant M, Kim O, Yu G, Su YT, Gilbert MR, Levens D, Wu J. Targeting CDK9 for the Treatment of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3039. [PMID: 34207158 PMCID: PMC8234280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor, and more than two-thirds of patients with glioblastoma die within two years of diagnosis. The challenges of treating this disease mainly include genetic and microenvironmental features that often render the tumor resistant to treatments. Despite extensive research efforts, only a small number of drugs tested in clinical trials have become therapies for patients. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is an emerging therapeutic approach that has the potential to overcome the challenges in glioblastoma management. Here, we discuss how CDK9 inhibition can impact transcription, metabolism, DNA damage repair, epigenetics, and the immune response to facilitate an anti-tumor response. Moreover, we discuss small-molecule inhibitors of CDK9 in clinical trials and future perspectives on the use of CDK9 inhibitors in treating patients with glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Ranjan
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Ying Pang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Madison Butler
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Mythili Merchant
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Olga Kim
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Guangyang Yu
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Yu-Ting Su
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Mark R. Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
| | - David Levens
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Jing Wu
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (A.R.); (Y.P.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (O.K.); (G.Y.); (Y.-T.S.); (M.R.G.)
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4
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Vásquez AF, González Barrios AF. Classical MD and metadynamics simulations on back-pocket binders of CDK2 and VEGFR2: a guidepost to design novel small-molecule dual inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:9030-9041. [PMID: 33949282 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1922311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2) and Vascular-Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) are promising targets for the design of novel inhibitors in anticancer therapeutics. In a recent work, our group designed a set of potential dual inhibitors predicted to occupy an allosteric back pocket near the active site of both enzymes, but their dynamic and unbinding behavior was unclear. Here, we used molecular dynamics (MD) and metadynamics (meta-D) simulations to study two of these virtual candidates (herein called IQ2 and IQ3). Their binding mode was predicted to be similar to that observed in LQ5 and BAX, well-known back-pocket binders of CDK2 and VEGFR2, respectively, including H-bonding with critical residues such as Leu83/Cys113 and Asp145/Asp190 (but excepting H-bonding with Glu51/Glu111) in CDK2/VEGFR2, correspondingly. Likewise, while LQ5 and BAX unbound through the allosteric channel as expected for type-IIA inhibitors, IQ2 and IQ3 unbound via the ATP channel (except for CDK2-IQ2) as expected for type-I½A inhibitors. Interestingly, a C-C single/double bond difference between IQ2/IQ3, respectively, resulted associated with differences in the AS/T loop flexibility observed for CDK2. These insights will help developing scaffold modifications during an optimization stage, serving as a starting point to develop dual kinase inhibitors in challenging biological targets with a promising anticancer potential.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Felipe Vásquez
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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5
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He S, Fang X, Xia X, Hou T, Zhang T. Targeting CDK9: A novel biomarker in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1929-1938. [PMID: 32901849 PMCID: PMC7551504 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. Although cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) has a definitive pathogenic role in various types of cancer, little is known concerning its function in endometrial cancer. Our study was conducted to evaluate the expression and therapeutic potential of CDK9 in endometrial cancer. CDK9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in endometrial cancer tissues constructed with paired primary, metastatic, and recurrent tumor tissues from 32 endometrial cancer patients. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and inhibitors of CDK9 were used to evaluate the effect of CDK9 inhibition on the anti-apoptotic activity and proliferation in endometrial cancer cells. Colony formation assay and wound-healing assays were adopted to assess clonal formation and migratory capacity. The results of the immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CDK9 was highly expressed in the human endometrial cancer cell lines; moreover, it was elevated in metastatic and recurrent endometrial tumor tissue compared when compared with that in patient-matched primary endometrial tumor tissue. Knockdown of CDK9 with siRNA and inhibition of CDK9 activity with the inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in endometrial cancer. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that CDK9 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of endometrial cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha He
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Hou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
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6
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Wang X, Deng K, Wang C, Li Y, Wang T, Huang Z, Ma Y, Sun P, Shi Y, Yang S, Fan Y, Xiang R. Novel CDKs inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumour by simultaneously regulating the cell cycle and transcription control. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:414-423. [PMID: 31899991 PMCID: PMC6968521 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1705290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel series of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) inhibitors, which play critical roles in the cell cycle control and regulation of cell transcription, were synthesised. A systematic study of enzymatic and cellular assays led to the identification of compound X22 with a nanomolar potency against CDK4 and CDK9 and potent antiproliferative activities against a panel of tumour cell lines. X22 could induce cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in cancer cell lines. X22 dose-dependently inhibits signalling pathways downstream of CDKs in cancer cells. In vivo antitumor activity assays, oral administration of X22 led to significant tumour regression in mouse model without obvious toxicity. Superior anti-cancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo of X22 demonstrated combined depletion of cell cycle and transcriptional CDK all contributed to antitumor activity. Taken together, concomitant inhibition of cell cycle and transcriptional CDK activities provided valuable guide for further structural optimisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaiyuan Deng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yakun Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peiqing Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,2011 Project Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,2011 Project Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,2011 Project Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin, China
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7
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P-TEFb as A Promising Therapeutic Target. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040838. [PMID: 32075058 PMCID: PMC7070488 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040838] [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: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) was first identified as a general factor that stimulates transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), but soon afterwards it turned out to be an essential cellular co-factor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transcription mediated by viral Tat proteins. Studies on the mechanisms of Tat-dependent HIV transcription have led to radical advances in our knowledge regarding the mechanism of eukaryotic transcription, including the discoveries that P-TEFb-mediated elongation control of cellular transcription is a main regulatory step of gene expression in eukaryotes, and deregulation of P-TEFb activity plays critical roles in many human diseases and conditions in addition to HIV/AIDS. P-TEFb is now recognized as an attractive and promising therapeutic target for inflammation/autoimmune diseases, cardiac hypertrophy, cancer, infectious diseases, etc. In this review article, I will summarize our knowledge about basic P-TEFb functions, the regulatory mechanism of P-TEFb-dependent transcription, P-TEFb’s involvement in biological processes and diseases, and current approaches to manipulating P-TEFb functions for the treatment of these diseases.
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8
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García-Reyes B, Kretz AL, Ruff JP, von Karstedt S, Hillenbrand A, Knippschild U, Henne-Bruns D, Lemke J. The Emerging Role of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3219. [PMID: 30340359 PMCID: PMC6214075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) has critical functions in cell cycle regulation and controlling of transcriptional elongation. Moreover, dysregulated CDKs have been linked to cancer initiation and progression. Pharmacological CDK inhibition has recently emerged as a novel and promising approach in cancer therapy. This idea is of particular interest to combat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer entity with a dismal prognosis which is owed mainly to PDAC's resistance to conventional therapies. Here, we review the current knowledge of CDK biology, its role in cancer and the therapeutic potential to target CDKs as a novel treatment strategy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balbina García-Reyes
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Anna-Laura Kretz
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Jan-Philipp Ruff
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Silvia von Karstedt
- Department of Translational Genomics, University Hospital Cologne, Weyertal 115b, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Andreas Hillenbrand
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Doris Henne-Bruns
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Johannes Lemke
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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Boffo S, Damato A, Alfano L, Giordano A. CDK9 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2018; 37:36. [PMID: 29471852 PMCID: PMC5824552 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is less than optimal, but increased understanding of disease pathobiology and genomics has led to clinical investigation of novel targeted therapies and rational combinations. Targeting the cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) pathway, which is dysregulated in AML, is an attractive approach. Inhibition of CDK9 leads to downregulation of cell survival genes regulated by super enhancers such as MCL-1, MYC, and cyclin D1. As CDK9 inhibitors are nonselective, predictive biomarkers that may help identify patients most likely to respond to CDK9 inhibitors are now being utilized, with the goal of improving efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Boffo
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, 1900 N. 12th St., Room 431, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6017 USA
| | - Angela Damato
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, 1900 N. 12th St., Room 431, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6017 USA
- Medical Oncology Unit, Clinical Cancer Centre, IRCCS–Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luigi Alfano
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM), Istituto Nazionale Per Lo Studio E La Cura Dei Tumori “Fondazione Giovanni Pascale”, IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, 1900 N. 12th St., Room 431, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6017 USA
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 is required for the survival of adult Drosophila melanogaster glia. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6796. [PMID: 28754981 PMCID: PMC5533735 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal and glial progenitor cells exist in the adult Drosophila brain. The primarily glial progenitor cells rely on a microRNA, mir-31a, to inhibit the expression of a predicted E3 ubiquitin ligase, CG16947. Erroneous inheritance of CG16947 by the progeny when the neural progenitor cell divides leads to death of the progeny, however how CG16947 achieves glial cell death is unknown. I have identified the interacting partner of CG16947 to be cdk9. I show that reduction of cdk9 expression in glia causes glial loss; highlighting the importance of cdk9 in mediating the survival of glia. Further, glial loss observed in mir-31a mutants was prevented with adult-specific expression of cdk9 in glia. I provide biochemical evidence that the binding of CG16947 to cdk9 causes its degradation. Taken together, this data shows that cdk9 plays a role in the survival of adult glia in the Drosophila brain. Thus, a fine balance exists between mir-31a and CG16947 expression in the progenitor cells that in turn regulates the levels of cdk9 in the progeny. This serves to allow the progenitor cells to regulate the number of glia in the adult brain.
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11
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Combined BRD4 and CDK9 inhibition as a new therapeutic approach in malignant rhabdoid tumors. Oncotarget 2017; 8:84986-84995. [PMID: 29156698 PMCID: PMC5689588 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdoid tumors are caused by the deletion of SMARCB1, whose protein encodes the SMARCB1 subunit of the chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF that is involved in global chromatin organization and gene expression control. Simultaneously inhibiting the main players involved in the deregulated transcription machinery is a promising option for preventing exaggerated tumor cell proliferation and survival as it may bypass compensatory mechanisms. In support of this hypothesis, we report efficient impairment of cellular proliferation and strong induction of cell death elicited by inhibition of bromodomain protein BRD4 and transcription kinase CDK9 using small molecular compounds. Combination of both compounds efficiently represses antiapoptotic genes and the oncogene MYC. Our results provide a novel approach for the treatment of RT.
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12
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Han Y, Zhao S, Gong Y, Hou G, Li X, Li L. Serum cyclin-dependent kinase 9 is a potential biomarker of atherosclerotic inflammation. Oncotarget 2016; 7:1854-62. [PMID: 26636538 PMCID: PMC4811502 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Atherosclerosis was considered to be the single most important contributor to CAD. In this study, a distinct serum protein expression pattern in CAD patients was demonstrated by proteomic analysis with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. In particular, CDK9 was found to be highly elevated in serum, monocytes and artery plaque samples of CAD patients. Furthermore, there was high infiltration of CD14+ monocytes/macrophages within artery plaques correlated with the expression of CDK9. Moreover, Flavopiridol (CDK9 inhibitor) could inhibit THP-1 cell (monocytic acute leukemia cell line) proliferation by targeting CDK9. Altogether, These findings indicate that CDK9 represent an important role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. It may be a potential biomarker of atherosclerotic inflammation and offer insights into the pathophysiology and targeted therapy for atherosclerotic CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeming Han
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Guihua Hou
- Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xi Li
- Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Department of of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
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13
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Abstract
CDK9 is a protein in constant development in cancer therapy. Herein we present an overview of the enzyme as a target for cancer therapy. We provide data on its characteristics and mechanism of action. In recent years, CDK9 inhibitors that have been designed with molecular modeling have demonstrated good antitumoral activity in vitro. Clinical studies of the drugs flavopiridol, dinaciclib, seliciclib, SNS-032 and RGB-286638 used as CDK9 inhibitors are also reviewed, with their additional targets and their relative IC50 values. Unfortunately, treatment with these drugs remains unsuccessful and involves many adverse effects. We could conclude that there are many small molecules that bind to CDK9, but their lack of selectivity against other CDKs do not allow them to get to the clinical use. However, drug designers currently have the tools needed to improve the selectivity of CDK9 inhibitors and to make successful treatment available to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Morales
- a Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- a Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University , Philadelphia , PA , USA.,b Department of Medicine , Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena , Siena , Italy
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14
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Recent progress of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors as potential anticancer agents. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:2047-2076. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2016-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of the cell cycle is a common feature in human cancer. The inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which play a crucial role in control of the cell cycle, has always been one of the most promising areas in cancer chemotherapy. This review first summarizes the biology of CDKs and then focuses on the recent advances in both broad-range and selective CDK inhibitors during the last 5 years. The design rationale, structural optimization and structure–activity relationships analysis of these small molecules have been discussed in detail and the key interactions with the amino-acid residues of the most important compounds are highlighted. Future perspectives for CDKs inhibitors will be defined in the development of highly selective CDK inhibitors, an accurate knowledge of gene control mechanism and further predictive biomarker research.
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15
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Scheidegger A, Nechaev S. RNA polymerase II pausing as a context-dependent reader of the genome. Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 94:82-92. [PMID: 26555214 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2015-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcribes all mRNA genes in eukaryotes and is among the most highly regulated enzymes in the cell. The classic model of mRNA gene regulation involves recruitment of the RNA polymerase to gene promoters in response to environmental signals. Higher eukaryotes have an additional ability to generate multiple cell types. This extra level of regulation enables each cell to interpret the same genome by committing to one of the many possible transcription programs and executing it in a precise and robust manner. Whereas multiple mechanisms are implicated in cell type-specific transcriptional regulation, how one genome can give rise to distinct transcriptional programs and what mechanisms activate and maintain the appropriate program in each cell remains unclear. This review focuses on the process of promoter-proximal Pol II pausing during early transcription elongation as a key step in context-dependent interpretation of the metazoan genome. We highlight aspects of promoter-proximal Pol II pausing, including its interplay with epigenetic mechanisms, that may enable cell type-specific regulation, and emphasize some of the pertinent questions that remain unanswered and open for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Scheidegger
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA.,Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA
| | - Sergei Nechaev
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA.,Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA
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16
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Cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors as anticancer drugs. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:3420-35. [PMID: 26115571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.05.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Sustained proliferative capacity is a hallmark of cancer. In mammalian cells proliferation is controlled by the cell cycle, where cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate critical checkpoints. CDK4 and CDK6 are considered highly validated anticancer drug targets due to their essential role regulating cell cycle progression at the G1 restriction point. This review provides an overview of recent advances on cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors in general with special emphasis on CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitors and compounds under clinical evaluation. Chemical structures, structure activity relationships, and relevant preclinical properties will be described.
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17
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Peyressatre M, Prével C, Pellerano M, Morris MC. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinases in human cancers: from small molecules to Peptide inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:179-237. [PMID: 25625291 PMCID: PMC4381256 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK/Cyclins) form a family of heterodimeric kinases that play central roles in regulation of cell cycle progression, transcription and other major biological processes including neuronal differentiation and metabolism. Constitutive or deregulated hyperactivity of these kinases due to amplification, overexpression or mutation of cyclins or CDK, contributes to proliferation of cancer cells, and aberrant activity of these kinases has been reported in a wide variety of human cancers. These kinases therefore constitute biomarkers of proliferation and attractive pharmacological targets for development of anticancer therapeutics. The structural features of several of these kinases have been elucidated and their molecular mechanisms of regulation characterized in depth, providing clues for development of drugs and inhibitors to disrupt their function. However, like most other kinases, they constitute a challenging class of therapeutic targets due to their highly conserved structural features and ATP-binding pocket. Notwithstanding, several classes of inhibitors have been discovered from natural sources, and small molecule derivatives have been synthesized through rational, structure-guided approaches or identified in high throughput screens. The larger part of these inhibitors target ATP pockets, but a growing number of peptides targeting protein/protein interfaces are being proposed, and a small number of compounds targeting allosteric sites have been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Peyressatre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, IBMM-CNRS-UMR5247, 15 Av. Charles Flahault, 34093 Montpellier, France.
| | - Camille Prével
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, IBMM-CNRS-UMR5247, 15 Av. Charles Flahault, 34093 Montpellier, France.
| | - Morgan Pellerano
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, IBMM-CNRS-UMR5247, 15 Av. Charles Flahault, 34093 Montpellier, France.
| | - May C Morris
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, IBMM-CNRS-UMR5247, 15 Av. Charles Flahault, 34093 Montpellier, France.
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18
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Bottardi S, Mavoungou L, Pak H, Daou S, Bourgoin V, Lakehal YA, Affar EB, Milot E. The IKAROS interaction with a complex including chromatin remodeling and transcription elongation activities is required for hematopoiesis. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004827. [PMID: 25474253 PMCID: PMC4256266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IKAROS is a critical regulator of hematopoietic cell fate and its dynamic expression pattern is required for proper hematopoiesis. In collaboration with the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex, it promotes gene repression and activation. It remains to be clarified how IKAROS can support transcription activation while being associated with the HDAC-containing complex NuRD. IKAROS also binds to the Positive-Transcription Elongation Factor b (P-TEFb) at gene promoters. Here, we demonstrate that NuRD and P-TEFb are assembled in a complex that can be recruited to specific genes by IKAROS. The expression level of IKAROS influences the recruitment of the NuRD-P-TEFb complex to gene regulatory regions and facilitates transcription elongation by transferring the Protein Phosphatase 1α (PP1α), an IKAROS-binding protein and P-TEFb activator, to CDK9. We show that an IKAROS mutant that is unable to bind PP1α cannot sustain gene expression and impedes normal differentiation of IkNULL hematopoietic progenitors. Finally, the knock-down of the NuRD subunit Mi2 reveals that the occupancy of the NuRD complex at transcribed regions of genes favors the relief of POL II promoter-proximal pausing and thereby, promotes transcription elongation. Perturbation of the expression level of IKAROS, a transcription factor critical during hematopoiesis, is associated with malignant transformation in mice and humans. The importance of IKAROS expression levels for the control of target-gene regulation was addressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells. The collaboration between IKAROS and the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex can promote gene activation or repression. IKAROS can also interact with the Positive-Transcription Elongation Factor b (P-TEFb) and the Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1), an important P-TEFb regulator. Immunoaffinity purification of IKAROS interacting proteins and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography analysis revealed a dynamic interaction between IKAROS, PP1 and the newly defined NuRD-P-TEFb complex. This complex can be targeted to specific genes in cells expressing high levels of IKAROS to promote productive transcription elongation. Based on our results we suggest that, in addition to P-TEFb, the NuRD complex and PP1 are required to facilitate transcription elongation of IKAROS-target genes and normal differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bottardi
- Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lionel Mavoungou
- Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Helen Pak
- Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Salima Daou
- Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vincent Bourgoin
- Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yahia A. Lakehal
- Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - El Bachir Affar
- Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Milot
- Maisonneuve Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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19
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Huang CH, Lujambio A, Zuber J, Tschaharganeh DF, Doran MG, Evans MJ, Kitzing T, Zhu N, de Stanchina E, Sawyers CL, Armstrong SA, Lewis JS, Sherr CJ, Lowe SW. CDK9-mediated transcription elongation is required for MYC addiction in hepatocellular carcinoma. Genes Dev 2014; 28:1800-14. [PMID: 25128497 PMCID: PMC4197965 DOI: 10.1101/gad.244368.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
One-year survival rates for newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are <50%, and unresectable HCC carries a dismal prognosis owing to its aggressiveness and the undruggable nature of its main genetic drivers. By screening a custom library of shRNAs directed toward known drug targets in a genetically defined Myc-driven HCC model, we identified cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9) as required for disease maintenance. Pharmacological or shRNA-mediated CDK9 inhibition led to robust anti-tumor effects that correlated with MYC expression levels and depended on the role that both CDK9 and MYC exert in transcription elongation. Our results establish CDK9 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for MYC-overexpressing liver tumors and highlight the relevance of transcription elongation in the addiction of cancer cells to MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hao Huang
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA; Cell and Developmental Biology Program, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA; Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | | | - Michael G Doran
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Michael J Evans
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Thomas Kitzing
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA
| | - Nan Zhu
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | | | - Charles L Sawyers
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Scott A Armstrong
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Charles J Sherr
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Scott W Lowe
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA; Cell and Developmental Biology Program, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA;
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20
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Romano G. The role of the dysfunctional akt-related pathway in cancer: establishment and maintenance of a malignant cell phenotype, resistance to therapy, and future strategies for drug development. SCIENTIFICA 2013; 2013:317186. [PMID: 24381788 PMCID: PMC3870877 DOI: 10.1155/2013/317186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Akt serine/threonine kinases, or PKB, are key players in the regulation of a wide variety of cellular activities, such as growth, proliferation, protection from apoptotic injuries, control of DNA damage responses and genome stability, metabolism, migration, and angiogenesis. The Akt-related pathway responds to the stimulation mediated by growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and several nutrients. Akt is present in three isoforms: Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3, which may be alternatively named PKB α , PKB β , and PKB γ , respectively. The Akt isoforms are encoded on three diverse chromosomes and their biological functions are predominantly distinct. Deregulations in the Akt-related pathway were observed in many human maladies, including cancer, cardiopathies, neurological diseases, and type-2 diabetes. This review discusses the significance of the abnormal activities of the Akt axis in promoting and sustaining malignancies, along with the development of tumor cell populations that exhibit enhanced resistance to chemo- and/or radiotherapy. This occurrence may be responsible for the relapse of the disease, which is unfortunately very often related to fatal consequences in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Romano
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Bio Life Science Building, Suite 456, 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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