Loss of PPP2R2A inhibits homologous recombination DNA repair and predicts tumor sensitivity to PARP inhibition

Prognostic Relevance of Copy Number Losses in Ovarian Cancer

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Aneuploidy is a prevalent cancer feature that occurs in many solid tumors. For example, high-grade serous ovarian cancer shows a high level of copy number alterations and genomic rearrangements. This makes genomic variants appealing as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, as well as for their easy detection. In this study, we focused on copy number (CN) losses shared by ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs) to identify chromosomal regions that may be important for CSC features and, in turn, for patients' prognosis.

METHODS

Array-CGH and bioinformatic analyses on three CSCs subpopulations were performed.

RESULTS

Pathway and gene ontology analyses on genes involved in copy number loss in all CSCs revealed a significant decrease in mRNA surveillance pathway, as well as miRNA-mediated gene silencing. Then, starting from these CN losses, we validated their potential prognostic relevance by analyzing the TCGA cohort. Notably, losses of 4q34.3-q35.2, 8p21.2-p21.1, and 18q12.2-q23 were linked to increased genomic instability. Loss of 18q12.2-q23 was also related to a higher tumor stage and poor prognosis. Finally, specific genes mapping in these regions, such as PPP2R2A and TPGS2A, emerged as potential biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the importance of genomic alterations in ovarian cancer and their impact on tumor progression and patients' prognosis, offering advance in understanding of the application of numerical aberrations as prognostic ovarian cancer biomarkers.

Discovery of Highly Selective Inhibitors of Microtubule-Associated Serine/Threonine Kinase-like (MASTL)

By virtue of its role in cellular proliferation, microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) represents a novel target and a first-in-class (FIC) opportunity to provide a new impactful therapeutic agent to oncology patients. Herein, we describe a hit-to-lead optimization effort that resulted in the delivery of two highly selective MASTL inhibitors. Key strategies leveraged to enable this work included structure-based drug design (SBDD), analysis of lipophilic efficiency (LipE) and novel synthesis. The resulting advanced lead compounds enabled a tumor growth inhibition study which was pivotal in assessing the potential value of MASTL as an oncology therapeutic target.

PP2A B55α inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition via regulation of Slug expression in non-small cell lung cancer

PP2A B55α, encoded by PPP2R2A, acts as a regulatory subunit of the serine/threonine phosphatase PP2A. Despite a frequent loss of heterozygosity of PPP2R2A in cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), research on PP2A B55α's functions remains limited and controversial. To investigate the biological roles of PP2A B55α, we conducted bulk RNA-sequencing to assess the impact of PPP2R2A knockdown using two shRNAs in a NSCLC cell line. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the RNA-sequencing data revealed significant enrichment of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, with SNAI2 (the gene encoding Slug) emerging as one of the top candidates. Our findings demonstrate that PP2A B55α suppresses EMT, as PPP2R2A deficiency through knockdown or homozygous or hemizygous depletion promotes EMT and metastatic behavior in NSCLC cells, as evidenced by changes in EMT biomarkers, invasion and migration abilities, as well as metastasis in a tail vein assay. Mechanistically, PP2A B55α inhibits EMT by downregulating SNAI2 expression via the GSK3β-β-catenin pathway. Importantly, PPP2R2A deficiency also slows cell proliferation by disrupting DNA replication, particularly in PPP2R2A-/- cells. Furthermore, PPP2R2A deficiency, especially PPP2R2A-/- cells, leads to an increase in the cancer stem cell population, which correlates with enhanced resistance to chemotherapy. Overall, the decrease in PP2A B55α levels due to hemizygous/homozygous depletion heightens EMT and the metastatic or stemness/drug resistance potential of NSCLC cells despite their proliferation disadvantage. Our study highlights the significance of PP2A B55α in EMT and metastasis and suggests that targeting EMT/stemness could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating PPP2R2A-deficient NSCLC.

Molecular Mechanism of PP2A/B55α Phosphatase Inhibition by IER5

PP2A serine/threonine phosphatases are heterotrimeric complexes that execute many essential physiologic functions. These activities are modulated by additional regulatory proteins, such as ARPP19, FAM122A, and IER5. Here, we report the cryoelectron microscopy structure of a complex of PP2A/B55α with the N-terminal structured region of IER5 (IER5-N50), which occludes a surface on B55α used for substrate recruitment, and show that IER5-N50 inhibits PP2A/B55α catalyzed dephosphorylation of pTau in biochemical assays. Mutations of full-length IER5 that disrupt its PP2A/B55α interface interfere with co-immunoprecipitation of PP2A/B55α. These mutations and deletions that remove the nuclear localization sequence of IER5 suppress cellular events such as KRT1 expression that depend on association of IER5 with PP2A/B55α. Querying the Alphafold2 predicted structure database identified SERTA domain proteins as high-confidence PP2A/B55α-binding structural homologs of IER5-N50. These studies define the molecular basis of PP2A/B55α inhibition by IER5-family proteins and suggest a roadmap for selective pharmacologic modulation of PP2A/B55α complexes.

FAM122A ensures cell cycle interphase progression and checkpoint control by inhibiting B55α/PP2A through helical motifs

The Ser/Thr protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) regulates the dephosphorylation of many phosphoproteins. Substrate recognition are mediated by B regulatory subunits. Here, we report the identification of a substrate conserved motif [RK]-V-x-x-[VI]-R in FAM122A, an inhibitor of B55α/PP2A. This motif is necessary for FAM122A binding to B55α, and computational structure prediction suggests the motif, which is helical, blocks substrate docking to the same site. In this model, FAM122A also spatially constrains substrate access by occluding the catalytic subunit. Consistently, FAM122A functions as a competitive inhibitor as it prevents substrate binding and dephosphorylation of CDK substrates by B55α/PP2A in cell lysates. FAM122A deficiency in human cell lines reduces the proliferation rate, cell cycle progression, and hinders G1/S and intra-S phase cell cycle checkpoints. FAM122A-KO in HEK293 cells attenuates CHK1 and CHK2 activation in response to replication stress. Overall, these data strongly suggest that FAM122A is a short helical motif (SHeM)-dependent, substrate-competitive inhibitor of B55α/PP2A that suppresses multiple functions of B55α in the DNA damage response and in timely progression through the cell cycle interphase.

Key molecular DNA damage responses of human cells to radiation

Our understanding of the DNA damage responses of human cells to radiation has increased remarkably over the recent years although some notable signaling events remain to be discovered. Here we provide a brief account of the key molecular events of the responses to reflect the current understanding of the key underlying mechanisms involved.

TIPRL1 and its ATM-dependent phosphorylation promote radiotherapy resistance in head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

TIPRL1 (target of rapamycin signaling pathway regulator-like 1) is a known interactor and inhibitor of protein phosphatases PP2A, PP4 and PP6 - all pleiotropic modulators of the DNA Damage Response (DDR). Here, we investigated the role of TIPRL1 in the radiotherapy (RT) response of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS

TIPRL1 mRNA (cBioportal) and protein expression (immunohistochemistry) in HNSCC samples were linked with clinical patient data. TIPRL1-depleted HNSCC cells were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 editing, and effects on colony growth, micronuclei formation (microscopy), cell cycle (flow cytometry), DDR signaling (immunoblots) and proteome (mass spectrometry) following RT were assessed. Mass spectrometry was used for TIPRL1 phosphorylation and interactomics analysis in irradiated cells.

RESULTS

TIPRL1 expression was increased in tumor versus non-tumor tissue, with high tumoral TIPRL1 expression associating with lower locoregional control and decreased survival of RT-treated patients. TIPRL1 deletion in HNSCC cells resulted in increased RT sensitivity, a faster but prolonged cell cycle arrest, increased micronuclei formation and an altered proteome-wide DDR. Upon irradiation, ATM phosphorylates TIPRL1 at Ser265. A non-phospho Ser265Ala mutant could not rescue the increased radiosensitivity phenotype of TIPRL1-depleted cells. While binding to PP2A-like phosphatases was confirmed, DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), RAD51 recombinase and nucleosomal histones were identified as novel TIPRL1 interactors. Histone binding, although stimulated by RT, was adversely affected by TIPRL1 Ser265 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore a clinically relevant role for TIPRL1 and its ATM-dependent phosphorylation in RT resistance through modulation of the DDR, highlighting its potential as a new HNSCC predictive marker and therapeutic target.

PP2A as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer: Current insights and future perspectives

Breast cancer has become the most prevalent malignancy worldwide; however, therapeutic efficacy is far from satisfactory. To alleviate the burden of this disease, it is imperative to discover novel mechanisms and treatment strategies. Protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) comprises a family of mammalian serine/threonine phosphatases that regulate many cellular processes. PP2A is dysregulated in several human diseases, including oncological pathologies, and plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of tumours. The role of PP2A as a tumour suppressor has been extensively studied, and its regulation can serve as a target for anticancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that PP2A is a tumour promotor. PP2A-mediated anticancer therapy may involve two opposing mechanisms: activation and inhibition. In general, the contradictory roles of PP2A should not be overlooked, and more work is needed to determine the molecular mechanism by which PP2A affects in tumours. In this review, the literature on the role of PP2A in tumours, especially in breast cancer, was analysed. This review describes relevant targets of breast cancer, such as cell cycle control, DNA damage responses, epidermal growth factor receptor, immune modulation and cell death resistance, which may lead to effective therapeutic strategies or influence drug development in breast cancer.

The PP2A phosphatase counteracts the function of the 9-1-1 axis in checkpoint activation

DNA damage elicits a checkpoint response depending on the Mec1/ATR kinase, which detects the presence of single-stranded DNA and activates the effector kinase Rad53/CHK2. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one of the signaling circuits leading to Rad53 activation involves the evolutionarily conserved 9-1-1 complex, which acts as a platform for the binding of Dpb11 and Rad9 (referred to as the 9-1-1 axis) to generate a protein complex that allows Mec1 activation. By examining the effects of both loss-of-function and hypermorphic mutations, here, we show that the Cdc55 and Tpd3 subunits of the PP2A phosphatase counteract activation of the 9-1-1 axis. The lack of this inhibitory function results in DNA-damage sensitivity, sustained checkpoint-mediated cell-cycle arrest, and impaired resection of DNA double-strand breaks. This PP2A anti-checkpoint role depends on the capacity of Cdc55 to interact with Ddc1 and to counteract Ddc1-Dpb11 complex formation by preventing Dpb11 recognition of Ddc1 phosphorylated on Thr602.

MicroRNAs as the pivotal regulators of cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive bone tumor that originates from mesenchymal cells. It is considered as the eighth most frequent childhood cancer that mainly affects the tibia and femur among the teenagers and young adults. OS can be usually diagnosed by a combination of MRI and surgical biopsy. The intra-arterial cisplatin (CDDP) and Adriamycin is one of the methods of choices for the OS treatment. CDDP induces tumor cell death by disturbing the DNA replication. Although, CDDP has a critical role in improving the clinical complication in OS patients, a high ratio of CDDP resistance is observed among these patients. Prolonged CDDP administrations have also serious side effects in normal tissues and organs. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms of CDDP resistance should be clarified to define the novel therapeutic modalities in OS. Multidrug resistance (MDR) can be caused by various cellular and molecular processes such as drug efflux, detoxification, and signaling pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the key regulators of CDDP response by the post transcriptional regulation of target genes involved in MDR. In the present review we have discussed all of the miRNAs associated with CDDP response in OS cells. It was observed that the majority of reported miRNAs increased CDDP sensitivity in OS cells through the regulation of signaling pathways, apoptosis, transporters, and autophagy. This review highlights the miRNAs as reliable non-invasive markers for the prediction of CDDP response in OS patients.

Regulation and role of the PP2A-B56 holoenzyme family in cancer

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inactivation is common in cancer, leading to sustained activation of pro-survival and growth-promoting pathways. PP2A consists of a scaffolding A-subunit, a catalytic C-subunit, and a regulatory B-subunit. The functional complexity of PP2A holoenzymes arises mainly through the vast repertoire of regulatory B-subunits, which determine both their substrate specificity and their subcellular localization. Therefore, a major challenge for developing more effective therapeutic strategies for cancer is to identify the specific PP2A complexes to be targeted. Of note, the development of small molecules specifically directed at PP2A-B56α has opened new therapeutic avenues in both solid and hematological tumors. Here, we focus on the B56/PR61 family of PP2A regulatory subunits, which have a central role in directing PP2A tumor suppressor activity. We provide an overview of the mechanisms controlling the formation and regulation of these complexes, the pathways they control, and the mechanisms underlying their deregulation in cancer.

Large-scale phenogenomic analysis of human cancers uncovers frequent alterations affecting SMC5/6 complex components in breast cancer

Cancer cells often experience large-scale alterations in genome architecture because of DNA damage and replication stress. Whether mutations in core regulators of chromosome structure can also lead to cancer-promoting loss in genome stability is not fully understood. To address this question, we conducted a systematic analysis of mutations affecting a global regulator of chromosome biology -the SMC5/6 complex- in cancer genomics cohorts. Analysis of 64 959 cancer samples spanning 144 tissue types and 199 different cancer genome studies revealed that the SMC5/6 complex is frequently altered in breast cancer patients. Patient-derived mutations targeting this complex associate with strong phenotypic outcomes such as loss of ploidy control and reduced overall survival. Remarkably, the phenotypic impact of several patient mutations can be observed in a heterozygous context, hence providing an explanation for a prominent role of SMC5/6 mutations in breast cancer pathogenesis. Overall, our findings suggest that genes encoding global effectors of chromosome architecture can act as key contributors to cancer development in humans.

Small-Molecule-Mediated Stabilization of PP2A Modulates the Homologous Recombination Pathway and Potentiates DNA Damage-Induced Cell Death

High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common and lethal ovarian cancer subtype. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have become the mainstay of HGSC-targeted therapy, given that these tumors are driven by a high degree of genomic instability (GI) and homologous recombination (HR) defects. Nonetheless, approximately 30% of patients initially respond to treatment, ultimately relapsing with resistant disease. Thus, despite recent advances in drug development and an increased understanding of genetic alterations driving HGSC progression, mortality has not declined, highlighting the need for novel therapies. Using a small-molecule activator of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A; SMAP-061), we investigated the mechanism by which PP2A stabilization induces apoptosis in patient-derived HGSC cells and xenograft (PDX) models alone or in combination with PARPi. We uncovered that PP2A genes essential for cellular transformation (B56α, B56γ, and PR72) and basal phosphatase activity (PP2A-A and -C) are heterozygously lost in the majority of HGSC. Moreover, loss of these PP2A genes correlates with worse overall patient survival. We show that SMAP-061-induced stabilization of PP2A inhibits the HR output by targeting RAD51, leading to chronic accumulation of DNA damage and ultimately apoptosis. Furthermore, combination of SMAP-061 and PARPi leads to enhanced apoptosis in both HR-proficient and HR-deficient HGSC cells and PDX models. Our studies identify PP2A as a novel regulator of HR and indicate PP2A modulators as a therapeutic therapy for HGSC. In summary, our findings further emphasize the potential of PP2A modulators to overcome PARPi insensitivity, given that targeting RAD51 presents benefits in overcoming PARPi resistance driven by BRCA1/2 mutation reversions.

FAM122A ensures cell cycle interphase progression and checkpoint control as a SLiM-dependent substrate-competitive inhibitor to the B55⍺/PP2A phosphatase

The Ser/Thr protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a highly conserved collection of heterotrimeric holoenzymes responsible for the dephosphorylation of many regulated phosphoproteins. Substrate recognition and the integration of regulatory cues are mediated by B regulatory subunits that are complexed to the catalytic subunit (C) by a scaffold protein (A). PP2A/B55 substrate recruitment was thought to be mediated by charge-charge interactions between the surface of B55α and its substrates. Challenging this view, we recently discovered a conserved SLiM [ RK ]- V -x-x-[ VI ]- R in a range of proteins, including substrates such as the retinoblastoma-related protein p107 and TAU (Fowle et al. eLife 2021;10:e63181). Here we report the identification of this SLiM in FAM122A, an inhibitor of B55α/PP2A. This conserved SLiM is necessary for FAM122A binding to B55α in vitro and in cells. Computational structure prediction with AlphaFold2 predicts an interaction consistent with the mutational and biochemical data and supports a mechanism whereby FAM122A uses the 'SLiM' in the form of a short α-helix to dock to the B55α top groove. In this model, FAM122A spatially constrains substrate access by occluding the catalytic subunit with a second α-helix immediately adjacent to helix 1. Consistently, FAM122A functions as a competitive inhibitor as it prevents binding of substrates in in vitro competition assays and the dephosphorylation of CDK substrates by B55α/PP2A in cell lysates. Ablation of FAM122A in human cell lines reduces the rate of proliferation, progression through cell cycle transitions and abrogates G1/S and intra-S phase cell cycle checkpoints. FAM122A-KO in HEK293 cells results in attenuation of CHK1 and CHK2 activation in response to replication stress. Overall, these data strongly suggest that FAM122A is a 'SLiM'-dependent, substrate-competitive inhibitor of B55α/PP2A that suppresses multiple functions of B55α in the DNA damage response and in timely progression through the cell cycle interphase.

VPA mediates bidirectional regulation of cell cycle progression through the PPP2R2A-Chk1 signaling axis in response to HU

Cell cycle checkpoint kinases play a pivotal role in protecting against replicative stress. In this study, valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), was found to promote breast cancer MCF-7 cells to traverse into G2/M phase for catastrophic injury by promoting PPP2R2A (the B-regulatory subunit of Phosphatase PP2A) to facilitate the dephosphorylation of Chk1 at Ser317 and Ser345. By contrast, VPA protected normal 16HBE cells from HU toxicity through decreasing PPP2R2A expression and increasing Chk1 phosphorylation. The effect of VPA on PPP2R2A was at the post-transcription level through HDAC1/2. The in vitro results were affirmed in vivo. Patients with lower PPP2R2A expression and higher pChk1 expression showed significantly worse survival. PPP2R2A D197 and N181 are essential for PPP2R2A-Chk1 signaling and VPA-mediated bidirectional effect on augmenting HU-induced tumor cell death and protecting normal cells.

Integrated Microarray-Based Data Analysis of miRNA Expression Profiles: Identification of Novel Biomarkers of Cisplatin-Resistance in Testicular Germ Cell Tumours

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common solid malignancy among young men, and their incidence is still increasing. Despite good curability with cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy, about 10% of TGCTs are non-responsive and show a chemoresistant phenotype. To further increase TGCT curability, better prediction of risk of relapse and early detection of refractory cases is needed. Therefore, to diagnose this malignancy more precisely, stratify patients more accurately and improve decision-making on treatment modality, new biomarkers are still required. Numerous studies showed association of differential expressions of microRNAs (miRNAs) with cancer. Using microarray analysis followed by RT-qPCR validation, we identified specific miRNA expression patterns that discriminate chemoresistant phenotypes in TGCTs. Comparing CDDP-resistant vs. -sensitive TGCT cell lines, we identified miR-218-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-27b-3p, miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p, let-7a and miR-517a-3p as significantly up-regulated and miR-374b-5p, miR-378a-3p, miR-20b-5p and miR-30e-3p as significantly down-regulated. In patient tumour samples, we observed the highest median values of relative expression of miR-218-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-375-5p and miR-517a-3p, but also miR-20b-5p and miR-378a-3p, in metastatic tumour samples when compared with primary tumour or control samples. In TGCT patient plasma samples, we detected increased expression of miR-218-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-517a-3p and miR-375-5p when compared to healthy individuals. We propose that miR-218-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-375-5p, miR-517-3p, miR-20b-5p and miR-378a-3p represent a new panel of biomarkers for better prediction of chemoresistance and more aggressive phenotypes potentially underlying metastatic spread in non-seminomatous TGCTs. In addition, we provide predictions of the targets and functional and regulatory networks of selected miRNAs.

Biased holoenzyme assembly of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A): From cancer to small molecules

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a family of serine threonine phosphatases responsible for regulating protein phosphorylation, thus opposing the activity of cellular kinases. PP2A is composed of a catalytic subunit (PP2A Cα/β) and scaffolding subunit (PP2A Aα/β) and various substrate-directing B regulatory subunits. PP2A biogenesis is regulated at multiple levels. For example, the sequestration of the free catalytic subunit during the process of biogenesis avoids promiscuous phosphatase activity. Posttranslational modifications of PP2A C direct PP2A heterotrimeric formation. Additionally, PP2A functions as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor, where attenuated PP2A enzymatic activity creates a permissive environment for oncogenic transformation. Recent work studying PP2A in cancer showed that its role in tumorigenesis is more nuanced, with some holoenzymes being tumor suppressive, while others are required for oncogenic transformation. In cancer biology, PP2A function is modulated through various mechanisms including the displacement of specific B regulatory subunits by DNA tumor viral antigens, by recurrent mutations, and through loss of carboxymethyl-sensitive heterotrimeric complexes. In aggregate, these alterations bias PP2A activity away from its tumor suppressive functions and toward oncogenic ones. From a therapeutic perspective, molecular glues and disruptors present opportunities for both the selective stabilization of tumor-suppressive holoenzymes and disruption of holoenzymes that are pro-oncogenic. Collectively, these approaches represent an attractive cancer therapy for a wide range of tumor types. This review will discuss the mechanisms by which PP2A holoenzyme formation is dysregulated in cancer and the current therapies that are aimed at biasing heterotrimer formation of PP2A for the treatment of cancer.

Role of Olaparib in the Management of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Japanese Clinician's Perspective

Several studies have identified various targetable genomic alterations in prostate cancer, which accumulate during carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Genomic alterations in genes involved in DNA damage repair by homologous recombination repair may predict increased sensitivity to poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. The Phase 3 PROfound trial has shown that treatment with the PARP inhibitor olaparib was associated with an improved radiographic progression-free survival and overall survival among patients with homologous recombination repair-deficient metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after the treatment with androgen receptor targeting therapy, especially in men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. In Japan, olaparib was approved in December 2020 for the treatment of mCRPC with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. In addition, genetic tests to detect BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation to select patients who are likely to benefit from olaparib were also approved. This review summarizes the status of olaparib treatment for mCRPC, focusing on the situation in Japan.

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinases as therapeutic targets and stratification indicators for prostate cancer

The DNA damage response is an integral part of a cells' ability to maintain genomic integrity by responding to and ameliorating DNA damage, or initiating cell death for irrepairably damaged cells. This response is often hijacked by cancer cells to evade cell death allowing mutant cells to persist, as well as in the development of treatment resistance to DNA damaging agents such as chemotherapy and radiation. Prostate cancer (PCa) cells often exhibit alterations in DNA damage response genes including ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), correlating with aggressive disease phenotype. The recent success of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition has led to several clinically approved PARP inhibitors for the treatment of men with metastatic PCa, however a key limitation is the development of drug resistance and relapse. An alternative approach is selectively targeting ATM and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) which, due to their position at the forefront of the DDR, represent attractive pharmacological targets. ATR inhibition has been shown to act synergistically with PARP inhibition and other cancer treatments to enhance anti-tumour activity. ATM-deficiency is a common characteristic of PCa and a synthetic lethal relationship exists between ATM and ATR, with ATR inhibition inducing selective cell death in ATM-deficient PCa cells. The current research highlights the feasibility of therapeutically targeting ATR in ATM-deficient prostate tumours and in combination with other treatments to enhance overall efficacy and reduce therapeutic resistance. ATM also represents an important molecular biomarker to stratify patients into targeted treatment groups and aid prognosis for personalised medicine.

eIF3a-PPP2R5A-mediated ATM/ATR dephosphorylation is essential for irinotecan-induced DNA damage response

Objectives

The individual differences and pervasive resistance seriously hinder the optimization of irinotecan‐based therapeutic effectiveness. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3a (eIF3a) plays a key role in tumour occurrence, prognosis and therapeutic response. This study focused on the role of eIF3a in irinotecan‐induced DNA damage response.

Materials and Methods

The cck8 cell viability and clone survival analyses were used to test the regulatory role of eIF3a on irinotecan sensitivity in HT29 and CACO2 cell lines in vitro. This regulatory role was also verified in vivo by conducting subcutaneous xenograft model. Irinotecan‐induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were tested by flow cytometry analysis, TUNEL staining, western blot and comet assays. The immunofluorescence, co‐IP, luciferase reporter assay, RIP and flow cytometric analyses were carried out to investigate the underline mechanism.

Results

We demonstrated that eIF3a continuously activates ATM/ATR signal by translationally inhibiting PPP2R5A, a phosphatase that directly dephosphorylates and inactivates ATM/ATR after DNA repair complete. Suppression of PPP2R5A resulted in chronic ATM/ATR phosphorylation and activation, impairing DNA repair and enhancing irinotecan sensitivity.

Conclusions

Our study suggested eIF3a with a high potential to influence phenotypic functions, which may contribute substantially to the early identification of susceptible individuals and the provision of personalized medication to irinotecan‐treated patients.

Targeting Ribonucleotide Reductase Induces Synthetic Lethality in PP2A-Deficient Uterine Serous Carcinoma

Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is a highly aggressive endometrial cancer subtype with limited therapeutic options and a lack of targeted therapies. While mutations to PPP2R1A, which encodes the predominant protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) scaffolding protein Aα, occur in 30% to 40% of USC cases, the clinical actionability of these mutations has not been studied. Using a high-throughput screening approach, we showed that mutations in Aα results in synthetic lethality following treatment with inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). In vivo, multiple models of Aα mutant uterine serous tumors were sensitive to clofarabine, an RNR inhibitor (RNRi). Aα-mutant cells displayed impaired checkpoint signaling upon RNRi treatment and subsequently accumulated more DNA damage than wild-type (WT) cells. Consistently, inhibition of PP2A activity using LB-100, a catalytic inhibitor, sensitized WT USC cells to RNRi. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data indicated that inactivation of PP2A, through loss of PP2A subunit expression, was prevalent in USC, with 88% of patients with USC harboring loss of at least one PP2A gene. In contrast, loss of PP2A subunit expression was rare in uterine endometrioid carcinomas. While RNRi are not routinely used for uterine cancers, a retrospective analysis of patients treated with gemcitabine as a second- or later-line therapy revealed a trend for improved outcomes in patients with USC treated with RNRi gemcitabine compared with patients with endometrioid histology. Overall, our data provide experimental evidence to support the use of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors for the treatment of USC.

SIGNIFICANCE

A drug repurposing screen identifies synthetic lethal interactions in PP2A-deficient uterine serous carcinoma, providing potential therapeutic avenues for treating this deadly endometrial cancer.

ATM phosphorylates PP2A subunit A resulting in nuclear export and spatiotemporal regulation of the DNA damage response

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a serine-threonine protein kinase and important regulator of the DNA damage response (DDR). One critical ATM target is the structural subunit A (PR65-S401) of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), known to regulate diverse cellular processes such as mitosis and cell growth as well as dephosphorylating many proteins during the recovery from the DDR. We generated mouse embryonic fibroblasts expressing PR65-WT, -S401A (cannot be phosphorylated), and -S401D (phospho-mimetic) transgenes. Significantly, S401 mutants exhibited extensive chromosomal aberrations, impaired DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and underwent increased mitotic catastrophe after radiation. Both S401A and the S401D cells showed impaired DSB repair (nonhomologous end joining and homologous recombination repair) and exhibited delayed DNA damage recovery, which was reflected in reduced radiation survival. Furthermore, S401D cells displayed increased ERK and AKT signaling resulting in enhanced growth rate further underscoring the multiple roles ATM-PP2A signaling plays in regulating prosurvival responses. Time-lapse video and cellular localization experiments showed that PR65 was exported to the cytoplasm after radiation by CRM1, a nuclear export protein, in line with the very rapid pleiotropic effects observed. A putative nuclear export sequence (NES) close to S401 was identified and when mutated resulted in aberrant PR65 shuttling. Our study demonstrates that the phosphorylation of a single, critical PR65 amino acid (S401) by ATM fundamentally controls the DDR, and balances DSB repair quality, cell survival and growth by spatiotemporal PR65 nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling mediated by the nuclear export receptor CRM1.

PP2A-B55: substrates and regulators in the control of cellular functions

PP2A is a major serine/threonine phosphatase class involved in the regulation of cell signaling through the removal of protein phosphorylation. This class of phosphatases is comprised of different heterotrimeric complexes displaying distinct substrate specificities. The present review will focus on one specific heterocomplex, the phosphatase PP2A-B55. Herein, we will report the direct substrates of this phosphatase identified to date, and its impact on different cell signaling cascades. We will additionally describe its negative regulation by its inhibitors Arpp19 and ENSA and their upstream kinase Greatwall. Finally, we will describe the essential molecular features defining PP2A-B55 substrate specificity that confer the correct temporal pattern of substrate dephosphorylation. The main objective of this review is to provide the reader with a unique source compiling all the knowledge of this particular holoenzyme that has evolved as a key enzyme for cell homeostasis and cancer development.

A complex of BRCA2 and PP2A-B56 is required for DNA repair by homologous recombination

Mutations in the tumour suppressor gene BRCA2 are associated with predisposition to breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA2 has a central role in maintaining genome integrity by facilitating the repair of toxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination (HR). BRCA2 acts by controlling RAD51 nucleoprotein filament formation on resected single-stranded DNA, but how BRCA2 activity is regulated during HR is not fully understood. Here, we delineate a pathway where ATM and ATR kinases phosphorylate a highly conserved region in BRCA2 in response to DSBs. These phosphorylations stimulate the binding of the protein phosphatase PP2A-B56 to BRCA2 through a conserved binding motif. We show that the phosphorylation-dependent formation of the BRCA2-PP2A-B56 complex is required for efficient RAD51 filament formation at sites of DNA damage and HR-mediated DNA repair. Moreover, we find that several cancer-associated mutations in BRCA2 deregulate the BRCA2-PP2A-B56 interaction and sensitize cells to PARP inhibition. Collectively, our work uncovers PP2A-B56 as a positive regulator of BRCA2 function in HR with clinical implications for BRCA2 and PP2A-B56 mutated cancers.

Strategies for Targeting Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatases with Small Molecules in Cancer

Among numerous posttranslational regulation patterns, phosphorylation is reversibly controlled by the balance of kinases and phosphatases. The major form of cellular signaling involves the reversible phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine, serine, or threonine residues. However, altered phosphorylation levels are found in diverse diseases, including cancer, making kinases and phosphatases ideal drug targets. In contrast to the success of prosperous kinase inhibitors, design of small molecules targeting phosphatase is struggling due to past bias and difficulty. This is especially true for serine/threonine phosphatases, one of the largest phosphatase families. From this perspective, we aim to provide insights into serine/threonine phosphatases and the small molecules targeting these proteins for drug development, especially in cancer. Through highlighting the modulation strategies, we aim to provide basic principles for the design of small molecules and future perspectives for the application of drugs targeting serine/threonine phosphatases.

Review of PP2A Tumor Biology and Antitumor Effects of PP2A Inhibitor LB100 in the Nervous System

Simple Summary

Central and peripheral nervous system tumors represent a heterogenous group of neoplasms which often demonstrate resistance to treatment. Given that these tumors are often refractory to conventional therapy, novel pharmaceutical regimens are needed for successfully treating this pathology. One such therapeutic is the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor, LB100. LB100 is a water-soluble competitive protein phosphtase inhibitor that has demonstrated antitumor effects in preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we aim to summarize current evidence demonstrating the efficacy of LB100 as an inhibitor of nervous system tumors. Furthermore, we review the involvement of the well-studied phosphatase, protein phosphatase 2A, in oncogenic cell signaling pathways, neurophysiology, and neurodevelopment.

Abstract

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine phosphatase implicated in a wide variety of regulatory cellular functions. PP2A is abundant in the mammalian nervous system, and dysregulation of its cellular functions is associated with myriad neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, PP2A has oncologic implications, recently garnering attention and emerging as a therapeutic target because of the antitumor effects of a potent PP2A inhibitor, LB100. LB100 abrogation of PP2A is believed to exert its inhibitory effects on tumor progression through cellular chemo- and radiosensitization to adjuvant agents. An updated and unifying review of PP2A biology and inhibition with LB100 as a therapeutic strategy for targeting cancers of the nervous system is needed, as other reviews have mainly covered broader applications of LB100. In this review, we discuss the role of PP2A in normal cells and tumor cells of the nervous system. Furthermore, we summarize current evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of LB100 for treating solid tumors of the nervous system.

Perfecting DNA double-strand break repair on transcribed chromatin

Timely repair of DNA double-strand break (DSB) entails coordination with the local higher order chromatin structure and its transaction activities, including transcription. Recent studies are uncovering how DSBs trigger transient suppression of nearby transcription to permit faithful DNA repair, failing of which leads to elevated chromosomal aberrations and cell hypersensitivity to DNA damage. Here, we summarize the molecular bases for transcriptional control during DSB metabolism, and discuss how the exquisite coordination between the two DNA-templated processes may underlie maintenance of genome stability and cell homeostasis.

Dysregulated G2 phase checkpoint recovery pathway reduces DNA repair efficiency and increases chromosomal instability in a wide range of tumours

Defective DNA repair is being demonstrated to be a useful target in cancer treatment. Currently, defective repair is identified by specific gene mutations, however defective repair is a common feature of cancers without these mutations. DNA damage triggers cell cycle checkpoints that are responsible for co-ordinating cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. Defects in checkpoint signalling components such as ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) occur in a low proportion of cancers and are responsible for reduced DNA repair and increased genomic instability. Here we have investigated the AURKA-PLK1 cell cycle checkpoint recovery pathway that is responsible for exit from the G2 phase cell cycle checkpoint arrest. We demonstrate that dysregulation of PP6 and AURKA maintained elevated PLK1 activation to promote premature exit from only ATM, and not ATR-dependent checkpoint arrest. Surprisingly, depletion of the B55α subunit of PP2A that negatively regulates PLK1 was capable of overcoming ATM and ATR checkpoint arrests. Dysregulation of the checkpoint recovery pathway reduced S/G2 phase DNA repair efficiency and increased genomic instability. We found a strong correlation between dysregulation of the PP6-AURKA-PLK1-B55α checkpoint recovery pathway with signatures of defective homologous recombination and increased chromosomal instability in several cancer types. This work has identified an unrealised source of G2 phase DNA repair defects and chromosomal instability that are likely to be sensitive to treatments targeting defective repair.

Loss of the abasic site sensor HMCES is synthetic lethal with the activity of the APOBEC3A cytosine deaminase in cancer cells

Analysis of cancer mutagenic signatures provides information about the origin of mutations and can inform the use of clinical therapies, including immunotherapy. In particular, APOBEC3A (A3A) has emerged as a major driver of mutagenesis in cancer cells, and its expression results in DNA damage and susceptibility to treatment with inhibitors of the ATR and CHK1 checkpoint kinases. Here, we report the implementation of CRISPR/Cas-9 genetic screening to identify susceptibilities of multiple A3A-expressing lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell lines. We identify HMCES, a protein recently linked to the protection of abasic sites, as a central protein for the tolerance of A3A expression. HMCES depletion results in synthetic lethality with A3A expression preferentially in a TP53-mutant background. Analysis of previous screening data reveals a strong association between A3A mutational signatures and sensitivity to HMCES loss and indicates that HMCES is specialized in protecting against a narrow spectrum of DNA damaging agents in addition to A3A. We experimentally show that both HMCES disruption and A3A expression increase susceptibility of cancer cells to ionizing radiation (IR), oxidative stress, and ATR inhibition, strategies that are often applied in tumor therapies. Overall, our results suggest that HMCES is an attractive target for selective treatment of A3A-expressing tumors.

Pathological Features of Tumors of the Nervous System in Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Syndromes: A Review

Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes (HCS) become more recognizable as the knowledge about them expands, and genetic testing becomes more affordable. In this review, we discussed the known HCS that predispose to central and peripheral nervous system tumors. Different genetic phenomena were highlighted, and the important cellular biological alterations were summarized. Genetic mosaicism and germline mutations are features of HCS, and recently, they were described in normal population and as modifiers for the genetic landscape of sporadic tumors. Description of the tumors arising in these conditions was augmented by representative cases explaining the main pathological findings. Clinical spectrum of the syndromes and diagnostic criteria were tabled to outline their role in defining these disorders. Interestingly, precision medicine has found its way to help these groups of patients by offering targeted preventive measures. Understanding the signaling pathway alteration of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in tuberous sclerosis helped introducing mTOR inhibitors as a prophylactic treatment in these patients. More research to define the germline genetic alterations and resulting cellular signaling perturbations is needed for effective risk-reducing interventions beyond prophylactic surgeries.

Loss of PR55α promotes proliferation and metastasis by activating MAPK/AKT signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

PR55α plays important roles in oncogenesis and progression of numerous malignancies. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. This study aims to characterize the functions of PR55α in HCC.

Methods

PR55α expressions in HCC tissues and paired healthy liver samples were evaluated using Western blot and tissue microarray immunohistochemistry. We knocked down the expression of PR55α in SMMC-7721 and LM3 cell lines via small interfering and lentivirus. In vitro cell counting, colony formation, migration and invasion assays were performed along with in vivo xenograft implantation and lung metastases experiments. The potential mechanisms involving target signal pathways were investigated by RNA-sequencing.

Results

PR55α expression level was suppressed in HCC tissues in comparison to healthy liver samples. Decreased PR55α levels were correlated with poorer prognosis (P = 0.0059). Knockdown of PR55α significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration, induced repression of the cell cycle progression and apoptosis in vitro while accelerating in vivo HCC growth and metastasis. Mechanistic analysis indicated that PR55α silencing was involved with MAPK/AKT signal pathway activation and resulted in increased phosphorylation of both AKT and ERK1/2.

Conclusions

This study identifies PR55α to be a candidate novel therapeutic target in the treatment of HCC.

Analysis of CRISPR-Cas9 screens identifies genetic dependencies in melanoma

Targeting the MAPK signaling pathway has transformed the treatment of metastatic melanoma. CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screens provide a genome-wide approach to uncover novel genetic dependencies that might serve as therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed recently reported CRISPR-Cas9 screens comparing data from 28 melanoma cell lines and 313 cell lines of other tumor types in order to identify fitness genes related to melanoma. We found an average of 1,494 fitness genes in each melanoma cell line. We identified 33 genes, inactivation of which specifically reduced the fitness of melanoma. This set of tumor type-specific genes includes established melanoma fitness genes as well as many genes that have not previously been associated with melanoma growth. Several genes encode proteins that can be targeted using available inhibitors. We verified that genetic inactivation of DUSP4 and PPP2R2A reduces the proliferation of melanoma cells. DUSP4 encodes an inhibitor of ERK, suggesting that further activation of MAPK signaling activity through its loss is selectively deleterious to melanoma cells. Collectively, these data present a resource of genetic dependencies in melanoma that may be explored as potential therapeutic targets.

PP2A-B55 Holoenzyme Regulation and Cancer

Protein phosphorylation is a post-translational modification essential for the control of the activity of most enzymes in the cell. This protein modification results from a fine-tuned balance between kinases and phosphatases. PP2A is one of the major serine/threonine phosphatases that is involved in the control of a myriad of different signaling cascades. This enzyme, often misregulated in cancer, is considered a tumor suppressor. In this review, we will focus on PP2A-B55, a particular holoenzyme of the family of the PP2A phosphatases whose specific role in cancer development and progression has only recently been highlighted. The discovery of the Greatwall (Gwl)/Arpp19-ENSA cascade, a new pathway specifically controlling PP2A-B55 activity, has been shown to be frequently altered in cancer. Herein, we will review the current knowledge about the mechanisms controlling the formation and the regulation of the activity of this phosphatase and its misregulation in cancer.

A Genome-Wide Pooled shRNA Screen Identifies PPP2R2A as a Predictive Biomarker for the Response to ATR and CHK1 Inhibitors

There is currently a lack of precise predictive biomarkers for patient selection in clinical trials of inhibitors targeting replication stress (RS) response proteins ATR and CHK1. The objective of this study was to identify novel predictive biomarkers for the response to these agents in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A genome-wide loss-of-function screen revealed that tumor suppressor PPP2R2A, a B regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A), determines sensitivity to CHK1 inhibition. A synthetic lethal interaction between PPP2R2A deficiency and ATR or CHK1 inhibition was observed in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo and was independent of p53 status. ATR and CHK1 inhibition resulted in significantly increased levels of RS and altered replication dynamics, particularly in PPP2R2A-deficient NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, PPP2R2A negatively regulated translation of oncogene c-Myc protein. c-Myc activity was required for PPP2R2A deficiency-induced alterations of replication initiation/RS and sensitivity to ATR/CHK1 inhibitors. We conclude that PPP2R2A deficiency elevates RS by upregulating c-Myc activity, rendering cells reliant on the ATR/CHK1 axis for survival. Our studies show a novel synthetic lethal interaction and identify PPP2R2A as a potential new predictive biomarker for patient stratification in the clinical use of ATR and CHK1 inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE: This study reveals new approaches to specifically target PPP2R2A-deficient lung cancer cells and provides a novel biomarker that will significantly improve treatment outcome with ATR and CHK1 inhibitors.

Ppp2r2a Knockout Mice Reveal That Protein Phosphatase 2A Regulatory Subunit, PP2A-B55α, Is an Essential Regulator of Neuronal and Epidermal Embryonic Development

The serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a master regulator of the complex cellular signaling that occurs during all stages of mammalian development. PP2A is composed of a catalytic, a structural, and regulatory subunit, for which there are multiple isoforms. The association of specific regulatory subunits determines substrate specificity and localization of phosphatase activity, however, the precise role of each regulatory subunit in development is not known. Here we report the generation of the first knockout mouse for the Ppp2r2a gene, encoding the PP2A-B55α regulatory subunit, using CRISPR/Cas9. Heterozygous animals developed and grew as normal, however, homozygous knockout mice were not viable. Analysis of embryos at different developmental stages found a normal Mendelian ratio of Ppp2r2a-/- embryos at embryonic day (E) 10.5 (25%), but reduced Ppp2r2a-/- embryos at E14.5 (18%), and further reduced at E18.5 (10%). No live Ppp2r2a-/- pups were observed at birth. Ppp2r2a-/- embryos were significantly smaller than wild-type or heterozygous littermates and displayed a variety of neural defects such as exencephaly, spina bifida, and cranial vault collapse, as well as syndactyly and severe epidermal defects; all processes driven by growth and differentiation of the ectoderm. Ppp2r2a-/- embryos had incomplete epidermal barrier acquisition, associated with thin, poorly differentiated stratified epithelium with weak attachment to the underlying dermis. The basal keratinocytes in Ppp2r2a-/- embryos were highly disorganized, with reduced immunolabeling of integrins and basement membrane proteins, suggesting impaired focal adhesion and hemidesmosome assembly. The spinous and granular layers were thinner in the Ppp2r2a-/- embryos, with aberrant expression of adherens and tight junction associated proteins. The overlying stratum corneum was either absent or incomplete. Thus PP2A-B55α is an essential regulator of epidermal stratification, and is essential for ectodermal development during embryogenesis.

Targeting Mutant PPM1D Sensitizes Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Cells to the PARP Inhibitor Olaparib

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an invariably fatal brain tumor occurring predominantly in children. Up to 90% of pediatric DIPGs harbor a somatic heterozygous mutation resulting in the replacement of lysine 27 with methionine (K27M) in genes encoding histone H3.3 (H3F3A, 65%) or H3.1 (HIST1H3B, 25%). Several studies have also identified recurrent truncating mutations in the gene encoding protein phosphatase 1D, PPM1D, in 9%-23% of DIPGs. Here, we sought to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting PPM1D, alone or in combination with inhibitors targeting specific components of DNA damage response pathways in patient-derived DIPG cell lines. We found that GSK2830371, an allosteric PPM1D inhibitor, suppressed the proliferation of PPM1D-mutant, but not PPM1D wild-type DIPG cells. We further observed that PPM1D inhibition sensitized PPM1D-mutant DIPG cells to PARP inhibitor (PARPi) treatment. Mechanistically, combined PPM1D and PARP inhibition show synergistic effects on suppressing a p53-dependent RAD51 expression and the formation of RAD51 nuclear foci, possibly leading to impaired homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair in PPM1D-mutant DIPG cells. Collectively, our findings reveal the potential role of the PPM1D-p53 signaling axis in the regulation of HR-mediated DNA repair and provide preclinical evidence demonstrating that combined inhibition of PPM1D and PARP1/2 may be a promising therapeutic combination for targeting PPM1D-mutant DIPG tumors. IMPLICATIONS: The findings support the use of PARPi in combination with PPM1D inhibition against PPM1D-mutant DIPGs.

Cell Cycle and DNA Repair Regulation in the Damage Response: Protein Phosphatases Take Over the Reins

Cells are constantly suffering genotoxic stresses that affect the integrity of our genetic material. Genotoxic insults must be repaired to avoid the loss or inappropriate transmission of the genetic information, a situation that could lead to the appearance of developmental abnormalities and tumorigenesis. To combat this threat, eukaryotic cells have evolved a set of sophisticated molecular mechanisms that are collectively known as the DNA damage response (DDR). This surveillance system controls several aspects of the cellular response, including the detection of lesions, a temporary cell cycle arrest, and the repair of the broken DNA. While the regulation of the DDR by numerous kinases has been well documented over the last decade, the complex roles of protein dephosphorylation have only recently begun to be investigated. Here, we review recent progress in the characterization of DDR-related protein phosphatases during the response to a DNA lesion, focusing mainly on their ability to modulate the DNA damage checkpoint and the repair of the damaged DNA. We also discuss their protein composition and structure, target specificity, and biochemical regulation along the different stages encompassed in the DDR. The compilation of this information will allow us to better comprehend the physiological significance of protein dephosphorylation in the maintenance of genome integrity and cell viability in response to genotoxic stress.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A): a key phosphatase in the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to lung cancer

Lung cancer (LC) has the highest relative risk of development as a comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The molecular mechanisms that mediate chronic inflammation and lung function impairment in COPD have been identified in LC. This suggests the two diseases are more linked than once thought. Emerging data in relation to a key phosphatase, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and its regulatory role in inflammatory and tumour suppression in both disease settings suggests that it may be critical in the progression of COPD to LC. In this review, we uncover the importance of the functional and active PP2A holoenzyme in the context of both diseases. We describe PP2A inactivation via direct and indirect means and explore the actions of two key PP2A endogenous inhibitors, cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) and inhibitor 2 of PP2A (SET), and the role they play in COPD and LC. We explain how dysregulation of PP2A in COPD creates a favourable inflammatory micro-environment and promotes the initiation and progression of tumour pathogenesis. Finally, we highlight PP2A as a druggable target in the treatment of COPD and LC and demonstrate the potential of PP2A re-activation as a strategy to halt COPD disease progression to LC. Although further studies are required to elucidate if PP2A activity in COPD is a causal link for LC progression, studies focused on the potential of PP2A reactivating agents to reduce the risk of LC formation in COPD patients will be pivotal in improving clinical outcomes for both COPD and LC patients in the future.

PP2A inhibition is a druggable MEK inhibitor resistance mechanism in KRAS-mutant lung cancer cells

Kinase inhibitor resistance constitutes a major unresolved clinical challenge in cancer. Furthermore, the role of serine/threonine phosphatase deregulation as a potential cause for resistance to kinase inhibitors has not been thoroughly addressed. We characterize protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity as a global determinant of KRAS-mutant lung cancer cell resistance across a library of >200 kinase inhibitors. The results show that PP2A activity modulation alters cancer cell sensitivities to a large number of kinase inhibitors. Specifically, PP2A inhibition ablated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor response through the collateral activation of AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Combination of mTOR and MEK inhibitors induced cytotoxicity in PP2A-inhibited cells, but even this drug combination could not abrogate MYC up-regulation in PP2A-inhibited cells. Treatment with an orally bioavailable small-molecule activator of PP2A DT-061, in combination with the MEK inhibitor AZD6244, resulted in suppression of both p-AKT and MYC, as well as tumor regression in two KRAS-driven lung cancer mouse models. DT-061 therapy also abrogated MYC-driven tumorigenesis. These data demonstrate that PP2A deregulation drives MEK inhibitor resistance in KRAS-mutant cells. These results emphasize the need for better understanding of phosphatases as key modulators of cancer therapy responses.

PARP Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer—The Preclinical Rationale and Current Clinical Development

Prostate cancer is globally the second most commonly diagnosed cancer type in men. Recent studies suggest that mutations in DNA repair genes are associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer and castration resistance. Prostate cancer with DNA repair defects may be vulnerable to therapeutic targeting by Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. PARP enzymes modify target proteins with ADP-ribose in a process called PARylation and are in particular involved in single strand break repair. The rationale behind the clinical trials that led to the current use of PARP inhibitors to treat cancer was to target the dependence of BRCA-mutant cancer cells on the PARP-associated repair pathway due to deficiency in homologous recombination. However, recent studies have proposed therapeutic potential for PARP inhibitors in tumors with a variety of vulnerabilities generating dependence on PARP beyond the synthetic lethal targeting of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutated tumors, suggesting a wider potential than initially thought. Importantly, PARP-associated DNA repair pathways are also closely connected to androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which is a key regulator of tumor growth and a central therapeutic target in prostate cancer. In this review, we provide an extensive overview of published and ongoing trials exploring PARP inhibitors in treatment of prostate cancer and discuss the underlying biology. Several clinical trials are currently studying PARP inhibitor mono-and combination therapies in the treatment of prostate cancer. Integration of drugs targeting DNA repair pathways in prostate cancer treatment modalities allows developing of more personalized care taking also into account the genetic makeup of individual tumors.

SUMOylation promotes survival and integration of neural stem cell grafts in ischemic stroke

Background

Neural stem cell (NSC)-based therapies hold great promise for treating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). However, several fundamental problems still need to be overcome to fully exploit the clinical potential of NSC therapeutics. Chief among them is the limited survival of NSC grafts within hostile microenvironments.

Methods

Herein, we sought to engineer NSCs in an effort to increase graft survival within ischemic brain lesions via upregulation of global SUMOylation, a post-translational modification critically involved in mediating tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion.

Findings

NSCs overexpressing the SUMO E2-conjugase Ubc9 displayed resistance to oxygen-glucose-deprivation/restoration of oxygen/glucose (OGD/ROG) and enhanced neuronal differentiation in vitro, as well as increased survival and neuronal differentiation when transplanted in mice with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in vivo.

Interpretation

Our work highlights a critical role for SUMOylation in NSC biology and identifies a biological pathway that can be targeted to increase the effectiveness of exogenous stem cell medicines in ischemic stroke.

Fund

Intramural Research Program of the NINDS/NIH, the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), the Bascule Charitable Trust, NIH-IRTA-OxCam and Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellowships.

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Ubc9-overexpressing NSCs demonstrate enhanced neuronal differentiation.

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Upregulating SUMOylation in NSCs increases resistance to ischemia/reperfusion in vitro.

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Ubc9-overexpressing NSC grafts robustly integrate within the brain of mice post-stroke.

Differential Expression of Genes for Ubiquitin Ligases in Medulloblastoma Subtypes

Using publically available datasets on gene expression in medulloblastoma (MB) subtypes, we selected genes for ubiquitin ligases and identified statistically those that best predicted each of the four major MB subgroups as separate disease entities. We identify a gene coding for an ubiquitin ligase, ZNRF3, whose overexpression alone can predict the WNT subgroup for 100% in the Pfister dataset. For the SHH subgroup, we identify a gene for a regulatory subunit of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), PPP2R2C, as the major predictor among the E3 ligases genes. The ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like conjugation database (UUCD) lists PPP2R2C as coding for a Cullin Ring ubiquitin ligase adaptor. For group 3 MBs, the best ubiquitin ligase predictor was PPP2R2B, a gene which codes for another regulatory subunit of the PP2A holoenzyme. For group 4, the best E3 gene predictors were MID2, ZBTB18, and PPP2R2A, which codes for a third PP2A regulatory subunit. Heatmap analysis of the E3 gene data shows that expression of ten genes for ubiquitin ligases can be used to classify MBs into the four major consensus subgroups. This was illustrated by analysis of gene expression of ubiquitin ligases of the Pfister dataset and confirmed in the dataset of Cavalli. We conclude that genes for ubiquitin ligases can be used as genetic markers for MB subtypes and that the proteins coded for by these genes should be investigated as subtype specific therapeutic targets for MB.

Role of protein phosphatases PP1, PP2A, PP4 and Cdc14 in the DNA damage response

Maintenance of genome integrity is fundamental for cellular physiology. Our hereditary information encoded in the DNA is intrinsically susceptible to suffer variations, mostly due to the constant presence of endogenous and environmental genotoxic stresses. Genomic insults must be repaired to avoid loss or inappropriate transmission of the genetic information, a situation that could lead to the appearance of developmental anomalies and tumorigenesis. To safeguard our genome, cells have evolved a series of mechanisms collectively known as the DNA damage response (DDR). This surveillance system regulates multiple features of the cellular response, including the detection of the lesion, a transient cell cycle arrest and the restoration of the broken DNA molecule. While the role of multiple kinases in the DDR has been well documented over the last years, the intricate roles of protein dephosphorylation have only recently begun to be addressed. In this review, we have compiled recent information about the function of protein phosphatases PP1, PP2A, PP4 and Cdc14 in the DDR, focusing mainly on their capacity to regulate the DNA damage checkpoint and the repair mechanism encompassed in the restoration of a DNA lesion.

Redox inhibition of protein phosphatase PP2A: Potential implications in oncogenesis and its progression

Cellular processes are dictated by the active signaling of proteins relaying messages to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, signal transduction and cell communications. An intricate web of protein kinases and phosphatases are critical to the proper transmission of signals across such cascades. By governing 30–50% of all protein dephosphorylation in the cell, with prominent substrate proteins being key regulators of signaling cascades, the phosphatase PP2A has emerged as a celebrated player in various developmental and tumorigenic pathways, thereby posing as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in various pathologies wherein its activity is deregulated. This review is mainly focused on refreshing our understanding of the structural and functional complexity that cocoons the PP2A phosphatase, and its expression in cancers. Additionally, we focus on its physiological regulation as well as into recent advents and strategies that have shown promise in countering the deregulation of the phosphatase through its targeted reactivation. Finally, we dwell upon one of the key regulators of PP2A in cancer cells-cellular redox status-its multifarious nature, and its integration into the reactome of PP2A, highlighting some of the significant impacts that ROS can inflict on the structural modifications and functional aspect of PP2A.

A Road Map to Personalizing Targeted Cancer Therapies Using Synthetic Lethality

Targeted therapies rely on the genetic and epigenetic status of the tumor cells and are seen as the most promising approach to treat cancer today. However, current targeted therapies focus on directly inhibiting those molecules that are altered in tumor cells. Unfortunately, targeting these molecules, even with specific inhibitors, is challenging as tumor cells rewire their genetic circuitry to eliminate genetic dependency on these targets. Here, we describe how synthetic lethality approaches can be used to identify genetic dependencies and develop personalized targeted therapies. We also discuss strategies to specifically target these genetic dependencies, using small molecule and biologic drugs.

The Oncogenic Functions of MASTL Kinase

MASTL kinase is a master regulator of mitosis, essential for ensuring that mitotic substrate phosphorylation is correctly maintained. It achieves this through the phosphorylation of alpha-endosulfine and subsequent inhibition of the tumor suppressor PP2A-B55 phosphatase. In recent years MASTL has also emerged as a novel oncogenic kinase that is upregulated in a number of cancer types, correlating with chromosome instability and poor patient survival. While the chromosome instability is likely directly linked to MASTL's control of mitotic phosphorylation, several new studies indicated that MASTL has additional effects outside of mitosis and beyond regulation of PP2A-B55. These include control of normal DNA replication timing, and regulation of AKT/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin oncogenic kinase signaling. In this review, we will examine the phenotypes and mechanisms for how MASTL, ENSA, and PP2A-B55 deregulation drives tumor progression and metastasis. Finally, we will explore the rationale for the future development of MASTL inhibitors as new cancer therapeutics.

Targeting PP2A in cancer: Combination therapies

The serine/threonine phosphatase PP2A regulates a vast portion of the phosphoproteome including pathways involved in apoptosis, proliferation and DNA damage response and PP2A inactivation is a vital step in malignant transformation. Many groups have explored the therapeutic venue of combining PP2A reactivation with kinase inhibition to counteract the very changes in tumor suppressors and oncogenes that lead to cancer development. Conversely, inhibition of PP2A to complement chemotherapy and radiation-induced cancer cell death is also an area of active investigation. Here we review the studies that utilize PP2A targeted agents as combination therapy in cancer. A potential role for PP2A in tumor immunity is also highlighted.

Cumulative defects in DNA repair pathways drive the PARP inhibitor response in high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines

PARP inhibitors (PARPi), such as Olaparib, have shown promising results in high-grade serous (HGS) epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) treatment. PARPi sensitivity has been mainly associated with homologous recombination (HR) deficiency, but clinical trials have shown that predicting actual patient response is complex. Here, we investigated gene expression microarray, HR functionality and Olaparib sensitivity of 18 different HGS EOC cell lines and demonstrate that PARPi sensitivity is not only associated with HR defects. Gene target validation show that down regulation of genes in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) and mismatch repair (MMR) pathways (ERCC8 and MLH1, respectively) increases PARPi response. The highest sensitivity was observed when genes in both the HR and either NER or MMR pathways were concomitantly down regulated. Using clinical samples, patients with these concurrent down regulations could be identified. Based on these results, a novel model to predict PARPi sensitivity is herein proposed. This model implies that the extreme responders identified in clinical trials have deficiencies in HR and either NER or MMR.