1
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Priya B, Chhabria D, Mahesh Dhongdi J, Kirubakaran S. A novel approach to investigate the combinatorial effects of TLK1 (Tousled-Like Kinase1) inhibitors with Temozolomide for glioblastoma therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 151:107643. [PMID: 39029318 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107643] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive, incurable brain tumor with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard chemotherapeutic treatment for GBM, but its efficacy has drawn strong criticism from clinicians due to short survival gains and frequent relapses. One critical limitation of TMZ therapy is the hyperactivation of DNA repair pathways, which over time neutralizes the cytotoxic effects of TMZ, thus highlighting the urgent need for new treatment approaches. Addressing this, our study explores the therapeutic potential of in-house-designed phenothiazine-based Tousled-like kinase-1 (TLK1) inhibitors for GBM treatment. TLK1, overexpressed in GBM, plays a role in DNA repair. Phenothiazines are known to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Among all molecules, J54 was identified as a potential lead molecule with improved cytotoxicity. In the context of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)-deficient GBM cells, the combined administration of phenothiazines and TMZ exhibited a collective reduction in clonogenic growth, coupled with anti-migratory and anti-invasion effects. Conversely, in MGMT-proficient cells, phenothiazine monotherapy alone showed reduced clonogenic growth, along with anti-migratory and anti-invasion effects. Notably, a synergistic increase in γH2AX levels and concurrent attenuation of DNA repair upon combinatorial exposure to TMZ and J54 were observed, implying increased cytotoxicity due to sustained DNA strand breaks. Overall, this study provides new insights into TLK1 inhibition for GBM therapy. Collectively, these findings indicate that TLK1 is one of the upregulated kinases in GBM and phenothiazine-based TLK1 inhibitors could be a promising treatment option for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu Priya
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj Campus, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Dimple Chhabria
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj Campus, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Janhvi Mahesh Dhongdi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj Campus, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Sivapriya Kirubakaran
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj Campus, Gujarat 382355, India.
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2
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Asquith CRM, East MP, Laitinen T, Alamillo-Ferrer C, Hartikainen E, Wells CI, Axtman AD, Drewry DH, Tizzard GJ, Poso A, Willson TM, Johnson GL. Discovery and optimization of narrow spectrum inhibitors of Tousled like kinase 2 (TLK2) using quantitative structure activity relationships. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116357. [PMID: 38636130 PMCID: PMC11421834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116357] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The oxindole scaffold has been the center of several kinase drug discovery programs, some of which have led to approved medicines. A series of two oxindole matched pairs from the literature were identified where TLK2 was potently inhibited as an off-target kinase. The oxindole has long been considered a promiscuous kinase inhibitor template, but across these four specific literature oxindoles TLK2 activity was consistent, while the kinome profile was radically different ranging from narrow to broad spectrum kinome coverage. We synthesized a large series of analogues, utilizing quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis, water mapping of the kinase ATP binding sites, kinome profiling, and small-molecule x-ray structural analysis to optimize TLK2 inhibition and kinome selectivity. This resulted in the identification of several narrow spectrum, sub-family selective, chemical tool compounds including 128 (UNC-CA2-103) that could enable elucidation of TLK2 biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R M Asquith
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland; Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Michael P East
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Carla Alamillo-Ferrer
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Erkka Hartikainen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Carrow I Wells
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Alison D Axtman
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - David H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Graham J Tizzard
- UK National Crystallography Service, School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timothy M Willson
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Gary L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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3
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West KL, Kreiling N, Raney KD, Ghosal G, Leung JW. Autophosphorylation of the Tousled-like kinases TLK1 and TLK2 regulates recruitment to damaged chromatin via PCNA interaction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590659. [PMID: 38712247 PMCID: PMC11071368 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Tousled-like kinases 1 and 2 (TLK1 and 2) are cell cycle-regulated serine/threonine kinases that are involved in multiple biological processes. Mutation of TLK1 and 2 confer neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies demonstrate that TLK1 and 2 are involved in DNA repair. However, there is no direct evidence that TLK1 and 2 function at DNA damage sites. Here, we show that both TLK1 and TLK2 are hyper-autophosphorylated at their N-termini, at least in part, mediated by their homo- or hetero-dimerization. We found that TLK1 and 2 hyper-autophosphorylation suppresses their recruitment to damaged chromatin. Furthermore, both TLK1 and 2 associate with PCNA specifically through their evolutionarily conserved non-canonical PCNA-interacting protein (PIP) box at the N-terminus, and mutation of the PIP-box abolishes their recruitment to DNA damage sites. Mechanistically, the TLK1 and 2 hyper-autophosphorylation masks the PIP-box and negatively regulates their recruitment to the DNA damage site. Overall, our study dissects the detailed genetic regulation of TLK1 and 2 at damaged chromatin, which provides important insights into their emerging roles in DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk L. West
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Natasha Kreiling
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Kevin D. Raney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Gargi Ghosal
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Justin W Leung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Health and Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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4
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Asquith CRM, East MP, Laitinen T, Alamillo-Ferrer C, Hartikainen E, Wells CI, Axtman AD, Drewry DH, Tizzard GJ, Poso A, Willson TM, Johnson GL. Discovery and Optimization of Narrow Spectrum Inhibitors of Tousled Like Kinase 2 (TLK2) Using Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.28.573261. [PMID: 38234837 PMCID: PMC10793458 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.28.573261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The oxindole scaffold has been the center of several kinase drug discovery programs, some of which have led to approved medicines. A series of two oxindole matched pairs from the literature were identified where TLK2 was a potent off-target kinase. The oxindole has long been considered a promiscuous inhibitor template, but across these 4 specific literature oxindoles TLK2 activity was consistent, while the kinome profile was radically different from narrow to broad spectrum coverage. We synthesized a large series of analogues and through quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis, water mapping of the kinase ATP binding sites, small-molecule x-ray structural analysis and kinome profiling, narrow spectrum, sub-family selective, chemical tool compounds were identified to enable elucidation of TLK2 biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R M Asquith
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael P East
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Carla Alamillo-Ferrer
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Erkka Hartikainen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Carrow I Wells
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alison D Axtman
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Graham J Tizzard
- UK National Crystallography Service, School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timothy M Willson
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gary L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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5
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Bhoir S, Ogundepo O, Yu X, Shi R, De Benedetti A. Exploiting TLK1 and Cisplatin Synergy for Synthetic Lethality in Androgen-Insensitive Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2987. [PMID: 38001987 PMCID: PMC10669050 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112987] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular organisms possess intricate DNA damage repair and tolerance pathways to manage various DNA lesions arising from endogenous or exogenous sources. The dysregulation of these pathways is associated with cancer development and progression. Synthetic lethality (SL), a promising cancer therapy concept, involves exploiting the simultaneous functional loss of two genes for selective cell death. PARP inhibitors (PARPis) have demonstrated success in BRCA-deficient tumors. Cisplatin (CPT), a widely used chemotherapy agent, forms DNA adducts and crosslinks, rendering it effective against various cancers, but less so for prostate cancer (PCa) due to resistance and toxicity. Here, we explore the therapeutic potential of TLK1, a kinase upregulated in androgen-insensitive PCa cells, as a target for enhancing CPT-based therapy. TLK1 phosphorylates key homologous recombination repair (HRR) proteins, RAD54L and RAD54B, which are critical for HRR alongside RAD51. The combination of CPT with TLK1 inhibitor J54 exhibits SL in androgen-insensitive PCa cells. The formation of double-strand break intermediates during inter-strand crosslink processing necessitates HRR for effective repair. Therefore, targeting TLK1 with J54 enhances the SL of CPT by impeding HRR, leading to increased sensitivity in PCa cells. These findings suggest a promising approach for improving CPT-based therapies in PCa, particularly in androgen-insensitive cases. By elucidating the role of TLK1 in CPT resistance, this study provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets to overcome PCa resistance to CPT chemotherapy. Further investigations into TLK1 inhibition in combination with other DNA-damaging agents may pave the way for more effective and targeted treatments for PCa and other cancers that exhibit resistance to traditional chemotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant Bhoir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (S.B.); (O.O.); (X.Y.)
| | - Oluwatobi Ogundepo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (S.B.); (O.O.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xiuping Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (S.B.); (O.O.); (X.Y.)
| | - Runhua Shi
- Department of Medicine, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (S.B.); (O.O.); (X.Y.)
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6
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Ghosh I, Kwon Y, Shabestari AB, Chikhale R, Chen J, Wiese C, Sung P, De Benedetti A. TLK1-mediated RAD54 phosphorylation spatio-temporally regulates Homologous Recombination Repair. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8643-8662. [PMID: 37439356 PMCID: PMC10484734 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental agents like ionizing radiation (IR) and chemotherapeutic drugs can cause severe damage to the DNA, often in the form of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Remaining unrepaired, DSBs can lead to chromosomal rearrangements, and cell death. One major error-free pathway to repair DSBs is homologous recombination repair (HRR). Tousled-like kinase 1 (TLK1), a Ser/Thr kinase that regulates the DNA damage checkpoint, has been found to interact with RAD54, a central DNA translocase in HRR. To determine how TLK1 regulates RAD54, we inhibited or depleted TLK1 and tested how this impacts HRR in human cells using a ISce-I-GR-DsRed fused reporter endonuclease. Our results show that TLK1 phosphorylates RAD54 at three threonines (T41, T59 and T700), two of which are located within its N-terminal domain (NTD) and one is located within its C-terminal domain (CTD). Phosphorylation at both T41 and T59 supports HRR and protects cells from DNA DSB damage. In contrast, phosphorylation of T700 leads to impaired HRR and engenders no protection to cells from cytotoxicity and rather results in repair delay. Further, our work enlightens the effect of RAD54-T700 (RAD54-CTD) phosphorylation by TLK1 in mammalian system and reveals a new site of interaction with RAD51.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana Health Science Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, US2. Texas 78229, USA
| | - Youngho Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Aida Badamchi Shabestari
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Rupesh Chikhale
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Proteomics Core, Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Claudia Wiese
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Patrick Sung
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana Health Science Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, US2. Texas 78229, USA
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7
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Ghosh I, De Benedetti A. Untousling the Role of Tousled-like Kinase 1 in DNA Damage Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13369. [PMID: 37686173 PMCID: PMC10487508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713369] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA damage repair lies at the core of all cells' survival strategy, including the survival strategy of cancerous cells. Therefore, targeting such repair mechanisms forms the major goal of cancer therapeutics. The mechanism of DNA repair has been tousled with the discovery of multiple kinases. Recent studies on tousled-like kinases have brought significant clarity on the effectors of these kinases which stand to regulate DSB repair. In addition to their well-established role in DDR and cell cycle checkpoint mediation after DNA damage or inhibitors of replication, evidence of their suspected involvement in the actual DSB repair process has more recently been strengthened by the important finding that TLK1 phosphorylates RAD54 and regulates some of its activities in HRR and localization in the cell. Earlier findings of its regulation of RAD9 during checkpoint deactivation, as well as defined steps during NHEJ end processing, were earlier hints of its broadly important involvement in DSB repair. All this has opened up new avenues to target cancer cells in combination therapy with genotoxins and TLK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Louisiana Health Science Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA;
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8
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Bhoir S, De Benedetti A. Targeting Prostate Cancer, the 'Tousled Way'. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11100. [PMID: 37446279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been the mainstay of prostate cancer (PCa) treatment, with success in developing more effective inhibitors of androgen synthesis and antiandrogens in clinical practice. However, hormone deprivation and AR ablation have caused an increase in ADT-insensitive PCas associated with a poor prognosis. Resistance to ADT arises through various mechanisms, and most castration-resistant PCas still rely on the androgen axis, while others become truly androgen receptor (AR)-independent. Our research identified the human tousled-like kinase 1 (TLK1) as a crucial early mediator of PCa cell adaptation to ADT, promoting androgen-independent growth, inhibiting apoptosis, and facilitating cell motility and metastasis. Although explicit, the growing role of TLK1 biology in PCa has remained underrepresented and elusive. In this review, we aim to highlight the diverse functions of TLK1 in PCa, shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from androgen-sensitive (AS) to an androgen-insensitive (AI) disease mediated by TLK1, and explore potential strategies to counteract this process. Targeting TLK1 and its associated signaling could prevent PCa progression to the incurable metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) stage and provide a promising approach to treating PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant Bhoir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
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9
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Johnson D, Hussain J, Bhoir S, Chandrasekaran V, Sahrawat P, Hans T, Khalil MI, De Benedetti A, Thiruvenkatam V, Kirubakaran S. Synthesis, kinetics and cellular studies of new phenothiazine analogs as potent human-TLK inhibitors. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:1980-1991. [PMID: 36785915 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob02191a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The alterations in the expression patterns of protein kinases often implicate human cancer initiation and progression. Human tousled-like kinases (TLKs), both TLK1/1B and TLK2, are evolutionary kinases found in cell signaling pathways and are involved in DNA repair, replication, and chromosomal integrity. Several reports have demonstrated the numerous roles of TLK1B in the development and progression of cancer via its interactions with different partners, and this direct association has made them viable molecular targets for cancer therapy. Previous studies have shown phenothiazines to be potent TLK1B inhibitors. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a class of phenothiazine molecules and their biological inhibitory effect on hTLK1B/KD through in vitro kinase assays, cellular assays, and in silico studies. We identified a few inhibitors with better inhibition and physio-chemical properties than the reported TLK1B inhibitors using a recombinant human tousled-like kinase 1B-kinase domain (hTLK1B-KD). Very interestingly, inhibitory activity with LNCap cells was found to be on the sub-nanomolar level. Our attempts to study the newly designed phenothiazine analogs, as well as generate a stable catalytically active hTLK1B-KD in high yield, represent a fundamental step towards the structure-based design of future TLK-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delna Johnson
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Javeena Hussain
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Siddhant Bhoir
- Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Vaishali Chandrasekaran
- Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Parul Sahrawat
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Tanya Hans
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Md Imtiaz Khalil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Vijay Thiruvenkatam
- Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Sivapriya Kirubakaran
- Discipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
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10
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Brown JS. Treatment of cancer with antipsychotic medications: Pushing the boundaries of schizophrenia and cancer. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104809. [PMID: 35970416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Over a century ago, the phenothiazine dye, methylene blue, was discovered to have both antipsychotic and anti-cancer effects. In the 20th-century, the first phenothiazine antipsychotic, chlorpromazine, was found to inhibit cancer. During the years of elucidating the pharmacology of the phenothiazines, reserpine, an antipsychotic with a long historical background, was likewise discovered to have anti-cancer properties. Research on the effects of antipsychotics on cancer continued slowly until the 21st century when efforts to repurpose antipsychotics for cancer treatment accelerated. This review examines the history of these developments, and identifies which antipsychotics might treat cancer, and which cancers might be treated by antipsychotics. The review also describes the molecular mechanisms through which antipsychotics may inhibit cancer. Although the overlap of molecular pathways between schizophrenia and cancer have been known or suspected for many years, no comprehensive review of the subject has appeared in the psychiatric literature to assess the significance of these similarities. This review fills that gap and discusses what, if any, significance the similarities have regarding the etiology of schizophrenia.
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11
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Khalil MI, De Benedetti A. Tousled-like kinase 1: a novel factor with multifaceted role in mCRPC progression and development of therapy resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:93-101. [PMID: 35582542 PMCID: PMC8992593 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Standard treatment for advanced Prostate Cancer (PCa) consists of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but ultimately fails, resulting in the incurable phase of the disease: metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Targeting PCa cells before their progression to mCRPC would greatly improve the outcome, if strategies could be devised selectively targeting androgen receptor (AR)-dependent and/or independent compensatory pathways which promote mCRPC development. Combination therapy by targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) along with ADT has been limited by general toxicity, and a goal of clinical trials is how to target the DDR more specifically. In recent years, our lab has identified a key role for the DDR kinase, TLK1, in mediating key aspects of adaptation to ADT, first by promoting a cell cycle arrest (through the TLK1>NEK1>ATR>Chk1 kinase cascade) under the unfavorable growth conditions (androgen deprivation), and then by reprogramming the PCa cells to adapt to androgen-independent growth via the NEK1>YAP/AR>CRPC conversion. In addition, TLK1 plays a key anti-apoptotic role via the NEK1>VDAC1 regulation on the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway when the DDR is activated. Finally, TLK1 was recently identified as having an important role in motility and metastasis via regulation of the kinases MK5/PRAK and AKT (indirectly via AKTIP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Imtiaz Khalil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
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12
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Lee SB, Chang TY, Lee NZ, Yu ZY, Liu CY, Lee HY. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of bisindole derivatives as anticancer agents against Tousled-like kinases. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113904. [PMID: 34662748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This study presents the design, synthesis, and characterization of bisindole molecules as anti-cancer agents against Tousled-like kinases (TLKs). We show that compound 2 composed of an indirubin-3'-oxime group linked with a (N-methylpiperidin-2-yl)ethyl moiety possessed inhibitory activity toward both TLK1 and TLK2 in vitro and diminished the phosphorylation level of the downstream substrate anti-silencing function 1 (ASF1) in replicating cells. The treatment of compound 2 impaired DNA replication, slowed S-phase progression, and triggered DNA damage response in replicating cells. Structure optimization further discovered six derivatives exhibiting potent TLK inhibitory activity and revealed the importance of the tertiary amine-containing moiety of the side chain. Moreover, the derivatives 6, 17, 19, and 20 strongly suppressed the growth of triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells, and colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells, while normal lung fibroblast MRC5 and IMR90 cells showed a lower response to these compounds. Taken together, this study identifies tertiary amine-linked indirubin-3'-oximes as potent anticancer agents that inhibit TLK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Bau Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Chang
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nian-Zhe Lee
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zih-Yao Yu
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Yun Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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13
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Ma Z, Qiu S, Chen HC, Zhang D, Lu YL, Chen XL. Maleimide structure: a promising scaffold for the development of antimicrobial agents. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2022; 24:1-14. [PMID: 33511872 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2021.1877675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural compounds bearing maleimide rings are a series of secondary metabolites derived from fungi/marine microorganisms, which are characterized by a general structure -CO-N(R)-CO-, and the R group is normally substituted with alkyl or aryl groups. Maleimide compounds show various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activity. In this review, the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities of 15 maleimide compounds from natural sources and 32 artificially synthesized maleimides were summarized, especially against Candida albicans, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Staphylococcus aureus. It highlights that maleimide scaffold has tremendous potential to be utilized in the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Ma
- Institute of Fermentation Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shuo Qiu
- Institute of Fermentation Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Han-Chi Chen
- Institute of Fermentation Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Institute of Fermentation Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yue-Le Lu
- Institute of Fermentation Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiao-Long Chen
- Institute of Fermentation Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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14
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Targeting protein phosphatase PP2A for cancer therapy: development of allosteric pharmaceutical agents. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1545-1556. [PMID: 34192314 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Tumor initiation is driven by oncogenes that activate signaling networks for cell proliferation and survival involving protein phosphorylation. Protein kinases in these pathways have proven to be effective targets for pharmaceutical inhibitors that have progressed to the clinic to treat various cancers. Here, we offer a narrative about the development of small molecule modulators of the protein Ser/Thr phosphatase 2A (PP2A) to reduce the activation of cell proliferation and survival pathways. These novel drugs promote the assembly of select heterotrimeric forms of PP2A that act to limit cell proliferation. We discuss the potential for the near-term translation of this approach to the clinic for cancer and other human diseases.
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15
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Khalil MI, Ghosh I, Singh V, Chen J, Zhu H, De Benedetti A. NEK1 Phosphorylation of YAP Promotes Its Stabilization and Transcriptional Output. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123666. [PMID: 33297404 PMCID: PMC7762262 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We earlier described the involvement of the TLK1>NEK1>ATR>Chk1 axis as a key determinant of cell cycle arrest in androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PCa) cells after androgen deprivation. We now report that the TLK1>NEK1 axis is also involved in stabilization of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), the transcriptional co-activator in the Hippo pathway, presumably facilitating reprogramming of the cells toward castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). NEK1 interacts with YAP1 physically resulting in its phosphorylation of 6 residues, which enhance its stability and activity. Analyses of cancer Protein Atlas and TCGA expression panels revealed a link between activated NEK1 and YAP1 expression and several YAP transcription targets. Abstract Most prostate cancer (PCa) deaths result from progressive failure in standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), leading to metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC); however, the mechanism and key players leading to this are not fully understood. While studying the role of tousled-like kinase 1 (TLK1) and never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)-related kinase 1 (NEK1) in a DNA damage response (DDR)-mediated cell cycle arrest in LNCaP cells treated with bicalutamide, we uncovered that overexpression of wt-NEK1 resulted in a rapid conversion to androgen-independent (AI) growth, analogous to what has been observed when YAP1 is overexpressed. We now report that overexpression of wt-NEK1 results in accumulation of YAP1, suggesting the existence of a TLK1>NEK1>YAP1 axis that leads to adaptation to AI growth. Further, YAP1 is co-immunoprecipitated with NEK1. Importantly, NEK1 was able to phosphorylate YAP1 on six residues in vitro, which we believe are important for stabilization of the protein, possibly by increasing its interaction with transcriptional partners. In fact, knockout (KO) of NEK1 in NT1 PCa cells resulted in a parallel decrease of YAP1 level and reduced expression of typical YAP-regulated target genes. In terms of cancer potential implications, the expression of NEK1 and YAP1 proteins was found to be increased and correlated in several cancers. These include PCa stages according to Gleason score, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and glioblastoma, suggesting that this co-regulation is imparted by increased YAP1 stability when NEK1 is overexpressed or activated by TLK1, and not through transcriptional co-expression. We propose that the TLK1>NEK1>YAP1 axis is a key determinant for cancer progression, particularly during the process of androgen-sensitive to -independent conversion during progression to mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Imtiaz Khalil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA; (M.I.K.); (I.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Ishita Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA; (M.I.K.); (I.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Vibha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA; (M.I.K.); (I.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Proteomics Core, Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA; (J.C.); (H.Z.)
| | - Haining Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Proteomics Core, Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA; (J.C.); (H.Z.)
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA; (M.I.K.); (I.G.); (V.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-31-8675-5668
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16
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Hussain J, Angira D, Hans T, Dubey P, Kirubakaran S, Thiruvenkatam V. Synthesis and characterization of a new class of phenothiazine molecules with 10H-substituted morpholine & piperidine derivatives: A structural insight. J Mol Struct 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Singh V, Bhoir S, Chikhale RV, Hussain J, Dwyer D, Bryce RA, Kirubakaran S, De Benedetti A. Generation of Phenothiazine with Potent Anti-TLK1 Activity for Prostate Cancer Therapy. iScience 2020; 23:101474. [PMID: 32905878 PMCID: PMC7486443 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Through in vitro kinase assays and docking studies, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a phenothiazine analog J54 with potent TLK1 inhibitory activity for prostate cancer (PCa) therapy. Most PCa deaths result from progressive failure in standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), leading to metastatic castration-resistant PCa. Treatments that can suppress the conversion to mCRPC have high potential to be rapidly implemented in the clinics. ADT results in increased expression of TLK1B, a key kinase upstream of NEK1 and ATR and mediating the DNA damage response that typically results in temporary cell-cycle arrest of androgen-responsive PCa cells, whereas its abrogation leads to apoptosis. We studied J54 as a potent inhibitor of this axis and as a mediator of apoptosis in vitro and in LNCaP xenografts, which has potential for clinical investigation in combination with ADT. J54 has low affinity for the dopamine receptor in modeling and competition studies and weak detrimental behavioral effects in mice and C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Siddhant Bhoir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Rupesh V. Chikhale
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Javeena Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Donard Dwyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Richard A. Bryce
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sivapriya Kirubakaran
- Department of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
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18
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Dinić J, Efferth T, García-Sosa AT, Grahovac J, Padrón JM, Pajeva I, Rizzolio F, Saponara S, Spengler G, Tsakovska I. Repurposing old drugs to fight multidrug resistant cancers. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 52:100713. [PMID: 32615525 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Overcoming multidrug resistance represents a major challenge for cancer treatment. In the search for new chemotherapeutics to treat malignant diseases, drug repurposing gained a tremendous interest during the past years. Repositioning candidates have often emerged through several stages of clinical drug development, and may even be marketed, thus attracting the attention and interest of pharmaceutical companies as well as regulatory agencies. Typically, drug repositioning has been serendipitous, using undesired side effects of small molecule drugs to exploit new disease indications. As bioinformatics gain increasing popularity as an integral component of drug discovery, more rational approaches are needed. Herein, we show some practical examples of in silico approaches such as pharmacophore modelling, as well as pharmacophore- and docking-based virtual screening for a fast and cost-effective repurposing of small molecule drugs against multidrug resistant cancers. We provide a timely and comprehensive overview of compounds with considerable potential to be repositioned for cancer therapeutics. These drugs are from diverse chemotherapeutic classes. We emphasize the scope and limitations of anthelmintics, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, antihypertensives, psychopharmaceuticals and antidiabetics that have shown extensive immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and antimetastatic potential. These drugs, either used alone or in combination with existing anticancer chemotherapeutics, represent strong candidates to prevent or overcome drug resistance. We particularly focus on outcomes and future perspectives of drug repositioning for the treatment of multidrug resistant tumors and discuss current possibilities and limitations of preclinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Dinić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Jelena Grahovac
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - José M Padrón
- BioLab, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González (IUBO AG), Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, E-38071 La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Ilza Pajeva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 105, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 301724 Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Simona Saponara
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Spengler
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Dóm tér 10, Hungary
| | - Ivanka Tsakovska
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 105, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Ibrahim K, Abdul Murad NA, Harun R, Jamal R. Knockdown of Tousled‑like kinase 1 inhibits survival of glioblastoma multiforme cells. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:685-699. [PMID: 32468002 PMCID: PMC7307829 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive type of brain tumour that commonly exhibits resistance to treatment. The tumour is highly heterogenous and complex kinomic alterations have been reported leading to dysregulation of signalling pathways. The present study aimed to investigate the novel kinome pathways and to identify potential therapeutic targets in GBM. Meta‑analysis using Oncomine identified 113 upregulated kinases in GBM. RNAi screening was performed on identified kinases using ON‑TARGETplus siRNA library on LN18 and U87MG. Tousled‑like kinase 1 (TLK1), which is a serine/threonine kinase was identified as a potential hit. In vitro functional validation was performed as the role of TLK1 in GBM is unknown. TLK1 knockdown in GBM cells significantly decreased cell viability, clonogenicity, proliferation and induced apoptosis. TLK1 knockdown also chemosensitised the GBM cells to the sublethal dose of temozolomide. The downstream pathways of TLK1 were examined using microarray analysis, which identified the involvement of DNA replication, cell cycle and focal adhesion signalling pathways. In vivo validation of the subcutaneous xenografts of stably transfected sh‑TLK1 U87MG cells demonstrated significantly decreased tumour growth in female BALB/c nude mice. Together, these results suggested that TLK1 may serve a role in GBM survival and may serve as a potential target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamariah Ibrahim
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azian Abdul Murad
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Roslan Harun
- KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Ampang, Selangor 68000, Malaysia
| | - Rahman Jamal
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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20
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Lin CL, Tan X, Chen M, Kusi M, Hung CN, Chou CW, Hsu YT, Wang CM, Kirma N, Chen CL, Lin CH, Lathrop KI, Elledge R, Kaklamani VG, Mitsuya K, Huang THM. ERα-related chromothripsis enhances concordant gene transcription on chromosome 17q11.1-q24.1 in luminal breast cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2020; 13:69. [PMID: 32408897 PMCID: PMC7222439 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-020-0729-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromothripsis is an event of genomic instability leading to complex chromosomal alterations in cancer. Frequent long-range chromatin interactions between transcription factors (TFs) and targets may promote extensive translocations and copy-number alterations in proximal contact regions through inappropriate DNA stitching. Although studies have proposed models to explain the initiation of chromothripsis, few discussed how TFs influence this process for tumor progression. METHODS This study focused on genomic alterations in amplification associated regions within chromosome 17. Inter-/intra-chromosomal rearrangements were analyzed using whole genome sequencing data of breast tumors in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Common ERα binding sites were defined based on MCF-7, T47D, and MDA-MB-134 breast cancer cell lines using univariate K-means clustering methods. Nanopore sequencing technology was applied to validate frequent rearrangements detected between ATC loci on 17q23 and an ERα hub on 20q13. The efficacy of pharmacological inhibition of a potentially druggable target gene on 17q23 was evaluated using breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived circulating breast tumor cells. RESULTS There are five adjoining regions from 17q11.1 to 17q24.1 being hotspots of chromothripsis. Inter-/intra-chromosomal rearrangements of these regions occurred more frequently in ERα-positive tumors than in ERα-negative tumors. In addition, the locations of the rearrangements were often mapped within or close to dense ERα binding sites localized on these five 17q regions or other chromosomes. This chromothriptic event was linked to concordant upregulation of 96 loci that predominantly regulate cell-cycle machineries in advanced luminal tumors. Genome-editing analysis confirmed that an ERα hub localized on 20q13 coordinately regulates a subset of these loci localized on 17q23 through long-range chromosome interactions. One of these loci, Tousled Like Kinase 2 (TLK2) known to participate in DNA damage checkpoint control, is an actionable target using phenothiazine antipsychotics (PTZs). The antiproliferative effect of PTZs was prominent in high TLK2-expressing cells, compared to low expressing cells. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a new approach for identifying tumorigenic drivers from genomic regions highly susceptible to ERα-related chromothripsis. We found a group of luminal breast tumors displaying 17q-related chromothripsis for which antipsychotics can be repurposed as treatment adjuncts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lin Lin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Xi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Meizhen Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Meena Kusi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Chia-Nung Hung
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Chou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ya-Ting Hsu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Chiou-Miin Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Nameer Kirma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ching-Hung Lin
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kate I Lathrop
- Department of Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Richard Elledge
- Department of Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Virginia G Kaklamani
- Department of Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kohzoh Mitsuya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Tim H-M Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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21
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Singh V, Khalil MI, De Benedetti A. The TLK1/Nek1 axis contributes to mitochondrial integrity and apoptosis prevention via phosphorylation of VDAC1. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:363-375. [PMID: 31914854 PMCID: PMC7028156 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1711317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The TLK1/Nek1 axis contributes to cell cycle arrest and implementation of the DDR to mediate survival upon DNA damage. However, when the damage is too severe, the cells typically are forced into apoptosis, and the contribution of TLKs in this process has not been investigated. In contrast, it is known that Nek1 may play a role by phosphorylating VDAC1 maintaining proper opening and closure of the channel and thus mitochondrial integrity. We now show that the activating phosphorylation of Nek1-T141 by TLK1 contributes to the phosphorylation and stability of VDAC1 and thereby to mitochondrial permeability and integrity. Treatment of three different cell lines model that overexpress Nek1-T141A mutant with doxorubicin showed exquisite sensitivity to the drug, with implementation of rapid accumulation of cells with subG1 DNA content (apoptotic) and other alterations in the cell cycle. In addition, these cells displayed reduced oxygen consumption under normal conditions and less reliance on mitochondria and more dependence on glycolysis for energy production. Consistent with greater apoptosis, upon treatment with low doses of doxorubicin, cells overexpressing Nek1-T141A displayed leakage of Cyt-C into the cytoplasmic fraction. This suggests that inhibiting the TLK1/Nek1/VDAC1 nexus could sensitize cancer cells to apoptotic killing in combination with an appropriate DNA damaging agent. We in fact have previously reported that Nek1 expression is elevated in advanced Prostate Cancer (PCa) and we now report that VDAC1 expression is elevated and correlated with disease stage, thereby making the TLK1/Nek1/VDAC1 nexus a very attractive target for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Md Imtiaz Khalil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
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22
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Segura-Bayona S, Stracker TH. The Tousled-like kinases regulate genome and epigenome stability: implications in development and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3827-3841. [PMID: 31302748 PMCID: PMC11105529 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Tousled-like kinases (TLKs) are an evolutionarily conserved family of serine-threonine kinases that have been implicated in DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, chromatin structure, viral latency, cell cycle checkpoint control and chromosomal stability in various organisms. The functions of the TLKs appear to depend largely on their ability to regulate the H3/H4 histone chaperone ASF1, although numerous TLK substrates have been proposed. Over the last few years, a clearer picture of TLK function has emerged through the identification of new partners, the definition of specific roles in development and the elucidation of their structural and biochemical properties. In addition, the TLKs have been clearly linked to human disease; both TLK1 and TLK2 are frequently amplified in human cancers and TLK2 mutations have been identified in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and microcephaly. A better understanding of the substrates, regulation and diverse roles of the TLKs is needed to understand their functions in neurodevelopment and determine if they are viable targets for cancer therapy. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge of TLK biology and its potential implications in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Segura-Bayona
- Department of Oncology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Travis H Stracker
- Department of Oncology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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Singh V, Jaiswal PK, Ghosh I, Koul HK, Yu X, De Benedetti A. The TLK1-Nek1 axis promotes prostate cancer progression. Cancer Lett 2019; 453:131-141. [PMID: 30928383 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We recently uncovered the critical TLK1>NEK1>ATR > Chk1 axis in mediating the DDR and cell cycle checkpoint while transiting from Androgen Sensitive to Insensitive growth for LNCaP and TRAMP-C2 cells. However, we did not know the generality of this pathway in PCa progression since there are few cell lines where the transition has been studied. Furthermore, the identification of Nek1, and more importantly the TLK-mediated phosphorylation of T141, has never been studied in PCa biopsies. We now report the first study of a PCa TMA of p-Nek1-T141 and correlation to the Gleason score. In addition we found that TRAMP mice treated with the TLK inhibitor, thioridazine (THD), following castration did not recover cancerous growth of their prostates. Moreover, we recapitulated the process of translational increase in TLK1B expression in a naïve PDX model that was established from an AR + adenocarcinoma. Therefore, we believe that this TLK1-Nek1 mediated DDR axis is likely to be a common adaptive response during the transition of PCa cells toward androgen-insensitive growth, and hence CRPC progression, which has the potential to be targeted with THD and other TLK or Nek1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA.
| | - Praveen Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA.
| | - Ishita Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA.
| | - Hari K Koul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA; Feist Weiller Cancer Center, USA; Overton Brooks VA Medical Center, Shreveport, USA.
| | - Xiuping Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA.
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA.
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Singh V, Jaiswal PK, Ghosh I, Koul HK, Yu X, De Benedetti A. Targeting the TLK1/NEK1 DDR axis with Thioridazine suppresses outgrowth of androgen independent prostate tumors. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:1055-1067. [PMID: 30737777 PMCID: PMC6617729 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Standard therapy for advanced Prostate Cancer (PCa) consists of antiandrogens, which provide respite from disease progression, but ultimately fail resulting in the incurable phase of the disease: mCRPC. Targeting PCa cells before their progression to mCRPC would greatly improve the outcome. Combination therapy targeting the DNA Damage Response (DDR) has been limited by general toxicity, and a goal of clinical trials is how to target the DDR more specifically. We now show that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) of LNCaP cells results in increased expression of TLK1B, a key kinase upstream of NEK1 and ATR and mediating the DDR that typically results in a temporary cell cycle arrest of androgen responsive PCa cells. Following DNA damage, addition of the TLK specific inhibitor, thioridazine (THD), impairs ATR and Chk1 activation, establishing the existence of a ADT > TLK1 > NEK1 > ATR > Chk1, DDR pathway, while its abrogation leads to apoptosis. Treatment with THD suppressed the outgrowth of androgen‐independent (AI) colonies of LNCaP and TRAMP‐C2 cells cultured with bicalutamide. Moreover, THD significantly inhibited the growth of several PCa cells in vitro (including AI lines). Administration of THD or bicalutamide was not effective at inhibiting long‐term tumor growth of LNCaP xenografts. In contrast, combination therapy remarkably inhibited tumor growth via bypass of the DDR. Moreover, xenografts of LNCaP cells overexpressing a NEK1‐T141A mutant were durably suppressed with bicalutamide. Collectively, these results suggest that targeting the TLK1/NEK1 axis might be a novel therapy for PCa in combination with standard of care (ADT). What's new? Standard therapy for advanced Prostate Cancer (PCa) consists of anti‐androgens, which only provide temporary respite from disease progression to metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Here, the authors show in the LNCaP cell model that the increased expression with ADT of TLK1B, a prosurvival checkpoint pathway that is enacted before conversion to androgen‐independent growth, offers a unique target for attacking more specifically PCa cells before their conversion to CRPC. Moreover, they suggest to re‐purpose thioridazine or other phenothiazine antipsychotic drugs as inhibitors of the TLK1 > Nek1 > ATR > Chk1 DNA Damage Response (DDR) axis for the early treatment of advanced PCa still responsive to ADT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
| | - Praveen Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
| | - Ishita Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
| | - Hari K Koul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA.,Feist Weiller Cancer Center, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA.,Overton Brooks VA Medical center, Shreveport, LA
| | - Xiuping Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
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Bhoir S, Shaik A, Thiruvenkatam V, Kirubakaran S. High yield bacterial expression, purification and characterisation of bioactive Human Tousled-like Kinase 1B involved in cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4796. [PMID: 29555908 PMCID: PMC5859067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Tousled-like kinases (TLKs) are highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinases responsible for cell proliferation, DNA repair, and genome surveillance. Their possible involvement in cancer via efficient DNA repair mechanisms have made them clinically relevant molecular targets for anticancer therapy. Innovative approaches in chemical biology have played a key role in validating the importance of kinases as molecular targets. However, the detailed understanding of the protein structure and the mechanisms of protein-drug interaction through biochemical and biophysical techniques demands a method for the production of an active protein of exceptional stability and purity on a large scale. We have designed a bacterial expression system to express and purify biologically active, wild-type Human Tousled-like Kinase 1B (hTLK1B) by co-expression with the protein phosphatase from bacteriophage λ. We have obtained remarkably high amounts of the soluble and homogeneously dephosphorylated form of biologically active hTLK1B with our unique, custom-built vector design strategy. The recombinant hTLK1B can be used for the structural studies and may further facilitate the development of new TLK inhibitors for anti-cancer therapy using a structure-based drug design approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant Bhoir
- Dicipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Simkheda, Palaj, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Althaf Shaik
- Dicipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Simkheda, Palaj, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India
| | - Vijay Thiruvenkatam
- Dicipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Simkheda, Palaj, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
- Dicipline of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Simkheda, Palaj, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
| | - Sivapriya Kirubakaran
- Dicipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Simkheda, Palaj, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
- Dicipline of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Simkheda, Palaj, Gandhinagar, 382355, Gujarat, India.
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Seo SU, Kim TH, Kim DE, Min KJ, Kwon TK. NOX4-mediated ROS production induces apoptotic cell death via down-regulation of c-FLIP and Mcl-1 expression in combined treatment with thioridazine and curcumin. Redox Biol 2017; 13:608-622. [PMID: 28806703 PMCID: PMC5554966 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thioridazine is known to have anti-tumor effects by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling, which is an important signaling pathway in cell survival. However, thioridazine alone does not induce apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (AMC-HN4), human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB231), and human glioma (U87MG) cells. Therefore, we investigated whether combined treatment with thioridazine and curcumin induces apoptosis. Combined treatment with thioridazine and curcumin markedly induced apoptosis in cancer cells without inducing apoptosis in human normal mesangial cells and human normal umbilical vein cells (EA.hy926). We found that combined treatment with thioridazine and curcumin had synergistic effects in AMC-HN4 cells. Among apoptosis-related proteins, thioridazine plus curcumin induced down-regulation of c-FLIP and Mcl-1 expression at the post-translational levels in a proteasome-dependent manner. Augmentation of proteasome activity was related to the up-regulation of proteasome subunit alpha 5 (PSMA5) expression in curcumin plus thioridazine-treated cells. Combined treatment with curcumin and thioridazine produced intracellular ROS in a NOX4-dependent manner, and ROS-mediated activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling played a critical role in the up-regulation of PSMA5 expression. Furthermore, ectopic expression of c-FLIP and Mcl-1 inhibited apoptosis in thioridazine and curcumin-treated cells. Therefore, we demonstrated that thioridazine plus curcumin induces proteasome activity by up-regulating PSMA5 expression via NOX4-mediated ROS production and that down-regulation of c-FLIP and Mcl-1 expression post-translationally is involved in apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Un Seo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea
| | - Tae Hwan Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea
| | - Dong Eun Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Min
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea.
| | - Taeg Kyu Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 704-701, South Korea.
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Singh V, Connelly ZM, Shen X, De Benedetti A. Identification of the proteome complement of humanTLK1 reveals it binds and phosphorylates NEK1 regulating its activity. Cell Cycle 2017; 16:915-926. [PMID: 28426283 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1314421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tousled Like kinases (TLKs) are involved in numerous cellular functions, including the DNA Damage Response (DDR), but only a handful of substrates have been identified thus far. Through a novel proteomic screen, we have now identified 165 human proteins interacting with TLK1, and we have focused this work on NEK1 because of its known role in the DDR, upstream of ATR and Chk1. TLK1 and NEK1 were found to interact by coIP, and their binding is strengthened following exposure of cells to H2O2. Following incubation with doxorubicin, TLK1 and NEK1 relocalize with nuclear repair foci along with γH2AX. TLK1 phosphorylated NEK1 at T141, which lies in the kinase domain, and caused an increase in its activity. Following DNA damage, addition of the TLK1 inhibitor, THD, or overexpression of NEK1-T141A mutant impaired ATR and Chk1 activation, indicating the existence of a TLK1>NEK1>ATR>Chk1 pathway. Indeed, overexpression of the NEK1-T141A mutant resulted in an altered cell cycle response after exposure of cells to oxidative stress, including bypass of G1 arrest and implementation of an intra S-phase checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Singh
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , Shreveport , LA , USA
| | - Zachary M Connelly
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , Shreveport , LA , USA
| | - Xinggui Shen
- b Pathology and Translational Pathobiology , Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , Shreveport , LA , USA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , Shreveport , LA , USA
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Timiri Shanmugam PS, Nair RP, De Benedetti A, Caldito G, Abreo F, Sunavala-Dossabhoy G. Tousled kinase activator, gallic acid, promotes homologous recombinational repair and suppresses radiation cytotoxicity in salivary gland cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 93:217-26. [PMID: 26855419 PMCID: PMC5257199 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2015.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Accidental or medical radiation exposure of the salivary glands can gravely impact oral health. Previous studies have shown the importance of Tousled-like kinase 1 (TLK1) and its alternate start variant TLK1B in cell survival against genotoxic stresses. Through a high-throughput library screening of natural compounds, the phenolic phytochemical, gallic acid (GA), was identified as a modulator of TLK1/1B. This small molecule possesses anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging properties, but in this study, we report that in vitro it promotes survival of human salivary acinar cells, NS-SV-AC, through repair of ionizing radiation damage. Irradiated cells treated with GA show improved clonogenic survival compared to untreated controls. And, analyses of DNA repair kinetics by alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis and γ-H2AX foci immunofluorescence indicate rapid resolution of DNA breaks in drug-treated cells. Study of DR-GFP transgene repair indicates GA facilitates homologous recombinational repair to establish a functional GFP gene. In contrast, inactivation of TLK1 or its shRNA knockdown suppressed resolution of radiation-induced DNA tails in NS-SV-AC, and homology directed repair in DR-GFP cells. Consistent with our results in culture, animals treated with GA after exposure to fractionated radiation showed better preservation of salivary function compared to saline-treated animals. Our results suggest that GA-mediated transient modulation of TLK1 activity promotes DNA repair and suppresses radiation cytoxicity in salivary gland cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Srinivasan Timiri Shanmugam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Renjith Parameshwaran Nair
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Gloria Caldito
- Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Fleurette Abreo
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Gulshan Sunavala-Dossabhoy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA.
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Awate S, De Benedetti A. TLK1B mediated phosphorylation of Rad9 regulates its nuclear/cytoplasmic localization and cell cycle checkpoint. BMC Mol Biol 2016; 17:3. [PMID: 26860083 PMCID: PMC4746922 DOI: 10.1186/s12867-016-0056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Tousled like kinase 1B (TLK1B) is critical for DNA repair and survival of cells. Upon DNA damage, Chk1 phosphorylates TLK1B at S457 leading to its transient inhibition. Once TLK1B regains its kinase activity it phosphorylates Rad9 at S328. In this work we investigated the significance of this mechanism by overexpressing mutant TLK1B in which the inhibitory phosphorylation site was eliminated. Results and discussion These cells expressing TLK1B resistant to DNA damage showed constitutive phosphorylation of Rad9 S328 that occurred even in the presence of hydroxyurea (HU), and this resulted in a delayed checkpoint recovery. One possible explanation was that premature phosphorylation of Rad9 caused its dissociation from 9-1-1 at stalled replication forks, resulting in their collapse and prolonged activation of the S-phase checkpoint. We found that phosphorylation of Rad9 at S328 results in its dissociation from chromatin and redistribution to the cytoplasm. This results in double stranded breaks formation with concomitant activation of ATM and phosphorylation of H2AX. Furthermore, a Rad9 (S328D) phosphomimic mutant was exclusively localized to the cytoplasm and not the chromatin. Another Rad9 phosphomimic mutant (T355D), which is also a site phosphorylated by TLK1, localized normally. In cells expressing the mutant TLK1B treated with HU, Rad9 association with Hus1 and WRN was greatly reduced, suggesting again that its phosphorylation causes its premature release from stalled forks. Conclusions We propose that normally, the inactivation of TLK1B following replication arrest and genotoxic stress functions to allow the retention of 9-1-1 at the sites of damage or stalled forks. Following reactivation of TLK1B, whose synthesis is concomitantly induced by genotoxins, Rad9 is hyperphosphorylated at S328, resulting in its dissociation and inactivation of the checkpoint that occurs once repair is complete. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12867-016-0056-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanket Awate
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71130, USA.
| | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71130, USA.
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Xiang W, Zhang D, Montell DJ. Tousled-like kinase regulates cytokine-mediated communication between cooperating cell types during collective border cell migration. Mol Biol Cell 2015; 27:12-9. [PMID: 26510500 PMCID: PMC4694751 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-05-0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tousled-like kinase is required for signaling between polar cells and border cells in the Drosophila ovary, thus controlling their collective migration. Tlk knockdown in polar cells inhibits cytokine expression without affecting polar cell fate or viability. This study shows novel, cell type–specific functions for this ubiquitous nuclear protein. Collective cell migration is emerging as a major contributor to normal development and disease. Collective movement of border cells in the Drosophila ovary requires cooperation between two distinct cell types: four to six migratory cells surrounding two immotile cells called polar cells. Polar cells secrete a cytokine, Unpaired (Upd), which activates JAK/STAT signaling in neighboring cells, stimulating their motility. Without Upd, migration fails, causing sterility. Ectopic Upd expression is sufficient to stimulate motility in otherwise immobile cells. Thus regulation of Upd is key. Here we report a limited RNAi screen for nuclear proteins required for border cell migration, which revealed that the gene encoding Tousled-like kinase (Tlk) is required in polar cells for Upd expression without affecting polar cell fate. In the absence of Tlk, fewer border cells are recruited and motility is impaired, similar to inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling. We further show that Tlk in polar cells is required for JAK/STAT activation in border cells. Genetic interactions further confirmed Tlk as a new regulator of Upd/JAK/STAT signaling. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating the cooperation of motile and nonmotile cells during collective invasion, a phenomenon that may also drive metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Xiang
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-University of Adelaide Joint Centre for Agriculture and Health, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dabing Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University-University of Adelaide Joint Centre for Agriculture and Health, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Denise J Montell
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
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Curcumin induces apoptosis in p53-null Hep3B cells through a TAp73/DNp73-dependent pathway. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:4203-12. [PMID: 26490992 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin has anticancer functions in various tumors. It has been shown to induce apoptosis through p53-dependent pathways. p73 gene is a member of the p53 family which encodes both a tumor suppressor (transactivation-competent p73 (TAp73)) and a putative oncogene (dominant-negative p73 (DNp73)); the former shares similarity with the tumor suppressor p53, and the latter behaves as dominant-negative proteins that interfere with the activity of TAp73. To understand the p73-dependent mechanisms that are engaged during curcumin-induced apoptosis, we established a p73 overexpression cell models using p53-deficient Hep3B cells (Hep3B(TAp73/DNp73)). Our results demonstrated that curcumin at concentrations of 40 and 80 μM induced DNA damage, increased TAp73/DNp73 ratio, and also led to apoptosis in the Hep3B(TAp73/DNp73) cells. The apoptotic cell death was concurrent with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential; release of cytochrome c from mitochondria; and the cleavage of caspase 9, caspase 3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). These results demonstrated a p73-dependent mechanism for curcumin-induced apoptosis that involves the mitochondria-mediated pathway.
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Rath A, Hromas R, De Benedetti A. Fidelity of end joining in mammalian episomes and the impact of Metnase on joint processing. BMC Mol Biol 2014; 15:6. [PMID: 24655462 PMCID: PMC3998112 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-15-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Double Stranded Breaks (DSBs) are the most serious form of DNA damage and are repaired via homologous recombination repair (HRR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). NHEJ predominates in mammalian cells at most stages of the cell cycle, and it is viewed as ‘error-prone’, although this notion has not been sufficiently challenged due to shortcomings of many current systems. Multi-copy episomes provide a large pool of genetic material where repair can be studied, as repaired plasmids can be back-cloned into bacteria and characterized for sequence alterations. Here, we used EBV-based episomes carrying 3 resistance marker genes in repair studies where a single DSB is generated with virally-encoded HO endonuclease cleaving rapidly at high efficiency for a brief time post-infection. We employed PCR and Southern blot to follow the kinetics of repair and formation of processing intermediates, and replica plating to screen for plasmids with altered joints resulting in loss of chloramphenicol resistance. Further, we employed this system to study the role of Metnase. Metnase is only found in humans and primates and is a key component of the NHEJ pathway, but its function is not fully characterized in intact cells. Results We found that repair of episomes by end-joining was highly accurate in 293 T cells that lack Metnase. Less than 10% of the rescued plasmids showed deletions. Instead, HEK293 cells (that do express Metnase) or 293 T transfected with Metnase revealed a large number of rescued plasmids with altered repaired joint, typically in the form of large deletions. Moreover, quantitative PCR and Southern blotting revealed less accurately repaired plasmids in Metnase expressing cells. Conclusions Our careful re-examination of fidelity of NHEJ repair in mammalian cells carrying a 3′ cohesive overhang at the ends revealed that the repair is efficient and highly accurate, and predominant over HRR. However, the background of the cells is important in establishing accuracy; with human cells perhaps surprisingly much more prone to generate deletions at the repaired junctions, if/when Metnase is abundantly expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arrigo De Benedetti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA.
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