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Ji W, Du G, Jiang J, Lu W, Mills CE, Yuan L, Jiang F, He Z, Bradshaw GA, Chung M, Jiang Z, Byun WS, Hinshaw SM, Zhang T, Gray NS. Discovery of bivalent small molecule degraders of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7). Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116613. [PMID: 39004018 PMCID: PMC11316633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7, along with cyclin H and MAT1, forms the CDK-activating complex (CAK), which directs cell cycle progression via T-loop phosphorylation of cell cycle CDKs. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK7 leads to selective anti-cancer effects in cellular and in vivo models, motivating several ongoing clinical investigations of this target. Current CDK7 inhibitors are either reversible or covalent inhibitors of its catalytic activity. We hypothesized that small molecule targeted protein degradation (TPD) might result in differentiated pharmacology due to the loss of scaffolding functions. Here, we report the design and characterization of a potent CDK7 degrader that is comprised of an ATP-competitive CDK7 binder linked to a CRL2VHL recruiter. JWZ-5-13 effectively degrades CDK7 in multiple cancer cells and leads to a potent inhibition of cell proliferation. Additionally, compound JWZ-5-13 displayed bioavailability in a pharmacokinetic study conducted in mice. Therefore, JWZ-5-13 is a useful chemical probe to investigate the pharmacological consequences of CDK7 degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Ji
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Guangyan Du
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Caitlin E Mills
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Linjie Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Fen Jiang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Zhixiang He
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gary A Bradshaw
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mirra Chung
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zixuan Jiang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Woong Sub Byun
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Stephen M Hinshaw
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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2
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Kar PP, Araveti PB, Saxena K, Borah A, Sijwali P, Srivastava A. Cimicifugin, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of Theileria annulata and Plasmodium falciparum CDK7. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0044024. [PMID: 39023263 PMCID: PMC11304743 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00440-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers, and a previous report suggested that Plasmodium falciparum CDK7 is a potential drug target for developing new anti-malarial drugs. In this study, we aimed to characterize and evaluate the drug target potential of Theileria annulata CDK7. Theileria annulata is responsible for tropical theileriosis, which induces a phenotype similar to cancerous cells like immortalization, hyperproliferation, and dissemination. Virtual screening of the MyriaScreen II library predicted 14 compounds with high binding energies to the ATP-binding pocket of TaCDK7. Three compounds (cimicifugin, ST092793, and ST026925) of these 14 compounds were non-cytotoxic to the uninfected bovine cells (BoMac cells). Cimicifugin treatment led to the activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway and induced autophagy in T. annulata-infected cells. Furthermore, cimicifugin also inhibited the growth of P. falciparum, indicating that it has both anti-theilerial and anti-malarial activities and that TaCDK7 and PfCDK7 are promising drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Parimita Kar
- BRIC-NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology), Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
| | - Prasanna Babu Araveti
- BRIC-NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology), Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
| | - Kanika Saxena
- CSIR-CCMB (Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology), Hyderabad, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Atlanta Borah
- BRIC-NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology), Hyderabad, India
| | - Puran Sijwali
- CSIR-CCMB (Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology), Hyderabad, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Anand Srivastava
- BRIC-NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology), Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
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3
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Zhang H, Lin G, Jia S, Wu J, Zhang Y, Tao Y, Huang W, Song M, Ding K, Ma D, Fan M. Design, synthesis and evaluation of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel potent CDK7 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107456. [PMID: 38761706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The targeting of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has become a highly desirable therapeutic approach in the field of oncology due to its dual role in regulating essential biological processes, encompassing cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. We have previously identified a highly selective thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-based CDK7 inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy and safety in animal model. In this study, we sought to optimize the thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine core to discover a novel series of CDK7 inhibitors with improved potency and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Through extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, compound 20 has emerged as the lead candidate due to its potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and remarkable efficacy on MDA-MB-453 cells, a representative triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, 20 has demonstrated favorable oral bioavailability and exhibited highly desirable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, making it a promising lead candidate for further structural optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Guohao Lin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Suyun Jia
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yanxin Tao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Meiru Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China; Institute of Chemistry, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.
| | - Dawei Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
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Guarducci C, Nardone A, Russo D, Nagy Z, Heraud C, Grinshpun A, Zhang Q, Freelander A, Leventhal MJ, Feit A, Cohen Feit G, Feiglin A, Liu W, Hermida-Prado F, Kesten N, Ma W, De Angelis C, Morlando A, O'Donnell M, Naumenko S, Huang S, Nguyen QD, Huang Y, Malorni L, Bergholz JS, Zhao JJ, Fraenkel E, Lim E, Schiff R, Shapiro GI, Jeselsohn R. Selective CDK7 Inhibition Suppresses Cell Cycle Progression and MYC Signaling While Enhancing Apoptosis in Therapy-resistant Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1889-1905. [PMID: 38381406 PMCID: PMC11061603 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Resistance to endocrine therapy (ET) and CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) is a clinical challenge in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a candidate target in endocrine-resistant ER+ breast cancer models and selective CDK7 inhibitors (CDK7i) are in clinical development for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms responsible for the activity of CDK7i in ER+ breast cancer remain elusive. Herein, we sought to unravel these mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We conducted multi-omic analyses in ER+ breast cancer models in vitro and in vivo, including models with different genetic backgrounds. We also performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities in CDK4/6i-resistant models. RESULTS We found that the on-target antitumor effects of CDK7 inhibition in ER+ breast cancer are in part p53 dependent, and involve cell cycle inhibition and suppression of c-Myc. Moreover, CDK7 inhibition exhibited cytotoxic effects, distinctive from the cytostatic nature of ET and CDK4/6i. CDK7 inhibition resulted in suppression of ER phosphorylation at S118; however, long-term CDK7 inhibition resulted in increased ER signaling, supporting the combination of ET with a CDK7i. Finally, genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens identified CDK7 and MYC signaling as putative vulnerabilities in CDK4/6i resistance, and CDK7 inhibition effectively inhibited CDK4/6i-resistant models. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings support the clinical investigation of selective CDK7 inhibition combined with ET to overcome treatment resistance in ER+ breast cancer. In addition, our study highlights the potential of increased c-Myc activity and intact p53 as predictors of sensitivity to CDK7i-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Guarducci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Agostina Nardone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Douglas Russo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zsuzsanna Nagy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Capucine Heraud
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Albert Grinshpun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allegra Freelander
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mathew Joseph Leventhal
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Computational and Systems Biology PhD program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Avery Feit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gabriella Cohen Feit
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ariel Feiglin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Weihan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Francisco Hermida-Prado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikolas Kesten
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wen Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carmine De Angelis
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Morlando
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Madison O'Donnell
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sergey Naumenko
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shixia Huang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Quang-Dé Nguyen
- Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Luca Malorni
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Johann S. Bergholz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jean J. Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ernest Fraenkel
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Elgene Lim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel Schiff
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rinath Jeselsohn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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5
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Song X, Fang C, Dai Y, Sun Y, Qiu C, Lin X, Xu R. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitors as a novel therapeutic strategy for different molecular types of breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1239-1248. [PMID: 38355840 PMCID: PMC11014910 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 7 is aberrantly overexpressed in many types of cancer and is an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its dual role in transcription and cell cycle progression. Moreover, CDK7 can directly modulate the activities of estrogen receptor (ER), which is a major driver in breast cancer. Breast cancer cells have exhibited high sensitivity to CDK7 inhibition in pre-clinical studies. METHODS In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the latest insights into CDK7 biology and recent advancements in CDK7 inhibitor development for breast cancer treatment. We also discuss the current application of CDK7 inhibitors in different molecular types of breast cancer to provide potential strategies for the treatment of breast cancer. RESULTS Significant progress has been made in the development of selective CDK7 inhibitors, which show efficacy in both triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+). Moreover, combined with other agents, CDK7 inhibitors may provide synergistic effects for endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. Thus, high-quality studies for developing potent CDK7 inhibitors and investigating their applications in breast cancer therapy are rapidly emerging. CONCLUSION CDK7 inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy and have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in different subtypes of breast cancer, especially those that have been resistant to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Song
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Chen Fang
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yan Dai
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Chang Qiu
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiaojie Lin
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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6
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Gong Y, Li H. CDK7 in breast cancer: mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:226. [PMID: 38605321 PMCID: PMC11010440 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01577-y] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) serves as a pivotal regulator in orchestrating cellular cycle dynamics and gene transcriptional activity. Elevated expression levels of CDK7 have been ubiquitously documented across a spectrum of malignancies and have been concomitantly correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. This review delineates the biological roles of CDK7 and explicates the molecular pathways through which CDK7 exacerbates the oncogenic progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, we synthesize the extant literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancement of CDK7-specific small-molecule inhibitors, encapsulating both preclinical and clinical findings in breast cancer contexts. The accumulated evidence substantiates the conceptualization of CDK7 as a propitious therapeutic target in breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Huiping Li
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
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7
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Zhang TY, Chen YQ, Tan JC, Zhou JA, Chen WN, Jiang T, Zha JY, Zeng XK, Li BW, Wei LQ, Zou Y, Zhang LY, Hong YM, Wang XL, Zhu RZ, Xu WX, Xi J, Wang QQ, Pan L, Zhang J, Luan Y, Zhu RX, Wang H, Chen C, Liu NN. Global fungal-host interactome mapping identifies host targets of candidalysin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1757. [PMID: 38413612 PMCID: PMC10899660 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Candidalysin, a cytolytic peptide toxin secreted by the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, is critical for fungal pathogenesis. Yet, its intracellular targets have not been extensively mapped. Here, we performed a high-throughput enhanced yeast two-hybrid (HT-eY2H) screen to map the interactome of all eight Ece1 peptides with their direct human protein targets and identified a list of potential interacting proteins, some of which were shared between the peptides. CCNH, a regulatory subunit of the CDK-activating kinase (CAK) complex involved in DNA damage repair, was identified as one of the host targets of candidalysin. Mechanistic studies revealed that candidalysin triggers a significantly increased double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs), as evidenced by the formation of γ-H2AX foci and colocalization of CCNH and γ-H2AX. Importantly, candidalysin binds directly to CCNH to activate CAK to inhibit DNA damage repair pathway. Loss of CCNH alleviates DSBs formation under candidalysin treatment. Depletion of candidalysin-encoding gene fails to induce DSBs and stimulates CCNH upregulation in a murine model of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Collectively, our study reveals that a secreted fungal toxin acts to hijack the canonical DNA damage repair pathway by targeting CCNH and to promote fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yao-Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jing-Cong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jin-An Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wan-Ning Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Jiang
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jin-Yin Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiang-Kang Zeng
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lu-Qi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yun Zou
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lu-Yao Zhang
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yue-Mei Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiu-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Run-Ze Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wan-Xing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qin-Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lei Pan
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yang Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Rui-Xin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Changbin Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Ning-Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Zhang H, Lin G, Jia S, Zhang Y, Wu J, Tao Y, Huang W, Song M, Ding K, Ma D, Fan M. Discovery and optimization of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as highly selective inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 7. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115955. [PMID: 38000213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has emerged as a highly sought-after therapeutic strategy in oncology due to its duality of function in regulating biological processes, including cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. Herein, we describe the design, optimization and characterization of a series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent CDK7 inhibitors. The involvement of thiophene as core structure plays critical role in leading to the remarkable selectivity and incorporation of a fluorine atom into the piperidine ring enhances metabolic stability. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study generated compound 36 as lead compound with potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and good kinome selectivity in vitro. Compound 36 demonstrated strong efficacy against a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse model upon oral administration at 5 mg/kg once daily. Therefore, it exhibits immense potential as a lead candidate for further exploration in the development of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
| | - Guohao Lin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Suyun Jia
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Yanxin Tao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China
| | - Meiru Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China.
| | - Dawei Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China.
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China.
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9
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Antonarelli G, Taurelli Salimbeni B, Marra A, Esposito A, Locatelli MA, Trapani D, Pescia C, Fusco N, Curigliano G, Criscitiello C. The CDK4/6 inhibitors biomarker landscape: The most relevant biomarkers of response or resistance for further research and potential clinical utility. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104148. [PMID: 37783318 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104148] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) in combination with Endocrine Therapy (ET) represent the standard frontline therapy for patients with Hormone Receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC). Clinical activity and efficacy of CDK4/6is-based therapies have been proven both in the endocrine sensitive and resistant settings. Therapy resistance eventually underpins clinical progression to any CDK4/6is-based therapies, yet there is a lack of validated molecular biomarkers predictive of either intrinsic or acquired resistance to CDK4/6is in clinical practice. As the "post-CDK4/6is" landscape for the management of HR-positive/HER2-negative mBC is rapidly evolving with the introduction of novel therapies, there is an urgent need for the definition of clinically relevant molecular biomarkers of intrinsic/acquired resistance mechanisms to CDK4/6is. This narrative review outlines the role of currently approved CDK4/6is-based therapies, describes the most relevant molecular biomarkers of CDK4/6is-resistance, and ultimately provides a perspective on the clinical and research scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Antonarelli
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Taurelli Salimbeni
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Marra
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Esposito
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Adelia Locatelli
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Trapani
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Pescia
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapy, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
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Huang L, Yang H, Chen K, Yuan J, Li J, Dai G, Gu M, Shi Y. The suppressive efficacy of THZ1 depends on KRAS mutation subtype and is associated with super-enhancer activity and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A hypothesis-generating study. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1500. [PMID: 38037549 PMCID: PMC10689978 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibition of CDK7, a potent transcription regulator, may bring new hope for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is featured by large genetic heterogeneity and abundant KRAS mutations. This investigation aimed at exploring the discrepant efficacies of THZ1, a small-molecule covalent CDK7 inhibitor, on PDACs with different KRAS mutations and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Associations of CDK7 expression with survival by KRAS mutations were first assessed. Effects of THZ1 on PDAC by different KRAS mutations were then investigated in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the effects of THZ1 on gene transcription and phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPOLII) in different KRAS mutant PDACs were assessed, and the effect of THZ1 on super-enhancer activity was evaluated using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. Lastly, the effects of THZ1 on the binding of H3K27ac to PIK3CA and on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling were analysed. RESULTS High CDK7 expression was significantly linked to worse survival within PDAC patients carrying KRAS-G12V mutation but not in those with KRAS-G12D mutation. The apoptosis-inducing effect of THZ1 was markedly stronger in KRAS-G12V PDAC than KRAS-G12D cancer. THZ1 significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumour with KRAS-G12V mutation, and the inhibition was markedly stronger than for KRAS-G12D tumour. In mini-cell-derived xenograft (CDX) models, THZ1 significantly suppressed KRAS-G12V PDAC but not KRAS-G12D cancer. THZ1 significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of RNAPOLII, and this effect was stronger in KRAS-G12V PDAC (especially at ser5). KRAS-G12V PDAC had more H3K27ac-binding super-enhancers, and the inhibition of THZ1 on super-enhancer activity was also stronger in KRAS-G12V PDAC. Furthermore, THZ1 significantly weakened the binding of H3K27ac to PIK3CA in KRAS-G12V PDAC. THZ1 significantly suppressed the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and its downstream markers, and this effect was stronger in KRAS-G12V cells. CONCLUSIONS In this hypothesis-generating study, THZ1 might selectively inhibit certain PDACs with KRAS-G12V mutation more potently compared with some other PDACs with KRAS-G12D mutation, which might be associated with its effect on super-enhancer activity and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling. Our findings might offer novel key clues for the precise management of PDAC and important evidence for future targeted trial design. HIGHLIGHTS THZ1 had a stronger effect on PDAC-bearing KRAS-G12V mutation than G12D mutation. Suppressive effect of THZ1 on phosphorylation of RNAPOLII was stronger in KRAS-G12V than KRAS-G12D PDAC. Inhibition of THZ1 on super-enhancer activity and H3K27ac binding to PIK3CA was stronger in KRAS-G12V PDAC. Suppressive effect of THZ1 on PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was stronger in KRAS-G12V PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Department of OncologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of OncologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Kaidi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of PathologyChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Jie Li
- Department of PathologyChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Guanghai Dai
- Department of Medical OncologyChinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Mancang Gu
- School of Pharmaceutical ScienceZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
- Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of General SurgeryShanghai Seventh People's HospitalShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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11
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Sun Z, Fan J, Dang Y, Zhao Y. Enhancer in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220313. [PMID: 37548349 PMCID: PMC10405138 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are essential cis-acting regulatory elements that determine cell identity and tumor progression. Enhancer function is dependent on the physical interaction between the enhancer and its target promoter inside its local chromatin environment. Enhancer reprogramming is an important mechanism in cancer pathogenesis and can be driven by both cis and trans factors. Super enhancers are acquired at oncogenes in numerous cancer types and represent potential targets for cancer treatment. BET and CDK inhibitors act through mechanisms of enhancer function and have shown promising results in therapy for various types of cancer. Genome editing is another way to reprogram enhancers in cancer treatment. The relationship between enhancers and cancer has been revised by several authors in the past few years, which mainly focuses on the mechanisms by which enhancers can impact cancer. Here, we emphasize SE's role in cancer pathogenesis and the new therapies involving epigenetic regulators (BETi and CDKi). We suggest that understanding mechanisms of activity would aid clinical success for these anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Sun
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinbo Fan
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yixiong Dang
- Xi’an Medical University, School of Public Health, Weiyang District, Xi’an, 710021 Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufeng Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
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12
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Chowdhury I, Dashi G, Keskitalo S. CMGC Kinases in Health and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3838. [PMID: 37568654 PMCID: PMC10417348 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
CMGC kinases, encompassing cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), glycogen synthase kinases (GSKs), and CDC-like kinases (CLKs), play pivotal roles in cellular signaling pathways, including cell cycle regulation, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and gene expression regulation. The dysregulation and aberrant activation of these kinases have been implicated in cancer development and progression, making them attractive therapeutic targets. In recent years, kinase inhibitors targeting CMGC kinases, such as CDK4/6 inhibitors and BRAF/MEK inhibitors, have demonstrated clinical success in treating specific cancer types. However, challenges remain, including resistance to kinase inhibitors, off-target effects, and the need for better patient stratification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of CMGC kinases in cancer biology, their involvement in cellular signaling pathways, protein-protein interactions, and the current state of kinase inhibitors targeting these kinases. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives in targeting CMGC kinases for cancer therapy, including potential strategies to overcome resistance, the development of more selective inhibitors, and novel therapeutic approaches, such as targeting protein-protein interactions, exploiting synthetic lethality, and the evolution of omics in the study of the human kinome. As our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and protein-protein interactions involving CMGC kinases expands, so too will the opportunities for the development of more selective and effective therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iftekhar Chowdhury
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (I.C.)
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giovanna Dashi
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (I.C.)
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Salla Keskitalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (I.C.)
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Piemonte KM, Webb BM, Bobbitt JR, Majmudar PR, Cuellar-Vite L, Bryson BL, Latina NC, Seachrist DD, Keri RA. Disruption of CDK7 signaling leads to catastrophic chromosomal instability coupled with a loss of condensin-mediated chromatin compaction. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104834. [PMID: 37201585 PMCID: PMC10300262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin organization is highly dynamic and modulates DNA replication, transcription, and chromosome segregation. Condensin is essential for chromosome assembly during mitosis and meiosis, as well as maintenance of chromosome structure during interphase. While it is well established that sustained condensin expression is necessary to ensure chromosome stability, the mechanisms that control its expression are not yet known. Herein, we report that disruption of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), the core catalytic subunit of CDK-activating kinase, leads to reduced transcription of several condensin subunits, including structural maintenance of chromosomes 2 (SMC2). Live and static microscopy revealed that inhibiting CDK7 signaling prolongs mitosis and induces chromatin bridge formation, DNA double-strand breaks, and abnormal nuclear features, all of which are indicative of mitotic catastrophe and chromosome instability. Affirming the importance of condensin regulation by CDK7, genetic suppression of the expression of SMC2, a core subunit of this complex, phenocopies CDK7 inhibition. Moreover, analysis of genome-wide chromatin conformation using Hi-C revealed that sustained activity of CDK7 is necessary to maintain chromatin sublooping, a function that is ascribed to condensin. Notably, the regulation of condensin subunit gene expression is independent of superenhancers. Together, these studies reveal a new role for CDK7 in sustaining chromatin configuration by ensuring the expression of condensin genes, including SMC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M Piemonte
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bryan M Webb
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica R Bobbitt
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Parth R Majmudar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Leslie Cuellar-Vite
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Benjamin L Bryson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicholas C Latina
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Darcie D Seachrist
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ruth A Keri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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14
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Breusa S, Zilio S, Catania G, Bakrin N, Kryza D, Lollo G. Localized chemotherapy approaches and advanced drug delivery strategies: a step forward in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1125868. [PMID: 37287910 PMCID: PMC10242058 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1125868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a common outcome of epithelial ovarian carcinoma and is the leading cause of death for these patients. Tumor location, extent, peculiarities of the microenvironment, and the development of drug resistance are the main challenges that need to be addressed to improve therapeutic outcome. The development of new procedures such as HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) and PIPAC (Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy) have enabled locoregional delivery of chemotherapeutics, while the increasingly efficient design and development of advanced drug delivery micro and nanosystems are helping to promote tumor targeting and penetration and to reduce the side effects associated with systemic chemotherapy administration. The possibility of combining drug-loaded carriers with delivery via HIPEC and PIPAC represents a powerful tool to improve treatment efficacy, and this possibility has recently begun to be explored. This review will discuss the latest advances in the treatment of PC derived from ovarian cancer, with a focus on the potential of PIPAC and nanoparticles in terms of their application to develop new therapeutic strategies and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Breusa
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), LAGEPP Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5007, Villeurbanne, France
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory- Equipe labellisée ‘La Ligue’, LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut PLAsCAN, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Institut national de santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) U1052-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - Unité Mixte de Recherche (CNRS UMR)5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Serena Zilio
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), LAGEPP Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5007, Villeurbanne, France
- Sociétés d'Accélération du Transfert de Technologies (SATT) Ouest Valorisation, Rennes, France
| | - Giuseppina Catania
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), LAGEPP Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5007, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Naoual Bakrin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Lyon, France
- Centre pour l'Innovation en Cancérologie de Lyon (CICLY), Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - David Kryza
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), LAGEPP Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5007, Villeurbanne, France
- Imthernat Plateform, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Giovanna Lollo
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), LAGEPP Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5007, Villeurbanne, France
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15
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Candido MF, Medeiros M, Veronez LC, Bastos D, Oliveira KL, Pezuk JA, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. Drugging Hijacked Kinase Pathways in Pediatric Oncology: Opportunities and Current Scenario. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020664. [PMID: 36839989 PMCID: PMC9966033 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood cancer is considered rare, corresponding to ~3% of all malignant neoplasms in the human population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a universal occurrence of more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants around the globe, and despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, one child dies of cancer every 3 min. Consequently, more efficient, selective and affordable therapeutics are still needed in order to improve outcomes and avoid long-term sequelae. Alterations in kinases' functionality is a trademark of cancer and the concept of exploiting them as drug targets has burgeoned in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry of the 21st century. Consequently, an increasing plethora of inhibitors has emerged. In the present study, the expression patterns of a selected group of kinases (including tyrosine receptors, members of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, coordinators of cell cycle progression, and chromosome segregation) and their correlation with clinical outcomes in pediatric solid tumors were accessed through the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform and by a thorough search of published literature. To further illustrate the importance of kinase dysregulation in the pathophysiology of pediatric cancer, we analyzed the vulnerability of different cancer cell lines against their inhibition through the Cancer Dependency Map portal, and performed a search for kinase-targeted compounds with approval and clinical applicability through the CanSAR knowledgebase. Finally, we provide a detailed literature review of a considerable set of small molecules that mitigate kinase activity under experimental testing and clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric tumors, while discuss critical challenges that must be overcome before translation into clinical options, including the absence of compounds designed specifically for childhood tumors which often show differential mutational burdens, intrinsic and acquired resistance, lack of selectivity and adverse effects on a growing organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Medeiros
- Regional Blood Center, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - David Bastos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla Laissa Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Alejandra Pezuk
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-9144; Fax: +55-16-3315-4886
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16
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Maity S, Mukherjee R, Banerjee S. Recent Advances and Therapeutic Strategies Using CRISPR Genome Editing Technique for the Treatment of Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:206-226. [PMID: 35999480 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00550-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR genome editing technique has the potential to target cancer cells in a precise manner. The latest advancements have helped to address one of the prominent concerns about this strategy which is the off-target integrations observed with dsDNA and have resulted in more studies being carried out for potentially safer and more targeted gene therapy, so as to make it available for the clinical trials in order to effectively treat cancer. CRISPR screens offer great potential for the high throughput investigation of the gene functionality in various tumors. It extends its capability to identify the tumor growth essential genes, therapeutic resistant genes, and immunotherapeutic responses. CRISPR screens are mostly performed in in vitro models, but latest advancements focus on developing in vivo models to view cancer progression in animal models. It also allows the detection of factors responsible for tumorigenesis. In CRISPR screens key parameters are optimized in order to meet proficient gene targeting efficiencies. It also detects various molecular effectors required for gene regulation in different cancers, essential pathways which modulate cytotoxicity to immunotherapy in cancer cells, important genes which contribute to cancer cell survival in hypoxic states and modulate cancer long non-coding RNAs. The current review focuses on the recent developments in the therapeutic application of CRISPR technology for cancer therapy. Furthermore, the associated challenges and safety concerns along with the various strategies that can be implemented to overcome these drawbacks has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyasi Maity
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rishyani Mukherjee
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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17
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Bhurta D, Bharate SB. Discovery of Pongol, the Furanoflavonoid, as an Inhibitor of CDK7/Cyclin H/MAT1 and Its Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationship. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:1291-1300. [PMID: 36643464 PMCID: PMC9835647 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural products have been a great source of leads for cancer drug discovery. The cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a vital role in the initiation and progression of cancer. The CDK-activating kinase, CDK7/cyclin H/MAT1, has recently gained tremendous attention in targeted cancer drug discovery. Herein, we screened a small library of pure natural products in an ADP-Glo CDK7/H kinase assay that yielded a series of furano- and naphthoflavonoids among actives. Pongol (SBN-88), the hydroxy-substituted furanoflavonoid, inhibits CDK7/H as well as CDK9/T1 with IC50 values of 0.93 and 0.83 μM, respectively, and >20-fold selectivity over CDK2/E1 (IC50 > 20 μM). The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the presence of phenolic -OH in pongol is vital for kinase inhibition, as its absence resulted in a significant loss in activity (e.g., lanceolatin B). The prime MM-GBSA calculations revealed the presence of strong lipophilic and H-bonding interactions of pongol with CDKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deendyal Bhurta
- Natural
Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sandip B. Bharate
- Natural
Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Canal Road, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy
of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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18
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Li ZM, Liu G, Gao Y, Zhao MG. Targeting CDK7 in oncology: The avenue forward. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108229. [PMID: 35700828 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 7 is best characterized for the ability to regulate biological processes, including the cell cycle and gene transcription. Abnormal CDK7 activity is observed in various tumours and represents a driving force for tumourigenesis. Therefore, CDK7 may be an appealing target for cancer treatment. Whereas, the enthusiasm for CDK7-targeted therapeutic strategy is mitigated due to the widely possessed belief that this protein is essential for normal cells. Indeed, the fact confronts the consensus. This is the first review to introduce the role of CDK7 in pan-cancers via a combined analysis of comprehensive gene information and (pre)clinical research results. We also discuss the recent advances in protein structure and summarize the understanding of mechanisms underlying CDK7 function. These endeavours highlight the pivotal roles of CDK7 in tumours and may contribute to the development of effective CDK7 inhibitors within the strategy of structure-based drug discovery for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Mei Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Guan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xinsi Road 1, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Ya Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, PR China.
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xinsi Road 1, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi, PR China.
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19
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Insilico exploration of the potential inhibitory activity of DrugBank compounds against CDK7 kinase using structure-based virtual screening, molecular docking, and dynamics simulation approach. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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20
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Dulińska-Litewka J, Felkle D, Dykas K, Handziuk Z, Krzysztofik M, Gąsiorkiewicz B. The role of cyclins in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113742. [PMID: 36179490 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of cyclins in hormone-dependent neoplasms is crucial in the development of the disease that is resistant to first-line therapy, as the example of breast cancer shows. However, in prostate cancer, cyclins are studied to a lesser extent. There are some well-described molecular pathways, including cyclins A1 and D1 signaling, however the role of other cyclins, e.g., D2, D3, E, and H, still requires further investigation. Recent studies indicate that cyclins regulate various cellular processes, not only the cell cycle. Furthermore, they remain in cross-talk with many other signaling pathways, e.g., MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and Notch. The androgen signaling axis, which is pivotal in prostate cancer progression, interferes with cyclin pathways at many levels. This article summarizes current knowledge on the influence of cyclins on prostate cancer progression by describing interactions between the androgen receptor and cyclins, as well as mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to currently used therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Dulińska-Litewka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, Poland.
| | - Dominik Felkle
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, Poland
| | - Kacper Dykas
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Handziuk
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, Poland
| | - Marta Krzysztofik
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, Poland
| | - Bartosz Gąsiorkiewicz
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, Poland
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21
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Kuempers C, Jagomast T, Heidel C, Paulsen FO, Bohnet S, Schierholz S, Dreyer E, Kirfel J, Perner S. CDK7 is a prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:927140. [PMID: 36212402 PMCID: PMC9540232 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.927140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death globally despite promising progress of personalized therapy approaches. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a kinase involved in transcription, overexpressed in a broad spectrum of cancer types and found to be associated with an unfavourable prognosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protein expression of CDK7 in a large cohort of NSCLC incorporating adenocarcinomas (adNSCLC) and squamous cell carcinomas (sqNSCLC) and to correlate its expression with clinicopathological data. Methods We performed immunohistochemical staining of CDK7 on our cohort of NSCLC including 258 adNSCLC and 101 sqNSCLC and measured protein expression via a semi-automated read out. According to the median value of CDK7 the cohort was stratified in a CDK7 high and low expressing group, respectively, and results were correlated with clinico-pathological data. Results CDK7 was significantly higher expressed in sqNSCLC than in adNSCLC. In the group of sqNSCLC, CDK7 expression was significantly higher in sqNSCLC with lymph node metastases than in sqNSCLC with N0 stage. We found a significantly worse overall survival and disease-free survival for patients with CDK7 high expressing NSCLC. Conclusion Since a high CDK7 expression seems to be linked with a poor prognosis it might serve as a promising novel prognostic biomarker and its assessment could be implied in future routine diagnostic workup of NSCLC samples. Considering that CDK7 inhibitors are currently tested in several trials for advanced solid malignancies, it may also be a new target for future anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Kuempers
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christiane Kuempers,
| | - Tobias Jagomast
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Carsten Heidel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Schoen Klinik Neustadt, Holstein, Germany
| | - Finn-Ole Paulsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Division of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Bohnet
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schierholz
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Eva Dreyer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- Pathology, Research Center Borstel-Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL) Department Borstel, Borstel, Germany
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22
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Liu NQ, Cao WH, Wang X, Chen J, Nie J. Cyclin genes as potential novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:374. [PMID: 36238849 PMCID: PMC9494629 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Qiu Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Han Cao
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
| | - Junyao Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
| | - Jianyun Nie
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
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23
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Guo X, Chen H, Zhou Y, Shen L, Wu S, Chen Y. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibition and its intersection with immunotherapy in breast cancer: more than CDK4/6 inhibition. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:933-944. [PMID: 35786092 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2097067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have had clinical success in treating hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Notably, CDK4/6i have expanded to the neoadjuvant setting for early breast cancer and other cancer types and potently synergize with immunotherapy. Other CDKs, including CDK7, CDK9, and CDK12/13, mainly function in transcriptional processes as well as cell cycle regulation, RNA splicing, and DNA damage response. Inhibiting these CDKs aids in suppressing tumors, reversing drug resistance, increasing drug sensitivity, and enhancing anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the applications of CDK4/6i, CDK7i, CDK9i and CDK12/13i for various breast cancer subtypes and their potentials for combination with immunotherapy. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted in April 2022. EXPERT OPINION The use of CDK4/6i represents a major milestone in breast cancer treatment. Moreover, transcription-related CDKs play critical roles in tumor development and are promising therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Some relevant clinical studies are underway. More specific and efficient CDKis will undoubtedly be developed and clinically tested. Characterization of their immune-priming effects will promote the development of combination therapies consisting of CDKi and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianan Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huihui Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shijie Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiding Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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24
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Sofi S, Mehraj U, Qayoom H, Aisha S, Asdaq SMB, Almilaibary A, Mir MA. Cyclin-dependent kinases in breast cancer: expression pattern and therapeutic implications. Med Oncol 2022; 39:106. [PMID: 35486263 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01731-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Presently, breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed and the leading cause of tumor-related deaths among women worldwide. Cell cycle dysregulation is one of the hallmarks of cancer, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are central to the cell cycle control system, and deregulation of these kinases leads to the development of malignancies, including breast cancer. CDKs and cyclins have been reported as crucial components involved in tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Given the aggressive nature, tumor heterogeneity, and chemoresistance, there is an urgent need to explore novel targets and therapeutics to manage breast cancer effectively. Inhibitors targeting CDKs modulate the cell cycle, thus throwing light upon their therapeutic aspect where the progression of tumor cells could be inhibited. This article gives a comprehensive account of CDKs in breast cancer progression and metastasis and recent developments in the modulation of CDKs in treating malignancies. We have also explored the expression pattern and prognostic significance of CDKs in breast cancer patients. The article will also shed light on the Implications of CDK inhibition and TGF-β signaling in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Sofi
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Umar Mehraj
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Hina Qayoom
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Shariqa Aisha
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | | | - Abdullah Almilaibary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Albaha University, Albaha, 65511, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Manzoor A Mir
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India.
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25
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Bhurta D, Bharate SB. Analyzing the scaffold diversity of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and revisiting the clinical and preclinical pipeline. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:654-709. [PMID: 34605036 DOI: 10.1002/med.21856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Kinases have gained an important place in the list of vital therapeutic targets because of their overwhelming clinical success in the last two decades. Among various clinically validated kinases, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) are one of the extensively studied drug targets for clinical development. Food and Drug Administration has approved three CDK inhibitors for therapeutic use, and at least 27 inhibitors are under active clinical development. In the last decade, research and development in this area took a rapid pace, and thus the analysis of scaffold diversity is essential for future drug design. Available reviews lack the systematic study and discussion on the scaffold diversity of CDK inhibitors. Herein we have reviewed and critically analyzed the chemical diversity present in the preclinical and clinical pipeline of CDK inhibitors. Our analysis has shown that although several scaffolds represent CDK inhibitors, only the amino-pyrimidine is a well-represented scaffold. The three-nitrogen framework of amino-pyrimidine is a fundamental hinge-binding unit. Further, we have discussed the selectivity aspects among CDKs, the clinical trial dose-limiting toxicities, and highlighted the most advanced clinical candidates. We also discuss the changing paradigm towards selective inhibitors and an overview of ATP-binding pockets of all druggable CDKs. We carefully analyzed the clinical pipeline to unravel the candidates that are currently under active clinical development. In addition to the plenty of dual CDK4/6 inhibitors, there are many selective CDK7, CDK9, and CDK8/19 inhibitors in the clinical pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deendyal Bhurta
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sandip B Bharate
- Natural Products & Medicinal Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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26
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Kumar V, Parate S, Thakur G, Lee G, Ro HS, Kim Y, Kim HJ, Kim MO, Lee KW. Identification of CDK7 Inhibitors from Natural Sources Using Pharmacoinformatics and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1197. [PMID: 34572383 PMCID: PMC8468199 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle and RNA polymerase-based transcription. Overexpression of this kinase is linked with various cancers in humans due to its dual involvement in cell development. Furthermore, emerging evidence has revealed that inhibiting CDK7 has anti-cancer effects, driving the development of novel and more cost-effective inhibitors with enhanced selectivity for CDK7 over other CDKs. In the present investigation, a pharmacophore-based approach was utilized to identify potential hit compounds against CDK7. The generated pharmacophore models were validated and used as 3D queries to screen 55,578 natural drug-like compounds. The obtained compounds were then subjected to molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to predict their binding mode with CDK7. The molecular dynamics simulation trajectories were subsequently used to calculate binding affinity, revealing four hits-ZINC20392430, SN00112175, SN00004718, and SN00262261-having a better binding affinity towards CDK7 than the reference inhibitors (CT7001 and THZ1). The binding mode analysis displayed hydrogen bond interactions with the hinge region residues Met94 and Glu95, DFG motif residue Asp155, ATP-binding site residues Thr96, Asp97, and Gln141, and quintessential residue outside the kinase domain, Cys312 of CDK7. The in silico selectivity of the hits was further checked by docking with CDK2, the close homolog structure of CDK7. Additionally, the detailed pharmacokinetic properties were predicted, revealing that our hits have better properties than established CDK7 inhibitors CT7001 and THZ1. Hence, we argue that proposed hits may be crucial against CDK7-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Shraddha Parate
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Gunjan Thakur
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Gihwan Lee
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Hyeon-Su Ro
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Yongseong Kim
- School of Cosmetics and Food Development, Kyungnam University, Masan 631-701, Korea;
| | - Hong Ja Kim
- Division of Life Sciences and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Myeong Ok Kim
- Division of Life Sciences and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
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27
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Wang Y, Peng J, Mi X, Yang M. p53-GSDME Elevation: A Path for CDK7 Inhibition to Suppress Breast Cancer Cell Survival. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:697457. [PMID: 34490348 PMCID: PMC8417410 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.697457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK7) expression is a character of breast cancer and indicates poor prognosis. Inhibiting CDK7 exhibited effective cancer cell suppression which implies the potential of CDK7 inhibition to be a method for anti-cancer treatment. Our study aimed to explore a novel mechanism of CDK7 inhibition for suppressing breast cancer cell survival. Here, we proved inhibiting CDK7 repressed breast cancer cell proliferation and colony formation and increased the apoptotic cell rate, with p53 and GSDME protein level elevation. When p53 was suppressed in MCF-7 cells, the decline of GSDME expression and associated stronger proliferation and colony formation could be observed. Since downregulation of GSDME was of benefit to breast cancer cells, p53 inhibition blocked the elevation of GSDME induced by CDK7 inhibition and retrieved cells from the tumor suppressive effect of CDK7 inhibition. Therefore, CDK7 inhibition exerted a negative effect on breast cancer cell proliferation and colony formation in a p53–GSDME dependent manner. These results revealed the CDK7–p53–GSDME axis could be a pathway affecting breast cancer cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyu Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuguang Mi
- Tumor Biotherapy Center, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Cruz-Ruiz S, Urióstegui-Arcos M, Zurita M. The transcriptional stress response and its implications in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188620. [PMID: 34454982 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells require high levels of transcription to survive and maintain their cancerous phenotype. For several years, global transcription inhibitors have been used in the treatment of cancer. However, recent advances in understanding the functioning of the basal transcription machinery and the discovery of new drugs that affect the components of this machinery have generated a new boom in the use of this type of drugs to treat cancer. Inhibiting transcription at the global level in the cell generates a stress situation in which the cancer cell responds by overexpressing hundreds of genes in response to this transcriptional stress. Many of these over-transcribed genes encode factors that may be involved in the selection of cells resistant to the treatment and with a greater degree of malignancy. In this study, we reviewed various examples of substances that inhibit global transcription, as well as their targets, that have a high potential to be used against cancer. We also analysed what kinds of genes are overexpressed in the response to transcriptional stress by different substances and finally we discuss what types of studies are necessary to understand this type of stress response to have more tools to fight cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Cruz-Ruiz
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Maritere Urióstegui-Arcos
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Mario Zurita
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
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Jhaveri K, Burris Rd HA, Yap TA, Hamilton E, Rugo HS, Goldman JW, Dann S, Liu F, Wong GY, Krupka H, Shapiro GI. The evolution of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors in the treatment of cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:1105-1124. [PMID: 34176404 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1944109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cell cycle cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) play a critical role in controlling the transition between cell cycle phases, as well as cellular transcription. Aberrant CDK activation is common in cancer, and deregulation of the cell cycle a key hallmark of cancer. Although CDK4/6 inhibitors are now a standard-of-care option for first- and second-line HR+HER2- metastatic breast cancer, resistance inevitably limits their clinical benefit. AREAS COVERED Early pan-CDK inhibitors targeted the cell cycle and RNA polymerase II phosphorylation, but were complicated by toxicity, providing a rationale and need for the development of selective CDK inhibitors. In this review, we highlight selected recent literature to provide a narrative review summarizing the current CDK inhibitor therapeutic landscape. We detail the challenges associated with targeting CDKs for the treatment of breast and other cancers and review emerging biomarkers that may aid response prediction. We also discuss the risk-benefit ratio for CDK therapy and explore promising combination approaches. EXPERT OPINION Although CDK inhibitors may stem the proliferation of cancer cells, resistance remains an issue, and currently there are limited biomarkers to predict response to therapy. Ongoing research investigating CDK inhibitors in cancer is of paramount importance to define appropriate and effective treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Jhaveri
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Howard A Burris Rd
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy A Yap
- The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erika Hamilton
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hope S Rugo
- University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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Peng J, Yang M, Bi R, Wang Y, Wang C, Wei X, Zhang Z, Xie X, Wei W. Targeting Mutated p53 Dependency in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Through CDK7 Inhibition. Front Oncol 2021; 11:664848. [PMID: 34109118 PMCID: PMC8183379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.664848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is crucial for cell cycle progression and gene expression transcriptional regulation, which are often not assessed in cancer developing process. CDK7 inhibitors have emerged as promising drugs for treating diverse cancers, including breast cancer. However, the mechanism behind its anticancer effect has not been well investigated. Here, the possible mechanism of CDK7 inhibitors for treating human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been studied. Methods The effects of CDK7 inhibitors on breast cancer cells have been identified by measuring cell viability (Cell Counting Kit-8) and cell proliferation and calculating colony formation. The short hairpin RNA and short interfering RNA were used for the construction of knockdown cells. To assess the expression of associated proteins, western blot was used. Results This study confirmed that, compared to hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells, TNBC cells were more sensitive to THZ1, a novel CDK7 inhibitor. THZ1 treatment specifically downregulated mutated p53 in a dose- and time-dependent manner in TNBC cells with p53 mutation. Another CDK7 inhibitor, LDC4297, also potently interfered with the expression of mutated p53. Furthermore, endogenous CDK7 expression was positively correlated with the levels of mutated p53 in TNBC cells with p53 mutation. Downregulating mutated p53 expression significantly suppressed the proliferation of TNBC cells with p53 mutation. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that targeting CDK7 was an effective approach for the treatment of TNBC with p53 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ran Bi
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunxi Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Wei
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao Xie
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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The regulatory effect of has-circ-0001146/miR-26a-5p/MNAT1 network on the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:225003. [PMID: 32453410 PMCID: PMC7284318 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20201232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumour with the lowest survival rates out of all paediatric cancers and is primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents. MNAT1 is a subunit in the cyclin-dependent kinase-activating kinase complex. Abnormal up-regulation of MNAT1 has been associated with the poor prognosis of multiple cancers. Bioinformatics analysis showed that has-circ-0001146 and miR-26a-5p were involved in the regulation of MNAT1 in osteosarcoma. The present study investigated the regulatory effects of has-circ-0001146 and miR-26a-5p on MNAT1 expression using luciferase reporter and RNA-pull down assays. The effects of the has-circ-0001146/miR26a-5p/Mnat1 network on the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma were evaluated by cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays. Osteosarcoma tissues showed higher MNAT1 and has-circ-0001146 expression than adjacent normal tissues, although the expression of MNAT1 was not significantly up-regulated in sarcomas according to TCGA databases. As indicated by luciferase reporter and RNA-pull down assays, miR-26a-5p was able to bind to both has-circ-0001146 and MNAT1 mRNA. The depletion of has-circ-0001146 as well as the increase of miR-26a-5p decreased MNAT1 expression in osteosarcoma cells, while the reduction of miR-26a-5p was associated with increased MNAT1 expression. These data suggested that has-circ-0001146 promoted MNAT1 expression by competitively binding to miR-26a-5p with MNAT1 mRNA. The depletion of has-circ-0001146 or MNAT1 or the increase of miR-26a-5p inhibited osteosarcoma cell viability and invasion, and increased apoptosis. Reduction of miR-26a-5p conversely promoted osteosarcoma cell viability and invasion. The present study confirmed that has-circ-0001146 blocked miR-26a-5p targeting MNAT1 in osteosarcoma cells, thereby promoting the malignant behaviours of osteosarcoma cells.
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Cyclin H Regulates Lung Cancer Progression as a Carcinoma Inducer. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6646077. [PMID: 33777168 PMCID: PMC7969110 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6646077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Studies have previously shown that Cyclin H (CCNH) is involved in the tumorigenesis and development of many cancers. The increasing research in CCNH is associated with the poor prognosis of most human cancers. Early diagnosis and clinical treatment are still the main challenges for lung cancer treatment. However, the exact role of CCNH in the tumorigenesis of lung cancer remains unclear. Methods The Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Clinical Proteomics Tumor Analysis Association (CPTAC) database were analyzed to detect key genes that might play an important role in lung cancer. The biological functions of CCNH were further revealed through bioinformatics experiments. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to explore the relationship between CCNH expression and prognosis. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of CCNH in 6 lung cancer tissues and 3 cancer cell lines. The effect of CCNH expression on lung cancer progression was studied by in vitro functional experiments. Results Database analysis screened out candidate oncogenes, and CCNH was of great significance to the tumorigenesis of lung cancer. The higher the expression of CCNH was, the lower the survival rate of lung cancer patients were. The qRT-PCR data illustrated that the CCNH expression level was largely increased in lung cancer tissues and cells. The reduction of CCNH inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Conclusion CCNH was related to poor prognosis, suggesting that CCNH regulated the tumorigenesis and development of lung cancer. Our study suggested that CCNH was a promising biomarker and target in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Li N, Zheng S, Xue Z, Xiong Z, Zou Y, Tang Y, Wei WD, Yang L. Expression and prognostic value of transcription-associated cyclin-dependent kinases in human breast cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:8095-8114. [PMID: 33686962 PMCID: PMC8034920 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The expression and prognostic significance of transcription-associated cyclin-dependent kinases (TA-CDKs) in breast cancer have not been systematically investigated. Using Oncomine, GEPIA2, the Human Protein Atlas, the Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, Metascape, and DAVID 6.8, we profiled the expression of TA-CDKs in breast cancer, inferred their biological functions, and assessed their effect on prognosis. The expression of CDK7/10/13/19 mRNAs in breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than in normal breast tissues. Survival analysis of breast cancer patients revealed that increased CDK8 expression was associated with inferior overall survival (OS), higher expression of CDK7 or CDK8 was associated with inferior relapse-free survival (RFS), but higher expression of CDK13 was associated with favorable RFS and OS. In addition, a high genetic alteration rate (56%) in TA-CDKs was associated with shorter OS. On functional enrichment analysis, top GO enrichment items for TA-CDKs and their neighboring genes included cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity and transferase complex. The top KEGG pathways included cell cycle and mismatch repair. These results suggest that CDK7/8/13 are potential prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer patients and provide novel insight for future studies examining their usefulness as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoquan Zheng
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Xue
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenchong Xiong
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yutian Zou
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Tang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Dong Wei
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Ma H, Dean DC, Wei R, Hornicek FJ, Duan Z. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is an emerging prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in osteosarcoma. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2021; 13:1759720X21995069. [PMID: 34104229 PMCID: PMC8164556 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x21995069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Overexpression of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a well-known pathogenic feature of various malignancies and a sign of a more dismal prognosis. As relatively little is known about CDK7 in osteosarcoma, we elected to evaluate its expression, prognostic value, and function. Methods: We began by analyzing the publicly available data sets on CDK7 expression, including RNA sequencing data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments on Osteosarcoma (TARGET-OS) and the Gene Expression database of Normal and Tumor tissues 2 (GENT2). The correlation between patient tissue CDK7 expression and their clinicopathological features and prognosis was assessed via immunohistochemical staining of a unique tissue microarray constructed from osteosarcoma specimens. Furthermore, we analyzed CDK7 expression in osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues by Western blot. CDK7-specific siRNA and a highly-selective CDK7 inhibitor, BS-181, were applied to determine the function of CDK7 on osteosarcoma cell growth and proliferation. In addition, the effect of CDK7 inhibition on clonogenicity was evaluated using a clonogenic assay, and a 3D cell culture model was used to mimic CDK7 effects in an in vivo environment. Results: Our results demonstrate that higher CDK7 expression significantly correlates with recurrence, metastasis, and shorter overall survival in osteosarcoma patients. Therapeutically, we show that CDK7 knockdown with siRNA or selective inhibition with BS-181 decreases proliferation and induces apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion: This study supports CDK7 overexpression as an independent predictor of poor prognosis and promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangzhan Ma
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 615 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Zhang H, Zeng L, Liu Q, Jin G, Zhang J, Li Z, Xu Y, Tian H, Deng S, Shi Q, Huang X. CVB3 VP1 interacts with MAT1 to inhibit cell proliferation by interfering with Cdk-activating kinase complex activity in CVB3-induced acute pancreatitis. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1008992. [PMID: 33556114 PMCID: PMC7895353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) belongs to the genus Enterovirus of the family Picornaviridae and can cause acute acinar pancreatitis in adults. However, the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis underlying CVB3-induced acute pancreatitis have remained unclear. In this study, we discovered that CVB3 capsid protein VP1 inhibited pancreatic cell proliferation and exerted strong cytopathic effects on HPAC cells. Through yeast two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation, and confocal microscopy, we show that Menage a trois 1 (MAT1), a subunit of the Cdk-Activating Kinase (CAK) complex involved in cell proliferation and transcription, is a novel interaction protein with CVB3 VP1. Moreover, CVB3 VP1 inhibited MAT1 accumulation and localization, thus interfering with its interaction with CDK7. Furthermore, CVB3 VP1 could suppress CAK complex enzymic phosphorylation activity towards RNA Pol II and CDK4/6, direct substrates of CAK. VP1 also suppresses phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb), an indirect CAK substrate, especially at phospho-pRb Ser780 and phospho-pRb Ser807/811 residues, which are associated with cell proliferation. Finally, we present evidence using deletion mutants that the C-terminal domain (VP1-D8, 768-859aa) is the minimal VP1 region required for its interaction with MAT1, and furthermore, VP1-D8 alone was sufficient to arrest cells in G1/S phase as observed during CVB3 infection. Taken together, we demonstrate that CVB3 VP1 can inhibit CAK complex assembly and activity through direct interaction with MAT1, to block MAT1-mediated CAK-CDK4/6-Rb signaling, and ultimately suppress cell proliferation in pancreatic cells. These findings substantially extend our basic understanding of CVB3-mediated pancreatitis, providing strong candidates for strategic therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lingbing Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Guilin Jin
- The Affiliated Hospital of JiangXi university of TCM, Nanchang, China
| | - Jieyu Zhang
- Fuzhou Medical School of Nanchang University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zengbin Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yilian Xu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huizhen Tian
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiaofa Shi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaotian Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), along with cyclin H and MAT1, forms the CDK-activating complex (CAK), which directs progression through the cell cycle via T-loop phosphorylation of cell cycle CDKs. CAK is also a component of the general transcription factor, TFIIH. CDK7-mediated phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) at active gene promoters permits transcription. Cell cycle dysregulation is an established hallmark of cancer, and aberrant control of transcriptional processes, through diverse mechanisms, is also common in many cancers. Furthermore, CDK7 levels are elevated in a number of cancer types and are associated with clinical outcomes, suggestive of greater dependence on CDK7 activity, compared with normal tissues. These findings identify CDK7 as a cancer therapeutic target, and several recent publications report selective CDK7 inhibitors (CDK7i) with activity against diverse cancer types. Preclinical studies have shown that CDK7i cause cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and repression of transcription, particularly of super-enhancer-associated genes in cancer, and have demonstrated their potential for overcoming resistance to cancer treatments. Moreover, combinations of CDK7i with other targeted cancer therapies, including BET inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors and hormone therapies, have shown efficacy in model systems. Four CDK7i, ICEC0942 (CT7001), SY-1365, SY-5609 and LY3405105, have now progressed to Phase I/II clinical trials. Here we describe the work that has led to the development of selective CDK7i, the current status of the most advanced clinical candidates, and discuss their potential importance as cancer therapeutics, both as monotherapies and in combination settings. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03363893; NCT03134638; NCT04247126; NCT03770494.
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Kuo KL, Lin WC, Liu SH, Hsu FS, Kuo Y, Liao SM, Yang SP, Wang ZH, Hsu CH, Huang KH. THZ1, a covalent CDK7 inhibitor, enhances gemcitabine-induced cytotoxicity via suppression of Bcl-2 in urothelial carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:171-180. [PMID: 33520367 PMCID: PMC7840706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus cisplatin remains the mainstay of treatment for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC); however, drug resistance occurs in most patients and eventually leads to treatment failure. In this study, we investigated the role of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) regulation in the treatment of human UCs. Moreover, we studied the effect of THZ1, a CDK7 inhibitor, alone and in combination with gemcitabine, on UCs and explored the underlying mechanism. Immunohistochemical staining showed that CDK7 expression was significantly higher in UC tumors than in counterpart urothelium. THZ1 elicited dose-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis in two high-grade UC cells (BFTC905 and T24). THZ1 co-treatment potentiated gemcitabine-induced cytotoxicity with suppression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Studies with a xenograft nude mouse model also confirmed that THZ1 enhanced the antitumor effect of gemcitabine on UC. These findings provide important pilot data to target CDK7 or Bcl-2 for the treatment of UCs and for overcoming chemoresistance in UCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Lin Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chou Lin
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Shing-Hwa Liu
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Shun Hsu
- Department of Urology, Yang Ming Branch of Taipei City HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu Kuo
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Taipei Veterans General HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Liao
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Ping Yang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Zuo-He Wang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsun Hsu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-How Huang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
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Qiu C, Su W, Shen N, Qi X, Wu X, Wang K, Li L, Guo Z, Tao H, Wang G, Chen B, Xiang H. MNAT1 promotes proliferation and the chemo-resistance of osteosarcoma cell to cisplatin through regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:1187. [PMID: 33272245 PMCID: PMC7713032 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07687-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MNAT1 (menage a trois 1, MAT1), a cyclin-dependent kinase-activating kinase (CAK) complex, highly expressed in diverse cancers and was involved in cancer molecular pathogenesis. However, its deliverance profile and biological function in osteosarcoma (OS) remain unclear. Methods The expression of MNAT1 in OS was detected by western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The potential relationship between MNAT1 molecular level expression and OS clinical expectations were analyzed according to tissues microarray (TMA). Proliferation potential of OS cells was evaluated in vitro based on CCK8 and OS cells colony formation assays, while OS cells transwell and in situ tissue source wound healing assays were employed to analyze the OS cells invasion and migration ability in vitro. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to detect tumor growth in vivo. In addition, ordinary bioinformatics analysis and experimental correlation verification were performed to investigate the underlying regulation mechanism of OS by MNAT1. Results In this research, we found and confirmed that MNAT1 was markedly over-expressed in OS tissue derived in situ, also, highly MNAT1 expression was closely associated with bad clinical expectations. Functional studies had shown that MNAT1 silencing could weaken the invasion, migration and proliferation of OS cells in vitro, and inhibit OS tumor growth in vivo. Mechanism study indicated that MNAT1 contributed to the progression of OS via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. We further verified that the MNAT1 was required in the regulation of OS chemo-sensitivity to cisplatin (DDP). Conclusions Taken together, the data of the present study demonstrate a novel molecular mechanism of MNAT1 involved in the formation of DDP resistance of OS cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-020-07687-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chensheng Qiu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital (Group), Qingdao, 266011, China
| | - Weiliang Su
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Nana Shen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xiaoying Qi
- Department of Gynaecology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zhu Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Hao Tao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Guanrong Wang
- Department of Operation Room, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Bohua Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China.
| | - Hongfei Xiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China.
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CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 enhances antiPD-1 therapy efficacy via the p38α/MYC/PD-L1 signaling in non-small cell lung cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:99. [PMID: 32690037 PMCID: PMC7370470 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) subunit of TFIIH regulates RNA polymerase-II-based transcription and promotes tumor progression. However, the mechanisms involved in CDK7-mediated immune evasion are unclear in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods RNA silencing and pharmacologic inhibitors were used to evaluate the functions of CDK7/p38α/MYC/PD-L1 axis in cancer cell proliferation and antiPD-1 therapy resistance. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the status of the immune microenvironment after CDK7 inhibition and antiPD-1 therapy in vivo. CD8 depletion antibodies were used to assess the role of CD8+ T cells in combined CDK7 and PD-1 blockade. The associations among CDK7, p38α, MYC, PD-L1, infiltrating T cells, and survival outcomes were validated in two tissue microarrays and public transcriptomic data of NSCLC. Results High CDK7 mRNA and protein levels were identified to be associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC. CDK7 silencing and CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 elicited apoptosis and suppressed tumor growth. Moreover, CDK7 ablation specifically suppressed p38α/MYC-associated genes, and THZ1 inhibited MYC transcriptional activity through downregulating p38α. CDK7 inhibition sensitized NSCLC to p38α inhibitor. Further, THZ1 suppressed PD-L1 expression by inhibiting MYC activity. THZ1 boosted antitumor immunity by recruiting infiltrating CD8+ T cells and synergized with antiPD-1 therapy. The CDK7/MYC/PD-L1 signature and infiltrating T cell status collectively stratified NSCLC patients into different risk groups. Conclusion These data suggest that the combined CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 and antiPD-1 therapy can be an effective treatment in NSCLC.
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Peng C, Yang Y, Ji L, Yang P, Yang X, Zhang Y. Cyclin H predicts the poor prognosis and promotes the proliferation of ovarian cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:316. [PMID: 32694938 PMCID: PMC7364476 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01406-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cell cycle dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of malignant tumors. As a part of the CDK-activating kinase (CAK) trimeric complex, cyclin H is necessary to regulate the cell cycle and proliferation. This investigation aims to characterize the clinical significance and the biological functions of cyclin H in ovarian cancer. Methods Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 60 ovarian cancer cases, and a correlation between cyclin H expression and the clinical characteristics of ovarian cancer was analyzed. The function of cyclin H in ovarian cancer was further explored using HO8910 cells and a subcutaneous xenograft model of nude mice. Result Cyclin H was slightly expressed in grade 1 ovarian cancer but highly expressed in grade 2 and grade 3 cancerous tissues. The Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed that the expression of cyclin H is positively correlated with the tumor grade, the FIGO stage, histological grade, and the peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer and is also positively correlated with the Ki67 and p-CDK2 in ovarian cancer. Additionally, we found that the five-year survival rate was higher in patients expressing low cyclin H than those expressing high cyclin H. Further, knockdown of cyclin H was achieved using an shRNA in HO8910 ovarian cancer cell line. Silencing cyclin H resulted in a G1/S cell cycle arrest in ovarian cancer cells suppressing its growth. The Ki67 expression was also decreased in cyclin H silenced ovarian cancer. Conclusion These results suggest that high expression of cyclin H predicts the poor prognosis and promotes the growth of ovarian cancer by regulating the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Peng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
| | - Yansong Yang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nantong University, No. 48 Qingnianxi Road, Nantong, 226001 China
| | - Li Ji
- Clinical Medicine of Nantong University, No. 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, 226001 China
| | - Panpan Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
| | - Yuquan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No. 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
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Attia YM, Shouman SA, Salama SA, Ivan C, Elsayed AM, Amero P, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G. Blockade of CDK7 Reverses Endocrine Therapy Resistance in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082974. [PMID: 32340192 PMCID: PMC7215326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-7 inhibitors are emerging as promising drugs for the treatment of different types of cancer that show chemotherapy resistance. Evaluation of the effects of CDK7 inhibitor, THZ1, alone and combined with tamoxifen is of paramount importance. Thus, in the current work, we assessed the effects of THZ1 and/or tamoxifen in two estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cell lines (MCF7) and its tamoxifen resistant counterpart (LCC2) in vitro and in xenograft mouse models of breast cancer. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of CDK7 in clinical samples from breast cancer patients. Cell viability, apoptosis, and genes involved in cell cycle regulation and tamoxifen resistance were determined. Tumor volume and weight, proliferation marker (Ki67), angiogenic marker (CD31), and apoptotic markers were assayed. Bioinformatic data indicated CDK7 expression was associated with negative prognosis, enhanced pro-oncogenic pathways, and decreased response to tamoxifen. Treatment with THZ1 enhanced tamoxifen-induced cytotoxicity, while it inhibited genes involved in tumor progression in MCF-7 and LCC2 cells. In vivo, THZ1 boosted the effect of tamoxifen on tumor weight and tumor volume, reduced Ki67 and CD31 expression, and increased apoptotic cell death. Our findings identify CDK7 as a possible therapeutic target for breast cancer whether it is sensitive or resistant to tamoxifen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin M. Attia
- Pharmacology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr Al Eini Street, Fom El Khalig, Cairo 11796, Egypt; (Y.M.A.); (S.A.S.)
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
| | - Samia A. Shouman
- Pharmacology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr Al Eini Street, Fom El Khalig, Cairo 11796, Egypt; (Y.M.A.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Salama A. Salama
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11675, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +20-109-550-8894
| | - Cristina Ivan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Abdelrahman M. Elsayed
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11675, Egypt
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.I.); (A.M.E.); (P.A.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) plays crucial roles in the regulation of cell cycle and transcription that are tightly associated with cancer development and metastasis. The recent identification of the first covalent inhibitor which possesses high specificity against CDK7 prompts intense studies on designing highly selective CDK7 inhibitors and exploring their applications in cancer treatments. This review summarizes the latest biological studies on CDK7 and reviews the development of CDK7 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical evaluations, along with the prospects and potential challenges in this research area. CDK7 is an attractive anticancer target, and the discovery and development of CDK7 inhibitors has received much attention.
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Diab S, Yu M, Wang S. CDK7 Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy: The Sweet Smell of Success? J Med Chem 2020; 63:7458-7474. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Diab
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, P.O. Box 36, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Mingfeng Yu
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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CDK7 Inhibition is Effective in all the Subtypes of Breast Cancer: Determinants of Response and Synergy with EGFR Inhibition. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030638. [PMID: 32155786 PMCID: PMC7140476 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CDK7, a transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinase, is emerging as a novel cancer target. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) but not estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers have been reported to be uniquely sensitive to the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 due to the inhibition of a cluster of TNBC-specific genes. However, bioinformatic analysis indicates that CDK7 RNA expression is associated with negative prognosis in all the major subtypes of breast cancer. To further elucidate the effects of CDK7 inhibition in breast cancer, we profiled a panel of cell lines representing different breast cancer subtypes. THZ1 inhibited cell growth in all subtypes (TNBC, HER2+, ER+, and HER2+/ER+) with no apparent subtype selectivity. THZ1 inhibited CDK7 activity and induced G1 arrest and apoptosis in all the tested cell lines, but THZ1 sensitivity did not correlate with CDK7 inhibition or CDK7 expression levels. THZ1 sensitivity across the cell line panel did not correlate with TNBC-specific gene expression but it was found to correlate with the differential inhibition of three genes: CDKN1B, MYC and transcriptional coregulator CITED2. Response to THZ1 also correlated with basal CITED2 protein expression, a potential marker of CDK7 inhibitor sensitivity. Furthermore, all of the THZ1-inhibited genes examined were inducible by EGF but THZ1 prevented this induction. THZ1 had synergistic or additive effects when combined with the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib, with no outward selectivity for a particular subtype of breast cancer. These results suggest a potential broad utility for CDK7 inhibitors in breast cancer therapy and the potential for combining CDK7 and EGFR inhibitors.
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Miao J, Kyoyama H, Liu L, Chan G, Wang Y, Urisman A, Yang Y, Liu S, Xu Z, Bin H, Li H, Jablons DM, You L. Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 down-regulates yes-associated protein expression in mesothelioma cells. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:1087-1098. [PMID: 31755214 PMCID: PMC6933402 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is a protein kinase that plays a major role in transcription initiation. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a main effector of the Hippo/YAP signalling pathway. Here, we investigated the role of CDK7 on YAP regulation in human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We found that in microarray samples of human MPM tissue, immunohistochemistry staining showed correlation between the expression level of CDK7 and YAP (n = 70, r = .513). In MPM cells, CDK7 expression level was significantly correlated with GTIIC reporter activity (r = .886, P = .019). Inhibition of CDK7 by siRNA decreased the YAP protein level and the GTIIC reporter activity in the MPM cell lines 211H, H290 and H2052. Degradation of the YAP protein was accelerated after CDK7 knockdown in 211H, H290 and H2052 cells. Inhibition of CDK7 reduced tumour cell migration and invasion, as well as tumorsphere formation ability. Restoration of the CDK7 gene rescued the YAP protein level and GTIIC reporter activity after siRNA knockdown in 211H and H2052 cells. Finally, we performed a co-immunoprecipitation analysis using an anti-YAP antibody and captured the CDK7 protein in 211H cells. Our results suggest that CDK7 inhibition reduces the YAP protein level by promoting its degradation and suppresses the migration and invasion of MPM cells. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 may be a promising therapeutic target for MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbai Miao
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryBeijing Chao‐Yang HospitalAffiliated with Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hiroyuki Kyoyama
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Luwei Liu
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Class of 2018Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNYUSA
| | - Geraldine Chan
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Class of 2020Medical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Anatoly Urisman
- Department of PathologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Yi‐Lin Yang
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Zhidong Xu
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Hu Bin
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryBeijing Chao‐Yang HospitalAffiliated with Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryBeijing Chao‐Yang HospitalAffiliated with Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - David M. Jablons
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Liang You
- Department of SurgeryThoracic Oncology LaboratoryComprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
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Tadesse S, Anshabo AT, Portman N, Lim E, Tilley W, Caldon CE, Wang S. Targeting CDK2 in cancer: challenges and opportunities for therapy. Drug Discov Today 2019; 25:406-413. [PMID: 31839441 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) plays a pivotal part in cell cycle regulation and is involved in a range of biological processes. CDK2 interacts with and phosphorylates proteins in pathways such as DNA damage, intracellular transport, protein degradation, signal transduction, DNA and RNA metabolism and translation. CDK2 and its regulatory subunits are deregulated in many human cancers and there is emerging evidence suggesting CDK2 inhibition elicits antitumor activity in a subset of tumors with defined genetic features. Previous CDK2 inhibitors were nonspecific and limited by off-target effects. The development of new-generation CDK2 inhibitors represents a therapeutic opportunity for CDK2-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Tadesse
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Departement of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abel T Anshabo
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Neil Portman
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Elgene Lim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Wayne Tilley
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - C Elizabeth Caldon
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Shudong Wang
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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Kim J, Cho YJ, Ryu JY, Hwang I, Han HD, Ahn HJ, Kim WY, Cho H, Chung JY, Hewitt SM, Kim JH, Kim BG, Bae DS, Choi CH, Lee JW. CDK7 is a reliable prognostic factor and novel therapeutic target in epithelial ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 156:211-221. [PMID: 31776040 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) engages tumor growth by acting as a direct link between the regulation of transcription and the cell cycle. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of CDK7 expression and its potential as a therapeutic target in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS CDK7 expression was examined in 436 ovarian tissues including normal to metastatic ovarian tumors using immunohistochemistry, and its clinical implications were analyzed. Furthermore, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using CDK7 siRNA or a covalent CDK7 inhibitor (THZ1) to elucidate the effect of CDK7 inhibition on tumorigenesis in EOC cells. RESULTS The patient incidence of high CDK7 expression (CDK7High) gradually increased from normal ovarian epithelium to EOC (P < 0.001). Moreover, CDK7High was associated with an advanced stage and high-grade histology (P = 0.035 and P = 0.011, respectively) in EOC patients and had an independent prognostic significance in EOC recurrence (P = 0.034). CDK7 inhibition with siRNA or THZ1 decreased cell proliferation and migration, and increased apoptosis in EOC cells, and this anti-cancer mechanism is caused by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. In in vivo therapeutic experiments using cell-line xenograft and PDX models, CDK7 inhibition significantly decreased the tumor weight, which was mediated by cell proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSION Mechanistic interrogation of CDK7 revealed that it is significantly associated with an aggressive phenotype of EOC, and it has independent prognostic power for EOC recurrence. Furthermore, CDK7 may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with EOC, whether platinum sensitive or resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jae Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Ryu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilseon Hwang
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA; Department of Pathology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Dong Han
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Jun Ahn
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 136-791, South Korea
| | - Woo Young Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanbyoul Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Chung
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Jae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Gie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Duk-Soo Bae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chel Hun Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Won Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Santos SM, Hartman JL. A yeast phenomic model for the influence of Warburg metabolism on genetic buffering of doxorubicin. Cancer Metab 2019; 7:9. [PMID: 31660150 PMCID: PMC6806529 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-019-0201-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of the Warburg phenomenon on chemotherapy response is unknown. Saccharomyces cerevisiae mimics the Warburg effect, repressing respiration in the presence of adequate glucose. Yeast phenomic experiments were conducted to assess potential influences of Warburg metabolism on gene-drug interaction underlying the cellular response to doxorubicin. Homologous genes from yeast phenomic and cancer pharmacogenomics data were analyzed to infer evolutionary conservation of gene-drug interaction and predict therapeutic relevance. METHODS Cell proliferation phenotypes (CPPs) of the yeast gene knockout/knockdown library were measured by quantitative high-throughput cell array phenotyping (Q-HTCP), treating with escalating doxorubicin concentrations under conditions of respiratory or glycolytic metabolism. Doxorubicin-gene interaction was quantified by departure of CPPs observed for the doxorubicin-treated mutant strain from that expected based on an interaction model. Recursive expectation-maximization clustering (REMc) and Gene Ontology (GO)-based analyses of interactions identified functional biological modules that differentially buffer or promote doxorubicin cytotoxicity with respect to Warburg metabolism. Yeast phenomic and cancer pharmacogenomics data were integrated to predict differential gene expression causally influencing doxorubicin anti-tumor efficacy. RESULTS Yeast compromised for genes functioning in chromatin organization, and several other cellular processes are more resistant to doxorubicin under glycolytic conditions. Thus, the Warburg transition appears to alleviate requirements for cellular functions that buffer doxorubicin cytotoxicity in a respiratory context. We analyzed human homologs of yeast genes exhibiting gene-doxorubicin interaction in cancer pharmacogenomics data to predict causality for differential gene expression associated with doxorubicin cytotoxicity in cancer cells. This analysis suggested conserved cellular responses to doxorubicin due to influences of homologous recombination, sphingolipid homeostasis, telomere tethering at nuclear periphery, actin cortical patch localization, and other gene functions. CONCLUSIONS Warburg status alters the genetic network required for yeast to buffer doxorubicin toxicity. Integration of yeast phenomic and cancer pharmacogenomics data suggests evolutionary conservation of gene-drug interaction networks and provides a new experimental approach to model their influence on chemotherapy response. Thus, yeast phenomic models could aid the development of precision oncology algorithms to predict efficacious cytotoxic drugs for cancer, based on genetic and metabolic profiles of individual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. Santos
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - John L. Hartman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
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MAT1 facilitates the lung metastasis of osteosarcoma through upregulation of AKT1 expression. Life Sci 2019; 234:116771. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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50
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Wang Q, Han A, Chen L, Sun J, Lin Z, Zhang X, Ren X. Paip1 overexpression is involved in the progression of gastric cancer and predicts shorter survival of diagnosed patients. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:6565-6576. [PMID: 31496746 PMCID: PMC6701649 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s202698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a major leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Polyadenylate (poly(A))-binding protein (PABP)-interacting protein 1 (Paip1) is a key regulator in the initiation of translation; however, its role in GC remains to be investigated. Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine Paip1 expression levels and investigate its underlying molecular mechanism in GC. Patients and methods In the present study, a total of 90 GC samples and 90 adjacent noncancerous tissues were used to examine the expression of Paip1. In order to gain a deep insight into the molecular mechanism of Paip1 in GC, the Paip1 siRNA sequences were transfected into GC cell lines (MGC-803 and SGC-7901), respectively. Meanwhile, Paip1 plasmid was used to mediate overexpression of Paip1. Cell proliferation were examined via colony formation assay, EdU assay and flow cytometry assay. Cell metastasis were discovered via wound healing assay and Transwell assays. In addition, key EMT makers were detected by Western blotting assay. Results In this study, Paip1 expression was observed to be upregulated in GC and was associated with shorter overall survival. Knockdown of Paip1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and caused cell cycle arrest in GC cells, whereas its overexpression reversed these effects. Another mechanistic study showed that Paip1 overexpression promoted EMT progression and regulated its targets expression. Conclusion High expression of Paip1 plays a significant role in the progression of GC and may be a potential biomarker of poor prognosis as well as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianrong Wang
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Anna Han
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyan Chen
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of the Science and Technology Department of Jilin Province, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhua Lin
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of the Science and Technology Department of Jilin Province, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianglan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji City, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China.,Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea
| | - Xiangshan Ren
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of the Science and Technology Department of Jilin Province, Yanji 133002, People's Republic of China
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