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Suryavanshi A, Vandana, Shukla YK, Kumar V, Gupta P, Asati V, Mahapatra DK, Keservani RK, Jain SK, Bharti SK. MEK inhibitors in oncology: a patent review and update (2016 - present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024. [PMID: 39275922 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2403634] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) is one of the important components of Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, transduces signal for cell growth, differentiation, and development. Deregulation of MEK leads to a wide variety of cancer, hence MEK is considered as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. The MEK1/2 inhibitors in combination with other inhibitors showed better therapeutic outcomes in various malignancies including resistant or relapsed or refractory cancer. AREAS COVERED A comprehensive patent literature from the year 2016 to May 2024 on MEK inhibitors in oncology, their combination products and structural insights have been reviewed through searching relevant information in PubMed, Scopus, Espacenet, Web of Science, World Intellectual Property Organization and Google Patent databases. EXPERT OPINION Overexpression and mutation of MEK have been reported to cause a wide variety of cancers especially resistant cancers. The MEK1/2 inhibitors in combination with other kinase (BRaf/KRas/PI3K) inhibitors showed significant anti-proliferative activity. Other combination of MEK inhibitor with PD-1, DYRK1, EGFR, BTK and/or VEGF inhibitors etc. showed promising results in many cancers including colorectal, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, solid tumor, breast cancer, melanoma and multiple myeloma etc. The dual or multi-targeted approaches of these combinations showed better and precise treatment of patients with resistant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Suryavanshi
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | - Vandana
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | - Yugal Kishor Shukla
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | - Vipul Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Pragya Gupta
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | - Vivek Asati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Debarshi Kar Mahapatra
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | - Raj K Keservani
- Faculty of B. Pharmacy, CSM Group of Institutions, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanmati Kumar Jain
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Bharti
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
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Helmy SWA, Abdel-Aziz AK, Dokla EME, Ahmed TE, Hatem Y, Abdel Rahman EA, Sharaky M, Shahin MI, Elrazaz EZ, Serya RAT, Henary M, Ali SS, Abou El Ella DA. Novel sulfonamide-indolinone hybrids targeting mitochondrial respiration of breast cancer cells. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116255. [PMID: 38401190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) still poses a threat worldwide which demands continuous efforts to present safer and efficacious treatment options via targeted therapy. Beside kinases' aberrations as Aurora B kinase which controls cell division, BC adopts distinct metabolic profiles to meet its high energy demands. Accordingly, targeting both aurora B kinase and/or metabolic vulnerability presents a promising approach to tackle BC. Based on a previously reported indolinone-based Aurora B kinase inhibitor (III), and guided by structural modification and SAR investigation, we initially synthesized 11 sulfonamide-indolinone hybrids (5a-k), which showed differential antiproliferative activities against the NCI-60 cell line panel with BC cells displaying preferential sensitivity. Nonetheless, modest activity against Aurora B kinase (18-49% inhibition) was noted at 100 nM. Screening of a representative derivative (5d) against 17 kinases, which are overexpressed in BC, failed to show significant activity at 1 μM concentration, suggesting that kinase inhibitory activity only played a partial role in targeting BC. Bioinformatic analyses of genome-wide transcriptomics (RNA-sequencing), metabolomics, and CRISPR loss-of-function screens datasets suggested that indolinone-completely responsive BC cell lines (MCF7, MDA-MB-468, and T-47D) were more dependent on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) compared to partially responsive BC cell lines (MDA-MB-231, BT-549, and HS 578 T). An optimized derivative, TC11, obtained by molecular hybridization of 5d with sunitinib polar tail, manifested superior antiproliferative activity and was used for further investigations. Indeed, TC11 significantly reduced/impaired the mitochondrial respiration, as well as mitochondria-dependent ROS production of MCF7 cells. Furthermore, TC11 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of MCF7 BC cells. Notably, anticancer doses of TC11 did not elicit cytotoxic effects on normal cardiomyoblasts and hepatocytes. Altogether, these findings emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting the metabolic vulnerability of OXPHOS-dependent BC cells using TC11 and its related sulfonamide-indolinone hybrids. Further investigation is warranted to identify their precise/exact molecular target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sama W A Helmy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Amal Kamal Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; Smart Health Initiative, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman M E Dokla
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| | - Tarek E Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Yasmin Hatem
- Research Department, 57357 Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt, Cairo, 4260102, Egypt
| | - Engy A Abdel Rahman
- Research Department, 57357 Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt, Cairo, 4260102, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71515, Egypt
| | - Marwa Sharaky
- Cancer Biology Department, Pharmacology Unit, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cairo University, Cairo, 11796, Egypt
| | - Mai I Shahin
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Eman Z Elrazaz
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Rabah A T Serya
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Maged Henary
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, 100 Piedmont Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Research Department, 57357 Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt, Cairo, 4260102, Egypt
| | - Dalal A Abou El Ella
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
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Vuaroqueaux V, Musch A, Peille AL, Kelter G, Weichert L, Metz T, Hendriks HR, Fiebig HH. High In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of BI-847325, a Dual MEK/Aurora Kinase Inhibitor, in Human Solid and Hematologic Cancer Models. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2170-2181. [PMID: 37830744 PMCID: PMC10599287 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BI-847325 is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of MEK/Aurora kinases with the potential to treat a wide range of cancers. In a panel of 294 human tumor cell lines in vitro, BI-847325 was found to be a highly selective inhibitor that was active in the submicromolar range. The most sensitive cancer types were acute lymphocytic and myelocytic leukemia, melanomas, bladder, colorectal, and mammary cancers. BI-847325 showed a broader range of activity than the MEK inhibitor GDC-0623. The high efficacy of BI-847325 was associated with but not limited to cell lines with oncogenic mutations in NRAS, BRAF, and MAP2K1.The high antiproliferative activity of BI-847325 was validated in vivo using subcutaneous xenograft models. After oral administration of 80 and 40 mg/kg once weekly for 3 or 4 weeks, BI-847325 was highly active in four of five colorectal, two of two gastric, two of two mammary, and one of one pancreatic cancer models (test/control < 25%), and tumor regressions were observed in five of 11 cancer models. The treatment was well tolerated with no relevant lethality or body weight changes. In combination with capecitabine, BI-847325 displayed synergism over single-agent therapies, leading to complete remission in the triple-negative mammary model MAXFTN 401, partial regression in the colon model CXF 1103, and stasis in the gastric models GXA 3011 and GXA 3023. In conclusion, dual MEK/Aurora kinase inhibition shows remarkable potential for treating multiple types of hematologic and solid tumors. The combination with capecitabine was synergistic in colorectal, gastric, and mammary cancer. SIGNIFICANCE We report the preclinical evaluation of BI-847325, a MEK/Aurora kinase inhibitor. Our data demonstrate that BI-847325 has potent antitumor activity in a broad range of human solid and hematologic cancer models in vitro and in vivo and is well tolerated in animal models. It also shows synergistic effect when combined with capecitabine. These findings provide a strong rationale for further development of BI-847325 as a potential therapeutic for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gerhard Kelter
- Charles River, Discovery Research Services GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Loreen Weichert
- Charles River, Discovery Research Services GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
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Martin-Vega A, Cobb MH. Navigating the ERK1/2 MAPK Cascade. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1555. [PMID: 37892237 PMCID: PMC10605237 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS-ERK pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade crucial for many biological processes including proliferation, cell cycle control, growth, and survival; common across all cell types. Notably, ERK1/2 are implicated in specific processes in a context-dependent manner as in stem cells and pancreatic β-cells. Alterations in the different components of this cascade result in dysregulation of the effector kinases ERK1/2 which communicate with hundreds of substrates. Aberrant activation of the pathway contributes to a range of disorders, including cancer. This review provides an overview of the structure, activation, regulation, and mutational frequency of the different tiers of the cascade; with a particular focus on ERK1/2. We highlight the importance of scaffold proteins that contribute to kinase localization and coordinate interaction dynamics of the kinases with substrates, activators, and inhibitors. Additionally, we explore innovative therapeutic approaches emphasizing promising avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martin-Vega
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Ram T, Singh AK, Kumar A, Singh H, Pathak P, Grishina M, Khalilullah H, Jaremko M, Emwas AH, Verma A, Kumar P. MEK inhibitors in cancer treatment: structural insights, regulation, recent advances and future perspectives. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1837-1857. [PMID: 37859720 PMCID: PMC10583825 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00145h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
MEK1/2 are critical components of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK or MAPK signalling pathway that regulates a variety of cellular functions including proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In 1997, a lung cancer cell line was first found to have a MEK mutation (encoding MEK2P298L). MEK is involved in various human cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), spurious melanoma, and pancreatic, colorectal, basal, breast, and liver cancer. To date, 4 MEK inhibitors i.e., trametinib, cobimetinib, selumetinib, and binimetinib have been approved by the FDA and several are under clinical trials. In this review, we have highlighted structural insights into the MEK1/2 proteins, such as the αC-helix, catalytic loop, P-loop, F-helix, hydrophobic pocket, and DFG motif. We have also discussed current issues with all FDA-approved MEK inhibitors or drugs under clinical trials and combination therapies to improve the efficacy of clinical drugs. Finally, this study addressed recent developments on synthetic MEK inhibitors (from their discovery in 1997 to 2022), their unique properties, and their relevance to MEK mutant inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teja Ram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Ankit Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Adarsh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Harshwardhan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
| | - Prateek Pathak
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University Chelyabinsk 454008 Russia
- Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, GITAM School of Pharmacy at "Hyderabad Campus", GITAM (Deemed to be University) India
| | - Maria Grishina
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Drugs, Higher Medical and Biological School, South Ural State University Chelyabinsk 454008 Russia
| | - Habibullah Khalilullah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University Unayzah 51911 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Amita Verma
- Bioorganic and Med. Chem. Res., Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Prayagraj 211007 India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab Ghudda Bathinda 151401 India
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Kovacs AH, Zhao D, Hou J. Aurora B Inhibitors as Cancer Therapeutics. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083385. [PMID: 37110619 PMCID: PMC10144992 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Aurora kinases (A, B, and C) are a family of three isoform serine/threonine kinases that regulate mitosis and meiosis. The Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC), which contains Aurora B as an enzymatic component, plays a critical role in cell division. Aurora B in the CPC ensures faithful chromosome segregation and promotes the correct biorientation of chromosomes on the mitotic spindle. Aurora B overexpression has been observed in several human cancers and has been associated with a poor prognosis for cancer patients. Targeting Aurora B with inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In the past decade, Aurora B inhibitors have been extensively pursued in both academia and industry. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the preclinical and clinical candidates of Aurora B inhibitors as potential anticancer drugs. The recent advances in the field of Aurora B inhibitor development will be highlighted, and the binding interactions between Aurora B and inhibitors based on crystal structures will be presented and discussed to provide insights for the future design of more selective Aurora B inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antal H Kovacs
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Jinqiang Hou
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
- Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, 980 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4, Canada
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Samimi H, Tavakoli R, Fallah P, Naderi Sohi A, Amini Shirkouhi M, Naderi M, Haghpanah V. BI-847325, a selective dual MEK and Aurora kinases inhibitor, reduces aggressive behavior of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma on an in vitro three-dimensional culture. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:388. [PMID: 36482411 PMCID: PMC9730667 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02813-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive subtype of thyroid cancer. In this study, we used a three-dimensional in vitro system to evaluate the effect of a dual MEK/Aurora kinase inhibitor, BI-847325 anticancer drug, on several cellular and molecular processes involved in cancer progression. METHODS Human ATC cell lines, C643 and SW1736, were grown in alginate hydrogel and treated with IC50 values of BI-847325. The effect of BI-847325 on inhibition of kinases function of MEK1/2 and Aurora kinase B (AURKB) was evaluated via Western blot analysis of phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-Histone H3 levels. Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) and thyroglobulin (Tg), as two thyroid-specific differentiation markers, were measured by qRT-PCR as well as flow cytometry and immunoradiometric assay. Apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry and BIM, NFκB1, and NFκB2 expressions. Cell cycle distribution and proliferation were determined via P16, AURKA, and AURKB expressions as well as PI and CFSE flow cytometry assays. Multidrug resistance was evaluated by examining the expression of MDR1 and MRP1. Angiogenesis and invasion were investigated by VEGF expression and F-actin labeling with Alexa Fluor 549 Phalloidin. RESULTS Western blot results showed that BI-847325 inhibits MEK1/2 and AURKB functions by decreasing phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-Histone H3 levels. BI-847325 induced thyroid differentiation markers and apoptosis in ATC cell lines. Inversely, BI-847325 intervention decreased multidrug resistance, cell cycle progression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion at the molecular and/or cellular levels. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that BI-857,325 might be an effective multi-targeted anticancer drug for ATC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Samimi
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411463.50000 0001 0706 2472Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rezvan Tavakoli
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Hepatitis and HIV Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Fallah
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Alireza Naderi Sohi
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Amini Shirkouhi
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Naderi
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Haghpanah
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Personalized Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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El-Kishky AHM, Moussa N, Helmy MW, Haroun M. GANT61/BI-847325 combination: a new hope in lung cancer treatment. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:144. [PMID: 35834029 PMCID: PMC9283175 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the huge efforts employed to implement novel chemotherapeutic paradigms for lung cancer, the disease still remains a major concern worldwide. Targeting molecular pathways as Hedgehog (Hh) and Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) represent a new hope in lung cancer treatment. This work was undertaken to evaluate the antitumor effects of GANT61 (5 μM), BI-847325(30 μM), and GANT61 (5 μM)/BI-847325(30 μM) combination on A549 adenocarcinoma lung cancer cell line. The growth inhibition 50 (GI50) for both drugs was performed using MTT. The protein levels of Caspase-3, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (MCL-1), cyclin D1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), p-Akt, and phosphohistone H3 (pHH3) were measured using ELISA. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1(Gli1) gene expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The GI50 for GANT61 and BI-8473255 were 5 µM and 30 µM, respectively. Caspase-3 and Bax protein levels were significantly elevated while MCL-1, cyclin D1, VEGF, ERK 1/2, p-Akt, and pHH3 levels were significantly reduced by both drugs and their combination relative to the control group. Gli1 gene expression was down-regulated in all groups relative to the control group. GANT61, BI-847325 and their combination inhibited proliferation and angiogenesis but activated the apoptotic pathway. Both drugs conferred a profound negative impact on the crosstalk between each of Hh and MAPK pathways and Phosphoinositide 3 -kinases (PI3K)/Akt/Mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR). To the best of our knowledge, the antitumor effects of BI-847325/GANT61 combination have not been tested before. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are warranted to support the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Halim M El-Kishky
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nermine Moussa
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Maged W Helmy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhur University, Damanhur, Egypt
| | - Medhat Haroun
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Wang H, Chi L, Yu F, Dai H, Si X, Gao C, Wang Z, Liu L, Zheng J, Ke Y, Liu H, Zhang Q. The overview of Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)-based dual inhibitor in the treatment of cancers. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116922. [PMID: 35849914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116922] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) are the critical components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MAPK/ERK1/2) signaling pathway which is one of the well-characterized kinase cascades regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, metabolism, survival and mobility both in normal and cancer cells. The aberrant activation of MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway is a hallmark of numerous human cancers, therefore targeting the components of this pathway to inhibit its dysregulation is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Enormous efforts have been done in the development of MEK1/2 inhibitors and encouraging advancements have been made, including four inhibitors approved for clinical use. However, due to the multifactorial property of cancer and rapidly arising drug resistance, the clinical efficacy of these MEK1/2 inhibitors as monotherapy are far from ideal. Several alternative strategies have been developed to improve the limited clinical efficacy, including the dual inhibitor which is a single drug molecule able to simultaneously inhibit two targets. In this review, we first introduced the activation and function of the MAPK/ERK1/2 components and discussed the advantages of MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors compared with the single inhibitors and combination therapy in the treatment of cancers. Then, we overviewed the MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors for the treatment of cancers and highlighted the theoretical basis of concurrent inhibition of MEK1/2 and other targets for development of these dual inhibitors. Besides, the status and results of these dual inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical studies were also the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lingling Chi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fuqiang Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hongling Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaojie Si
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Chao Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Limin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Hongmin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Qiurong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Poddutoori R, Aardalen K, Aithal K, Barahagar SS, Belliappa C, Bock M, Chelur S, Gerken A, Gopinath S, Gruenenfelder B, Kiffe M, Krishnaswami M, Langowski J, Madapa S, Narayanan K, Pandit C, Panigrahi SK, Perrone M, Potakamuri RK, Ramachandra M, Ramanathan A, Ramos R, Sager E, Samajdar S, Subramanya HS, Thimmasandra DS, Venetsanakos E, Möbitz H. Discovery of MAP855, an Efficacious and Selective MEK1/2 Inhibitor with an ATP-Competitive Mode of Action. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4350-4366. [PMID: 35195996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in MEK1/2 have been described as a resistance mechanism to BRAF/MEK inhibitor treatment. We report the discovery of a novel ATP-competitive MEK1/2 inhibitor with efficacy in wildtype (WT) and mutant MEK12 models. Starting from a HTS hit, we obtained selective, cellularly active compounds that showed equipotent inhibition of WT MEK1/2 and a panel of MEK1/2 mutant cell lines. Using a structure-based approach, the optimization addressed the liabilities by systematic analysis of molecular matched pairs (MMPs) and ligand conformation. Addition of only three heavy atoms to early tool compound 6 removed Cyp3A4 liabilities and increased the cellular potency by 100-fold, while reducing log P by 5 units. Profiling of MAP855, compound 30, in pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic and efficacy studies in BRAF-mutant models showed comparable efficacy to clinical MEK1/2 inhibitors. Compound 30 is a novel highly potent and selective MEK1/2 kinase inhibitor with equipotent inhibition of WT and mutant MEK1/2, whose drug-like properties allow further investigation in the mutant MEK setting upon BRAF/MEK therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramulu Poddutoori
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Kimberly Aardalen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Kiran Aithal
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | | | - Charamanna Belliappa
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Mark Bock
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shekar Chelur
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Andrea Gerken
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Sreevalsam Gopinath
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | | | - Michael Kiffe
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Maithreyi Krishnaswami
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - John Langowski
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Sudharshan Madapa
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Kishore Narayanan
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Chetan Pandit
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Sunil Kumar Panigrahi
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Mark Perrone
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ravi Kumar Potakamuri
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Murali Ramachandra
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Anuradha Ramanathan
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Rita Ramos
- Global Drug Discovery, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Emine Sager
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Susanta Samajdar
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Hosahalli S Subramanya
- Aurigene Discovery Technologies Ltd, 39-40 KIADB Industrial Area, Electronic City Phase II, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | | | - Eleni Venetsanakos
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 5300 Chiron Way, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Henrik Möbitz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel 4002, Switzerland
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11
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Low-Dose-Rate Irradiation Suppresses the Expression of Cell Cycle-Related Genes, Resulting in Modification of Sensitivity to Anti-Cancer Drugs. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030501. [PMID: 35159310 PMCID: PMC8833988 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological effects of low-dose-rate (LDR) radiation exposure in nuclear power plant accidents and medical uses of ionizing radiation (IR), although being a social concern, remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of LDR-IR on global gene expression in human cells and aimed to clarify the mechanisms. RNA-seq analyses demonstrated that relatively low dose rates of IR modify gene expression levels in TIG-3 cells under normoxic conditions, but those effects were attenuated under hypoxia-mimicking conditions. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that LDR-IR significantly decreased gene expression related to cell division, cell cycle, mitosis, and the Aurora kinase B and FOXM1 pathways. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed the down-regulation of AURKB and FOXM1 genes in TIG-3 cells with LDR-IR or hypoxia-mimicking treatments without any dose-rate effect. Knock-down experiments suggested that HIF-1α and HIF-2α, as well as DEC1, participated in down-regulation of AURKB and FOXM1 under DFOM treatments, but to a lesser extent under LDR-IR treatment. FACS and microscopic analyses demonstrated that LDR-IR induced G0/G1 arrest and increased micronucleus or chromosome condensation. Finally, MTT assays demonstrated that LDR-IR decreased sensitivity to paclitaxel or barasertib in TIG-3 cells but not in A549 cells. In conclusion, LDR-IR modifies global gene expression and cell cycle control, resulting in a reduction of sensitivity to anti-cancer chemotherapy in non-cancer cells and thus a reduction in untoward effects (GA).
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Indolin-2-one derivatives as selective Aurora B kinase inhibitors targeting breast cancer. Bioorg Chem 2021; 117:105451. [PMID: 34736137 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aurora B is a pivotal cell cycle regulator where errors in its function results in polyploidy, genetic instability, and tumorigenesis. It is overexpressed in many cancers, consequently, targeting Aurora B with small molecule inhibitors constitutes a promising approach for anticancer therapy. Guided by structure-based design and molecular hybridization approach we developed a series of fifteen indolin-2-one derivatives based on a previously reported indolin-2-one-based multikinase inhibitor (1). Seven derivatives, 5g, 6a, 6c-e, 7, and 8a showed preferential antiproliferative activity in NCI-60 cell line screening and out of these, carbamate 6e and cyclopropylurea 8a derivatives showed optimum activity against Aurora B (IC50 = 16.2 and 10.5 nM respectively) and MDA-MB-468 cells (IC50 = 32.6 ± 9.9 and 29.1 ± 7.3 nM respectively). Furthermore, 6e and 8a impaired the clonogenic potential of MDA-MB-468 cells. Mechanistic investigations indicated that 6e and 8a induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and necrosis of MDA-MB-468 cells and western blot analysis of 8a effect on MDA-MB-468 cells revealed 8a's ability to reduce Aurora B and its downstream target, Histone H3 phosphorylation. 6e and 8a displayed better safety profiles than multikinase inhibitors such as sunitinib, showing no cytotoxic effects on normal rat cardiomyoblasts and murine hepatocytes. Finally, 8a demonstrated a more selective profile than 1 when screened against ten related kinases. Based on these findings, 8a represents a promising candidate for further development to target breast cancer via Aurora B selective inhibition.
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13
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Battaglia L, Scomparin A, Dianzani C, Milla P, Muntoni E, Arpicco S, Cavalli R. Nanotechnology Addressing Cutaneous Melanoma: The Italian Landscape. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1617. [PMID: 34683910 PMCID: PMC8540596 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive solid tumors, with a low survival for the metastatic stage. Currently, clinical melanoma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Of note, innovative therapeutic regimens concern the administration of multitarget drugs in tandem, in order to improve therapeutic efficacy. However, also, if this drug combination is clinically relevant, the patient's response is not yet optimal. In this scenario, nanotechnology-based delivery systems can play a crucial role in the clinical treatment of advanced melanoma. In fact, their nano-features enable targeted drug delivery at a cellular level by overcoming biological barriers. Various nanomedicines have been proposed for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma, and a relevant number of them are undergoing clinical trials. In Italy, researchers are focusing on the pharmaceutical development of nanoformulations for malignant melanoma therapy. The present review reports an overview of the main melanoma-addressed nanomedicines currently under study in Italy, alongside the state of the art of melanoma therapy. Moreover, the latest Italian advances concerning the pre-clinical evaluation of nanomedicines for melanoma are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Battaglia
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Anna Scomparin
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
- . Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Chiara Dianzani
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Paola Milla
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Elisabetta Muntoni
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Roberta Cavalli
- . Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Turin, Italy; (L.B.); (A.S.); (C.D.); (P.M.); (E.M.); (S.A.)
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14
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Li H, Gao Y, Ren C. Focal adhesion kinase inhibitor BI 853520 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and EMT process through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:29. [PMID: 35201437 PMCID: PMC8777525 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00425-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation has been reported to be associated with cell progression and metastasis in a wide variety of cancer cells. Target treatment by inhibiting FAK has achieved remarkable effects in several cancers, but the effect in ovarian cancer has not been reported. In this study, we determined the role and the underlying molecular mechanism of BI853520, a novel small chemical FAK inhibitor against ovarian cancer. Results show that phosphorylated FAK tyrosine 397 (p-FAK Y397) is highly expressed in ovarian cancer tumor tissues and cell lines (SKOV3 and OVCAR3). BI853520 treatment greatly suppresses cell proliferation, viability, migration, invasion, decreases anchorage-independent growth and motility in vitro. Besides, treatment with BI853520 increases biologic effects following combination with chemotherapy in ovarian cancer cell lines. In addition, BI853520 suppresses EMT in ovarian cancer cell lines. Mechanically, BI853520 treatment downregulates the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Finally, mice model experiments confirm BI853520 treatment dramatically reduces tumor growth in vivo and suppresses the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that focal adhesion kinase inhibitor BI853520 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT process through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ovarian cancer, and BI853520 can offer a preclinical rationale for targeting repression of FAK in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhi Gao
- Department of High School, Wuhan Maple Leaf International School, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenchen Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Ullah R, Yin Q, Snell AH, Wan L. RAF-MEK-ERK pathway in cancer evolution and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:123-154. [PMID: 33992782 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade is a well-characterized MAPK pathway involved in cell proliferation and survival. The three-layered MAPK signaling cascade is initiated upon RTK and RAS activation. Three RAF isoforms ARAF, BRAF and CRAF, and their downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 kinases constitute a coherently orchestrated signaling module that directs a range of physiological functions. Genetic alterations in this pathway are among the most prevalent in human cancers, which consist of numerous hot-spot mutations such as BRAFV600E. Oncogenic mutations in this pathway often override otherwise tightly regulated checkpoints to open the door for uncontrolled cell growth and neoplasia. The crosstalk between the RAF-MEK-ERK axis and other signaling pathways further extends the proliferative potential of this pathway in human cancers. In this review, we summarize the molecular architecture and physiological functions of the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway with emphasis on its dysregulations in human cancers, as well as the efforts made to target the RAF-MEK-ERK module using small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Aidan H Snell
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Lixin Wan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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16
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EGFR mutation mediates resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in NSCLC: From molecular mechanisms to clinical research. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105583. [PMID: 33775864 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
With the development of precision medicine, molecular targeted therapy has been widely used in the field of cancer, especially in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a well-recognized and effective target for NSCLC therapies, targeted EGFR therapy with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) has achieved ideal clinical efficacy in recent years. Unfortunately, resistance to EGFR-TKIs inevitably occurs due to various mechanisms after a period of therapy. EGFR mutations, such as T790M and C797S, are the most common mechanism of EGFR-TKI resistance. Here, we discuss the mechanisms of EGFR-TKIs resistance induced by secondary EGFR mutations, highlight the development of targeted drugs to overcome EGFR mutation-mediated resistance, and predict the promising directions for development of novel candidates.
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Phadke MS, Chen Z, Li J, Mohamed E, Davies MA, Smalley I, Duckett DR, Palve V, Czerniecki BJ, Forsyth PA, Noyes D, Adeegbe DO, Eroglu Z, Nguyen KT, Tsai KY, Rix U, Burd CE, Chen YA, Rodriguez PC, Smalley KSM. Targeted Therapy Given after Anti-PD-1 Leads to Prolonged Responses in Mouse Melanoma Models through Sustained Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:554-567. [PMID: 33653716 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy (IT) and targeted therapy (TT) are both effective against melanoma, but their combination is frequently toxic. Here, we investigated whether the sequence of IT (anti-PD-1)→ TT (ceritinib-trametinib or dabrafenib-trametinib) was associated with improved antitumor responses in mouse models of BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanoma. Mice with NRAS-mutant (SW1) or BRAF-mutant (SM1) mouse melanomas were treated with either IT, TT, or the sequence of IT→TT. Tumor volumes were measured, and samples from the NRAS-mutant melanomas were collected for immune-cell analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and reverse phase protein analysis (RPPA). scRNA-seq demonstrated that the IT→TT sequence modulated the immune environment, leading to increased infiltration of T cells, monocytes, dendritic cells and natural killer cells, and decreased numbers of tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells. Durable responses to the IT→TT sequence were dependent on T-cell activity, with depletion of CD8+, but not CD4+, T cells abrogating the therapeutic response. An analysis of transcriptional heterogeneity in the melanoma compartment showed the sequence of IT→TT enriched for a population of melanoma cells with increased expression of MHC class I and melanoma antigens. RPPA analysis demonstrated that the sustained immune response induced by IT→TT suppressed tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways required for therapeutic escape. These studies establish that upfront IT improves the responses to TT in BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanoma models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali S Phadke
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Zhihua Chen
- The Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jiannong Li
- The Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Eslam Mohamed
- The Department of Immunology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Michael A Davies
- The Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Inna Smalley
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Derek R Duckett
- The Department of Drug Discovery, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Vinayak Palve
- The Department of Drug Discovery, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Brian J Czerniecki
- The Department of Immunology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Peter A Forsyth
- The Department of Neurooncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - David Noyes
- The Department of Malignant Hematology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Dennis O Adeegbe
- The Department of Immunology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Zeynep Eroglu
- The Department of Cutaneous Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kimberly T Nguyen
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
- The Department of Cutaneous Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Uwe Rix
- The Department of Drug Discovery, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Christin E Burd
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Yian A Chen
- The Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Paulo C Rodriguez
- The Department of Immunology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Keiran S M Smalley
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.
- The Department of Cutaneous Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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18
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Allosteric and ATP-Competitive MEK-Inhibition in a Novel Spitzoid Melanoma Model with a RAF- and Phosphorylation-Independent Mutation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040829. [PMID: 33669371 PMCID: PMC7920251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Spitzoid melanoma is a rare tumor type and so far preclinical models for translational research have also been also lacking. We established a cell line from a metastatic spitzoid melanoma that is, according to our knowledge, the first cell model from this tumor type. The cells carried a novel activating mutation in the region of the MEK1 protein that influences the sensitivity of the mutant protein to MEK inhibitors. We tested the cells’ sensitivity to clinically used and newly developed MEK inhibitors in both in vitro and in vivo models. The clinically approved MEK inhibitor strongly reduced both in vitro and in vivo tumor growth and might be an effective therapy for tumors with this kind of MEK mutation. Abstract Spitzoid melanoma is a rare malignancy with histological characteristics similar to Spitz nevus. It has a diverse genetic background and in adults, a similarly grim clinical outcome as conventional malignant melanoma. We established a spitzoid melanoma cell line (PF130) from the pleural effusion sample of a 37-year-old male patient. We found that the cell line carries a rare MEK1 mutation (pGlu102_Lys104delinsGln) that belongs to the RAF- and phosphorylation-independent subgroup of MEK1 alternations supposedly insensitive to allosteric MEK inhibitors. The in vivo tumorigenicity was tested in three different models by injecting the cells subcutaneously, intravenously or into the thoracic cavity of SCID mice. In the intrapleural model, macroscopic tumors formed in the chest cavity after two months, while subcutaneously and intravenously delivered cells showed limited growth. In vitro, trametinib—but not selumentinib—and the ATP-competitive MEK inhibitor MAP855 strongly decreased the viability of the cells and induced cell death. In vivo, trametinib but not MAP855 significantly reduced tumor growth in the intrapleural model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first patient-derived melanoma model with RAF- and phosphorylation-independent MEK mutation and we demonstrated its sensitivity to trametinib.
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Komar D, Juszczynski P. Rebelled epigenome: histone H3S10 phosphorylation and H3S10 kinases in cancer biology and therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:147. [PMID: 33054831 PMCID: PMC7556946 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00941-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the discovery that more than half of human cancers harbor mutations in chromatin proteins, deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has been recognized a hallmark of malignant transformation. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins, as main components of epigenetic regulatory machinery, are also broadly accepted as therapeutic target. Current “epigenetic” therapies target predominantly writers, erasers and readers of histone acetylation and (to a lesser extent) methylation, leaving other types of PTMs largely unexplored. One of them is the phosphorylation of serine 10 on histone H3 (H3S10ph). Main body H3S10ph is emerging as an important player in the initiation and propagation of cancer, as it facilitates cellular malignant transformation and participates in fundamental cellular functions. In normal cells this histone mark dictates the hierarchy of additional histone modifications involved in the formation of protein binding scaffolds, transcriptional regulation, blocking repressive epigenetic information and shielding gene regions from heterochromatin spreading. During cell division, this mark is essential for chromosome condensation and segregation. It is also involved in the function of specific DNA–RNA hybrids, called R-loops, which modulate transcription and facilitate chromosomal instability. Increase in H3S10ph is observed in numerous cancer types and its abundance has been associated with inferior prognosis. Many H3S10-kinases, including MSK1/2, PIM1, CDK8 and AURORA kinases, have been long considered targets in cancer therapy. However, since these proteins also participate in other critical processes, including signal transduction, apoptotic signaling, metabolic fitness and transcription, their chromatin functions are often neglected. Conclusions H3S10ph and enzymes responsible for deposition of this histone modification are important for chromatin activity and oncogenesis. Epigenetic-drugs targeting this axis of modifications, potentially in combination with conventional or targeted therapy, provide a promising angle in search for knowledge-driven therapeutic strategies in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Komar
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Gandhi 14 Str, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Przemyslaw Juszczynski
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Gandhi 14 Str, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
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20
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Proietti I, Skroza N, Bernardini N, Tolino E, Balduzzi V, Marchesiello A, Michelini S, Volpe S, Mambrin A, Mangino G, Romeo G, Maddalena P, Rees C, Potenza C. Mechanisms of Acquired BRAF Inhibitor Resistance in Melanoma: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2801. [PMID: 33003483 PMCID: PMC7600801 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review investigated the literature on acquired v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) inhibitor resistance in patients with melanoma. We searched MEDLINE for articles on BRAF inhibitor resistance in patients with melanoma published since January 2010 in the following areas: (1) genetic basis of resistance; (2) epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms; (3) influence of the immune system on resistance development; and (4) combination therapy to overcome resistance. Common resistance mutations in melanoma are BRAF splice variants, BRAF amplification, neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) mutations and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) mutations. Genetic and epigenetic changes reactivate previously blocked mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, activate alternative signaling pathways, and cause epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Once BRAF inhibitor resistance develops, the tumor microenvironment reverts to a low immunogenic state secondary to the induction of programmed cell death ligand-1. Combining a BRAF inhibitor with a MEK inhibitor delays resistance development and increases duration of response. Multiple other combinations based on known mechanisms of resistance are being investigated. BRAF inhibitor-resistant cells develop a range of 'escape routes', so multiple different treatment targets will probably be required to overcome resistance. In the future, it may be possible to personalize combination therapy towards the specific resistance pathway in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Proietti
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Nevena Skroza
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Bernardini
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Ersilia Tolino
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Veronica Balduzzi
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Anna Marchesiello
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Simone Michelini
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Salvatore Volpe
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Alessandra Mambrin
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Giorgio Mangino
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Giovanna Romeo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (G.R.)
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Maddalena
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | | | - Concetta Potenza
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
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21
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Liu M, Ju X, Zou J, Shi J, Jia G. Recent researches for dual Aurora target inhibitors in antitumor field. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112498. [PMID: 32693295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-infectious and chronic diseases such as malignant tumors are now one of the main causes of human death. Its occurrence is a multi-factor, multi-step complex process with biological characteristics such as cell differentiation, abnormal proliferation, uncontrolled growth, and metastasis. It has been found that a variety of human malignant tumors are accompanied by over-expression and proliferation of Aurora kinase, which causes abnormalities in the mitotic process and is related to the instability of the genome that causes tumors. Therefore, the use of Aurora kinase inhibitors to target tumors is becoming a research hotspot. However, in cancer, because of the complexity of signal transduction system and the participation of different proteins and enzymes, the anticancer effect of selective single-target drugs is limited. After inhibiting one pathway, signal molecules can be conducted through other pathways, resulting in poor therapeutic effect of single-target drug treatment. Multi-target drugs can solve this problem very well. It can regulate the various links that cause disease at the same time without completely eliminating the relationship between the signal transmission systems, and it is not easy to cause drug resistance. Currently, studies have shown that Aurora dual-target inhibitors generated with the co-inhibition of Aurora and another target (such as CDK, PLK, JAK2, etc.) have better therapeutic effects on tumors. In this paper, we reviewed the studies of dual Aurora inhibitors that have been discovered in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoyu Liu
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicines of Ministry, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xueming Ju
- Department of Ultrasound, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jing Zou
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Guiqing Jia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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22
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Fan C, Zhong T, Yang H, Yang Y, Wang D, Yang X, Xu Y, Fan Y. Design, synthesis, biological evaluation of 6-(2-amino-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-yl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives as novel anticancer agents with Aurora kinase inhibition. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 190:112108. [PMID: 32058239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aurora A kinase, a member of the Aurora kinase family, is frequently overexpressed in various human cancers. In addition, Overexpression of Aurora A kinase is associated with drug resistance and poor prognosis in many cancers including breast cancer. Therefore, Aurora A kinase has been considered as an attractive anticancer target for the treatment of human cancers. Herein, A series of 6-(2-amino-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-yl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as Aurora A kinase inhibitors. The cell-based cytotoxicity assays showed that compound 16h was the most potent cytotoxic agent against all tested cancer cells and had a lower IC50 value than ENMD-2076 against MDA-MB-231 cells. Meanwhile, Aurora A kinase assay and Western blot analysis showed that 16h inhibited Aurora A kinase with an IC50 value of 21.94 nM and suppressed the phosphorylation of Histone H3 on Ser10 and Aurora A kinase on Thr288, which were consistent with the activation of Aurora A kinase. Accordingly, 16h caused aberrant mitotic phenotypes and obvious G2/M phase arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. These results demonstrated that 16h is a potential candidate for the development of anticancer agents targeting Aurora A kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ting Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Huarong Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Daoping Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Xiaosheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Yongnan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Yanhua Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, China.
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23
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Andrade LNDS, Otake AH, Cardim SGB, da Silva FI, Ikoma Sakamoto MM, Furuya TK, Uno M, Pasini FS, Chammas R. Extracellular Vesicles Shedding Promotes Melanoma Growth in Response to Chemotherapy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14482. [PMID: 31597943 PMCID: PMC6785560 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50848-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as key players in intercellular communication. EVs can transfer biological macromolecules to recipient cells, modulating various physiological and pathological processes. It has been shown that tumor cells secrete large amounts of EVs that can be taken up by malignant and stromal cells, dictating tumor progression. In this study, we investigated whether EVs secreted by melanoma cells in response to chemotherapy modulate tumor response to alkylating drugs. Our findings showed that human and murine melanoma cells secrete more EVs after treatment with temozolomide and cisplatin. We observed that EVs shed by melanoma cells after temozolomide treatment modify macrophage phenotype by skewing macrophage activation towards the M2 phenotype through upregulation of M2-marker genes. Moreover, these EVs were able to favor melanoma re-growth in vivo, which was accompanied by an increase in Arginase 1 and IL10 gene expression levels by stromal cells and an increase in genes related to DNA repair, cell survival and stemness in tumor cells. Taken together, this study suggests that EVs shed by tumor cells in response to chemotherapy promote tumor repopulation and treatment failure through cellular reprogramming in melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Nogueira de Sousa Andrade
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Andréia Hanada Otake
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Silvia Guedes Braga Cardim
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe Ilelis da Silva
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Mari Ikoma Sakamoto
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Katsue Furuya
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Miyuki Uno
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Fátima Solange Pasini
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Roger Chammas
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (LIM24), Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 251, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-000, Brazil
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24
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Smalley I, Kim E, Li J, Spence P, Wyatt CJ, Eroglu Z, Sondak VK, Messina JL, Babacan NA, Maria-Engler SS, De Armas L, Williams SL, Gatenby RA, Chen YA, Anderson ARA, Smalley KSM. Leveraging transcriptional dynamics to improve BRAF inhibitor responses in melanoma. EBioMedicine 2019; 48:178-190. [PMID: 31594749 PMCID: PMC6838387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumour, but the impact of this heterogeneity upon therapeutic response is not well understood. METHODS Single cell mRNA analysis was used to define the transcriptional heterogeneity of melanoma and its dynamic response to BRAF inhibitor therapy and treatment holidays. Discrete transcriptional states were defined in cell lines and melanoma patient specimens that predicted initial sensitivity to BRAF inhibition and the potential for effective re-challenge following resistance. A mathematical model was developed to maintain competition between the drug-sensitive and resistant states, which was validated in vivo. FINDINGS Our analyses showed melanoma cell lines and patient specimens to be composed of >3 transcriptionally distinct states. The cell state composition was dynamically regulated in response to BRAF inhibitor therapy and drug holidays. Transcriptional state composition predicted for therapy response. The differences in fitness between the different transcriptional states were leveraged to develop a mathematical model that optimized therapy schedules to retain the drug sensitive population. In vivo validation demonstrated that the personalized adaptive dosing schedules outperformed continuous or fixed intermittent BRAF inhibitor schedules. INTERPRETATION Our study provides the first evidence that transcriptional heterogeneity at the single cell level predicts for initial BRAF inhibitor sensitivity. We further demonstrate that manipulating transcriptional heterogeneity through personalized adaptive therapy schedules can delay the time to resistance. FUNDING This work was funded by the National Institutes of Health. The funder played no role in assembly of the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Smalley
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jiannong Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Paige Spence
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Clayton J Wyatt
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Zeynep Eroglu
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Vernon K Sondak
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jane L Messina
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Anatomic Pathology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nalan Akgul Babacan
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lesley De Armas
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sion L Williams
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Robert A Gatenby
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Y Ann Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Alexander R A Anderson
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Keiran S M Smalley
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, The Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, USA.
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25
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Sumi NJ, Ctortecka C, Hu Q, Bryant AT, Fang B, Remsing Rix LL, Ayaz M, Kinose F, Welsh EA, Eschrich SA, Lawrence HR, Koomen JM, Haura EB, Rix U. Divergent Polypharmacology-Driven Cellular Activity of Structurally Similar Multi-Kinase Inhibitors through Cumulative Effects on Individual Targets. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:1240-1252.e11. [PMID: 31257184 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent successes of precision and immunotherapies there is a persisting need for novel targeted or multi-targeted approaches in complex diseases. Through a systems pharmacology approach, including phenotypic screening, chemical and phosphoproteomics, and RNA-seq, we elucidated the targets and mechanisms underlying the differential anticancer activity of two structurally related multi-kinase inhibitors, foretinib, and cabozantinib, in lung cancer cells. Biochemical and cellular target validation using probe molecules and RNAi revealed a polypharmacology mechanism involving MEK1/2, FER, and AURKB, which were each more potently inhibited by foretinib than cabozantinib. Based on this, we developed a synergistic combination of foretinib with barasertib, a more potent AURKB inhibitor, for MYC-amplified small-cell lung cancer. This systems pharmacology approach showed that small structural changes of drugs can cumulatively, through multiple targets, result in pronounced anticancer activity differences and that detailed mechanistic understanding of polypharmacology can enable repurposing opportunities for cancers with unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia J Sumi
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Claudia Ctortecka
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Qianqian Hu
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Cancer Biology PhD Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Annamarie T Bryant
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Bin Fang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Lily L Remsing Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Muhammad Ayaz
- Chemical Biology Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Fumi Kinose
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Eric A Welsh
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Steven A Eschrich
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Harshani R Lawrence
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Chemical Biology Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - John M Koomen
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Eric B Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Uwe Rix
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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26
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Gao Y, Maria A, Na N, da Cruz Paula A, Gorelick AN, Hechtman JF, Carson J, Lefkowitz RA, Weigelt B, Taylor BS, Zhao H, Reis-Filho JS, de Stanchina E, Rosen N, Yao Z, Yaeger R. V211D Mutation in MEK1 Causes Resistance to MEK Inhibitors in Colon Cancer. Cancer Discov 2019; 9:1182-1191. [PMID: 31227518 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We report the emergence of the novel MEK1 V211D gatekeeper mutation in a patient with BRAF K601E colon cancer treated with the allosteric MEK inhibitor binimetinib and the anti-EGFR antibody panitumumab. The MEK1 V211D mutation concurrently occurs in the same cell with BRAF K601E and leads to RAF-independent activity but remains regulated by RAF. The V211D mutation causes resistance to binimetinib by both increasing the catalytic activity of MEK1 and reducing its affinity for the drug. Moreover, the mutant exhibits reduced sensitivity to all the allosteric MEK inhibitors tested. Thus, this mutation serves as a general resistance mutation for current MEK inhibitors; however, it is sensitive to a newly reported ATP-competitive MEK inhibitor, which therefore could be used to overcome drug resistance. SIGNIFICANCE: We report a resistance mechanism to allosteric MEK inhibitors in the clinic. A MEK1 V211D mutation developed in a patient with BRAF K601E colon cancer on MEK and EGFR inhibitors. This mutant increases the catalytic activity of MEK1 and reduces its affinity for binimetinib, but remains sensitive to ATP-competitive MEK inhibitors.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1143.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Gao
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ann Maria
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Na Na
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Arnaud da Cruz Paula
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Alexander N Gorelick
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jaclyn F Hechtman
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Julianne Carson
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Robert A Lefkowitz
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - HuiYong Zhao
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jorge S Reis-Filho
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Neal Rosen
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Zhan Yao
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Rona Yaeger
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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27
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Time-resolved protein activation by proximal decaging in living systems. Nature 2019; 569:509-513. [PMID: 31068699 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A universal gain-of-function approach for selective and temporal control of protein activity in living systems is crucial to understanding dynamic cellular processes. Here we report development of a computationally aided and genetically encoded proximal decaging (hereafter, CAGE-prox) strategy that enables time-resolved activation of a broad range of proteins in living cells and mice. Temporal blockage of protein activity was computationally designed and realized by genetic incorporation of a photo-caged amino acid in proximity to the functional site of the protein, which can be rapidly removed upon decaging, resulting in protein re-activation. We demonstrate the wide applicability of our method on diverse protein families, which enabled orthogonal tuning of cell signalling and immune responses, temporal profiling of proteolytic substrates upon caspase activation as well as the development of protein-based pro-drug therapy. We envision that CAGE-prox will open opportunities for the gain-of-function study of proteins and dynamic biological processes with high precision and temporal resolution.
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28
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AURKB as a target in non-small cell lung cancer with acquired resistance to anti-EGFR therapy. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1812. [PMID: 31000705 PMCID: PMC6472415 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors harboring mutations in EGFR ultimately relapse to therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs). Here, we show that resistant cells without the p.T790M or other acquired mutations are sensitive to the Aurora B (AURKB) inhibitors barasertib and S49076. Phospho-histone H3 (pH3), a major product of AURKB, is increased in most resistant cells and treatment with AURKB inhibitors reduces the levels of pH3, triggering G1/S arrest and polyploidy. Senescence is subsequently induced in cells with acquired mutations while, in their absence, polyploidy is followed by cell death. Finally, in NSCLC patients, pH3 levels are increased after progression on EGFR TKIs and high pH3 baseline correlates with shorter survival. Our results reveal that AURKB activation is associated with acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs, and that AURKB constitutes a potential target in NSCLC progressing to anti-EGFR therapy and not carrying resistance mutations. Non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations are known to develop resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Here, the authors show AURKB activation to be associated with resistance in EGFR mutant lung cancer cells, and that AURKB is a therapeutic target in resistant tumours that lack the p.T790M or other acquired mutations.
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29
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Arozarena I, Wellbrock C. Overcoming resistance to BRAF inhibitors. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017; 5:387. [PMID: 29114545 PMCID: PMC5653517 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2017.06.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of activating mutations in the serine/threonine (S/T) kinase BRAF followed by a wave of follow-up research manifested that the MAPK-pathway plays a critical role in melanoma initiation and progression. BRAF and MEK inhibitors produce an unparalleled response rate in melanoma, but it is now clear that most responses are transient, and while some patients show long lasting responses the majority progress within 1 year. In accordance with the key role played by the MAPK-pathway in BRAF mutant melanomas, disease progression is mostly due to the appearance of drug-resistance mechanisms leading to restoration of MAPK-pathway activity. In the present article we will review the development, application and clinical effects of BRAF and MEK inhibitors both, as single agent and in combination in the context of targeted therapy in melanoma. We will then describe the most prominent mechanisms of resistance found in patients progressed on these targeted therapies. Finally we will discuss strategies for further optimizing the use of MAPK inhibitors and will describe the potential of alternative combination therapies to either delay the onset of resistance to MAPK inhibitors or directly target specific mechanisms of resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imanol Arozarena
- Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet-Idisna, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Wellbrock
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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30
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Abstract
Dysregulation of cell cycle control is a hallmark of melanomagenesis. Agents targeting the G1-S and G2-M checkpoints, as well as direct anti-mitotic agents, have all shown promising preclinical activity in melanoma. However, in vivo, standalone single agents targeting cell cycle regulation have only demonstrated modest efficacy in unselected patients. The advent of specific CDK 4/6 inhibitors targeting the G1-S transition, with an improved therapeutic index, is a significant step forward. Potential synergy exists with the combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors with existing therapies targeting the MAPK pathway, particularly in subsets of metastatic melanomas such as NRAS and BRAF mutants. This reviews summaries of the latest developments in both preclinical and clinical data with cell cycle-targeted therapies in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grant McArthur
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia. .,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. .,Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Oncogenic Signalling and Growth Control Program, East Melbourne, Australia. .,Translational Research Laboratory, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia. .,Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, VIC, 8006, Australia.
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31
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Sini P, Gürtler U, Zahn SK, Baumann C, Rudolph D, Baumgartinger R, Strauss E, Haslinger C, Tontsch-Grunt U, Waizenegger IC, Solca F, Bader G, Zoephel A, Treu M, Reiser U, Garin-Chesa P, Boehmelt G, Kraut N, Quant J, Adolf GR. Pharmacological Profile of BI 847325, an Orally Bioavailable, ATP-Competitive Inhibitor of MEK and Aurora Kinases. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:2388-2398. [PMID: 27496137 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although the MAPK pathway is frequently deregulated in cancer, inhibitors targeting RAF or MEK have so far shown clinical activity only in BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanoma. Improvements in efficacy may be possible by combining inhibition of mitogenic signal transduction with inhibition of cell-cycle progression. We have studied the preclinical pharmacology of BI 847325, an ATP-competitive dual inhibitor of MEK and Aurora kinases. Potent inhibition of MEK1/2 and Aurora A/B kinases by BI 847325 was demonstrated in enzymatic and cellular assays. Equipotent effects were observed in BRAF-mutant cells, whereas in KRAS-mutant cells, MEK inhibition required higher concentrations than Aurora kinase inhibition. Daily oral administration of BI 847325 at 10 mg/kg showed efficacy in both BRAF- and KRAS-mutant xenograft models. Biomarker analysis suggested that this effect was primarily due to inhibition of MEK in BRAF-mutant models but of Aurora kinase in KRAS-mutant models. Inhibition of both MEK and Aurora kinase in KRAS-mutant tumors was observed when BI 847325 was administered once weekly at 70 mg/kg. Our studies indicate that BI 847325 is effective in in vitro and in vivo models of cancers with BRAF and KRAS mutation. These preclinical data are discussed in the light of the results of a recently completed clinical phase I trial assessing safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of BI 847325 in patients with cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2388-98. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Sini
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ulrich Gürtler
- Department of R&D Project Management, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Stephan K Zahn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Baumann
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dorothea Rudolph
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rosa Baumgartinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Strauss
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Haslinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Tontsch-Grunt
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene C Waizenegger
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Flavio Solca
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerd Bader
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Zoephel
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Treu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Reiser
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pilar Garin-Chesa
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guido Boehmelt
- Research Networking, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Kraut
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jens Quant
- Research ADME, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Günther R Adolf
- Department of Pharmacology and Translational Research, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
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32
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El-Khattouti A, Selimovic D, Hannig M, Taylor EB, Abd Elmageed ZY, Hassan SY, Haikel Y, Kandil E, Leverkus M, Brodell RT, Megahed M, Hassan M. Imiquimod-induced apoptosis of melanoma cells is mediated by ER stress-dependent Noxa induction and enhanced by NF-κB inhibition. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 20:266-86. [PMID: 26578344 PMCID: PMC4727561 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is characterized by dysregulated intracellular signalling pathways including an impairment of the cell death machinery, ultimately resulting in melanoma resistance, survival and progression. This explains the tumour's extraordinary resistance to the standard treatment. Imiquimod is a topical immune response modifier (imidazoquinoline) with both antiviral and antitumour activities. The mechanism by which imiquimod triggers the apoptosis of melanoma cells has now been carefully elucidated. Imiquimod‐induced apoptosis is associated with the activation of apoptosis signalling regulating kinase1/c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase/p38 pathways and the induction of endoplasmic stress characterized by the activation of the protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase signalling pathway, increase in intracellular Ca2+ release, degradation of calpain and subsequent cleavage of caspase‐4. Moreover, imiquimod triggers the activation of NF‐κB and the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) such as, X‐linked IAP (XIAP) together with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Also, imiquimod triggers mitochondrial dysregulation characterized by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), the increase in cytochrome c release, and cleavage of caspase‐9, caspase‐3 and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP). Inhibitors of specific pathways, permit the elucidation of possible mechanisms of imiquimod‐induced apoptosis. They demonstrate that inhibition of NF‐kB by the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa‐B kinase (IKK) inhibitor Bay 11‐782 or knockdown of XIAP induces melanoma apoptosis in cells exposed to imiquimod. These findings support the use of either IKK inhibitors or IAP antagonists as adjuvant therapies to improve the effectiveness topical imiquimod in the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denis Selimovic
- Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Matthias Hannig
- Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Erin B Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | | | - Sofie Y Hassan
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dental Faculty, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Emad Kandil
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Martin Leverkus
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert T Brodell
- Department of Dermatology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.,Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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33
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Kuzu OF, Nguyen FD, Noory MA, Sharma A. Current State of Animal (Mouse) Modeling in Melanoma Research. CANCER GROWTH AND METASTASIS 2015; 8:81-94. [PMID: 26483610 PMCID: PMC4597587 DOI: 10.4137/cgm.s21214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the considerable progress in understanding the biology of human cancer and technological advancement in drug discovery, treatment failure remains an inevitable outcome for most cancer patients with advanced diseases, including melanoma. Despite FDA-approved BRAF-targeted therapies for advanced stage melanoma showed a great deal of promise, development of rapid resistance limits the success. Hence, the overall success rate of melanoma therapy still remains to be one of the worst compared to other malignancies. Advancement of next-generation sequencing technology allowed better identification of alterations that trigger melanoma development. As development of successful therapies strongly depends on clinically relevant preclinical models, together with the new findings, more advanced melanoma models have been generated. In this article, besides traditional mouse models of melanoma, we will discuss recent ones, such as patient-derived tumor xenografts, topically inducible BRAF mouse model and RCAS/TVA-based model, and their advantages as well as limitations. Although mouse models of melanoma are often criticized as poor predictors of whether an experimental drug would be an effective treatment, development of new and more relevant models could circumvent this problem in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer F Kuzu
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Felix D Nguyen
- The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mohammad A Noory
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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34
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Sionov RV, Vlahopoulos SA, Granot Z. Regulation of Bim in Health and Disease. Oncotarget 2015; 6:23058-134. [PMID: 26405162 PMCID: PMC4695108 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The BH3-only Bim protein is a major determinant for initiating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Tight regulation of its expression and activity at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels together with the induction of alternatively spliced isoforms with different pro-apoptotic potential, ensure timely activation of Bim. Under physiological conditions, Bim is essential for shaping immune responses where its absence promotes autoimmunity, while too early Bim induction eliminates cytotoxic T cells prematurely, resulting in chronic inflammation and tumor progression. Enhanced Bim induction in neurons causes neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Moreover, type I diabetes is promoted by genetically predisposed elevation of Bim in β-cells. On the contrary, cancer cells have developed mechanisms that suppress Bim expression necessary for tumor progression and metastasis. This review focuses on the intricate network regulating Bim activity and its involvement in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Vogt Sionov
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Spiros A. Vlahopoulos
- First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Horemeio Research Laboratory, Thivon and Levadias, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Zvi Granot
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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