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Su P, Lu Q, Wang Y, Mou Y, Jin W. Targeting MELK in tumor cells and tumor microenvironment: from function and mechanism to therapeutic application. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03664-5. [PMID: 39187643 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03664-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), a member of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein family, has been reported to be involved in the regulation of many cellular events. The aberrant expression of MELK is associated with tumorigenesis and malignant progression of various tumors. Moreover, MELK plays an essential role in the regulation of tumor microenvironment (TME), which affects the function of immune cells and the responsiveness to immunotherapy. Currently, small molecule inhibitors targeting MELK have been developed and evaluated in clinical trials. A comprehensive understanding of MELK may provide clues and confidence for subsequent basic research and scientific transformation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structural features, molecular biological functions, and critical roles of MELK in tumors and TME, as well as the targeted agents under development for the treatment of tumors and discuss the perspective for MELK-targeted therapies for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Su
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiliang Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiping Mou
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Division of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Ni Q, Miao Y, Li X, Yin Z, Huang H, Shi G, Shi W. Up-Regulation of MELK Promotes Cell Growth and Invasion by Accelerating G1/S Transition and Indicates Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01143-4. [PMID: 38676754 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is an oncogene in many tumors, although its contribution to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is unclear. We examined MELK expression in patient LUAD tissue and matched healthy lung tissues. We investigated the connection between MELK expression and tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and patient survival. We downregulated MELK expression using small-hairpin RNA to assess its impact on LUAD cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasion. We also investigated the molecular mechanism underlying these effects. MELK expression was significantly heightened in LUAD tissue as opposed to the matching healthy lung tissues. LUAD patients who had MELK overexpression had a worse prognosis. Suppression of MELK hinders proliferation, clonogenicity, and invasion of LUAD cells. The MELK suppression led to the arrest of the cell cycle's G1/S phase by reducing the cyclin E1 and cyclin D expression. Our outcomes manifest that MELK can function as a beneficial prognostic indication and a new therapy target for LUAD. MELK has an essential function in progressing LUAD, manifesting potential as a viable target for therapeutic intervention in this disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinggan Ni
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, 224000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Miao
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong (Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University), Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongbo Yin
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong (Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University), Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanglin Shi
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong (Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University), Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weirong Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong (Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University), Nantong, Jiangsu, 226011, People's Republic of China.
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Li Z, Zhou H, Zhai X, Gao L, Yang M, An B, Xia T, Du G, Li X, Wang W, Jin B. MELK promotes HCC carcinogenesis through modulating cuproptosis-related gene DLAT-mediated mitochondrial function. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:733. [PMID: 37949877 PMCID: PMC10638394 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cuproptosis caused by copper overload is mediated by a novel regulatory mechanism that differs from previously documented mechanisms regulating cell death. Cells dependent on mitochondrial respiration showed increased sensitivity to a copper ionophore elesclomol that induced cuproptosis. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase(MELK) promotes tumorigenesis and tumor progression through the PI3K/mTOR pathway, which exerts its effects partly by targeting the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex(PDHc) and reprogramming the morphology and function of mitochondria. However, the role of MELK in cuproptosis remains unclear. Here, we validated that elevated MELK expression enhanced the activity of PI3K/mTOR signaling and subsequently promoted Dihydrolipoamide S-Acetyltransferase (DLAT) expression and stabilized mitochondrial function. This regulatory effect helped to improve mitochondrial respiration, eliminate excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduce intracellular oxidative stress/damage and the possibility of mitochondria-induced cell fate alternations, and ultimately promote the progression of HCC. Meanwhile, elesclomol reduced translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20(TOM 20) expression and increased DLAT oligomers. Moreover, the above changes of MELK to HCC were abolished by elesclomol. In conclusion, MELK enhanced the levels of the cuproptosis-related signature(CRS) gene DLAT (especially the proportion of DLAT monomer) by activating the PI3K/mTOR pathway, thereby promoting elesclomol drug resistance, altering mitochondrial function, and ultimately promoting HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huaxin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mengfan Yang
- Organ Transplant Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baokun An
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- The Second Clinical Medical School of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tong Xia
- Organ Transplant Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gang Du
- Organ Transplant Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Jinan, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Medical integration and practice center of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Bin Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Organ Transplant Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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4
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Xie X, Chauhan GB, Edupuganti R, Kogawa T, Park J, Tacam M, Tan AW, Mughees M, Vidhu F, Liu DD, Taliaferro JM, Pitner MK, Browning LS, Lee JH, Bertucci F, Shen Y, Wang J, Ueno NT, Krishnamurthy S, Hortobagyi GN, Tripathy D, Van Laere SJ, Bartholomeusz G, Dalby KN, Bartholomeusz C. Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase is Associated with Metastasis in Triple-negative Breast Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1078-1092. [PMID: 37377604 PMCID: PMC10281291 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has high relapse and metastasis rates and a high proportion of cancer stem-like cells (CSC), which possess self-renewal and tumor initiation capacity. MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase), a protein kinase of the Snf1/AMPK kinase family, is known to promote CSC maintenance and malignant transformation. However, the role of MELK in TNBC metastasis is unknown; we sought to address this in the current study. We found that MELK mRNA levels were higher in TNBC tumors [8.11 (3.79-10.95)] than in HR+HER2- tumors [6.54 (2.90-9.26)]; P < 0.001]. In univariate analysis, patients with breast cancer with high-MELK-expressing tumors had worse overall survival (P < 0.001) and distant metastasis-free survival (P < 0.01) than patients with low-MELK-expressing tumors. In a multicovariate Cox regression model, high MELK expression was associated with shorter overall survival after adjusting for other baseline risk factors. MELK knockdown using siRNA or MELK inhibition using the MELK inhibitor MELK-In-17 significantly reduced invasiveness, reversed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and reduced CSC self-renewal and maintenance in TNBC cells. Nude mice injected with CRISPR MELK-knockout MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited suppression of lung metastasis and improved overall survival compared with mice injected with control cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, MELK-In-17 suppressed 4T1 tumor growth in syngeneic BALB/c mice (P < 0.001). Our findings indicate that MELK supports metastasis by promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the CSC phenotype in TNBC. Significance These findings indicate that MELK is a driver of aggressiveness and metastasis in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Xie
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Current Institution: Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Gaurav B. Chauhan
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ramakrishna Edupuganti
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Takahiro Kogawa
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jihyun Park
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Moises Tacam
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alex W. Tan
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mohd Mughees
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Fnu Vidhu
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Diane D. Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Juliana M. Taliaferro
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Mary Kathryn Pitner
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Luke S. Browning
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Ju-Hyeon Lee
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - François Bertucci
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Research Cancer Center, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix Marseille University, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Yu Shen
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Naoto T. Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Current Institution: Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Savitri Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gabriel N. Hortobagyi
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Debu Tripathy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Steven J. Van Laere
- Center for Oncological Research, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Wilrijk
- Department Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geoffrey Bartholomeusz
- Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kevin N. Dalby
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Chandra Bartholomeusz
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Houston, Texas
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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5
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Rommasi F. Identification, characterization, and prognosis investigation of pivotal genes shared in different stages of breast cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8447. [PMID: 37231064 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35318-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the leading causes of death (20.1 per 100,000 women per year), breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in females. Statistically, 95% of breast cancer are categorized as adenocarcinomas, and 55% of all patients may go into invasive phases; however, it can be successfully treated in approximately 70-80% of cases if diagnosed in the nascent stages. The emergence of breast tumor cells which are intensely resistant to conventional therapies, along with the high rate of metastasis occurrence, has highlighted the importance of finding novel strategies and treatments. One of the most advantageous schemes to alleviate this complication is to identify the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among primary and metastatic cancerous cells to use resultants for designing new therapeutic agents which are able to target both primary and metastatic breast tumor cells. In this study, the gene expression dataset with accession number GSE55715 was analyzed containing two primary tumor samples, three bone-metastatic samples, and three normal samples to distinguish the up- and down regulated genes in each stage compared to normal cells as control. In the next step, the common upregulated genes between the two experimental groups were detected by Venny online tool. Moreover, gene ontology, functions and pathways, gene-targeting microRNA, and influential metabolites were determined using EnrichR 2021 GO, KEGG pathways miRTarbase 2017, and HMDB 2021, respectively. Furthermore, elicited from STRING protein-protein interaction networks were imported to Cytoscape software to identify the hub genes. Then, identified hub genes were checked to validate the study using oncological databases. The results of the present article disclosed 1263 critical common DEGs (573 upregulated + 690 downregulated), including 35 hub genes that can be broadly used as new targets for cancer treatment and as biomarkers for cancer detection by evaluation of expression level. Besides, this study opens a new horizon to reveal unknown aspects of cancer signaling pathways by providing raw data evoked from in silico experiments. This study's outcomes can also be widely utilized in further lab research since it contains diverse information on common DEGs of varied stages and metastases of breast cancer, their functions, structures, interactions, and associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foad Rommasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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6
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Tang BF, Yan RC, Wang SW, Zeng ZC, Du SS. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase in tumor cell and tumor microenvironment: Emerging player and promising therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2023; 560:216126. [PMID: 36933780 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216126] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a member of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) protein family, which is widely and highly expressed in multiple cancer types. Through direct and indirect interactions with other proteins, it mediates various cascades of signal transduction processes and plays an important role in regulating tumor cell survival, growth, invasion and migration and other biological functions. Interestingly, MELK also plays an important role in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment, which can not only predict the responsiveness of immunotherapy, but also affect the function of immune cells to regulate tumor progression. In addition, more and more small molecule inhibitors have been developed for the target of MELK, which exert important anti-tumor effects and have achieved excellent results in a number of clinical trials. In this review, we outline the structural features, molecular biological functions, potential regulatory mechanisms and important roles of MELK in tumors and tumor microenvironment, as well as substances targeting MELK. Although many molecular mechanisms of MELK in the process of tumor regulation are still unknown, it is worth affirming that MELK is a potential tumor molecular therapeutic target, and its unique superiority and important role provide clues and confidence for subsequent basic research and scientific transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu-Fu Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruo-Chen Yan
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si-Wei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Chong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Suo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China.
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Hains AE, Uppal S, Cao JZ, Salwen HR, Applebaum MA, Cohn SL, Godley LA. MYCN and HIF-1 directly regulate TET1 expression to control 5-hmC gains and enhance neuroblastoma cell migration in hypoxia. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2056-2074. [PMID: 35942521 PMCID: PMC9665154 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2106078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ten-Eleven-Translocation 5-methylcytosine dioxygenases 1-3 (TET1-3) convert 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), using oxygen as a co-substrate. Contrary to expectations, hypoxia induces 5-hmC gains in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma (NB) cells via upregulation of TET1. Here, we show that MYCN directly controls TET1 expression in normoxia, and in hypoxia, HIF-1 augments TET1 expression and TET1 protein stability. Through gene-editing, we identify two MYCN and HIF-1 binding sites within TET1 that regulate gene expression. Bioinformatic analyses of 5-hmC distribution and RNA-sequencing data from hypoxic cells implicate hypoxia-regulated genes important for cell migration, including CXCR4. We show that hypoxic cells lacking the two MYCN/HIF-1 binding sites within TET1 migrate slower than controls. Treatment of MYCN-amplified NB cells with a CXCR4 antagonist results in slower migration under hypoxic conditions, suggesting that inclusion of a CXCR4 antagonist into NB treatment regimens could be beneficial for children with MYCN-amplified NBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia E. Hains
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sakshi Uppal
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John Z. Cao
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Helen R. Salwen
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark A. Applebaum
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Susan L. Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lucy A. Godley
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, and the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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8
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Hu X, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Jie G, Wang S, Yang A, Zhang M. Identifying potential prognosis markers in hepatocellular carcinoma via integrated bioinformatics analysis and biological experiments. Front Genet 2022; 13:942454. [PMID: 35928445 PMCID: PMC9343963 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.942454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one kind of clinical common malignant tumor with a poor prognosis, and its pathogenesis remains to be clarified urgently. This study was performed to elucidate key genes involving HCC by bioinformatics analysis and experimental evaluation. Methods: We identified common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on gene expression profile data of GSE60502 and GSE84402 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, REACTOME pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to analyze functions of these genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape software based on the STRING database, and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) was used to pick out two significant modules. Hub genes, screened by the CytoHubba plug-in, were validated by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. Then, the correlation between hub genes expression and immune cell infiltration was evaluated by Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, and the prognostic values were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter. Finally, biological experiments were performed to illustrate the functions of RRM2. Results: Through integrated bioinformatics analysis, we found that the upregulated DEGs were related to cell cycle and cell division, while the downregulated DEGs were associated with various metabolic processes and complement cascade. RRM2, MAD2L1, MELK, NCAPG, and ASPM, selected as hub genes, were all correlated with poor overall prognosis in HCC. The novel RRM2 inhibitor osalmid had anti-tumor activity, including inhibiting proliferation and migration, promoting cell apoptosis, blocking cell cycle, and inducing DNA damage of HCC cells. Conclusion: The critical pathways and hub genes in HCC progression were screened out, and targeting RRM2 contributed to developing new therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Hu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yindi Zeng
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guitao Jie
- Department of Hematology, Linyi Central Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Hematology, Linyi Central Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, China
| | - Aixiang Yang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Aixiang Yang, ; Menghui Zhang,
| | - Menghui Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Linyi Central Hospital, Yishui, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Aixiang Yang, ; Menghui Zhang,
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9
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Meng Z, Wu J, Liu X, Zhou W, Ni M, Liu S, Guo S, Jia S, Zhang J. Identification of potential hub genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via integrated bioinformatics analysis. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520910019. [PMID: 32722976 PMCID: PMC7391448 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520910019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective was to identify potential hub genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Gene expression profile datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC and normal samples were identified via an integrated analysis. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed and analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software, and enrichment analyses were carried out through DAVID. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Kaplan–Meier plotter were used to determine expression and prognostic values of hub genes. Results We identified 11 hub genes (CDK1, CCNB2, CDC20, CCNB1, TOP2A, CCNA2, MELK, PBK, TPX2, KIF20A, and AURKA) that might be closely related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC. Enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs were significantly enriched in metabolism-associated pathways, and hub genes and module 1 were highly associated with cell cycle pathway. Conclusions In this study, we identified key genes of HCC, which indicated directions for further research into diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that could facilitate targeted molecular therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Meng
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinkui Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mengwei Ni
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyu Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Guo
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Jia
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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10
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Zhang X, Wang J, Wang Y, Liu G, Li H, Yu J, Wu R, Liang J, Yu R, Liu X. MELK Inhibition Effectively Suppresses Growth of Glioblastoma and Cancer Stem-Like Cells by Blocking AKT and FOXM1 Pathways. Front Oncol 2021; 10:608082. [PMID: 33520717 PMCID: PMC7842085 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.608082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a devastating disease yet no effective drug treatment has been established to date. Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) are insensitive to treatment and may be one of the reasons for the relapse of GBM. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase gene (MELK) plays an important role in the malignant proliferation and the maintenance of GSC stemness properties of GBM. However, the therapeutic effect of targeted inhibition of MELK on GBM remains unclear. This study analyzed the effect of a MELK oral inhibitor, OTSSP167, on GBM proliferation and the maintenance of GSC stemness. OTSSP167 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration of GBM. OTSSP167 treatment reduced the expression of cell cycle G2/M phase-related proteins, Cyclin B1 and Cdc2, while up-regulation the expression of p21 and subsequently induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. OTSSP167 effectively prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice and inhibited tumor cell growth in in vivo mouse models. It also reduced protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation levels by OTSSP167 treatment, thereby disrupting the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells. Furthermore, OTSSP167 inhibited the proliferation, neurosphere formation and self-renewal capacity of GSCs by reducing forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) phosphorylation and transcriptional activity. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of OTSSP167 on the proliferation of GSCs was 4-fold more effective than GBM cells. In conclusion, MELK inhibition suppresses the growth of GBM and GSCs by double-blocking AKT and FOXM1 signals. Targeted inhibition of MELK may thus be potentially used as a novel treatment for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,The Graduate School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Guanzheng Liu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Huan Li
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiefeng Yu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Runqiu Wu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Rutong Yu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Liu
- Institute of Nervous System Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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11
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Ma P, Yue L, Zhang S, Hao D, Wu Z, Xu L, Du G, Xiao P. Target RNA modification for epigenetic drug repositioning in neuroblastoma: computational omics proximity between repurposing drug and disease. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:19022-19044. [PMID: 33044945 PMCID: PMC7732279 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
RNA modifications modulate most steps of gene expression. However, little is known about its role in neuroblastoma (NBL) and the inhibitors targeting it. We analyzed the RNA-seq (n=122) and CNV data (n=78) from NBL patients in Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database. The NBL sub-clusters (cluster1/2) were identified via consensus clustering for expression of RNA modification regulators (RNA-MRs). Cox regression, principle component analysis and chi-square analysis were used to compare differences of survival, transcriptome, and clinicopathology between clusters. Cluster1 showed significantly poor prognosis, of which RNA-MRs' expression and CNV alteration were closely related to pathologic stage. RNA-MRs and functional related prognostic genes were obtained using spearman correlation analysis, and queried in CMap and L1000 FWD database to obtain 88 inhibitors. The effects of 5 inhibitors on RNA-MRs were confirmed in SH-SY5Y cells. The RNA-MRs exhibited two complementary regulation functions: one conducted by TET2 and related to translation and glycolysis; another conducted by ALYREF, NSUN2 and ADARB1 and related to cell cycle and DNA repair. The perturbed proteomic profile of HDAC inhibitors was different from that of others, thus drug combination overcame drug resistance and was potential for NBL therapy with RNA-MRs as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Ma
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China,State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lifeng Yue
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Dacheng Hao
- Biotechnology Institute, School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Zhihong Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lijia Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Peigen Xiao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
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12
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Petri L, Egyed A, Bajusz D, Imre T, Hetényi A, Martinek T, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Keserű GM. An electrophilic warhead library for mapping the reactivity and accessibility of tractable cysteines in protein kinases. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112836. [PMID: 32971426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Targeted covalent inhibitors represent a viable strategy to block protein kinases involved in different disease pathologies. Although a number of computational protocols have been published for identifying druggable cysteines, experimental approaches are limited for mapping the reactivity and accessibility of these residues. Here, we present a ligand based approach using a toolbox of fragment-sized molecules with identical scaffold but equipped with diverse covalent warheads. Our library represents a unique opportunity for the efficient integration of warhead-optimization and target-validation into the covalent drug development process. Screening this probe kit against multiple kinases could experimentally characterize the accessibility and reactivity of the targeted cysteines and helped to identify suitable warheads for designed covalent inhibitors. The usefulness of this approach has been confirmed retrospectively on Janus kinase 3 (JAK3). Furthermore, representing a prospective validation, we identified Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), as a tractable covalent target. Covalently labelling and biochemical inhibition of MELK would suggest an alternative covalent strategy for MELK inhibitor programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Egyed
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Bajusz
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tímea Imre
- MS Metabolomics Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anasztázia Hetényi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm Tér 8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Martinek
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm Tér 8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary.
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13
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McDonald IM, Graves LM. Enigmatic MELK: The controversy surrounding its complex role in cancer. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:8195-8203. [PMID: 32350113 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.013433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ser/Thr protein kinase MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase) has been considered an attractive therapeutic target for managing cancer since 2005. Studies using expression analysis have indicated that MELK expression is higher in numerous cancer cells and tissues than in their normal, nonneoplastic counterparts. Further, RNAi-mediated MELK depletion impairs proliferation of multiple cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and these growth defects can be rescued with exogenous WT MELK, but not kinase-dead MELK complementation. Pharmacological MELK inhibition with OTS167 (alternatively called OTSSP167) and NVS-MELK8a, among other small molecules, also impairs cancer cell growth. These collective results led to MELK being classified as essential for cancer proliferation. More recently, in 2017, the proliferation of TNBC and other cancer cell lines was reported to be unaffected by genetic CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MELK deletion, calling into question the essentiality of this kinase in cancer. To date, the requirement of MELK in cancer remains controversial, and mechanisms underlying the disparate growth effects observed with RNAi, pharmacological inhibition, and CRISPR remain unclear. Our objective with this review is to highlight the evidence on both sides of this controversy, to provide commentary on the purported requirement of MELK in cancer, and to emphasize the need for continued elucidation of the functions of MELK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lee M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Chen L, Wei Q, Bi S, Xie S. Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis via Stimulating FOXM1 Signaling in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:10. [PMID: 32047721 PMCID: PMC6997270 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common gastrointestinal malignancy and is one of the most important cause of cancer related mortalities in the world. However, there is no clinically effective targeted therapeutic drugs for ESCC due to lack of valuable molecular therapeutic targets. In the present study, we investigated the biological function and molecular mechanisms of maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) in ESCC. The expression of MELK mRNA and protein was determined in cell lines and clinical samples of ESCC. MTT, focus formation and soft agar assays were carried out to measure cell proliferation and colony formation. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to assess the capacity of tumor cell migration and invasion. Nude mice models of subcutaneous tumor growth and lung metastasis were performed to examine the function of MELK in tumorigenecity and metastasis of ESCC cells. High expression of MELK was observed in ESCC cell line and human samples, especially in the metastatic tumor tissues. Moreover, overexpression of MELK promoted cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and increased the expression and enzyme activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in ESCC cells. More importantly, enhanced expression of MELK greatly accelerated tumor growth and lung metastasis of ESCC cells in vivo. In contrast, knockdown of MELK by lentiviral shRNA resulted in an opposite effect both in vitro and in animal models. Mechanistically, MELK facilitated the phosphorylation of FOXM1, leading to activation of its downstream targets (PLK1, Cyclin B1, and Aurora B), and thereby promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis of ESCC cells. In conclusion, MELK enhances tumorigenesis, migration, invasion and metastasis of ESCC cells via activation of FOXM1 signaling pathway, suggesting MELK is a potential therapeutic target for ESCC patients, even those in an advanced stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qiuren Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shuning Bi
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Songqiang Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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15
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Xu Q, Ge Q, Zhou Y, Yang B, Yang Q, Jiang S, Jiang R, Ai Z, Zhang Z, Teng Y. MELK promotes Endometrial carcinoma progression via activating mTOR signaling pathway. EBioMedicine 2020; 51:102609. [PMID: 31915116 PMCID: PMC7000338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.102609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies among women. Maternal embryonic leucine Zipper Kinase (MELK) is upregulated in a variety of human tumors, where it contributes to malignant phenotype and correlates with a poor prognosis. However, the biological function of MELK in EC progression remains largely unknown. Methods We explored the MELK expression in EC using TCGA and GEO databases and verified it using clinical samples by IHC methods. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, cell cycle assay, wound healing assay and subcutaneous xenograft mouse model were generated to estimate the functions of MELK and its inhibitor OTSSP167. qRT-PCR, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay were performed to uncover the underlying mechanism concerning MELK during the progression of EC. Findings MELK was significantly elevated in patients with EC, and high expression of MELK was associated with serous EC, high histological grade, advanced clinical stage and reduced overall survival and disease-free survival. MELK knockdown decreased the ability of cell proliferation and migration in vitro and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in vivo. In addition, high expression of MELK could be regulated by transcription factor E2F1. Moreover, we found that MELK had a direct interaction with MLST8 and then activated mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling pathway for EC progression. Furthermore, OTSSP167, an effective inhibitor, could inhibit cell proliferation driven by MELK in vivo and vitro assays. Interpretation We have explored the crucial role of the E2F1/MELK/mTORC1/2 axis in the progression of EC, which could be served as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of EC. Funding This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No:81672565), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (Grant NO:17ZR1421400 to Dr. Zhihong Ai) and the fundamental research funds for central universities (No: 22120180595).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyang Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Qiulin Ge
- Centre of assisted reproduction, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Bikang Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Qin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shuheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Rongzhen Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Zhihong Ai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - Yincheng Teng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China.
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16
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Mutant P53 induces MELK expression by release of wild-type P53-dependent suppression of FOXM1. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:2. [PMID: 31909186 PMCID: PMC6941974 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-019-0143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer, and is associated with a poor prognosis due to frequent distant metastasis and lack of effective targeted therapies. Previously, we identified maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) to be highly expressed in TNBCs as compared with ER-positive breast cancers. Here we determined the molecular mechanism by which MELK is overexpressed in TNBCs. Analysis of publicly available data sets revealed that MELK mRNA is elevated in p53-mutant breast cancers. Consistent with this observation, MELK protein levels are higher in p53-mutant vs. p53 wild-type breast cancer cells. Furthermore, inactivation of wild-type p53, by loss or mutation of the p53 gene, increases MELK expression, whereas overexpression of wild-type p53 in p53-null cells reduces MELK promoter activity and MELK expression. We further analyzed MELK expression in breast cancer data sets and compared that with known wild-type p53 target genes. This analysis revealed that MELK expression strongly correlates with genes known to be suppressed by wild-type p53. Promoter deletion studies identified a p53-responsive region within the MELK promoter that did not map to the p53 consensus response elements, but to a region containing a FOXM1-binding site. Consistent with this result, knockdown of FOXM1 reduced MELK expression in p53-mutant TNBC cells and expression of wild-type p53 reduced FOXM1 expression. ChIP assays demonstrated that expression of wild-type p53 reduces binding of E2F1 (a critical transcription factor controlling FOXM1 expression) to the FOXM1 promoter, thereby, reducing FOXM1 expression. These results show that wild-type p53 suppresses FOXM1 expression, and thus MELK expression, through indirect mechanisms. Overall, these studies demonstrate that wild-type p53 represses MELK expression by inhibiting E2F1A-dependent transcription of FOXM1 and that mutation-driven loss of wild-type p53, which frequently occurs in TNBCs, induces MELK expression by suppressing FOXM1 expression and activity in p53-mutant breast cancers.
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17
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McDonald IM, Grant GD, East MP, Gilbert TSK, Wilkerson EM, Goldfarb D, Beri J, Herring LE, Vaziri C, Cook JG, Emanuele MJ, Graves LM. Mass spectrometry-based selectivity profiling identifies a highly selective inhibitor of the kinase MELK that delays mitotic entry in cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:2359-2374. [PMID: 31896573 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) has been implicated in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation. RNAi-mediated MELK depletion impairs growth and causes G2/M arrest in numerous cancers, but the mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. Furthermore, the MELK inhibitor OTSSP167 has recently been shown to have poor selectivity for MELK, complicating the use of this inhibitor as a tool compound to investigate MELK function. Here, using a cell-based proteomics technique called multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads/mass spectrometry (MIB/MS), we profiled the selectivity of two additional MELK inhibitors, NVS-MELK8a (8a) and HTH-01-091. Our results revealed that 8a is a highly selective MELK inhibitor, which we further used for functional studies. Resazurin and crystal violet assays indicated that 8a decreases triple-negative breast cancer cell viability, and immunoblotting revealed that impaired growth is due to perturbation of cell cycle progression rather than induction of apoptosis. Using double-thymidine synchronization and immunoblotting, we observed that MELK inhibition delays mitotic entry, which was associated with delayed activation of Aurora A, Aurora B, and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Following this delay, cells entered and completed mitosis. Using live-cell microscopy of cells harboring fluorescent proliferating cell nuclear antigen, we confirmed that 8a significantly and dose-dependently lengthens G2 phase. Collectively, our results provide a rationale for using 8a as a tool compound for functional studies of MELK and indicate that MELK inhibition delays mitotic entry, likely via transient G2/M checkpoint activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Gavin D Grant
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael P East
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Thomas S K Gilbert
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Emily M Wilkerson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Dennis Goldfarb
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110; Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Joshua Beri
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Laura E Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Cyrus Vaziri
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Jeanette Gowen Cook
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Lee M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.
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18
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Cigliano A, Pilo MG, Mela M, Ribback S, Dombrowski F, Pes GM, Cossu A, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Utpatel K. Inhibition of MELK Protooncogene as an Innovative Treatment for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 56:E1. [PMID: 31861475 PMCID: PMC7023300 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a pernicious tumor characterized by a dismal outcome and scarce therapeutic options. To substantially improve the prognosis of iCCA patients, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for development and progression of this disease is imperative. In the present study, we aimed at elucidating the role of the maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) protooncogene in iCCA. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the expression of MELK and two putative targets, Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) and Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), in a collection of human iCCA by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects on iCCA growth of both the multi-kinase inhibitor OTSSP167 and specific small-interfering RNA (siRNA) against MELK were investigated in iCCA cell lines. Results: Expression of MELK was significantly higher in tumors than in corresponding non-neoplastic liver counterparts, with highest levels of MELK being associated with patients' shorter survival length. In vitro, OTSSP167 suppressed the growth of iCCA cell lines in a dose-dependent manner by reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. These effects were amplified when OTSSP167 administration was coupled to the DNA-damaging agent doxorubicin. Similar results, but less remarkable, were obtained when MELK was silenced by specific siRNA in the same cells. At the molecular level, siRNA against MELK triggered downregulation of MELK and its targets. Finally, we found that MELK is a downstream target of the E2F1 transcription factor. Conclusion: Our results indicate that MELK is ubiquitously overexpressed in iCCA, where it may represent a prognostic indicator and a therapeutic target. In particular, the combination of OTSSP167 (or other, more specific MELK inhibitors) with DNA-damaging agents might be a potentially effective therapy for human iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cigliano
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (M.E.); (D.F.C.); (K.U.)
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Maria Giulia Pilo
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Marta Mela
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Giovanni Mario Pes
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonio Cossu
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (M.E.); (D.F.C.); (K.U.)
| | - Diego Francesco Calvisi
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (M.E.); (D.F.C.); (K.U.)
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Kirsten Utpatel
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (M.E.); (D.F.C.); (K.U.)
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19
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Chen S, Zhou Q, Guo Z, Wang Y, Wang L, Liu X, Lu M, Ju L, Xiao Y, Wang X. Inhibition of MELK produces potential anti-tumour effects in bladder cancer by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest via the ATM/CHK2/p53 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:1804-1821. [PMID: 31821699 PMCID: PMC6991658 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the biological function of MELK and the therapeutic potential of OTSSP167 in human bladder cancer (BCa). First, we observed overexpression of MELK in BCa cell lines and tissues and found that it was associated with higher tumour stage and tumour grade, which was consistent with transcriptome analysis. High expression of MELK was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in BCa patients, and MELK was found to have a role in the cell cycle, the G1/S transition in mitosis, and DNA repair and replication. Furthermore, BCa cells presented significantly decreased proliferation capacity following silencing of MELK or treatment with OTSSP167 in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, reduction in MELK or treatment of cells with OTSSP167 could induce cell cycle arrest and could suppress migration. In addition, these treatments could activate phosphorylation of ATM and CHK2, which would be accompanied by down‐regulated MDMX, cyclin D1, CDK2 and E2F1; however, p53 and p21 would be activated. Opposite results were observed when MELK expression was induced. Overall, MELK was found to be a novel oncogene in BCa that induces cell cycle arrest via the ATM/CHK2/p53 pathway. OTSSP167 displays potent anti‐tumour activities, which may provide a new molecule‐based strategy for BCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zicheng Guo
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Urology, Enshi Clinical College of Wuhan University, Enshi, China
| | - Yejinpeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Urology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mengxin Lu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.,Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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20
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Maes A, Maes K, Vlummens P, De Raeve H, Devin J, Szablewski V, De Veirman K, Menu E, Moreaux J, Vanderkerken K, De Bruyne E. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase is a novel target for diffuse large B cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Blood Cancer J 2019; 9:87. [PMID: 31740676 PMCID: PMC6861269 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-019-0249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are among the most aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) plays a role in cancer cell cycle progression and is associated with poor prognosis in several cancer cell types. In this study, the role of MELK in DLBCL and MCL and the therapeutic potential of MELK targeting is evaluated. MELK is highly expressed in DLBCL and MCL patient samples, correlating with a worse clinical outcome in DLBCL. Targeting MELK, using the small molecule OTSSP167, impaired cell growth and survival and induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in the lymphoma cells. Western blot analysis revealed that MELK targeting decreased the phosphorylation of FOXM1 and the protein levels of EZH2 and several mitotic regulators, such as Cdc25B, cyclin B1, Plk-1, and Aurora kinases. In addition, OTSSP167 also sensitized the lymphoma cells to the clinically relevant Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax by strongly reducing Mcl1 levels. Finally, OTSSP167 treatment of A20-inoculated mice resulted in a significant prolonged survival. In conclusion, targeting MELK with OTSSP167 induced strong anti-lymphoma activity both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that MELK could be a potential new target in these aggressive B cell malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Cycle/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/metabolism
- Mice
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Naphthyridines/pharmacology
- Naphthyridines/therapeutic use
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip Vlummens
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hendrik De Raeve
- Department of Pathology, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Devin
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Kim De Veirman
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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