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Wang X, Li N, Liu YH, Wu J, Liu QG, Niu JB, Xu Y, Huang CZ, Zhang SY, Song J. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in cancer therapy: A recent update on inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116678. [PMID: 39029337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116678] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is considered as a pivotal intracellular non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and has garnered significant attention as a promising target for anticancer drug development. As of early 2024, a total of 12 drugs targeting FAK have been approved for clinical or preclinical studies worldwide, including three PROTAC degraders. In recent three years (2021-2023), significant progress has been made in designing targeted FAK anticancer agents, including the development of a novel benzenesulfofurazan type NO-releasing FAK inhibitor and the first-in-class dual-target inhibitors simultaneously targeting FAK and HDACs. Given the pivotal role of FAK in the discovery of anticancer drugs, as well as the notable advancements achieved in FAK inhibitors and PROTAC degraders in recent years, this review is underbaked to present a comprehensive overview of the function and structure of FAK. Additionally, the latest findings on the inhibitors and PROTAC degraders of FAK from the past three years, along with their optimization strategies and anticancer activities, were summarized, which might help to provide novel insights for the development of novel targeted FAK agents with promising anticancer potential and favorable pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Na Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yun-He Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ji Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Qiu-Ge Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jin-Bo Niu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chen-Zheng Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Sai-Yang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention &Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Jian Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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2
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Gu Z, Lin S, Yu J, Jin F, Zhang Q, Xia K, Chen L, Li Y, He B. Advances in dual-targeting inhibitors of HDAC6 for cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116571. [PMID: 38857566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116571] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Histone Deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is an essential regulator of histone acetylation processes, exerting influence on a multitude of cellular functions such as cell motility, endocytosis, autophagy, apoptosis, and protein trafficking through its deacetylation activity. The significant implications of HDAC6 in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immune disorders have motivated extensive investigation into the development of specific inhibitors targeting this enzyme for therapeutic purposes. Single targeting drugs carry the risk of inducing drug resistance, thus prompting exploration of dual targeting therapy which offers the potential to impact multiple signaling pathways simultaneously, thereby lowering the likelihood of resistance development. While pharmacological studies have exhibited promise in combined therapy involving HDAC6, challenges related to potential drug interactions exist. In response to these challenges, researchers are investigating HDAC6 hybrid molecules which enable the concomitant targeting of HDAC6 and other key proteins, thus enhancing treatment efficacy while mitigating side effects and reducing the risk of resistance compared to traditional combination therapies. The published design strategies for dual targeting inhibitors of HDAC6 are summarized and discussed in this review. This will provide some valuable insights into more novel HDAC6 dual targeting inhibitors to meet the urgent need for innovative therapies in oncology and other related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Shuxian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China; Department of Pharmacy, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Junhui Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Fei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Keli Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM (Ministry of Education), Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
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3
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Torres-Ayuso P, Katerji M, Mehlich D, Lookingbill SA, Sabbasani VR, Liou H, Casillas AL, Chauhan SS, Serwa R, Rubin MR, Marusiak AA, Swenson RE, Warfel NA, Brognard J. PIM1 targeted degradation prevents the emergence of chemoresistance in prostate cancer. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:326-337.e11. [PMID: 38016478 PMCID: PMC10922308 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
PIM kinases have important pro-tumorigenic roles and mediate several oncogenic traits, including cell proliferation, survival, and chemotherapeutic resistance. As a result, multiple PIM inhibitors have been pursued as investigational new drugs in cancer; however, response to PIM inhibitors in solid tumors has fallen short of expectations. We found that inhibition of PIM kinase activity stabilizes protein levels of all three PIM isoforms (PIM1/2/3), and this can promote resistance to PIM inhibitors and chemotherapy. To overcome this effect, we designed PIM proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to target PIM for degradation. PIM PROTACs effectively downmodulated PIM levels through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Importantly, degradation of PIM kinases was more potent than inhibition of catalytic activity at inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer cell line models. In conclusion, we provide evidence of the advantages of degrading PIM kinases versus inhibiting their catalytic activity to target the oncogenic functions of PIM kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Torres-Ayuso
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Meghri Katerji
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Dawid Mehlich
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Laboratory of Molecular OncoSignalling, IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-783 Warsaw, Poland; Doctoral School of the Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sophia A Lookingbill
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Venkata R Sabbasani
- Chemistry and Synthesis Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hope Liou
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | | | - Shailender S Chauhan
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Remigiusz Serwa
- ReMedy International Research Agenda Unit, IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-783 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maxine R Rubin
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Anna A Marusiak
- Laboratory of Molecular OncoSignalling, IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-783 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rolf E Swenson
- Chemistry and Synthesis Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Noel A Warfel
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - John Brognard
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Nemr CR, Sklavounos AA, Wheeler AR, Kelley SO. WITHDRAWN: Digital microfluidics as an emerging tool for bacterial protocols. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 29:133. [PMID: 38101571 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carine R Nemr
- Department of Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College, 301 Platt Boulevard, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H6, Canada.
| | - Alexandros A Sklavounos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H6, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H6, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Shana O Kelley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H6, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E5, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
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5
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Canel M, Sławińska AD, Lonergan DW, Kallor AA, Upstill-Goddard R, Davidson C, von Kriegsheim A, Biankin AV, Byron A, Alfaro J, Serrels A. FAK suppresses antigen processing and presentation to promote immune evasion in pancreatic cancer. Gut 2023; 73:131-155. [PMID: 36977556 PMCID: PMC10715489 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327927] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has shown limited efficacy. Poor CD8 T-cell infiltration, low neoantigen load and a highly immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment contribute to this lack of response. Here, we aimed to further investigate the immunoregulatory function of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in PDAC, with specific emphasis on regulation of the type-II interferon response that is critical in promoting T-cell tumour recognition and effective immunosurveillance. DESIGN We combined CRISPR, proteogenomics and transcriptomics with mechanistic experiments using a KrasG12Dp53R172H mouse model of pancreatic cancer and validated findings using proteomic analysis of human patient-derived PDAC cell lines and analysis of publicly available human PDAC transcriptomics datasets. RESULTS Loss of PDAC cell-intrinsic FAK signalling promotes expression of the immunoproteasome and Major Histocompatibility Complex class-I (MHC-I), resulting in increased antigen diversity and antigen presentation by FAK-/- PDAC cells. Regulation of the immunoproteasome by FAK is a critical determinant of this response, optimising the physicochemical properties of the peptide repertoire for high affinity binding to MHC-I. Expression of these pathways can be further amplified in a STAT1-dependent manner via co-depletion of FAK and STAT3, resulting in extensive infiltration of tumour-reactive CD8 T-cells and further restraint of tumour growth. FAK-dependent regulation of antigen processing and presentation is conserved between mouse and human PDAC, but is lost in cells/tumours with an extreme squamous phenotype. CONCLUSION Therapies aimed at FAK degradation may unlock additional therapeutic benefit for the treatment of PDAC through increasing antigen diversity and promoting antigen presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Canel
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - David W Lonergan
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ashwin Adrian Kallor
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Rosie Upstill-Goddard
- The Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine Davidson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alex von Kriegsheim
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew V Biankin
- The Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Adam Byron
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Javier Alfaro
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Alan Serrels
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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6
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Zhang WX, Huang J, Tian XY, Liu YH, Jia MQ, Wang W, Jin CY, Song J, Zhang SY. A review of progress in o-aminobenzamide-based HDAC inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115673. [PMID: 37487305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases, as a new class of anticancer targets, could maintain homeostasis by catalyzing histone deacetylation and play important roles in regulating the expression of target genes. Due to the fact that simultaneous intervention with dual tumor related targets could improve treatment effects, researches on innovative design of dual-target drugs are underway. HDAC is known as a "sensitizer" for the synergistic effects with other anticancer-target drugs because of its flexible structure design. The synergistic effects of HDAC inhibitor and other target inhibitors usually show enhanced inhibitory effects on tumor cells, and also provide new strategies to overcome multidrug resistance. Many research groups have reported that simultaneously inhibiting HDAC and other targets, such as tubulin, EGFR, could enhance the therapeutic effects. The o-aminobenzamide group is often used as a ZBG group in the design of HDAC inhibitors with potent antitumor effects. Given the prolonged inhibitory effects and reduced toxic side effects of HDAC inhibitors using o-aminobenzamide as the ZBG group, the o-aminobenzamide group is expected to become a more promising alternative to hydroxamic acid. In fact, o-aminobenzamide-based dual inhibitors of HDAC with different chemical structures have been extensively prepared and reported with synergistic and enhanced anti-tumor effects. In this work, we first time reviewed the rational design, molecular docking, inhibitory activities and potential application of o-aminobenzamide-based HDAC inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities in cancer therapy, which might provide a reference for developing new and more effective anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jiao Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xin-Yi Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yun-He Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mei-Qi Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Food and Drug, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, 471934, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Sai-Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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7
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Beljkas M, Ilic A, Cebzan A, Radovic B, Djokovic N, Ruzic D, Nikolic K, Oljacic S. Targeting Histone Deacetylases 6 in Dual-Target Therapy of Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2581. [PMID: 38004560 PMCID: PMC10674519 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112581] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are the major regulators of the balance of acetylation of histone and non-histone proteins. In contrast to other HDAC isoforms, HDAC6 is mainly involved in maintaining the acetylation balance of many non-histone proteins. Therefore, the overexpression of HDAC6 is associated with tumorigenesis, invasion, migration, survival, apoptosis and growth of various malignancies. As a result, HDAC6 is considered a promising target for cancer treatment. However, none of selective HDAC6 inhibitors are in clinical use, mainly because of the low efficacy and high concentrations used to show anticancer properties, which may lead to off-target effects. Therefore, HDAC6 inhibitors with dual-target capabilities represent a new trend in cancer treatment, aiming to overcome the above problems. In this review, we summarize the advances in tumor treatment with dual-target HDAC6 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Katarina Nikolic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (B.R.); (N.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Slavica Oljacic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.B.); (A.I.); (A.C.); (B.R.); (N.D.); (D.R.)
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8
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Tan X, Yan Y, Song B, Zhu S, Mei Q, Wu K. Focal adhesion kinase: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:83. [PMID: 37749625 PMCID: PMC10519103 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, is a vital participant in primary cellular functions, such as proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. In addition, FAK regulates cancer stem cell activities and contributes to the formation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Importantly, increased FAK expression and activity are strongly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and metastatic characteristics in numerous tumors. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that modulating FAK activity by application of FAK inhibitors alone or in combination treatment regimens could be effective for cancer therapy. Based on these findings, several agents targeting FAK have been exploited in diverse preclinical tumor models. This article briefly describes the structure and function of FAK, as well as research progress on FAK inhibitors in combination therapies. We also discuss the challenges and future directions regarding anti-FAK combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximin Tan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuheng Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bin Song
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Shuangli Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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9
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Culley J, Nagle PW, Dawson JC, Carragher NO. Patient derived glioma stem cell spheroid reporter assays for live cell high content analysis. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:13-19. [PMID: 36116760 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Three dimensional models of cell culture enables researchers to recreate aspects of tumour biology not replicated by traditional two dimensional techniques. Here we describe a protocol to enable automated high throughput phenotypic profiling across panels of patient derived glioma stem cell spheroid models. We demonstrate the use of both live/dead cell end-points and monitor the dynamic changes in the cell cycle using cell lines expressing the FUCCI cell cycle reporter. Together, these assays provide additional insight into the mechanism of action of compound treatments over traditional cell viability assay endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Culley
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Peter W Nagle
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Neil O Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK.
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10
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The dual FAK-HDAC inhibitor MY-1259 displays potent activities in gastric cancers in vitro and in vivo. Bioorg Chem 2023; 131:106328. [PMID: 36542986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation and Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are considered to be two important targets for the development of antitumor drugs. Studies have shown that the combination of FAK and HDAC inhibitors could exhibit synergistic effects in a subset of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. At present, there are few reports on dual target inhibitors of FAK and HDAC. Here, we first reported a new compound MY-1259 as a dual FAK and HDAC6 inhibitor, which exhibited efficient treatment effects on gastric cancers in vitro and in vivo. MY-1259 exhibited potent inhibitory activities against FAK (IC50 = 132 nM) and HDAC6 (IC50 = 16 nM). Notably, MY-1259 showed selective inhibitory potency on HDAC6 over HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3. In addition, MY-1259 could potently inhibit the proliferative activities of MGC-803 and BGC-823 cells (IC50 = 3.91 and 15.46 nM, respectively, using flow cytometry counting), induce cell apoptosis, and cellular senescence. MY-1259 could effectively down-regulate the levels of Ac-Histone H3 and Ac-α-tubulin, and also inhibit the phosphorylation of FAK at three phosphorylation sites Y397, Y576/577 and Y925, thereby inhibiting the activation of ERK and AKT/mTOR. MY-1259 exhibited more effective antitumor effect in vivo than the HDAC inhibitor SAHA and FAK inhibitor TAE-226 alone or in combination, showing the advantages of FAK/HDAC dual inhibitors in the treatment of gastric cancers. Therefore, the results in this work suggested that inhibition of FAK and HDAC by MY-1259 might represent a promising strategy for the treatment of gastric cancers.
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11
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Zhang J, Hu Z, Horta CA, Yang J. Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by tumor microenvironmental signals and its implication in cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:46-66. [PMID: 36521737 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in various aspects of tumor development, including tumor invasion and metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapy resistance. Diverse stroma cell types along with biochemical and biophysical factors in the tumor microenvironment impinge on the EMT program to impact tumor progression. Here we provide an in-depth review of various tumor microenvironmental signals that regulate EMT in cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of EMT in therapy resistance and highlight new therapeutic approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment to impact EMT and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhimin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Calista A Horta
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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12
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Brullo C, Tasso B. New Insights on Fak and Fak Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:3318-3338. [PMID: 33143618 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666201103162239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focal adhesion kinase (Fak) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase overexpressed and activated in different solid cancers; it has shown an important role in metastasis formation, cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis and consequently it has been proposed as a potential target in cancer therapy, particularly in a metastatic phase. In recent years, different investigations have highlighted the importance of new Fak inhibitors as potential anti-cancer drugs, but other studies evidenced its role in different pathologies related to the cardiac function or viral infection. METHODS An extensive bibliographic research (104 references) has been done concerning the structure of Fak, its importance in tumor development, but also in other pathologies currently under study. The compounds currently subjected to clinical studies were therefore treated using the appropriate databases. Finally, the main chemical scaffolds currently under preclinical investigation were analyzed, focusing on their molecular structures and on the activity structure relationships (SAR). RESULTS At the moment, only a few reversible ATP-competitive inhibitors are under investigation in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Other compounds, with different chemical scaffolds, are investigated to obtain more active and selective Fak inhibitors. This mini-review is a summary of different Fak functions in cancer and other pathologies; the compounds today in clinical trials and the recent chemical scaffolds (also included in patents) giving the most interesting results are investigated. In addition, PROTAC molecules are reported. CONCLUSION All reported results evidenced that additional studies are necessary to design and synthesize new selective and more active compounds, although promising information has been obtained from associations between Fak inhibitors and other different anti- cancer drugs. In addition, the other important roles evidenced, both at the nuclear level and in non-cancerous cells, make this protein an increasingly important target in pharmaceutical chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Brullo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3-I16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Tasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3-I16132 Genova, Italy
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13
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Dawson JC, Serrels A, Stupack DG, Schlaepfer DD, Frame MC. Targeting FAK in anticancer combination therapies. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:313-324. [PMID: 33731845 PMCID: PMC8276817 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is both a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an adaptor protein that primarily regulates adhesion signalling and cell migration, but FAK can also promote cell survival in response to stress. FAK is commonly overexpressed in cancer and is considered a high-value druggable target, with multiple FAK inhibitors currently in development. Evidence suggests that in the clinical setting, FAK targeting will be most effective in combination with other agents so as to reverse failure of chemotherapies or targeted therapies and enhance efficacy of immune-based treatments of solid tumours. Here, we discuss the recent preclinical evidence that implicates FAK in anticancer therapeutic resistance, leading to the view that FAK inhibitors will have their greatest utility as combination therapies in selected patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Alan Serrels
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dwayne G Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David D Schlaepfer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Margaret C Frame
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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14
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Hughes RE, Elliott RJR, Dawson JC, Carragher NO. High-content phenotypic and pathway profiling to advance drug discovery in diseases of unmet need. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:338-355. [PMID: 33740435 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Conventional thinking in modern drug discovery postulates that the design of highly selective molecules which act on a single disease-associated target will yield safer and more effective drugs. However, high clinical attrition rates and the lack of progress in developing new effective treatments for many important diseases of unmet therapeutic need challenge this hypothesis. This assumption also impinges upon the efficiency of target agnostic phenotypic drug discovery strategies, where early target deconvolution is seen as a critical step to progress phenotypic hits. In this review we provide an overview of how emerging phenotypic and pathway-profiling technologies integrate to deconvolute the mechanism-of-action of phenotypic hits. We propose that such in-depth mechanistic profiling may support more efficient phenotypic drug discovery strategies that are designed to more appropriately address complex heterogeneous diseases of unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Hughes
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Richard J R Elliott
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Neil O Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK.
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15
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Anticancer properties of chimeric HDAC and kinase inhibitors. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:472-486. [PMID: 33189849 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.005] [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: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic regulators of chromatin condensation and decondensation and exert effects on the proliferation and spread of cancer. Thus, HDAC enzymes are promising drug targets for the treatment of cancer. Some HDAC inhibitors such as the hydroxamic acid derivatives vorinostat or panobinostat were already approved for the treatment of hematologic cancer diseases, and are under intensive investigation for their use in solid tumors. But there are also drawbacks of the clinical application of HDAC inhibitors like intrinsic or acquired drug resistance and, thus, new HDAC inhibitors with improved activities are sought for. Kinase inhibitors are very promising anticancer drugs and often showed synergistic anticancer effects in combination with HDAC inhibitors. Several hybrid molecules with HDAC and kinase inhibitory structural motifs were disclosed with even improved anticancer activities when compared with co-application of HDAC and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Chimeric inhibitors with HDAC inhibitory activities exert a rapidly growing field of research and only in this year several new dual HDAC/kinase inhibitors were disclosed. This review briefly summarizes the status and future perspective of the most advanced and promising dual HDAC/kinase inhibitors and their potential as anticancer drug candidates.
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16
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Lorusso G, Rüegg C, Kuonen F. Targeting the Extra-Cellular Matrix-Tumor Cell Crosstalk for Anti-Cancer Therapy: Emerging Alternatives to Integrin Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1231. [PMID: 32793493 PMCID: PMC7387567 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network composed of a multitude of different macromolecules. ECM components typically provide a supportive structure to the tissue and engender positional information and crosstalk with neighboring cells in a dynamic reciprocal manner, thereby regulating tissue development and homeostasis. During tumor progression, tumor cells commonly modify and hijack the surrounding ECM to sustain anchorage-dependent growth and survival, guide migration, store pro-tumorigenic cell-derived molecules and present them to enhance receptor activation. Thereby, ECM potentially supports tumor progression at various steps from initiation, to local growth, invasion, and systemic dissemination and ECM-tumor cells interactions have long been considered promising targets for cancer therapy. Integrins represent key surface receptors for the tumor cell to sense and interact with the ECM. Yet, attempts to therapeutically impinge on these interactions using integrin inhibitors have failed to deliver anticipated results, and integrin inhibitors are still missing in the emerging arsenal of drugs for targeted therapies. This paradox situation should urge the field to reconsider the role of integrins in cancer and their targeting, but also to envisage alternative strategies. Here, we review the therapeutic targets implicated in tumor cell adhesion to the ECM, whose inhibitors are currently in clinical trials and may offer alternatives to integrin inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girieca Lorusso
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - François Kuonen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hôpital de Beaumont, Lausanne University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Murphy JM, Rodriguez YAR, Jeong K, Ahn EYE, Lim STS. Targeting focal adhesion kinase in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:877-886. [PMID: 32514188 PMCID: PMC7338452 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an integrin-associated protein tyrosine kinase that is frequently overexpressed in advanced human cancers. Recent studies have demonstrated that aside from FAK's catalytic activity in cancer cells, its cellular localization is also critical for regulating the transcription of chemokines that promote a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME) by suppressing destructive host immunity. In addition to the protumor roles of FAK in cancer cells, FAK activity within cells of the TME may also support tumor growth and metastasis through various mechanisms, including increased angiogenesis and vascular permeability and effects related to fibrosis in the stroma. Small molecule FAK inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating tumor growth and metastasis, and some are currently in clinical development phases. However, several preclinical trials have shown increased benefits from dual therapies using FAK inhibitors in combination with other chemotherapies or with immune cell activators. This review will discuss the role of nuclear FAK as a driver for tumor cell survival as well as potential therapeutic strategies to target FAK in both tumors and the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama, College of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Yelitza A R Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama, College of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Kyuho Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama, College of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Eun-Young Erin Ahn
- Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ssang-Taek Steve Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama, College of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
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