1
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Li N, Liu YH, Wu J, Liu QG, Niu JB, Zhang Y, Fu XJ, Song J, Zhang SY. Strategies that regulate Hippo signaling pathway for novel anticancer therapeutics. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116694. [PMID: 39047607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116694] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
As a highly conserved signaling network across different species, the Hippo pathway is involved in various biological processes. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway could lead to a wide range of diseases, particularly cancers. Extensive researches have demonstrated the close association between dysregulated Hippo signaling and tumorigenesis as well as tumor progression. Consequently, targeting the Hippo pathway has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. In fact, there has been an increasing number of reports on small molecules that target the Hippo pathway, exhibiting therapeutic potential as anticancer agents. Importantly, some of Hippo signaling pathway inhibitors have been approved for the clinical trials. In this work, we try to provide an overview of the core components and signal transduction mechanisms of the Hippo signaling pathway. Furthermore, we also analyze the relationship between Hippo signaling pathway and cancers, as well as summarize the small molecules with proven anti-tumor effects in clinical trials or reported in literatures. Additionally, we discuss the anti-tumor potency and structure-activity relationship of the small molecule compounds, providing a valuable insight for further development of anticancer agents against this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), 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
| | - 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 Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiang-Jing Fu
- 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
- 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.
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2
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Chen H, Gridnev A, Schlamowitz N, Hu W, Dey K, Zheng G, Misra JR. Targeted degradation of specific TEAD paralogs by small molecule degraders. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37829. [PMID: 39328531 PMCID: PMC11425103 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors, TEAD1-4 together with their co-activator YAP/TAZ function as key downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway. Hyperactivation of TEAD-YAP/TAZ activity is observed in many human cancers. TEAD1-4 possess distinct physiological and pathological functions, with conserved sequences and structures. Targeting specific isoforms within TEAD1-4 can serve as valuable chemical probes for investigating TEAD-related functions in both development and diseases. We report the TEAD-targeting proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), HC278, which achieves effective and specific targeting of TEAD1 and TEAD3 at low nanomolar doses while weakly degrading TEAD2 and TEAD4 at higher doses. Proteomic analysis of >6000 proteins confirmed their highly selective TEAD1 and TEAD3 degradation. Consistently, HC278 can suppress the proliferation of YAP-dependent NCI-H226 mesothelioma cells. Mechanistic exploration revealed that both CRBN and proteasome systems are involved in the TEAD degradation induced by HC278. Moreover, RNA-seq and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that the YAP signature genes such as CTGF, CYR61, and ANKRD1 are significantly downregulated by HC278 treatment. Overall, HC278 serves as a valuable chemical tool for unraveling the intricate biological roles of TEAD1 and TEAD3 and holds the potential as a lead compound for developing targeted therapy for TEAD1/3-driven pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Artem Gridnev
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, 11794, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Netanya Schlamowitz
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, 11794, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Wanyi Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Kuntala Dey
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Jyoti R Misra
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, 11794, USA
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3
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Zhou C, Sun C, Zhou W, Tian T, Schultz DC, Wu T, Yu M, Wu L, Pi L, Li C. Development of Novel Indole-Based Covalent Inhibitors of TEAD as Potential Antiliver Cancer Agents. J Med Chem 2024; 67:16270-16295. [PMID: 39270302 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of the YAP transcriptional signaling pathway drives proliferation in many hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma (HB) cases. Current treatment options often face resistance and toxicity, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. This article reports the discovery of a hit compound C-3 from docking-based virtual screening targeting TEAD lipid binding pocket, which inhibited TEAD-mediated transcription. Optimization led to the identification of a potent and covalent inhibitor CV-4-26 that exhibited great antitumor activity in HCC and HB cell lines in vitro, xenografted human HCC, and murine HB in vivo. These outcomes signify the potential of a highly promising therapeutic candidate for addressing a subset of HCC and HB cancers. In the cases of current treatment challenges due to high upregulation of YAP-TEAD activity, these findings offer a targeted alternative for more effective interventions against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Chunbao Sun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Daniel C Schultz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Mu Yu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Lizi Wu
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- UF Institute of Genetics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Liya Pi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, United States
| | - Chenglong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
- Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
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4
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Pei S, Piao HL. Exploring Protein S-Palmitoylation: Mechanisms, Detection, and Strategies for Inhibitor Discovery. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1868-1882. [PMID: 39160165 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
S-palmitoylation is a reversible and dynamic process that involves the addition of long-chain fatty acids to proteins. This protein modification regulates various aspects of protein function, including subcellular localization, stability, conformation, and biomolecular interactions. The zinc finger DHHC (ZDHHC) domain-containing protein family is the main group of enzymes responsible for catalyzing protein S-palmitoylation, and 23 members have been identified in mammalian cells. Many proteins that undergo S-palmitoylation have been linked to disease pathogenesis and progression, suggesting that the development of effective inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy. Reducing the protein S-palmitoylation level can target either the PATs directly or their substrates. However, there are rare clinically effective S-palmitoylation inhibitors. This review aims to provide an overview of the S-palmitoylation field, including the catalytic mechanism of ZDHHC, S-palmitoylation detection methods, and the functional impact of protein S-palmitoylation. Additionally, this review focuses on current strategies for expanding the chemical toolbox to develop novel and effective inhibitors that can reduce the level of S-palmitoylation of the target protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Pei
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 116023, Dalian, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 116023, Dalian, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, 110122 Shenyang, China
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5
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Cao D, Sun W, Li X, Jian L, Zhou X, Bode AM, Luo X. The role of novel protein acylations in cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 979:176841. [PMID: 39033839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Novel protein acylations are a class of protein post-translational modifications, such as lactylation, succinylation, crotonylation, palmitoylation, and β-hydroxybutyrylation. These acylation modifications are common in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and play pivotal roles in various key cellular processes by regulating gene transcription, protein subcellular localization, stability and activity, protein-protein interactions, and protein-DNA interactions. The diversified acylations are closely associated with various human diseases, especially cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the distinctive characteristics, effects, and regulatory factors of novel protein acylations. We also explore the various mechanisms through which novel protein acylations are involved in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Furthermore, we discuss the development of anti-cancer drugs targeting novel acylations, offering promising avenues for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Wenxuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Lian Jian
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Xinran Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912, USA
| | - Xiangjian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
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6
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Wu LW, Jang SJ, Shapiro C, Fazlollahi L, Wang TC, Ryeom SW, Moy RH. Diffuse Gastric Cancer: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular Features and Emerging Therapeutics. Target Oncol 2024:10.1007/s11523-024-01097-2. [PMID: 39271577 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-024-01097-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) accounts for approximately one-third of gastric cancer diagnoses but is a more clinically aggressive disease with peritoneal metastases and inferior survival compared with intestinal-type gastric cancer (IGC). The understanding of the pathogenesis of DGC has been relatively limited until recently. Multiomic studies, particularly by The Cancer Genome Atlas, have better characterized gastric adenocarcinoma into molecular subtypes. DGC has unique molecular features, including alterations in CDH1, RHOA, and CLDN18-ARHGAP26 fusions. Preclinical models of DGC characterized by these molecular alterations have generated insight into mechanisms of pathogenesis and signaling pathway abnormalities. The currently approved therapies for treatment of gastric cancer generally provide less clinical benefit in patients with DGC. Based on recent phase II/III clinical trials, there is excitement surrounding Claudin 18.2-based and FGFR2b-directed therapies, which capitalize on unique biomarkers that are enriched in the DGC populations. There are numerous therapies targeting Claudin 18.2 and FGFR2b in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. Additionally, there have been preclinical advancements in exploiting unique therapeutic vulnerabilities in several models of DGC through targeting of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Hippo pathways. These preclinical and clinical advancements represent a promising future for the treatment of DGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence W Wu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, Room 956, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sung Joo Jang
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cameron Shapiro
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ladan Fazlollahi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandra W Ryeom
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ryan H Moy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, Room 956, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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7
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Athavale D, Balch C, Zhang Y, Yao X, Song S. The role of Hippo/YAP1 in cancer-associated fibroblasts: Literature review and future perspectives. Cancer Lett 2024; 604:217244. [PMID: 39260668 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217244] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts that play a role in numerous malignant phenotypes, including hyperproliferation, invasion, and metastasis. These phenotypes correlate with activity of the Hippo pathway oncoprotein, Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1), and its paralog, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). YAP1/TAZ are normally involved in organ growth, under the regulation of various kinases and upon phosphorylation, are retained in the cytoplasm by chaperone proteins, leading to their proteasomal degradation. In CAFs and tumor cells, however, a lack of YAP1 phosphorylation results in its translocation to the nucleus, binding to TEAD transcription factors, and activation of mitogenic pathways. In this review we summarize the literature discussing the central role of YAP1 in CAF activation, the upstream cues that promote YAP1-mediated CAF activation and extracellular matrix remodeling, and how CAFs mediate tumor-stroma crosstalk to support progression, invasion and metastasis in various cancer models. We further highlight YAP1+CAFs functions in modulating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and propose evaluation of several YAP1 targets regarding their role in regulating intra-tumoral immune landscapes. Finally, we propose that co-administration of YAP1- targeted therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors can improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with advanced tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Athavale
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Curt Balch
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Yanting Zhang
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Xiaodan Yao
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Shumei Song
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Cooper University Hospital, 2 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; Departments of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, 401 Broadway, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
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8
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Ren J, Liu H, Ma Y, Tian W, Li Q, Wu Z, Wang M, Liu X, Zheng X, Han X. Development and validation of a UPLC-MS/MS method for rapid and simultaneous quantification of BPI-460372 and its metabolites BPI-460444 and BPI-460456 in human plasma. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1247:124300. [PMID: 39265487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124300] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
In cancer development and progression, the Hippo signaling pathway functions. The transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) stands out as a pivotal transcription factor within this pathway, and the suppression of TEAD represents a promising approach for cancer treatment. The primary aim of the study was to establish an analytical method for the concurrent quantification of a novel TEAD target inhibitor, BPI-460372, and its principal metabolites, BPI-460444 and BPI-460456, in human plasma. The chromatographic separation utilized a XSelect™ HSS C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.5 µm), while quantification was conducted on a SCIEX API 4000 mass spectrometer. 22 plasma samples were tested via the developed method. The calibration curve for BPI-460372 exhibited linearity from 2 to 2000 ng/mL, while its metabolites BPI-460444 and BPI-460456 had linearity between 1 and 1000 ng/mL (r > 0.99). The precision (RSD) was ≤ 17.1 %, and the accuracy (RE) fell within the range of -17.7 % to 15.0 %, all meeting acceptance criteria. The matrix effect was from 101.0 % to 105.8 %. The extraction recovery of analytes fell within the range of 96.8 % to 104.1 % with an RSD of less than 7.4 %. The developed method was effectively utilized in an advanced solid tumor patient, and the concentration trends of the three analytes in plasma were found to be largely consistent. The established analytical method showed great sensitivity, simplicity, accuracy, and reliability for the rapid and simultaneous analysis of the TEAD target inhibitor BPI-460372, alongside its major metabolites BPI-460444 and BPI-460456 in human plasma. This analytical method provided essential support for future clinical investigations and pharmacokinetic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Ren
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hongzhong Liu
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yufang Ma
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qinqin Li
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Mengzhao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Xiaohong Han
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Drug, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical PK & PD Investigation for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
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9
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Kulkarni A, Mohan V, Tang TT, Post L, Chan YC, Manning M, Thio N, Parker BL, Dawson MA, Rosenbluh J, Vissers JH, Harvey KF. Identification of resistance mechanisms to small-molecule inhibition of TEAD-regulated transcription. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:3944-3969. [PMID: 39103676 PMCID: PMC11387499 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00217-3] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo tumor suppressor pathway controls transcription by regulating nuclear abundance of YAP and TAZ, which activate transcription with the TEAD1-TEAD4 DNA-binding proteins. Recently, several small-molecule inhibitors of YAP and TEADs have been reported, with some entering clinical trials for different cancers with Hippo pathway deregulation, most notably, mesothelioma. Using genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens we reveal that mutations in genes from the Hippo, MAPK, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways all modulate the response of mesothelioma cell lines to TEAD palmitoylation inhibitors. By exploring gene expression programs of mutant cells, we find that MAPK pathway hyperactivation confers resistance to TEAD inhibition by reinstating expression of a subset of YAP/TAZ target genes. Consistent with this, combined inhibition of TEAD and the MAPK kinase MEK, synergistically blocks proliferation of multiple mesothelioma and lung cancer cell lines and more potently reduces the growth of patient-derived lung cancer xenografts in vivo. Collectively, we reveal mechanisms by which cells can overcome small-molecule inhibition of TEAD palmitoylation and potential strategies to enhance the anti-tumor activity of emerging Hippo pathway targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Kulkarni
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Varshini Mohan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Tracy T Tang
- Vivace Therapeutics Inc., San Mateo, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Leonard Post
- Vivace Therapeutics Inc., San Mateo, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Yih-Chih Chan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Murray Manning
- Department of Biochemistry, and Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
- Functional Genomics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Niko Thio
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Benjamin L Parker
- Department of Anatomy & Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Dawson
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research and Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph Rosenbluh
- Department of Biochemistry, and Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
- Functional Genomics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Joseph Ha Vissers
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research and Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kieran F Harvey
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, and Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia.
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10
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Yang X, Liu Z, Wang X, Tian W, Zhao T, Yang Q, Li W, Yang L, Yang H, Jia Y. Anti-cancer effects of nitazoxanide in epithelial ovarian cancer in-vitro and in-vivo. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 400:111176. [PMID: 39084502 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111176] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies and poses a considerable threat to women's health. Although the progression-free survival of patients has been prolonged with the application of anti-angiogenesis drugs and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) inhibitors, overall survival has not substantially improved. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are essential for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Nitazoxanide (NTZ), an FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug, has garnered attention for its potential anti-cancer activity. However, the anti-tumor effects and possible underlying mechanisms of NTZ on ovarian cancer remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects and the mechanism of NTZ on ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. We found that NTZ inhibited the proliferation of A2780 and SKOV3 epithelial ovarian cancer cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner; Furthermore, NTZ suppressed the metastasis and invasion of A2780 and SKOV3 cells in vitro, correlating with the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition; Additionally, NTZ suppressed the Hippo/YAP/TAZ signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo and demonstrated a good binding activity with core genes of Hippo pathway, including Hippo, YAP, TAZ, LATS1, and LATS2. Oral administration of NTZ inhibited tumor growth in xenograft ovarian cancer mice models without causing considerable damage to major organs. Overall, these data suggest that NTZ has therapeutic potential for treating epithelial ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqun Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Zhenyan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Wenda Tian
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Taoyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dehong Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dehong People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan, 678400, PR China
| | - Qiaoling Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Wenliang Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China.
| | - Hongying Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China.
| | - Yue Jia
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China.
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11
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Wesener MC, Weiler SME, Bissinger M, Klessinger TF, Rose F, Merker S, Luzarowski M, Ruppert T, Helm B, Klingmüller U, Schirmacher P, Breuhahn K. CRKL Enhances YAP Signaling through Binding and JNK/JUN Pathway Activation in Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8549. [PMID: 39126118 PMCID: PMC11312940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158549] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway transducers yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW-domain containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1/TAZ) are key regulators of liver tumorigenesis, promoting tumor formation and progression. Although the first inhibitors are in clinical trials, targeting the relevant upstream regulators of YAP/TAZ activity could prove equally beneficial. To identify regulators of YAP/TAZ activity in hepatocarcinoma (HCC) cells, we carried out a proximity labelling approach (BioID) coupled with mass spectrometry. We verified CRK-like proto-oncogene adaptor protein (CRKL) as a new YAP-exclusive interaction partner. CRKL is highly expressed in HCC patients, and its expression is associated with YAP activity as well as poor survival prognosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated CRKL-dependent cell survival and the loss of YAP binding induced through actin disruption. Moreover, we delineated the activation of the JNK/JUN pathway by CRKL, which promoted YAP transcription. Our data illustrate that CRKL not only promoted YAP activity through its binding but also through the induction of YAP transcription by JNK/JUN activation. This emphasizes the potential use of targeting the JNK/JUN pathway to suppress YAP expression in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C. Wesener
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sofia M. E. Weiler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Bissinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias F. Klessinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Merker
- CFMP, Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (M.L.)
| | - Marcin Luzarowski
- CFMP, Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (M.L.)
| | - Thomas Ruppert
- CFMP, Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics at the Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany (M.L.)
| | - Barbara Helm
- DKFZ, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ursula Klingmüller
- DKFZ, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Moure CJ, Vara B, Cheng MM, Sondey C, Muise E, Park E, Vela Ramirez JE, Su D, D'Souza S, Yan Q, Yeung CS, Zhang M, Mansueto MS, Linn D, Buchanan M, Foti R, DiMauro E, Long B, Simov V, Barry ER. Activation of Hepatocyte Growth Factor/MET Signaling as a Mechanism of Acquired Resistance to a Novel YAP1/TEAD Small Molecule Inhibitor. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:1095-1108. [PMID: 38691847 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Many tumor types harbor alterations in the Hippo pathway, including mesothelioma, where a high percentage of cases are considered YAP1/TEAD dependent. Identification of autopalmitoylation sites in the hydrophobic palmitate pocket of TEADs, which may be necessary for YAP1 protein interactions, has enabled modern drug discovery platforms to generate compounds that allosterically inhibit YAP1/TEAD complex formation and transcriptional activity. We report the discovery and characterization of a novel YAP1/TEAD inhibitor MRK-A from an aryl ether chemical series demonstrating potent and specific inhibition of YAP1/TEAD activity. In vivo, MRK-A showed a favorable tolerability profile in mice and demonstrated pharmacokinetics suitable for twice daily oral dosing in preclinical efficacy studies. Importantly, monotherapeutic targeting of YAP1/TEAD in preclinical models generated regressions in a mesothelioma CDX model; however, rapid resistance to therapy was observed. RNA-sequencing of resistant tumors revealed mRNA expression changes correlated with the resistance state and a marked increase of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression. In vitro, exogenous HGF was able to fully rescue cytostasis induced by MRK-A in mesothelioma cell lines. In addition, co-administration of small molecule inhibitors of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase suppressed the resistance generating effect of HGF on MRK-A induced growth inhibition. In this work, we report the structure and characterization of MRK-A, demonstrating potent and specific inhibition of YAP1/TAZ-TEAD-mediated transcriptional responses, with potential implications for treating malignancies driven by altered Hippo signaling, including factors resulting in acquired drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Moure
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Brandon Vara
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Mangeng M Cheng
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Christopher Sondey
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Eric Muise
- Department of Data and Genome Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Eunsil Park
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | | | - Dan Su
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Shanti D'Souza
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Qingyun Yan
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Charles S Yeung
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Minjia Zhang
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - My Sam Mansueto
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Doug Linn
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Mark Buchanan
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Robert Foti
- Department of PPDM, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Erin DiMauro
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Brian Long
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Vladimir Simov
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Evan R Barry
- Department of Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
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13
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Benton D, Yee Chow H, Karchugina S, Chernoff J. Synergistic effect of PAK and Hippo pathway inhibitor combination in NF2-deficient Schwannoma. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305121. [PMID: 39083549 PMCID: PMC11290668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 is a genetic disorder that results in the formation and progressive growth of schwannomas, ependymomas, and/or meningiomas. The NF2 gene encodes the Merlin protein, which links cell cortical elements to the actin cytoskeleton and regulates a number of key enzymes including Group I p21-activated kinases (PAKs), the Hippo-pathway kinase LATS, and mTORC. While PAK1 and PAK2 directly bind Merlin and transmit proliferation and survival signals when Merlin is mutated or absent, inhibition of Group 1 PAKs alone has not proven sufficient to completely stop the growth of NF2-deficient meningiomas or schwannomas in vivo, suggesting the need for a second pathway inhibitor. As the Hippo pathway is also activated in NF2-deficient cells, several inhibitors of the Hippo pathway have recently been developed in the form of YAP-TEAD binding inhibitors. These inhibitors prevent activation of pro-proliferation and anti-apoptotic Hippo pathway effectors. In this study, we show that PAK inhibition slows cell proliferation while TEAD inhibition promotes apoptotic cell death. Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of PAK and TEAD inhibitor combinations in several NF2-deficient Schwannoma cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Benton
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hoi Yee Chow
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sofiia Karchugina
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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14
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Graham K, Lienau P, Bader B, Prechtl S, Naujoks J, Lesche R, Weiske J, Kuehnlenz J, Brzezinka K, Potze L, Zanconato F, Nicke B, Montebaur A, Bone W, Golfier S, Kaulfuss S, Kopitz C, Pilari S, Steuber H, Hayat S, Kamburov A, Steffen A, Schlicker A, Buchgraber P, Braeuer N, Font NA, Heinrich T, Kuhnke L, Nowak-Reppel K, Stresemann C, Steigemann P, Walter AO, Blotta S, Ocker M, Lakner A, von Nussbaum F, Mumberg D, Eis K, Piccolo S, Lange M. Discovery of YAP1/TAZ pathway inhibitors through phenotypic screening with potent anti-tumor activity via blockade of Rho-GTPase signaling. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1247-1263.e16. [PMID: 38537632 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
This study describes the identification and target deconvolution of small molecule inhibitors of oncogenic Yes-associated protein (YAP1)/TAZ activity with potent anti-tumor activity in vivo. A high-throughput screen (HTS) of 3.8 million compounds was conducted using a cellular YAP1/TAZ reporter assay. Target deconvolution studies identified the geranylgeranyltransferase-I (GGTase-I) complex as the direct target of YAP1/TAZ pathway inhibitors. The small molecule inhibitors block the activation of Rho-GTPases, leading to subsequent inactivation of YAP1/TAZ and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Multi-parameter optimization resulted in BAY-593, an in vivo probe with favorable PK properties, which demonstrated anti-tumor activity and blockade of YAP1/TAZ signaling in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Graham
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Lienau
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Bader
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Prechtl
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Naujoks
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Lesche
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joerg Weiske
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Kuehnlenz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Brzezinka
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisette Potze
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesca Zanconato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Barbara Nicke
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Montebaur
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bone
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Golfier
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Kaulfuss
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlotte Kopitz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Pilari
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Steuber
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sikander Hayat
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Atanas Kamburov
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Steffen
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlicker
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Buchgraber
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nico Braeuer
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nuria Aiguabella Font
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Heinrich
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lara Kuhnke
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Nowak-Reppel
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlo Stresemann
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Steigemann
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette O Walter
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simona Blotta
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ashley Lakner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz von Nussbaum
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Mumberg
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Knut Eis
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefano Piccolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Martin Lange
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Zhang F, Sahu V, Peng K, Wang Y, Li T, Bala P, Aitymbayev D, Sahgal P, Schaefer A, Der CJ, Ryeom S, Yoon S, Sethi N, Bass AJ, Zhang H. Recurrent RhoGAP gene fusion CLDN18-ARHGAP26 promotes RHOA activation and focal adhesion kinase and YAP-TEAD signalling in diffuse gastric cancer. Gut 2024; 73:1280-1291. [PMID: 38621923 PMCID: PMC11287566 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genomic studies of gastric cancer have identified highly recurrent genomic alterations impacting RHO signalling, especially in the diffuse gastric cancer (DGC) histological subtype. Among these alterations are interchromosomal translations leading to the fusion of the adhesion protein CLDN18 and RHO regulator ARHGAP26. It remains unclear how these fusion constructs impact the activity of the RHO pathway and what is their broader impact on gastric cancer development. Herein, we developed a model to allow us to study the function of this fusion protein in the pathogenesis of DGC and to identify potential therapeutic targets for DGC tumours with these alterations. DESIGN We built a transgenic mouse model with LSL-CLDN18-ARHGAP26 fusion engineered into the Col1A1 locus where its expression can be induced by Cre recombinase. Using organoids generated from this model, we evaluated its oncogenic activity and the biochemical effects of the fusion protein on the RHOA pathway and its downstream cell biological effects in the pathogenesis of DGC. RESULTS We demonstrated that induction of CLDN18-ARHGAP26 expression in gastric organoids induced the formation of signet ring cells, characteristic features of DGC and was able to cooperatively transform gastric cells when combined with the loss of the tumour suppressor geneTrp53. CLDN18-ARHGAP26 promotes the activation of RHOA and downstream effector signalling. Molecularly, the fusion promotes activation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and induction of the YAP pathway. A combination of FAK and YAP/TEAD inhibition can significantly block tumour growth. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the CLDN18-ARHGAP26 fusion is a gain-of-function DGC oncogene that leads to activation of RHOA and activation of FAK and YAP signalling. These results argue for further evaluation of emerging FAK and YAP-TEAD inhibitors for these deadly cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Varun Sahu
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ke Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianxia Li
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pratyusha Bala
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daulet Aitymbayev
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pranshu Sahgal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antje Schaefer
- Universty of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sandra Ryeom
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sam Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nilay Sethi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adam J Bass
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Haisheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Signet Therapeutics, Shenzhen, China
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16
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Taylor J, Dubois F, Bergot E, Levallet G. Targeting the Hippo pathway to prevent radioresistance brain metastases from the lung (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:68. [PMID: 38785155 PMCID: PMC11155713 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for patients with non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a cancer type which represents 85% of all lung cancers, is poor with a 5‑year survival rate of 19%, mainly because NSCLC is diagnosed at an advanced and metastatic stage. Despite recent therapeutic advancements, ~50% of patients with NSCLC will develop brain metastases (BMs). Either surgical BM treatment alone for symptomatic patients and patients with single cerebral metastases, or in combination with stereotactic radiotherapy (RT) for patients who are not suitable for surgery or presenting with fewer than four cerebral lesions with a diameter range of 5‑30 mm, or whole‑brain RT for numerous or large BMs can be administered. However, radioresistance (RR) invariably prevents the action of RT. Several mechanisms of RR have been described including hypoxia, cellular stress, presence of cancer stem cells, dysregulation of apoptosis and/or autophagy, dysregulation of the cell cycle, changes in cellular metabolism, epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition, overexpression of programmed cell death‑ligand 1 and activation several signaling pathways; however, the role of the Hippo signaling pathway in RR is unclear. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway in NSCLC confers metastatic properties, and inhibitors targeting this pathway are currently in development. It is therefore essential to evaluate the effect of inhibiting the Hippo pathway, particularly the effector yes‑associated protein‑1, on cerebral metastases originating from lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Taylor
- University of Caen Normandy, National Center for Scientific Research, Normandy University, Unit of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancers and Cerebral Tissues (ISTCT)-UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, F-14074 Caen, France
| | - Fatéméh Dubois
- University of Caen Normandy, National Center for Scientific Research, Normandy University, Unit of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancers and Cerebral Tissues (ISTCT)-UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, F-14074 Caen, France
- Departments of Pathology, and Thoracic Oncology, Caen University Hospital, F-14033 Caen, France
| | - Emmanuel Bergot
- University of Caen Normandy, National Center for Scientific Research, Normandy University, Unit of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancers and Cerebral Tissues (ISTCT)-UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, F-14074 Caen, France
- Departments of Pneumology and Thoracic Oncology, Caen University Hospital, F-14033 Caen, France
| | - Guénaëlle Levallet
- University of Caen Normandy, National Center for Scientific Research, Normandy University, Unit of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies for Cancers and Cerebral Tissues (ISTCT)-UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, F-14074 Caen, France
- Departments of Pathology, and Thoracic Oncology, Caen University Hospital, F-14033 Caen, France
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17
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Chapeau EA, Sansregret L, Galli GG, Chène P, Wartmann M, Mourikis TP, Jaaks P, Baltschukat S, Barbosa IAM, Bauer D, Brachmann SM, Delaunay C, Estadieu C, Faris JE, Furet P, Harlfinger S, Hueber A, Jiménez Núñez E, Kodack DP, Mandon E, Martin T, Mesrouze Y, Romanet V, Scheufler C, Sellner H, Stamm C, Sterker D, Tordella L, Hofmann F, Soldermann N, Schmelzle T. Direct and selective pharmacological disruption of the YAP-TEAD interface by IAG933 inhibits Hippo-dependent and RAS-MAPK-altered cancers. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:1102-1120. [PMID: 38565920 PMCID: PMC11286534 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00754-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction mediates YAP oncogenic functions downstream of the Hippo pathway. To date, available YAP-TEAD pharmacologic agents bind into the lipid pocket of TEAD, targeting the interaction indirectly via allosteric changes. However, the consequences of a direct pharmacological disruption of the interface between YAP and TEADs remain largely unexplored. Here, we present IAG933 and its analogs as potent first-in-class and selective disruptors of the YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction with suitable properties to enter clinical trials. Pharmacologic abrogation of the interaction with all four TEAD paralogs resulted in YAP eviction from chromatin and reduced Hippo-mediated transcription and induction of cell death. In vivo, deep tumor regression was observed in Hippo-driven mesothelioma xenografts at tolerated doses in animal models as well as in Hippo-altered cancer models outside mesothelioma. Importantly this also extended to larger tumor indications, such as lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancer, in combination with RTK, KRAS-mutant selective and MAPK inhibitors, leading to more efficacious and durable responses. Clinical evaluation of IAG933 is underway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Bauer
- Novartis BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Pascal Furet
- Novartis BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Harlfinger
- Novartis BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- AstraZeneca, Oncology R&D, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Hofmann
- Novartis BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Pierre Fabre Group, R&D Medical Care, Toulouse, France
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18
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Kyrkou A, Valla R, Zhang Y, Ambrosi G, Laier S, Müller-Decker K, Boutros M, Teleman AA. G6PD and ACSL3 are synthetic lethal partners of NF2 in Schwann cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5115. [PMID: 38879607 PMCID: PMC11180199 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49298-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type II (NFII) is a genetic condition caused by loss of the NF2 gene, resulting in activation of the YAP/TAZ pathway and recurrent Schwann cell tumors, as well as meningiomas and ependymomas. Unfortunately, few pharmacological options are available for NFII. Here, we undertake a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen to search for synthetic-lethal genes that, when inhibited, cause death of NF2 mutant Schwann cells but not NF2 wildtype cells. We identify ACSL3 and G6PD as two synthetic-lethal partners for NF2, both involved in lipid biogenesis and cellular redox. We find that NF2 mutant Schwann cells are more oxidized than control cells, in part due to reduced expression of genes involved in NADPH generation such as ME1. Since G6PD and ME1 redundantly generate cytosolic NADPH, lack of either one is compatible with cell viability, but not down-regulation of both. Since genetic deficiency for G6PD is tolerated in the human population, G6PD could be a good pharmacological target for NFII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Kyrkou
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division B140, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Human Genetics, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Valla
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division B140, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Human Genetics, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yao Zhang
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division B140, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Human Genetics, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giulia Ambrosi
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Div. Signaling and Functional Genomics, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Laier
- Core Facility Tumor Models, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karin Müller-Decker
- Core Facility Tumor Models, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Human Genetics, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Div. Signaling and Functional Genomics, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aurelio A Teleman
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division B140, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Human Genetics, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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19
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Thatikonda V, Supper V, Wachter J, Kaya O, Kombara A, Bilgilier C, Ravichandran MC, Lipp JJ, Sharma R, Badertscher L, Boghossian AS, Rees MG, Ronan MM, Roth JA, Grosche S, Neumüller RA, Mair B, Mauri F, Popa A. Genetic dependencies associated with transcription factor activities in human cancer cell lines. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114175. [PMID: 38691456 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are important mediators of aberrant transcriptional programs in cancer cells. In this study, we focus on TF activity (TFa) as a biomarker for cell-line-selective anti-proliferative effects, in that high TFa predicts sensitivity to loss of function of a given gene (i.e., genetic dependencies [GDs]). Our linear-regression-based framework identifies 3,047 pan-cancer and 3,952 cancer-type-specific candidate TFa-GD associations from cell line data, which are then cross-examined for impact on survival in patient cohorts. One of the most prominent biomarkers is TEAD1 activity, whose associations with its predicted GDs are validated through experimental evidence as proof of concept. Overall, these TFa-GD associations represent an attractive resource for identifying innovative, biomarker-driven hypotheses for drug discovery programs in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venu Thatikonda
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria.
| | - Verena Supper
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Johannes Wachter
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Onur Kaya
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Anju Kombara
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Ceren Bilgilier
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | | | - Jesse J Lipp
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Myllia Biotechnology GmbH, Am Kanal 27, Vienna 1110, Austria
| | | | | | - Matthew G Rees
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Melissa M Ronan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jennifer A Roth
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sarah Grosche
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Ralph A Neumüller
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Barbara Mair
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Federico Mauri
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria
| | - Alexandra Popa
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Doktor-Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1120, Austria.
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20
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Bertoli E, De Carlo E, Bortolot M, Stanzione B, Del Conte A, Spina M, Bearz A. Targeted Therapy in Mesotheliomas: Uphill All the Way. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1971. [PMID: 38893092 PMCID: PMC11171080 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111971] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive and lethal disease with few therapeutic opportunities. Platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy is the backbone of first-line treatment for MM. The introduction of immunotherapy (IO) has been the only novelty of the last decades, allowing an increase in survival compared to standard chemotherapy (CT). However, IO is not approved for epithelioid histology in many countries. Therefore, therapy for relapsed MM remains an unmet clinical need, and the prognosis of MM remains poor, with an average survival of only 18 months. Increasing evidence reveals MM complexity and heterogeneity, of which histological classification fails to explain. Thus, scientific focus on possibly new molecular markers or cellular targets is increasing, together with the search for target therapies directed towards them. The molecular landscape of MM is characterized by inactivating tumor suppressor alterations, the most common of which is found in CDKN2A, BAP1, MTAP, and NF2. In addition, cellular targets such as mesothelin or metabolic enzymes such as ASS1 could be potentially amenable to specific therapies. This review examines the major targets and relative attempts of therapeutic approaches to provide an overview of the potential prospects for treating this rare neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bertoli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Elisa De Carlo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Martina Bortolot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Brigida Stanzione
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandro Del Conte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Michele Spina
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandra Bearz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (E.B.); (E.D.C.); (M.B.); (B.S.); (A.D.C.); (M.S.)
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21
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Kim J, Jin H, Kim J, Cho SY, Moon S, Wang J, Mao J, No KT. Leveraging the Fragment Molecular Orbital and MM-GBSA Methods in Virtual Screening for the Discovery of Novel Non-Covalent Inhibitors Targeting the TEAD Lipid Binding Pocket. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5358. [PMID: 38791396 PMCID: PMC11121470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105358] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway controls organ size and homeostasis and is linked to numerous diseases, including cancer. The transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) family of transcription factors acts as a receptor for downstream effectors, namely yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), which binds to various transcription factors and is essential for stimulated gene transcription. YAP/TAZ-TEAD facilitates the upregulation of multiple genes involved in evolutionary cell proliferation and survival. TEAD1-4 overexpression has been observed in different cancers in various tissues, making TEAD an attractive target for drug development. The central drug-accessible pocket of TEAD is crucial because it undergoes a post-translational modification called auto-palmitoylation. Crystal structures of the C-terminal TEAD complex with small molecules are available in the Protein Data Bank, aiding structure-based drug design. In this study, we utilized the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, shape-based screening, and molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) calculations for virtual screening, and we identified a novel non-covalent inhibitor-BC-001-with IC50 = 3.7 μM in a reporter assay. Subsequently, we optimized several analogs of BC-001 and found that the optimized compound BC-011 exhibited an IC50 of 72.43 nM. These findings can be used to design effective TEAD modulators with anticancer therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongwan Kim
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Haiyan Jin
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Jinhyuk Kim
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.W.); (J.M.)
- Baobab AiBIO Co., Ltd., Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Seon Yeon Cho
- Baobab AiBIO Co., Ltd., Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Sungho Moon
- Baobab AiBIO Co., Ltd., Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Jianmin Wang
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Jiashun Mao
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Kyoung Tai No
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.W.); (J.M.)
- Baobab AiBIO Co., Ltd., Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.C.); (S.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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22
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Fan Z, Hao Y, Huo Y, Cao F, Li L, Xu J, Song Y, Yang K. Modulators for palmitoylation of proteins and small molecules. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116408. [PMID: 38621327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116408] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
As an essential form of lipid modification for maintaining vital cellular functions, palmitoylation plays an important role in in the regulation of various physiological processes, serving as a promising therapeutic target for diseases like cancer and neurological disorders. Ongoing research has revealed that palmitoylation can be categorized into three distinct types: N-palmitoylation, O-palmitoylation and S-palmitoylation. Herein this paper provides an overview of the regulatory enzymes involved in palmitoylation, including palmitoyltransferases and depalmitoylases, and discusses the currently available broad-spectrum and selective inhibitors for these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeshuai Fan
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Yuchen Hao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Yidan Huo
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Fei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Jianmei Xu
- Department of hematopathology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Yali Song
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Kan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China.
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23
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Guo S, Hu X, Cotton JL, Ma L, Li Q, Cui J, Wang Y, Thakare RP, Tao Z, Ip YT, Wu X, Wang J, Mao J. VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusion proteins drive YAP/TAZ-independent transcription and tumorigenesis by engaging p300. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592016. [PMID: 38746415 PMCID: PMC11092657 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Studies on Hippo pathway regulation of tumorigenesis largely center on YAP and TAZ, the transcriptional co-regulators of TEAD. Here, we present an oncogenic mechanism involving VGLL and TEAD fusions that is Hippo pathway-related but YAP/TAZ-independent. We characterize two recurrent fusions, VGLL2-NCOA2 and TEAD1-NCOA2, recently identified in spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. We demonstrate that, in contrast to VGLL2 and TEAD1, the fusion proteins are strong activators of TEAD-dependent transcription, and their function does not require YAP/TAZ. Furthermore, we identify that VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusions engage specific epigenetic regulation by recruiting histone acetyltransferase p300 to control TEAD-mediated transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes. We showed that small molecule p300 inhibition can suppress fusion proteins-induced oncogenic transformation both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our study reveals a molecular basis for VGLL involvement in cancer and provides a framework for targeting tumors carrying VGLL, TEAD, or NCOA translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Xiaodi Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Cotton
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Lifang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jiangtao Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Ritesh P. Thakare
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Zhipeng Tao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Y. Tony Ip
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Xu Wu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No 241, West Huaihai Road, Shanghai, P. R., 200030, China
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, USA
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24
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Haderk F, Chou YT, Cech L, Fernández-Méndez C, Yu J, Olivas V, Meraz IM, Barbosa Rabago D, Kerr DL, Gomez C, Allegakoen DV, Guan J, Shah KN, Herrington KA, Gbenedio OM, Nanjo S, Majidi M, Tamaki W, Pourmoghadam YK, Rotow JK, McCoach CE, Riess JW, Gutkind JS, Tang TT, Post L, Huang B, Santisteban P, Goodarzi H, Bandyopadhyay S, Kuo CJ, Roose JP, Wu W, Blakely CM, Roth JA, Bivona TG. Focal adhesion kinase-YAP signaling axis drives drug-tolerant persister cells and residual disease in lung cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3741. [PMID: 38702301 PMCID: PMC11068778 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47423-0] [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: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy is effective in many tumor types including lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality. Paradigm defining examples are targeted therapies directed against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtypes with oncogenic alterations in EGFR, ALK and KRAS. The success of targeted therapy is limited by drug-tolerant persister cells (DTPs) which withstand and adapt to treatment and comprise the residual disease state that is typical during treatment with clinical targeted therapies. Here, we integrate studies in patient-derived and immunocompetent lung cancer models and clinical specimens obtained from patients on targeted therapy to uncover a focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-YAP signaling axis that promotes residual disease during oncogenic EGFR-, ALK-, and KRAS-targeted therapies. FAK-YAP signaling inhibition combined with the primary targeted therapy suppressed residual drug-tolerant cells and enhanced tumor responses. This study unveils a FAK-YAP signaling module that promotes residual disease in lung cancer and mechanism-based therapeutic strategies to improve tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Haderk
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yu-Ting Chou
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Cech
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Celia Fernández-Méndez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científícas (CSIC) y Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Johnny Yu
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor Olivas
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ismail M Meraz
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dora Barbosa Rabago
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Lucas Kerr
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Gomez
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David V Allegakoen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juan Guan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Khyati N Shah
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kari A Herrington
- Center for Advanced Light Microscopy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Shigeki Nanjo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mourad Majidi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Whitney Tamaki
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yashar K Pourmoghadam
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia K Rotow
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caroline E McCoach
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Riess
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tracy T Tang
- Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., 1500 Fashion Island Blvd., Suite 102, San Mateo, CA, USA
| | - Leonard Post
- Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., 1500 Fashion Island Blvd., Suite 102, San Mateo, CA, USA
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pilar Santisteban
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científícas (CSIC) y Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hani Goodarzi
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sourav Bandyopadhyay
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeroen P Roose
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Collin M Blakely
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jack A Roth
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Trever G Bivona
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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25
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Liang H, Xu Y, Zhao J, Chen M, Wang M. Hippo pathway in non-small cell lung cancer: mechanisms, potential targets, and biomarkers. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:652-666. [PMID: 38499647 PMCID: PMC11101353 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00761-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the primary contributor to cancer-related deaths globally, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes around 85% of all lung cancer cases. Recently, the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment of NSCLC and greatly improved patients' survival. However, drug resistance is inevitable, and extensive research has demonstrated that the Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in the development of drug resistance in NSCLC. The Hippo pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway that is essential for various biological processes, including organ development, maintenance of epithelial balance, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and immune regulation. This pathway exerts its effects through two key transcription factors, namely Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). They regulate gene expression by interacting with the transcriptional-enhanced associate domain (TEAD) family. In recent years, this pathway has been extensively studied in NSCLC. The review summarizes a comprehensive overview of the involvement of this pathway in NSCLC, and discusses the mechanisms of drug resistance, potential targets, and biomarkers associated with this pathway in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongge Liang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mengzhao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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26
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Mills KR, Misra J, Torabifard H. Allosteric Modulation of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD Interaction by Palmitoylation and Small-Molecule Inhibitors. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3795-3806. [PMID: 38606592 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is a highly conserved signaling network that plays a central role in regulating cellular growth, proliferation, and organ size. This pathway consists of a kinase cascade that integrates various upstream signals to control the activation or inactivation of YAP/TAZ proteins. Phosphorylated YAP/TAZ is sequestered in the cytoplasm; however, when the Hippo pathway is deactivated, it translocates into the nucleus, where it associates with TEAD transcription factors. This partnership is instrumental in regulating the transcription of progrowth and antiapoptotic genes. Thus, in many cancers, aberrantly hyperactivated YAP/TAZ promotes oncogenesis by contributing to cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Because YAP and TAZ exert their oncogenic effects by binding with TEAD, it is critical to understand this key interaction to develop cancer therapeutics. Previous research has indicated that TEAD undergoes autopalmitoylation at a conserved cysteine, and small molecules that inhibit TEAD palmitoylation disrupt effective YAP/TAZ binding. However, how exactly palmitoylation contributes to YAP/TAZ-TEAD interactions and how the TEAD palmitoylation inhibitors disrupt this interaction remains unknown. Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations, our investigation not only provides detailed atomistic insight into the YAP/TAZ-TEAD dynamics but also unveils that the inhibitor studied influences the binding of YAP and TAZ to TEAD in distinct manners. This discovery has significant implications for the design and deployment of future molecular interventions targeting this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira R Mills
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Jyoti Misra
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Hedieh Torabifard
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
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27
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Ogimoto T, Ozasa H, Tsuji T, Funazo T, Yamazoe M, Hashimoto K, Yoshida H, Hosoya K, Ajimizu H, Nomizo T, Yoshida H, Hamaji M, Menju T, Yoshizawa A, Date H, Hirai T. Combination Therapy with EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and TEAD Inhibitor Increases Tumor Suppression Effects in EGFR Mutation-positive Lung Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:564-576. [PMID: 38052760 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are the first-line therapies for EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer. EGFR-TKIs have favorable therapeutic effects. However, a large proportion of patients with EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer subsequently relapse. Some cancer cells survive the initial treatment with EGFR-TKIs, and this initial survival may be associated with subsequent recurrence. Therefore, we aimed to overcome the initial survival against EGFR-TKIs. We hypothesized that yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is involved in the initial survival against EGFR-TKIs, and we confirmed the combined effect of EGFR-TKIs and a YAP1-TEAD pathway inhibitor. The KTOR27 (EGFR kinase domain duplication) lung cancer cell lines established from a patient with EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer and commercially available PC-9 and HCC827 (EGFR exon 19 deletions) lung cancer cell lines were used. These cells were used to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of VT104, a TEAD inhibitor. In addition, YAP1 involvement was investigated in pathologic specimens. YAP1 was activated by short-term EGFR-TKI treatment in EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer cells. In addition, inhibiting YAP1 function using siRNA increased the sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs. Combination therapy with VT104 and EGFR-TKIs showed better tumor-suppressive effects than EGFR-TKIs alone, in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the combined effect of VT104 and EGFR-TKIs was observed regardless of the localization status of YAP1 before EGFR-TKI exposure. These results suggest that combination therapy with the TEAD inhibitor and EGFR-TKIs may improve the prognosis of patients with EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Ogimoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ozasa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuji
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoko Funazo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Yamazoe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kentaro Hashimoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoshida
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Hosoya
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hitomi Ajimizu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Nomizo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hironori Yoshida
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Hamaji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshi Menju
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshizawa
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Date
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toyohiro Hirai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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28
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Tate EW, Soday L, de la Lastra AL, Wang M, Lin H. Protein lipidation in cancer: mechanisms, dysregulation and emerging drug targets. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:240-260. [PMID: 38424304 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Protein lipidation describes a diverse class of post-translational modifications (PTMs) that is regulated by over 40 enzymes, targeting more than 1,000 substrates at over 3,000 sites. Lipidated proteins include more than 150 oncoproteins, including mediators of cancer initiation, progression and immunity, receptor kinases, transcription factors, G protein-coupled receptors and extracellular signalling proteins. Lipidation regulates the physical interactions of its protein substrates with cell membranes, regulating protein signalling and trafficking, and has a key role in metabolism and immunity. Targeting protein lipidation, therefore, offers a unique approach to modulate otherwise undruggable oncoproteins; however, the full spectrum of opportunities to target the dysregulation of these PTMs in cancer remains to be explored. This is attributable in part to the technological challenges of identifying the targets and the roles of protein lipidation. The early stage of drug discovery for many enzymes in the pathway contrasts with efforts for drugging similarly common PTMs such as phosphorylation and acetylation, which are routinely studied and targeted in relevant cancer contexts. Here, we review recent advances in identifying targetable protein lipidation pathways in cancer, the current state-of-the-art in drug discovery, and the status of ongoing clinical trials, which have the potential to deliver novel oncology therapeutics targeting protein lipidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Lior Soday
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hening Lin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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29
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Sommerauer C, Gallardo-Dodd CJ, Savva C, Hases L, Birgersson M, Indukuri R, Shen JX, Carravilla P, Geng K, Nørskov Søndergaard J, Ferrer-Aumatell C, Mercier G, Sezgin E, Korach-André M, Petersson C, Hagström H, Lauschke VM, Archer A, Williams C, Kutter C. Estrogen receptor activation remodels TEAD1 gene expression to alleviate hepatic steatosis. Mol Syst Biol 2024; 20:374-402. [PMID: 38459198 PMCID: PMC10987545 DOI: 10.1038/s44320-024-00024-x] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex-based differences in obesity-related hepatic malignancies suggest the protective roles of estrogen. Using a preclinical model, we dissected estrogen receptor (ER) isoform-driven molecular responses in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced liver diseases of male and female mice treated with or without an estrogen agonist by integrating liver multi-omics data. We found that selective ER activation recovers HFD-induced molecular and physiological liver phenotypes. HFD and systemic ER activation altered core liver pathways, beyond lipid metabolism, that are consistent between mice and primates. By including patient cohort data, we uncovered that ER-regulated enhancers govern central regulatory and metabolic genes with clinical significance in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) patients, including the transcription factor TEAD1. TEAD1 expression increased in MASLD patients, and its downregulation by short interfering RNA reduced intracellular lipid content. Subsequent TEAD small molecule inhibition improved steatosis in primary human hepatocyte spheroids by suppressing lipogenic pathways. Thus, TEAD1 emerged as a new therapeutic candidate whose inhibition ameliorates hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sommerauer
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Carlos J Gallardo-Dodd
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Christina Savva
- Department of Medicine, Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Linnea Hases
- Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Birgersson
- Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rajitha Indukuri
- Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Joanne X Shen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Pablo Carravilla
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Keyi Geng
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jonas Nørskov Søndergaard
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Clàudia Ferrer-Aumatell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Grégoire Mercier
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Erdinc Sezgin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Marion Korach-André
- Department of Medicine, Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Carl Petersson
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hannes Hagström
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Amena Archer
- Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Williams
- Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Claudia Kutter
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden.
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30
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Papavassiliou KA, Sofianidi AA, Papavassiliou AG. YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling axis: A new therapeutic target in malignant pleural mesothelioma. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18330. [PMID: 38606782 PMCID: PMC11010261 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway, a highly conserved signalling cassette, regulates organ size by controlling cell growth, apoptosis and stem cell self-renewal. The tumourigenic potential of this pathway is largely attributed to the activity of YAP/TAZ, which activate the TEAD1-4 transcription factors, leading to the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and suppression of cell death. Aberrant regulation of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling axis is commonly observed in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an insidious neoplasm of the pleural tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs with poor prognosis. Given the limited effectiveness of current treatments, targeting the YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling cascade has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in MPM. Several inhibitors of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling axis are presently undergoing clinical development, with the goal of advancing them to clinical use in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Amalia A. Sofianidi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
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31
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Kumar R, Hong W. Hippo Signaling at the Hallmarks of Cancer and Drug Resistance. Cells 2024; 13:564. [PMID: 38607003 PMCID: PMC11011035 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070564] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster in 1995, the Hippo signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in organ size control and tumor suppression by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Large tumor suppressors 1 and 2 (LATS1/2) directly phosphorylate the Yki orthologs YAP (yes-associated protein) and its paralog TAZ (also known as WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 [WWTR1]), thereby inhibiting their nuclear localization and pairing with transcriptional coactivators TEAD1-4. Earnest efforts from many research laboratories have established the role of mis-regulated Hippo signaling in tumorigenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), oncogenic stemness, and, more recently, development of drug resistances. Hippo signaling components at the heart of oncogenic adaptations fuel the development of drug resistance in many cancers for targeted therapies including KRAS and EGFR mutants. The first U.S. food and drug administration (US FDA) approval of the imatinib tyrosine kinase inhibitor in 2001 paved the way for nearly 100 small-molecule anti-cancer drugs approved by the US FDA and the national medical products administration (NMPA). However, the low response rate and development of drug resistance have posed a major hurdle to improving the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of cancer patients. Accumulating evidence has enabled scientists and clinicians to strategize the therapeutic approaches of targeting cancer cells and to navigate the development of drug resistance through the continuous monitoring of tumor evolution and oncogenic adaptations. In this review, we highlight the emerging aspects of Hippo signaling in cross-talk with other oncogenic drivers and how this information can be translated into combination therapy to target a broad range of aggressive tumors and the development of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore;
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32
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Nagel A, Huegel J, Petrilli A, Rosario R, Victoria B, Hardin HM, Fernandez-Valle C. Simultaneous inhibition of PI3K and PAK in preclinical models of neurofibromatosis type 2-related schwannomatosis. Oncogene 2024; 43:921-930. [PMID: 38336988 PMCID: PMC10959746 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02958-w] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)-related schwannomatosis is a genetic disorder that causes development of multiple types of nervous system tumors. The primary and diagnostic tumor type is bilateral vestibular schwannoma. There is no cure or drug therapy for NF2. Recommended treatments include surgical resection and radiation, both of which can leave patients with severe neurological deficits or increase the risk of future malignant tumors. Results of our previous pilot high-throughput drug screen identified phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors as strong candidates based on loss of viability of mouse merlin-deficient Schwann cells (MD-SCs). Here we used novel human schwannoma model cells to conduct combination drug screens. We identified a class I PI3K inhibitor, pictilisib and p21 activated kinase (PAK) inhibitor, PF-3758309 as the top combination due to high synergy in cell viability assays. Both single and combination therapies significantly reduced growth of mouse MD-SCs in an orthotopic allograft mouse model. The inhibitor combination promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in mouse merlin-deficient Schwann (MD-SCs) cells and cell cycle arrest in human MD-SCs. This study identifies the PI3K and PAK pathways as potential targets for combination drug treatment of NF2-related schwannomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nagel
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Julianne Huegel
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Alejandra Petrilli
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Rosa Rosario
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Berta Victoria
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Haley M Hardin
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Cristina Fernandez-Valle
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA.
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33
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Kanai R, Norton E, Stern P, Hynes RO, Lamar JM. Identification of a Gene Signature That Predicts Dependence upon YAP/TAZ-TEAD. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:852. [PMID: 38473214 PMCID: PMC10930532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050852] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are effective cancer treatments when accompanied by accurate diagnostic tests that can help identify patients that will respond to those therapies. The YAP/TAZ-TEAD axis is activated and plays a causal role in several cancer types, and TEAD inhibitors are currently in early-phase clinical trials in cancer patients. However, a lack of a reliable way to identify tumors with YAP/TAZ-TEAD activation for most cancer types makes it difficult to determine which tumors will be susceptible to TEAD inhibitors. Here, we used a combination of RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis of metastatic melanoma cells to develop a YAP/TAZ gene signature. We found that the genes in this signature are TEAD-dependent in several melanoma cell lines, and that their expression strongly correlates with YAP/TAZ activation in human melanomas. Using DepMap dependency data, we found that this YAP/TAZ signature was predictive of melanoma cell dependence upon YAP/TAZ or TEADs. Importantly, this was not limited to melanoma because this signature was also predictive when tested on a panel of over 1000 cancer cell lines representing numerous distinct cancer types. Our results suggest that YAP/TAZ gene signatures like ours may be effective tools to predict tumor cell dependence upon YAP/TAZ-TEAD, and thus potentially provide a means to identify patients likely to benefit from TEAD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Kanai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Emily Norton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Patrick Stern
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Richard O. Hynes
- Department of Biology, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - John M. Lamar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
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Song S, Zhang X, Huang Z, Zhao Y, Lu S, Zeng L, Cai F, Wang T, Pei Z, Weng X, Luo W, Lu H, Wei Z, Wu J, Yu P, Shen L, Zhang X, Sun A, Ge J. TEA domain transcription factor 1(TEAD1) induces cardiac fibroblasts cells remodeling through BRD4/Wnt4 pathway. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:45. [PMID: 38374140 PMCID: PMC10876703 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01732-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are the primary cells tasked with depositing and remodeling collagen and significantly associated with heart failure (HF). TEAD1 has been shown to be essential for heart development and homeostasis. However, fibroblast endogenous TEAD1 in cardiac remodeling remains incompletely understood. Transcriptomic analyses revealed consistently upregulated cardiac TEAD1 expression in mice 4 weeks after transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and Ang-II infusion. Further investigation revealed that CFs were the primary cell type expressing elevated TEAD1 levels in response to pressure overload. Conditional TEAD1 knockout was achieved by crossing TEAD1-floxed mice with CFs- and myofibroblasts-specific Cre mice. Echocardiographic and histological analyses demonstrated that CFs- and myofibroblasts-specific TEAD1 deficiency and treatment with TEAD1 inhibitor, VT103, ameliorated TAC-induced cardiac remodeling. Mechanistically, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis identified Wnt4 as a novel TEAD1 target. TEAD1 has been shown to promote the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition through the Wnt signalling pathway, and genetic Wnt4 knockdown inhibited the pro-transformation phenotype in CFs with TEAD1 overexpression. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase assays demonstrated interaction between TEAD1 and BET protein BRD4, leading to the binding and activation of the Wnt4 promoter. In conclusion, TEAD1 is an essential regulator of the pro-fibrotic CFs phenotype associated with pathological cardiac remodeling via the BRD4/Wnt4 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Song
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zihang Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongchao Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyang Lu
- Department of cardiac surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linqi Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengze Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongyao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pei
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Weng
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zilun Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aijun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Hypertension, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Hypertension, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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35
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Zhou X, Yan Z, Hou J, Zhang L, Chen Z, Gao C, Ahmad NH, Guo M, Wang W, Han T, Chang T, Kang X, Wang L, Liang Y, Li X. The Hippo-YAP signaling pathway drives CD24-mediated immune evasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via macrophage phagocytosis. Oncogene 2024; 43:495-510. [PMID: 38168654 PMCID: PMC10857940 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02923-z] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies in the world with poor prognosis. Despite the promising applications of immunotherapy, the objective response rate is still unsatisfactory. We have previously shown that Hippo/YAP signaling acts as a powerful tumor promoter in ESCC. However, whether Hippo/YAP signaling is involved in tumor immune escape in ESCC remains largely unknown. Here, we show that YAP directly activates transcription of the "don't eat me" signal CD24, and plays a crucial role in driving tumor cells to avoid phagocytosis by macrophages. Mechanistically, YAP regulates CD24 expression by interacting with TEAD and binding the CD24 promoter to initiate transcription, which facilitates tumor cell escape from macrophage-mediated immune attack. Our animal model data and clinical data show that YAP combined with CD24 in tumor microenvironment redefines the impact of TAMs on the prognosis of ESCC patients which will provide a valuable basis for precision medicine. Moreover, treatment with YAP inhibitor altered the distribution of macrophages and suppressed tumorigenesis and progression of ESCC in vivo. Together, our study provides a novel link between Hippo/YAP signaling and macrophage-mediated immune escape, which suggests that the Hippo-YAP-CD24 axis may act as a promising target to improve the prognosis of ESCC patients. A proposed model for the regulatory mechanism of Hippo-YAP-CD24-signaling axis in the tumor-associated macrophages mediated immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Zhou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Ziyi Yan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Jinghan Hou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Lichen Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of immunology and targeted therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Department of Biomedical Science Advanced Medical and Science Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Can Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Nor Hazwani Ahmad
- Department of Biomedical Science Advanced Medical and Science Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mingzhou Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, PR China
| | - Weilong Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Department of Biomedical Science Advanced Medical and Science Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Tao Han
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Tingmin Chang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Kang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Lidong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research of The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yinming Liang
- Henan Key Laboratory of immunology and targeted therapy, School of Laboratory Medicine, Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China
| | - Xiumin Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Therapy Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China.
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory for Molecular Therapy of Cancer, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan Province, PR China.
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36
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Yu G, Sun M, Zhang T, Xu H, Wang J, Ye W, Wang P, Zhang S, Zhang C, Sun Y. Lanhuashen stimulates the positive cross-regulation mediated by the S1P axis to ameliorate the disorder of glucolipid metabolism induced by the high sucrose diet in Drosophila melanogaster. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117248. [PMID: 37804923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Herba Wanlenbergiae, named 'Lanhuashen' (LHS) in Chinese, is derived from the dried herba of Wahlenbergia marginata (Thunb.) A.DC. It is an abundant resource that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 600 years. LHS has the effects of enriching consumptive disease and relieving deficient heat, consistent with the therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in TCM. As the basic remedy of Yulan Jiangtang capsules, a listed Chinese medicine specifically for treating T2DM, LHS is a potential candidate for an anti-T2DM drug. However, due to the lack of pharmacodynamic studies and chemical component analysis, the application and development of LHS as a treatment for T2DM have been hindered. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the regulation of the disorder of glucolipid metabolism using LHS extracts and its therapeutic potential in T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chemical components in LHS extracts were analysed using UPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap-MS. Subsequently, high sucrose diet (HSD)-induced Drosophila melanogaster were used as suitable models for T2DM in vivo. Behavioural and biochemical tests were performed to evaluate the regulation of the disorder of glucolipid metabolism using LHS in T2DM flies. Furthermore, integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis was applied to reveal the specific effects of LHS extracts on metabolites and genes. Meanwhile, bioinformatic analysis was carried out to predict the targeted transcription factors (TFs) and potentially effective components of LHS extracts. RESULTS We redefined the chemical profile of LHS with 76 identified chemical components, including 65 chemical components for the first time. As indicated by decreased trehalose, glucose and triglyceride levels and increased total protein levels, LHS extracts were perceived to alleviate the disorder of glucolipid metabolism in HSD-induced T2DM fruit flies. Integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis revealed that LHS extracts eliminated the accumulation of sphingolipids and subsequently stimulated the positive cross-regulation mediated by the sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) axis, resulting in the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway and inhibition of lysosome-mediated apoptosis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the upstream TFs, transcriptional enhancer factor TEF-5 (TEAD3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), were the potential targets of atractylenolide III, dihydrokaempferol and syringaldehyde, the potentially effective components of LHS extracts. Therefore, this TF network was plausibly the basis for the efficacy. CONCLUSIONS LHS extracts broadly modulated TF-dependent gene expression and subsequently stimulated the positive cross-regulation mediated by the S1P axis to ameliorate the disorder of glucolipid metabolism. Our study provides critical evidence considering LHS as a potential drug candidate for T2DM, inspiring the discovery and development of innovative therapeutic agents based on the cross-regulation mediated by the S1P axis for treating T2DM and related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengyuan Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
| | - Mo Sun
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Tonghua Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
| | - Haoran Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
| | - Wanting Ye
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
| | - Shiyun Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
| | - Chenning Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China.
| | - Yikun Sun
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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Hillen H, Candi A, Vanderhoydonck B, Kowalczyk W, Sansores-Garcia L, Kesikiadou EC, Van Huffel L, Spiessens L, Nijs M, Soons E, Haeck W, Klaassen H, Smets W, Spieser SA, Marchand A, Chaltin P, Ciesielski F, Debaene F, Chen L, Kamal A, Gwaltney SL, Versele M, Halder GA. A Novel Irreversible TEAD Inhibitor, SWTX-143, Blocks Hippo Pathway Transcriptional Output and Causes Tumor Regression in Preclinical Mesothelioma Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:3-13. [PMID: 37748190 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway and its downstream effectors, the YAP and TAZ transcriptional coactivators, are deregulated in multiple different types of human cancer and are required for cancer cell phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, while largely dispensable for tissue homeostasis in adult mice. YAP/TAZ and their main partner transcription factors, the TEAD1-4 factors, are therefore promising anticancer targets. Because of frequent YAP/TAZ hyperactivation caused by mutations in the Hippo pathway components NF2 and LATS2, mesothelioma is one of the prime cancer types predicted to be responsive to YAP/TAZ-TEAD inhibitor treatment. Mesothelioma is a devastating disease for which currently no effective treatment options exist. Here, we describe a novel covalent YAP/TAZ-TEAD inhibitor, SWTX-143, that binds to the palmitoylation pocket of all four TEAD isoforms. SWTX-143 caused irreversible and specific inhibition of the transcriptional activity of YAP/TAZ-TEAD in Hippo-mutant tumor cell lines. More importantly, YAP/TAZ-TEAD inhibitor treatment caused strong mesothelioma regression in subcutaneous xenograft models with human cells and in an orthotopic mesothelioma mouse model. Finally, SWTX-143 also selectively impaired the growth of NF2-mutant kidney cancer cell lines, suggesting that the sensitivity of mesothelioma models to these YAP/TAZ-TEAD inhibitors can be extended to other tumor types with aberrations in Hippo signaling. In brief, we describe a novel and specific YAP/TAZ-TEAD inhibitor that has potential to treat multiple Hippo-mutant solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Hillen
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Weronika Kowalczyk
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leticia Sansores-Garcia
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena C Kesikiadou
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Van Huffel
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lore Spiessens
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Chaltin
- Cistim Leuven vzw, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Lei Chen
- SpringWorks Therapeutics, Stamford, Connecticut
| | | | | | | | - Georg A Halder
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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38
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Mukhopadhyay S, Huang HY, Lin Z, Ranieri M, Li S, Sahu S, Liu Y, Ban Y, Guidry K, Hu H, Lopez A, Sherman F, Tan YJ, Lee YT, Armstrong AP, Dolgalev I, Sahu P, Zhang T, Lu W, Gray NS, Christensen JG, Tang TT, Velcheti V, Khodadadi-Jamayran A, Wong KK, Neel BG. Genome-Wide CRISPR Screens Identify Multiple Synthetic Lethal Targets That Enhance KRASG12C Inhibitor Efficacy. Cancer Res 2023; 83:4095-4111. [PMID: 37729426 PMCID: PMC10841254 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-small lung cancers (NSCLC) frequently (∼30%) harbor KRAS driver mutations, half of which are KRASG12C. KRAS-mutant NSCLC with comutated STK11 and/or KEAP1 is particularly refractory to conventional, targeted, and immune therapy. Development of KRASG12C inhibitors (G12Ci) provided a major therapeutic advance, but resistance still limits their efficacy. To identify genes whose deletion augments efficacy of the G12Cis adagrasib (MRTX-849) or adagrasib plus TNO155 (SHP2i), we performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens on KRAS/STK11-mutant NSCLC lines. Recurrent, potentially targetable, synthetic lethal (SL) genes were identified, including serine-threonine kinases, tRNA-modifying and proteoglycan synthesis enzymes, and YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway components. Several SL genes were confirmed by siRNA/shRNA experiments, and the YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway was extensively validated in vitro and in mice. Mechanistic studies showed that G12Ci treatment induced gene expression of RHO paralogs and activators, increased RHOA activation, and evoked ROCK-dependent nuclear translocation of YAP. Mice and patients with acquired G12Ci- or G12Ci/SHP2i-resistant tumors showed strong overlap with SL pathways, arguing for the relevance of the screen results. These findings provide a landscape of potential targets for future combination strategies, some of which can be tested rapidly in the clinic. SIGNIFICANCE Identification of synthetic lethal genes with KRASG12C using genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening and credentialing of the ability of TEAD inhibition to enhance KRASG12C efficacy provides a roadmap for combination strategies. See related commentary by Johnson and Haigis, p. 4005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Mukhopadhyay
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Hsin-Yi Huang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Ziyan Lin
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, Office of Science and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Michela Ranieri
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Shuai Li
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Soumyadip Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Yingzhuo Liu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Yi Ban
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Kayla Guidry
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Hai Hu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Alfonso Lopez
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Fiona Sherman
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Yi Jer Tan
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Yeuan Ting Lee
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Amanda P. Armstrong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Igor Dolgalev
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Priyanka Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, United States
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, United States
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, United States
| | | | - Tracy T. Tang
- Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., San Mateo, California, United States
| | - Vamsidhar Velcheti
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Alireza Khodadadi-Jamayran
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, Office of Science and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Benjamin G. Neel
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
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Edwards AC, Stalnecker CA, Morales AJ, Taylor KE, Klomp JE, Klomp JA, Waters AM, Sudhakar N, Hallin J, Tang TT, Olson P, Post L, Christensen JG, Cox AD, Der CJ. TEAD Inhibition Overcomes YAP1/TAZ-Driven Primary and Acquired Resistance to KRASG12C Inhibitors. Cancer Res 2023; 83:4112-4129. [PMID: 37934103 PMCID: PMC10821578 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary/intrinsic and treatment-induced acquired resistance limit the initial response rate to and long-term efficacy of direct inhibitors of the KRASG12C mutant in cancer. To identify potential mechanisms of resistance, we applied a CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function screen and observed loss of multiple components of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, which acts to suppress YAP1/TAZ-regulated gene transcription. YAP1/TAZ activation impaired the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of KRASG12C inhibitor (G12Ci) treatment in KRASG12C-mutant cancer cell lines. Conversely, genetic suppression of YAP1/WWTR1 (TAZ) enhanced G12Ci sensitivity. YAP1/TAZ activity overcame KRAS dependency through two distinct TEAD transcription factor-dependent mechanisms, which phenocopy KRAS effector signaling. First, TEAD stimulated ERK-independent transcription of genes normally regulated by ERK (BIRC5, CDC20, ECT2, FOSL1, and MYC) to promote progression through the cell cycle. Second, TEAD caused activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling to overcome apoptosis. G12Ci treatment-induced acquired resistance was also caused by YAP1/TAZ-TEAD activation. Accordingly, concurrent treatment with pharmacologic inhibitors of TEAD synergistically enhanced KRASG12C inhibitor antitumor activity in vitro and prolonged tumor suppression in vivo. In summary, these observations reveal YAP1/TAZ-TEAD signaling as a crucial driver of primary and acquired resistance to KRAS inhibition and support the use of TEAD inhibitors to enhance the antitumor efficacy of KRAS-targeted therapies. SIGNIFICANCE YAP1/TAZ-TEAD activation compensates for loss of KRAS effector signaling, establishing a mechanistic basis for concurrent inhibition of TEAD to enhance the efficacy of KRASG12C-selective inhibitor treatment of KRASG12C-mutant cancers. See related commentary by Johnson and Haigis, p. 4005.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Cole Edwards
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Clint A. Stalnecker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alexis Jean Morales
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Khalilah E. Taylor
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer E. Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey A. Klomp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Andrew M. Waters
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Jill Hallin
- Mirati Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Peter Olson
- Mirati Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Leonard Post
- Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., San Mateo, California
| | | | - Adrienne D. Cox
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Channing J. Der
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Cerbone L, Orecchia S, Bertino P, Delfanti S, de Angelis AM, Grosso F. Clinical Next Generation Sequencing Application in Mesothelioma: Finding a Golden Needle in the Haystack. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5716. [PMID: 38136262 PMCID: PMC10741845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245716] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma comprises a group of rare cancers arising from the mesothelium of the pleura, peritoneum, tunica vaginalis testis and pericardium. Mesothelioma is generally associated with asbestos exposure and has a dismal prognosis, with few therapeutic options. Several next generation sequencing (NGS) experiments have been performed on mesothelioma arising at different sites. These studies highlight a genomic landscape mainly characterized by a high prevalence (>20%) of genomic aberrations leading to functional losses in oncosuppressor genes such as BAP1, CDKN2A, NF2, SETD2 and TP53. Nevertheless, to date, evidence of the effect of targeting these alterations with specific drugs is lacking. Conversely, 1-2% of mesothelioma might harbor activating mutations in oncogenes with specifically approved drugs. The goal of this review is to summarize NGS applications in mesothelioma and to provide insights into target therapy of mesothelioma guided by NGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cerbone
- Mesothelioma Unit, SS Antonio e and Biagio Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (L.C.); (P.B.); (S.D.); (A.M.d.A.)
| | - Sara Orecchia
- Molecular Pathology Unit, SS Antonio e and Biagio Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy;
| | - Pietro Bertino
- Mesothelioma Unit, SS Antonio e and Biagio Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (L.C.); (P.B.); (S.D.); (A.M.d.A.)
| | - Sara Delfanti
- Mesothelioma Unit, SS Antonio e and Biagio Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (L.C.); (P.B.); (S.D.); (A.M.d.A.)
| | - Antonina Maria de Angelis
- Mesothelioma Unit, SS Antonio e and Biagio Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (L.C.); (P.B.); (S.D.); (A.M.d.A.)
| | - Federica Grosso
- Mesothelioma Unit, SS Antonio e and Biagio Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (L.C.); (P.B.); (S.D.); (A.M.d.A.)
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Driskill JH, Pan D. Control of stem cell renewal and fate by YAP and TAZ. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:895-911. [PMID: 37626124 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Complex physiological processes control whether stem cells self-renew, differentiate or remain quiescent. Two decades of research have placed the Hippo pathway, a highly conserved kinase signalling cascade, and its downstream molecular effectors YAP and TAZ at the nexus of this decision. YAP and TAZ translate complex biological cues acting on stem cells - from mechanical forces to cellular metabolism - into genome-wide effects to mediate stem cell functions. While aberrant YAP/TAZ activity drives stem cell dysfunction in ageing, tumorigenesis and disease, therapeutic targeting of Hippo signalling and YAP/TAZ can boost stem cell activity to enhance regeneration. In this Review, we discuss how YAP/TAZ control the self-renewal, fate and plasticity of stem cells in different contexts, how dysregulation of YAP/TAZ in stem cells leads to disease, and how therapeutic modalities targeting YAP/TAZ may benefit regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan H Driskill
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Duojia Pan
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Evsen L, Morris PJ, Thomas CJ, Ceribelli M. Comparative Assessment and High-Throughput Drug-Combination Profiling of TEAD-Palmitoylation Inhibitors in Hippo Pathway Deficient Mesothelioma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1635. [PMID: 38139762 PMCID: PMC10747288 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121635] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippo signaling pathway is a central tumor suppressor cascade frequently inactivated in selected human cancers, leading to the aberrant activation of TEAD transcription factors. Whereas several TEAD auto-palmitoylation inhibitors are currently in development, a comprehensive assessment of this novel drug-modality is missing. Here, we report a comparative analysis among six TEADi(s) using cell-based and biochemical assays in Hippo pathway deficient mesothelioma. Our analysis revealed varying potency and selectivity across TEADi, also highlighting their limited efficacy. To overcome this limitation, we performed an unbiased, quantitative high-throughput drug screening by combining the TEADi VT-103 with a library of approximately 3000 oncology-focused drugs. By exploiting this library's mechanistic redundancy, we identified several drug-classes robustly synergized with TEADi. These included glucocorticoid-receptor (GR) agonists, Mek1/2 inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and PI3K inhibitors, among others. Altogether, we report a coherent single-agent dataset informing on potency and selectivity of TEAD-palmitoylation inhibitors as single-agents. We also describe a rational pipeline enabling the systematic identification of TEAD druggable co-dependencies. This data should support the pre-clinical development of drug combination strategies for the treatment of Hippo-deficient mesothelioma, and more broadly, for other cancers dependent on the oncogenic activity of YAP/TEAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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43
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Talukdar PD, Chatterji U. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:427. [PMID: 37953273 PMCID: PMC10641101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01651-w] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey Talukdar
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Urmi Chatterji
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
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Fernandez-Valle C, Nagel A, Huegel J, Petrilli A, Rosario R, Victoria B, Hardin H. Simultaneous Inhibition of PI3K and PAK in Preclinical Models of Neurofibromatosis Type 2-related Schwannomatosis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3405297. [PMID: 37886501 PMCID: PMC10602174 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3405297/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)-related schwannomatosis is a genetic disorder that causes development of multiple types of nervous system tumors. The primary and diagnostic tumor type is bilateral vestibular schwannoma. There is no cure or drug therapy for NF2. Recommended treatments include surgical resection and radiation, both of which can leave patients with severe neurological deficits or increase the risk of future malignant tumors. Results of our previous pilot high-throughput drug screen identified phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors as strong candidates based on loss of viability of mouse merlin-deficient Schwann cells (MD-SCs). Here we used novel human schwannoma model cells to conduct combination drug screens. We identified a class I PI3K inhibitor, pictilisib and p21 activated kinase (PAK) inhibitor, PF-3758309 as the top combination due to high synergy in cell viability assays. Both single and combination therapies significantly reduced growth of mouse MD-SCs in an orthotopic allograft mouse model. The inhibitor combination promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in mouse merlin-deficient Schwann (MD-SCs) cells and cell cycle arrest in human MD-SCs. This study identifies the PI3K and PAK pathways as potential targets for combination drug treatment of NF2-related schwannomatosis.
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45
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Kofler M, Kapus A. Nuclear Import and Export of YAP and TAZ. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4956. [PMID: 37894323 PMCID: PMC10605228 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204956] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated Protein (YAP) and its paralog Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding Motif (TAZ) are major regulators of gene transcription/expression, primarily controlled by the Hippo pathway and the cytoskeleton. Integrating an array of chemical and mechanical signals, they impact growth, differentiation, and regeneration. Accordingly, they also play key roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Their activity is primarily regulated by their localization, that is, Hippo pathway- and/or cytoskeleton-controlled cytosolic or nuclear sequestration. While many details of such prevailing retention models have been elucidated, much less is known about their actual nuclear traffic: import and export. Although their size is not far from the cutoff for passive diffusion through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), and they do not contain any classic nuclear localization (NLS) or nuclear export signal (NES), evidence has been accumulating that their shuttling involves mediated and thus regulatable/targetable processes. The aim of this review is to summarize emerging information/concepts about their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, encompassing the relevant structural requirements (NLS, NES), nuclear transport receptors (NTRs, karyophererins), and NPC components, along with the potential transport mechanisms and their regulation. While dissecting retention vs. transport is often challenging, the emerging picture suggests that YAP/TAZ shuttles across the NPC via multiple, non-exclusive, mediated mechanisms, constituting a novel and intriguing facet of YAP/TAZ biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kofler
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada;
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada;
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
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46
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Thrash HL, Pendergast AM. Multi-Functional Regulation by YAP/TAZ Signaling Networks in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4701. [PMID: 37835395 PMCID: PMC10572014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway transcriptional co-activators, YES-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional Co-Activator with PDZ Binding Motif (TAZ), have both been linked to tumor progression and metastasis. These two proteins possess overlapping and distinct functions, and their activities lead to the expression of genes involved in multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and migration. The dysregulation of YAP/TAZ-dependent cellular processes can result in altered tumor growth and metastasis. In addition to their well-documented roles in the regulation of cancer cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, the YAP/TAZ-dependent signaling pathways have been more recently implicated in cellular processes that promote metastasis and therapy resistance in several solid tumor types. This review highlights the role of YAP/TAZ signaling networks in the regulation of tumor cell plasticity mediated by hybrid and reversible epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states, and the promotion of cancer stem cell/progenitor phenotypes. Mechanistically, YAP and TAZ regulate these cellular processes by targeting transcriptional networks. In this review, we detail recently uncovered mechanisms whereby YAP and TAZ mediate tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance, and discuss new therapeutic strategies to target YAP/TAZ function in various solid tumor types. Understanding the distinct and overlapping roles of YAP and TAZ in multiple cellular processes that promote tumor progression to metastasis is expected to enable the identification of effective therapies to treat solid tumors through the hyper-activation of YAP and TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Marie Pendergast
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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47
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Lopez K, Deng JJ, Xu Y, Sharkey FE, Wang P, Liu J. Exploring the Role of YAP1 and TAZ in Pancreatic Acinar Cells and the Therapeutic Potential of VT-104 in Pancreatic Inflammation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.18.558321. [PMID: 37781601 PMCID: PMC10541090 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.18.558321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidences have linked the hippo pathway with the fibroinflammatory diseases. We generated a series of genetic knockout mice for targeting the key components of Hippo pathway to examine the individual effects of YAP1 and TAZ on pancreatic inflammation and evaluated the therapeutic potential of the YAP1/TAZ inhibitor VT-104. Mice with acinar-specific knockout of YAP1/TAZ did not exhibit any histological abnormalities in the pancreas. LATS1/2 deficiency induced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, immune cell infiltration and fibroblast activation, which were rescued by the homozygous knockout YAP1, but not TAZ. Additionally, treatment with VT-104 also decreased pathological alterations induced by deletions of LATS1 and LATS2 in acinar cells. Our findings highlight the critical role of YAP1 in modulating pancreatic inflammation and demonstrate that VT-104 holds therapeutic potential to mitigate pancreatitis-associated pathological manifestations. Further exploration is necessary to unravel the underlying mechanisms and translate these insights into clinical applications.
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48
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Oliva-Vilarnau N, Vorrink SU, Büttner FA, Heinrich T, Sensbach J, Koscielski I, Wienke D, Petersson C, Perrin D, Lauschke VM. Comparative analysis of YAP/TEAD inhibitors in 2D and 3D cultures of primary human hepatocytes reveals a novel non-canonical mechanism of CYP induction. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115755. [PMID: 37607620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115755] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes constitutes an important cause of drug-drug interactions and preclinical evaluation of induction liability is mandatory for novel drug candidates. YAP/TEAD signaling has emerged as an attractive target for various oncological indications and multiple chemically distinct YAP/TEAD inhibitors are rapidly progressing towards clinical stages. Here, we tested the liability for CYP induction of a diverse set of YAP/TEAD inhibitors with different modes of action and TEAD isoform selectivity profiles in monolayers and 3D spheroids of primary human hepatocytes (PHH). We found that YAP/TEAD inhibition resulted in broad induction of CYPs in 2D monolayers, whereas, if at all, only marginal induction was seen in spheroid culture. Comprehensive RNA-Seq indicated that YAP/TEAD signaling was increased in 2D culture compared to spheroids, which was paralleled by elevated activities of the interacting transcription factors LXR and ESRRA, likely at least in part due to altered mechanosensing. Inhibition of this YAP/TEAD hyperactivation resulted in an overall reduction of hepatocyte dedifferentiation marked by increased hepatic functionality, including CYPs. These results thus demonstrate that the observed induction is due to on-target effects of the compounds rather than direct activation of xenobiotic sensing nuclear receptors. Combined, the presented data link hepatocyte dedifferentiation to YAP/TEAD dysregulation, reveal a novel non-canonical pathway of CYP induction and highlight the advantage of organotypic 3D cultures to predict clinically relevant pharmacokinetic properties, particularly for atypical induction mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Oliva-Vilarnau
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Florian A Büttner
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany; University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Timo Heinrich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design, The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Janike Sensbach
- Department of Chemical and Pre-Clinical Safety, The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Isabel Koscielski
- Department of Chemical and Pre-Clinical Safety, The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dirk Wienke
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Carl Petersson
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dominique Perrin
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), The Healthcare Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Volker M Lauschke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; HepaPredict AB, Stockholm, Sweden; Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany; University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
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49
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Pilgrim AA, Jonus HC, Ho A, Cole AC, Shim J, Goldsmith KC. The yes-associated protein (YAP) is associated with resistance to anti-GD2 immunotherapy in neuroblastoma through downregulation of ST8SIA1. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2240678. [PMID: 37554309 PMCID: PMC10405770 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2240678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma often relapse with chemotherapy-resistant, incurable disease. Relapsed neuroblastomas harbor chemo-resistant mesenchymal tumor cells and increased expression/activity of the transcriptional co-regulator, the Yes-Associated Protein (YAP). Patients with relapsed neuroblastoma are often treated with immunotherapy such as the anti-GD2 antibody, dinutuximab, in combination with chemotherapy. We have previously shown that YAP mediates both chemotherapy and MEK inhibitor resistance in relapsed RAS mutated neuroblastoma and so posited that YAP might also be involved in anti-GD2 antibody resistance. We now show that YAP genetic inhibition significantly enhances sensitivity of mesenchymal neuroblastomas to dinutuximab and gamma delta (γδ) T cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, YAP inhibition induces increased GD2 cell surface expression through upregulation of ST8SIA1, the gene encoding GD3 synthase and the rate-limiting enzyme in GD2 biosynthesis. The mechanism of ST8SIA1 suppression by YAP is independent of PRRX1 expression, a mesenchymal master transcription factor, suggesting YAP may be the downstream effector of mesenchymal GD2 resistance. These results therefore identify YAP as a therapeutic target to augment GD2 immunotherapy responses in patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeiye A. Pilgrim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hunter C. Jonus
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew Ho
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna C. Cole
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jenny Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kelly C. Goldsmith
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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50
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Wei Y, Hui VLZ, Chen Y, Han R, Han X, Guo Y. YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e340. [PMID: 37576865 PMCID: PMC10412783 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Yes-associated protein and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) are two homologous transcriptional coactivators that lie at the center of a key regulatory network of Hippo, Wnt, GPCR, estrogen, mechanical, and metabolism signaling. YAP/TAZ influences the expressions of downstream genes and proteins as well as enzyme activity in metabolic cycles, cell proliferation, inflammatory factor expression, and the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. YAP/TAZ can also be regulated through epigenetic regulation and posttranslational modifications. Consequently, the regulatory function of these mechanisms implicates YAP/TAZ in the pathogenesis of metabolism-related diseases, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, and the delicate equilibrium between cancer progression and organ regeneration. As such, there arises a pressing need for thorough investigation of YAP/TAZ in clinical settings. In this paper, we aim to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate YAP/TAZ and explore the mechanisms of YAP/TAZ-induce diseases and their potential therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical studies investigating treatments targeting YAP/TAZ. We also address the limitations of existing research on YAP/TAZ and propose future directions for research. In conclusion, this review aims to provide fresh insights into the signaling mediated by YAP/TAZ and identify potential therapeutic targets to present innovative solutions to overcome the challenges associated with YAP/TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Victoria Lee Zhi Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yilin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ruiying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xianglong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yongwen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsLanzhou Stomatological HospitalLanzhouGansuChina
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