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Pliatsika D, Blatter C, Riedl R. Targeted protein degradation: current molecular targets, localization, and strategies. Drug Discov Today 2024:104178. [PMID: 39276920 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has revolutionized drug discovery by selectively eliminating specific proteins within and outside the cellular context. Over the past two decades, TPD has expanded its focus beyond well-established targets, exploring diverse proteins beyond cancer-related ones. This evolution extends the potential of TPD to various diseases. Notably, TPD can target proteins at demanding locations, such as the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular membranes, presenting both opportunities and challenges for future research. In this review, we comprehensively examine the exciting opportunities in the burgeoning field of TPD, highlighting different targets, their cellular environment, and innovative strategies for modern drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimanthi Pliatsika
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Competence Center for Drug Discovery, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, CH-8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Cindy Blatter
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Competence Center for Drug Discovery, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, CH-8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Riedl
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Competence Center for Drug Discovery, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, CH-8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland.
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2
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Zhang X, Wang W, Dong G, Song Y, Zhai X, Sheng C. Discovery of a potent and selective JAK1-targeting PROTAC degrader with anti-tumor activities. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 109:129838. [PMID: 38838918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway is evident in various human diseases including cancers. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) provide an attractive strategy for developing novel JAK-targeting drugs. Herein, a series of CRBN-directed JAK-targeting PROTACs were designed and synthesized utilizing a JAK1/JAK2 dual inhibitor-momelotinib as the warhead. The most promising compound 10c exhibited both good enzymatic potency and cellular antiproliferative effects. Western blot analysis revealed that compound 10c effectively and selectively degraded JAK1 in a proteasome-dependent manner (DC50 = 214 nM). Moreover, PROTAC 10c significantly suppressed JAK1 and its key downstream signaling. Together, compound 10c may serve as a novel lead compound for antitumor drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yingqi Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China
| | - Xin Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| | - Chunquan Sheng
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, PR China.
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3
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Meng Z, Zheng H, Liu Y, Guo X, Chu S, Zhou W, Li Y, Bai J, Zhang L, Li L. Prognostic significance of CRLF2 in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Ann Hematol 2024:10.1007/s00277-024-05667-2. [PMID: 39167182 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05667-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The association between cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2) and clinical outcomes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been a topic of ongoing debate, with divergent findings. This article intended to investigate the influence of CRLF2 alterations on ALL prognosis. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this meta-analysis was conducted. Hazard ratio (HR) values and confidence intervals (CIs) were the primary statistical measures used. Data heterogeneity was judged using the chi-square test and I2 statistic. Publication bias was appraised with funnel plots, Begg's test, and Egger's test. 16 studies with 6771 patients were finally screened out. CRLF2 over-expression (CRLF2 OE) was associated with poorer event-free survival (EFS) (HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.18-2.44, P = 0.004) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.28-2.24, P = 0.000) in pediatric ALL. Patients with CRLF2-deregulation (CRLF2-d), also known as CRLF2 rearrangement, exhibited shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.49-3.32, P = 0.000), EFS (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.43-2.60, P = 0.000), and RFS (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.53-3.18, P = 0.000) compared to those without CRLF2-d. Subgroup analysis of multivariate HRs and corresponding CIs indicated that childhood with CRLF2 OE had a shorter RFS (HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.28-2.24, P = 0.006), and CRLF2-d was identified as an independent prognostic biomarker for OS (HR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.49-3.32, P = 0.000), EFS (HR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.44-2.64, P = 0.000), and RFS (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.53-3.18, P = 0.000) in pediatric ALL patients. Both CRLF2 OE and CRLF2-d are associated with poor prognosis in ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilu Meng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, No.82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hanxue Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, No.82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, No.82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiaojia Guo
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, No.82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Songlin Chu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, No.82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, No.82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Liansheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, No.82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, No.82, Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
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Zhang S, Nie S, Ma G, Shen M, Kong L, Zuo Z, Li Y. Identification of novel GSPT1 degraders by virtual screening and bioassay. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 273:116524. [PMID: 38795517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
GSPT1 plays crucial physiological functions, such as terminating protein translation, overexpressed in various tumors. It is a promising anti-tumor target, but is also considered as an "undruggable" protein. Recent studies have found that a class of small molecules can degrade GSPT1 through the "molecular glue" mechanism with strong antitumor activity, which is expected to become a new therapy for hematological malignancies. Currently available GSPT1 degraders are mostly derived from the scaffold of immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD), thus more active compounds with novel structure remain to be found. In this work, using computer-assisted multi-round virtual screening and bioassay, we identified a non-IMiD acylhydrazone compound, AN5782, which can reduce the protein level of GPST1 and obviously inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. Some analogs were obtained by a substructure search of AN5782. The structure-activity relationship analysis revealed possible interactions between these compounds and CRBN-GSPT1. Further biological mechanistic studies showed that AN5777 decreased GSPT1 remarkably through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and its effective cytotoxicity was CRBN- and GSPT1-dependent. Furthermore, AN5777 displayed good antiproliferative activities against U937 and OCI-AML-2 cells, and dose-dependently induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis. The structure found in this work could be good start for antitumor drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Shiyun Nie
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Guangchao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Meiling Shen
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lingmei Kong
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zhili Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Natural Products, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
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Lv Y, Mi P, Babon JJ, Fan G, Qi J, Cao L, Lang J, Zhang J, Wang F, Kobe B. Small molecule drug discovery targeting the JAK-STAT pathway. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107217. [PMID: 38777110 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway functions as a central hub for transmitting signals from more than 50 cytokines, playing a pivotal role in maintaining hematopoiesis, immune balance, and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in various diseases, including immunodeficiency, autoimmune conditions, hematological disorders, and certain cancers. Proteins within this pathway have emerged as effective therapeutic targets for managing these conditions, with various approaches developed to modulate key nodes in the signaling process, spanning from receptor engagement to transcription factor activation. Following the success of JAK inhibitors such as tofacitinib for RA treatment and ruxolitinib for managing primary myelofibrosis, the pharmaceutical industry has obtained approvals for over 10 small molecule drugs targeting the JAK-STAT pathway and many more are at various stages of clinical trials. In this review, we consolidate key strategies employed in drug discovery efforts targeting this pathway, with the aim of contributing to the collective understanding of small molecule interventions in the context of JAK-STAT signaling. We aspire that our endeavors will contribute to advancing the development of innovative and efficacious treatments for a range of diseases linked to this pathway dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Lv
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China; Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710026, China
| | - Pengbing Mi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Jeffrey J Babon
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Guohuang Fan
- Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd, No. 10 Lv Zhou Huan Road, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Longxing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Jiajia Lang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710026, China
| | - Faming Wang
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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6
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de Bock CE. A new mouse model highlights the need for better JAK inhibitors in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Hemasphere 2024; 8:e66. [PMID: 38566806 PMCID: PMC10986418 DOI: 10.1002/hem3.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. de Bock
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Clinical MedicineUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
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Gupta DG, Varma N, Abdulkadir SA, Sreedharanunni S, Sachdeva MUS, Naseem S, Bose P, Binota J, Malhotra P, Khadwal A, Trehan A, Varma S. A surrogate molecular approach for the detection of Philadelphia chromosome-like B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer 2024; 130:713-726. [PMID: 37819686 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-like B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a clinically significant, high-risk genetic subtype of B-ALL cases. There are few data on the incidence, characterization, and treatment outcomes of Ph-like ALL cases from low- and middle-income countries. There is a pressing need to establish a well-organized/cost-effective approach for identifying Ph-like ALL instances. METHODS Multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, nCounter NanoString, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to detect and characterize Ph-like ALL cases among recurrent genetic abnormalities (RGA)neg B-ALL cases. At the end of induction therapy, flow cytometry-minimal residual disease (MRD) assay was used to quantify MRD positivity in Ph-like ALL cases. RESULTS Of 130 newly diagnosed B-ALL cases, 25% (BCR::ABL1), 4% (ETV6::RUNX1), 5% (TCF3::PBX1), 2% (KM2TA::AFF1), and 65% RGAneg B-ALL cases were revealed by multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Among RGAneg B-ALL cases, 24% Ph-like ALL cases using nCounter NanoString were identified, with 48% CRLF2high cases with 45% CRLF2::P2RY8 and 18% CRLF2::IGH rearrangements(∼r) revealed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. In 52% of CRLF2low cases, 17% ABL1 and JAK2∼r 8% EPOR::IGH & PDGRFB∼r were identified. Ph-like ALL cases had higher total leukocyte count (p < .05), male preponderance (p < .05), and high MRD-positivity/induction failure compared with RGAneg B-ALL cases. Furthermore, in Ph-like ALL cases, 11 significant genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction were identified and validated. CRLF2, IGJ, CEACAM6, MUC4, SPATS2L and NRXN3 genes were overexpressed and show statistical significance (p < .05) in Ph-like ALL cases. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the high incidence of Ph-like ALL cases with kinase activating alterations and treatment outcomes from low- and middle-income region. Furthermore, a surrogate cost-effective multiplex panel of 11 overexpressed genes for the prompt detection of Ph-like ALL cases is proposed. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Identification of recurrent gene abnormalities (RGA)neg B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cases using multiplex-reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Identification and characterization of Philadelphia (Ph)-like ALL cases using nCounter NanoString gene expression profiling and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Furthermore, Ph-like ALL cases were characterized according to CRLF2 expression and kinase-activating genomic alterations. Minimal residual disease of Ph-like ALL cases were quantified using flow cytometry-minimal residual disease assay. A surrogate molecular approach was established to detect Ph-like ALL cases from low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dikshat Gopal Gupta
- Department of Urology & Pathology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Neelam Varma
- Department of Hematology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sarki Abba Abdulkadir
- Department of Urology & Pathology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sreejesh Sreedharanunni
- Department of Hematology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Man Updesh Singh Sachdeva
- Department of Hematology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shano Naseem
- Department of Hematology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Parveen Bose
- Department of Hematology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jogeshwar Binota
- Department of Hematology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pankaj Malhotra
- Department of Clinical Hematology & Medical Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Alka Khadwal
- Department of Clinical Hematology & Medical Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amita Trehan
- Department of Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Subhash Varma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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8
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Wu J, Li L, Zhu Q, Zhang T, Miao F, Cui Z, Dong G, Tai Z, Chen Z. JAK1/JAK2 degraders based on PROTAC for topical treatment of atopic dermatitis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116167. [PMID: 38262152 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease. The Janus kinase (JAK) has been identified as a target in AD, as it regulates specific inflammatory genes and adaptive immune responses. However, the efficacy of topically applied JAK inhibitors in AD is limited due to the unique structure of skin. We synthesized JAK1/JAK2 degraders (JAPT) based on protein degradation targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and prepared them into topical preparations. JAPT exploited the E3 ligase to mediate ubiquitination and degradation of JAK1/JAK2, offering a promising AD therapeutic approach with low frequency and dosage. In vitro investigations demonstrated that JAPT effectively inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced inflammation by promoting the degradation of JAK. In vivo studies further confirmed the efficacy of JAPT in degrading JAK1/JAK2, leading to a significant suppression of type I, II, and III adaptive immunity. Additionally, JAPT demonstrated a remarkable reduction in AD severity, as evidenced by improved skin lesion clearance and AD severity scores (SCORAD). Our study revealed the therapeutic potential of JAPT, surpassing conventional JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AD, which suggested that JAPT could be a promising topically applied anti-AD drug targeting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchao Wu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Lisha Li
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Tingrui Zhang
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Zhen Cui
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China
| | - Guoqiang Dong
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China.
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai 200443, China; School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China.
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9
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Waitman KB, de Almeida LC, Primi MC, Carlos JAEG, Ruiz C, Kronenberger T, Laufer S, Goettert MI, Poso A, Vassiliades SV, de Souza VAM, Toledo MFZJ, Hassimotto NMA, Cameron MD, Bannister TD, Costa-Lotufo LV, Machado-Neto JA, Tavares MT, Parise-Filho R. HDAC specificity and kinase off-targeting by purine-benzohydroxamate anti-hematological tumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115935. [PMID: 37989057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
A series of hybrid inhibitors, combining pharmacophores of known kinase inhibitors bearing anilino-purines (ruxolitinib, ibrutinib) and benzohydroxamate HDAC inhibitors (nexturastat A), were generated in the present study. The compounds have been synthesized and tested against solid and hematological tumor cell lines. Compounds 4d-f were the most promising in cytotoxicity assays (IC50 ≤ 50 nM) vs. hematological cells and displayed moderate activity in solid tumor models (EC50 = 9.3-21.7 μM). Compound 4d potently inhibited multiple kinase targets of interest for anticancer effects, including JAK2, JAK3, HDAC1, and HDAC6. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that 4d has stable interactions with HDAC and members of the JAK family, with differences in the hinge binding energy conferring selectivity for JAK3 and JAK2 over JAK1. The kinase inhibition profile of compounds 4d-f allows selective cytotoxicity, with minimal effects on non-tumorigenic cells. Moreover, these compounds have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, with high stability in human liver microsomes (e.g., see t1/2: >120 min for 4f), low intrinsic clearance, and lack of significant inhibition of four major CYP450 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline B Waitman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa C de Almeida
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina C Primi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, United States; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Jorge A E G Carlos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Ruiz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, United States
| | - Thales Kronenberger
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany; Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD(2)), 72076, Tübingen, Germany; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland; Excellence Cluster "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany; Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD(2)), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcia Ines Goettert
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany; Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD(2)), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Antti Poso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany; Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD(2)), 72076, Tübingen, Germany; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland; Excellence Cluster "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sandra V Vassiliades
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinícius A M de Souza
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mônica F Z J Toledo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Neuza M A Hassimotto
- Food Research Center-(FoRC-CEPID) and Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Michael D Cameron
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, United States
| | - Thomas D Bannister
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL, 33458, United States
| | - Letícia V Costa-Lotufo
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João A Machado-Neto
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maurício T Tavares
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02115, United States; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, United States.
| | - Roberto Parise-Filho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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10
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Vainchenker W, Yahmi N, Havelange V, Marty C, Plo I, Constantinescu SN. Recent advances in therapies for primary myelofibrosis. Fac Rev 2023; 12:23. [PMID: 37771602 PMCID: PMC10523375 DOI: 10.12703/r/12-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary myelofibrosis (PMF), polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) form the classical BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) that are driven by a constitutive activation of JAK2 signaling. PMF as well as secondary MF (post-ET and post-PV MF) are the most aggressive MPNs. Presently, there is no curative treatment, except allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. JAK inhibitors, essentially ruxolitinib, are the therapy of reference for intermediate and high-risk MF. However, presently the current JAK inhibitors behave mainly as anti-inflammatory drugs, improving general symptoms and spleen size without major impact on disease progression. A better understanding of the genetics of MF, the biology of its leukemic stem cells (LSCs), the mechanisms of fibrosis and of cytopenia and the role of inflammatory cytokines has led to new approaches with the development of numerous therapeutic agents that target epigenetic regulation, telomerase, apoptosis, cell cycle, cytokines and signaling. Furthermore, the use of a new less toxic form of interferon-α has been revived, as it is presently one of the only molecules that targets the mutated clone. These new approaches have different aims: (a) to provide alternative therapy to JAK inhibition; (b) to correct cytopenia; and (c) to inhibit fibrosis development. However, the main important goal is to find new disease modifier treatments, which will profoundly modify the progression of the disease without major toxicity. Presently the most promising approaches consist of the inhibition of telomerase and the combination of JAK2 inhibitors (ruxolitinib) with either a BCL2/BCL-xL or BET inhibitor. Yet, the most straightforward future approaches can be considered to be the development of and/or selective inhibition of JAK2V617F and the targeting MPL and calreticulin mutants by immunotherapy. It can be expected that the therapy of MF will be significantly improved in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Vainchenker
- INSERM, UMR1287, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UMR1287, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, UMR1287, Villejuif, France
| | - Nasrine Yahmi
- INSERM, UMR1287, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UMR1287, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, UMR1287, Villejuif, France
| | - Violaine Havelange
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, Department of Hematology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Caroline Marty
- INSERM, UMR1287, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UMR1287, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, UMR1287, Villejuif, France
| | - Isabelle Plo
- INSERM, UMR1287, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UMR1287, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, UMR1287, Villejuif, France
| | - Stefan N Constantinescu
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium
- WEL Research Institute, WELBIO Department, Wavre, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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11
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Valipour M, Irannejad H, Keyvani H. An Overview on Anti-COVID-19 Drug Achievements and Challenges Ahead. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1248-1265. [PMID: 37705590 PMCID: PMC10496143 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of several coronavirus pandemics/epidemics during the last two decades (SARS-CoV-1 in 2002, MERS-CoV in 2012, and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019) indicates that humanity will face increasing challenges from coronaviruses in the future. The emergence of new strains with similar transmission characteristics as SARS-CoV-2 and mortality rates similar to SARS-CoV-1 (∼10% mortality) or MERS-CoV (∼35% mortality) in the future is a terrifying possibility. Therefore, getting enough preparations to face such risks is an inevitable necessity. The present study aims to review the drug achievements and challenges in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 with a combined perspective derived from pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and medicinal chemistry insights. Appreciating all the efforts made during the past few years, there is strong evidence that the desired results have not yet been achieved and research in this area should still be pursued seriously. By expressing some pessimistic possibilities and concluding that the drug discovery and pharmacotherapy of COVID-19 have not been successful so far, this short essay tries to draw the attention of responsible authorities to be more prepared against future coronavirus epidemics/pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi
Drug Research Center, Iran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran 1134845764, Iran
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department
of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University
of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1134845764, Iran
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12
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Nair PC, Piehler J, Tvorogov D, Ross DM, Lopez AF, Gotlib J, Thomas D. Next-Generation JAK2 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Lessons from Structure-Based Drug Discovery Approaches. Blood Cancer Discov 2023; 4:352-364. [PMID: 37498362 PMCID: PMC10472187 DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-22-0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective inhibitors of Janus kinase (JAK) 2 have been in demand since the discovery of the JAK2 V617F mutation present in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN); however, the structural basis of V617F oncogenicity has only recently been elucidated. New structural studies reveal a role for other JAK2 domains, beyond the kinase domain, that contribute to pathogenic signaling. Here we evaluate the structure-based approaches that led to recently-approved type I JAK2 inhibitors (fedratinib and pacritinib), as well as type II (BBT594 and CHZ868) and pseudokinase inhibitors under development (JNJ7706621). With full-length JAK homodimeric structures now available, superior selective and mutation-specific JAK2 inhibitors are foreseeable. SIGNIFICANCE The JAK inhibitors currently used for the treatment of MPNs are effective for symptom management but not for disease eradication, primarily because they are not strongly selective for the mutant clone. The rise of computational and structure-based drug discovery approaches together with the knowledge of full-length JAK dimer complexes provides a unique opportunity to develop better targeted therapies for a range of conditions driven by pathologic JAK2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod C. Nair
- Cancer Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Cancer Program, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jacob Piehler
- Department of Biology and Center of Cellular Nanoanalytics, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Denis Tvorogov
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David M. Ross
- Cancer Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Angel F. Lopez
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jason Gotlib
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Daniel Thomas
- Cancer Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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13
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Sigvardsson M. Transcription factor networks link B-lymphocyte development and malignant transformation in leukemia. Genes Dev 2023; 37:703-723. [PMID: 37673459 PMCID: PMC10546977 DOI: 10.1101/gad.349879.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Rapid advances in genomics have opened unprecedented possibilities to explore the mutational landscapes in malignant diseases, such as B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This disease is manifested as a severe defect in the production of normal blood cells due to the uncontrolled expansion of transformed B-lymphocyte progenitors in the bone marrow. Even though classical genetics identified translocations of transcription factor-coding genes in B-ALL, the extent of the targeting of regulatory networks in malignant transformation was not evident until the emergence of large-scale genomic analyses. There is now evidence that many B-ALL cases present with mutations in genes that encode transcription factors with critical roles in normal B-lymphocyte development. These include PAX5, IKZF1, EBF1, and TCF3, all of which are targeted by translocations or, more commonly, partial inactivation in cases of B-ALL. Even though there is support for the notion that germline polymorphisms in the PAX5 and IKZF1 genes predispose for B-ALL, the majority of leukemias present with somatic mutations in transcription factor-encoding genes. These genetic aberrations are often found in combination with mutations in genes that encode components of the pre-B-cell receptor or the IL-7/TSLP signaling pathways, all of which are important for early B-cell development. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the molecular interplay that occurs between transcription factors and signaling events during normal and malignant B-lymphocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Sigvardsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; Division of Molecular Hematology, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
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14
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Arwood ML, Liu Y, Harkins SK, Weinstock DM, Yang L, Stevenson KE, Plana OD, Dong J, Cirka H, Jones KL, Virtanen AT, Gupta DG, Ceas A, Lawney B, Yoda A, Leahy C, Hao M, He Z, Choi HG, Wang Y, Silvennoinen O, Hubbard SR, Zhang T, Gray NS, Li LS. New scaffolds for type II JAK2 inhibitors overcome the acquired G993A resistance mutation. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:618-631.e12. [PMID: 37290440 PMCID: PMC10495080 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent JAK2 alterations are observed in myeloproliferative neoplasms, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and other hematologic malignancies. Currently available type I JAK2 inhibitors have limited activity in these diseases. Preclinical data support the improved efficacy of type II JAK2 inhibitors, which lock the kinase in the inactive conformation. By screening small molecule libraries, we identified a lead compound with JAK2 selectivity. We highlight analogs with on-target biochemical and cellular activity and demonstrate in vivo activity using a mouse model of polycythemia vera. We present a co-crystal structure that confirms the type II binding mode of our compounds with the "DFG-out" conformation of the JAK2 activation loop. Finally, we identify a JAK2 G993A mutation that confers resistance to the type II JAK2 inhibitor CHZ868 but not to our analogs. These data provide a template for identifying novel type II kinase inhibitors and inform further development of agents targeting JAK2 that overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Arwood
- Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shannon K Harkins
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - David M Weinstock
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kristen E Stevenson
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Olivia D Plana
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jingyun Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Haley Cirka
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kristen L Jones
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Anniina T Virtanen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dikshat G Gupta
- Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Amanda Ceas
- Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Brian Lawney
- Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Akinori Yoda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Catharine Leahy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mingfeng Hao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Zhixiang He
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hwan Geun Choi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yaning Wang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Olli Silvennoinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stevan R Hubbard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Loretta S Li
- Molecular and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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15
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How J, Garcia JS, Mullally A. Biology and therapeutic targeting of molecular mechanisms in MPNs. Blood 2023; 141:1922-1933. [PMID: 36534936 PMCID: PMC10163317 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by activated Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling. As a result, JAK inhibitors have been the standard therapy for treatment of patients with myelofibrosis (MF). Although currently approved JAK inhibitors successfully ameliorate MPN-related symptoms, they are not known to substantially alter the MF disease course. Similarly, in essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera, treatments are primarily aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic complications, with a watchful waiting approach often used in patients who are considered to be at a lower risk for thrombosis. However, better understanding of MPN biology has led to the development of rationally designed therapies, with the goal of not only addressing disease complications but also potentially modifying disease course. We review the most recent data elucidating mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and highlight emerging therapies that target MPN on several biologic levels, including JAK2-mutant MPN stem cells, JAK and non-JAK signaling pathways, mutant calreticulin, and the inflammatory bone marrow microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan How
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jacqueline S. Garcia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ann Mullally
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
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16
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Nowak RP, Che J, Ferrao S, Kong NR, Liu H, Zerfas BL, Jones LH. Structural rationalization of GSPT1 and IKZF1 degradation by thalidomide molecular glue derivatives. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:501-506. [PMID: 36970148 PMCID: PMC10034078 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00347c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide and its derivatives are molecular glues that bind cereblon (CRBN), a component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and mediate protein interactions with neosubstrates resulting in their polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. The structural features of neosubstrate binding have been elucidated that highlight key interactions with a β-hairpin degron containing a glycine, which is present in a wide-range of proteins, including zinc-finger transcription factors such as IKZF1, and the translation termination factor GSPT1. Here, we profile 14 closely-related thalidomide derivatives in CRBN occupancy, and IKZF1 and GSPT1 degradation cell-based assays, and use crystal structures, computational docking and molecular dynamics to delineate subtle structure-activity relationships. Our findings will enable the rational design of CRBN modulators in the future, and help avoid the degradation of GSPT1 which is broadly cytotoxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław P Nowak
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Jianwei Che
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Silas Ferrao
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
| | - Nikki R Kong
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Hu Liu
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Breanna L Zerfas
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 360 Longwood Avenue Boston MA USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
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17
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Deng J, Liang B, Xing D. Developments of PROTACs technology in immune-related diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115127. [PMID: 36724631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy are primary disease-treatment strategies. However, they face numerous challenges, including limited therapeutic benefits, off-target effects, serious adverse effects, drug resistance, long half-life time, poor oral bioavailability, and drugging undruggable proteins. Proteolytic targeted chimeras (PROTACs) were suggested to solve these problems. PROTACs are heterogeneous functional molecules linked by a chemical linker and contain a binding ligand for the protein of interest and a recruiting ligand for the E3 ligand. The binding of a PROTAC to a target protein brings the E3 ligand enzyme into proximity, initiating polyubiquitination of the target protein, followed by protease-mediated degradation. To date, PROTACs against dozens of immunological targets have been successfully developed, many of which have been clinically validated drug targets, and several have entered clinical trials for immune-related diseases. This article reviews the role of PROTACs-mediated degradation of critical proteins in immune disorders and cancer immunotherapy. Chemical structures, cellular and in vivo activities, and pharmacodynamics of these PROTACs are summarized. Lastly, we also discuss the prospects and potential limitations that PROTACs face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China.
| | - Junwen Deng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Liang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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18
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Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a pleiotropic cytokine that acts on multiple cell lineages, including dendritic cells, T cells, B cells, neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils and innate lymphoid cells, affecting their maturation, survival and recruitment. It is best known for its role in promoting type 2 immune responses such as in allergic diseases and, in 2021, a monoclonal antibody targeting TSLP was approved for the treatment of severe asthma. However, it is now clear that TSLP has many other important roles in a variety of settings. Indeed, several genetic variants for TSLP are linked to disease severity, and chromosomal alterations in TSLP are common in certain cancers, indicating important roles of TSLP in disease. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in TSLP biology, highlighting how it regulates the tissue environment not only in allergic disease but also in infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer. Encouragingly, therapies targeting the TSLP pathway are being actively pursued for several diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risa Ebina-Shibuya
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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19
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Mustafa AHM, Krämer OH. Pharmacological Modulation of the Crosstalk between Aberrant Janus Kinase Signaling and Epigenetic Modifiers of the Histone Deacetylase Family to Treat Cancer. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:35-61. [PMID: 36752816 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivated Janus kinase (JAK) signaling is an appreciated drug target in human cancers. Numerous mutant JAK molecules as well as inherent and acquired drug resistance mechanisms limit the efficacy of JAK inhibitors (JAKi). There is accumulating evidence that epigenetic mechanisms control JAK-dependent signaling cascades. Like JAKs, epigenetic modifiers of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) family regulate the growth and development of cells and are often dysregulated in cancer cells. The notion that inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACi) abrogate oncogenic JAK-dependent signaling cascades illustrates an intricate crosstalk between JAKs and HDACs. Here, we summarize how structurally divergent, broad-acting as well as isoenzyme-specific HDACi, hybrid fusion pharmacophores containing JAKi and HDACi, and proteolysis targeting chimeras for JAKs inactivate the four JAK proteins JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase-2. These agents suppress aberrant JAK activity through specific transcription-dependent processes and mechanisms that alter the phosphorylation and stability of JAKs. Pharmacological inhibition of HDACs abrogates allosteric activation of JAKs, overcomes limitations of ATP-competitive type 1 and type 2 JAKi, and interacts favorably with JAKi. Since such findings were collected in cultured cells, experimental animals, and cancer patients, we condense preclinical and translational relevance. We also discuss how future research on acetylation-dependent mechanisms that regulate JAKs might allow the rational design of improved treatments for cancer patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Reversible lysine-ɛ-N acetylation and deacetylation cycles control phosphorylation-dependent Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling. The intricate crosstalk between these fundamental molecular mechanisms provides opportunities for pharmacological intervention strategies with modern small molecule inhibitors. This could help patients suffering from cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al-Hassan M Mustafa
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany (A.-H.M.M., O.H.K.) and Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt (A.-H.M.M.)
| | - Oliver H Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany (A.-H.M.M., O.H.K.) and Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt (A.-H.M.M.)
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20
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Kato JY, Korenaga S, Iwakura M. Discovery of a potent and subtype-selective TYK2 degrader based on an allosteric TYK2 inhibitor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 79:129083. [PMID: 36414177 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.129083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
TYK2, a member of the JAK family of proximal membrane-bound tyrosine kinases, has emerged as an attractive target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Herein, we report the discovery of first-in-class potent and subtype-selective TYK2 degraders. By conjugating a TYK2 ligand from a known allosteric TYK2 inhibitor with a VHL ligand as the E3 ligase ligand via alkyl linkers of various lengths, we rapidly identified TYK2 degrader 5 with moderate TYK2 degradation activity. Degrader 5 induced TYK2 degradation without affecting the protein level of subtype kinases (JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3) in Jurkat cellular assays. Furthermore, modifying the TYK2 ligand moiety of degrader 5 yielded the more potent TYK2 degrader 37 with retained selectivity for JAKs. Our subtype-selective TYK2 degraders represent valuable chemical probes for investigating the biology of TYK2 degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ya Kato
- Synthetic Research Department, ASKA Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan.
| | - Shigeru Korenaga
- Drug Discovery Department, ASKA Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Masaru Iwakura
- Synthetic Research Department, ASKA Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
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21
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Jin T, Chen Y, Chen QY, Xiong Y, Yang JQ. Circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood as a diagnostic biomarker of breast cancer: A meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1103146. [PMID: 37035139 PMCID: PMC10073650 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1103146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Studies have reported that breast cancer (BC) patients' circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have varying results for their diagnostic role. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to systematically assess the accuracy of CTCs in the diagnosis of BC. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the overall accuracy of CTC detection. A pooled analysis of sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic advantage ratio (DOR) was used to measure diagnostic accuracy. In addition, the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to discriminate BC from non-BC. An analysis of the threshold effect was calculated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. We calculated the Q and I2 statistics to determine whether the studies were heterogeneous. Sensitivity analysis was performed by removing studies one by one. Publication bias was assessed by Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test. Results Studies from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, Vip, and CNKI databases were collected for diagnosing BC from January 2000 to April March 2023. Finally, 8 publications were retrieved in total containing 2014 cases involved in the study. Based on a random-effects model, it was found that the pooled SEN was 0.69 (0.55 - 0.80), SPE was 0.93 (0.60 - 0.99), PLR was 9.5 (1.4 - 65.9), NLR was 0.33 (0.23 - 0.48), DOR was 29 (4 - 205) and the AUC of the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was 0.81 (0.77 - 0.84). Some heterogeneity was found in the article, but there was no threshold effect to account for it (P = 0.27). Deek's funnel plot asymmetry test indicated that no publication bias was observed in this meta-analysis (P = 0.52). Conclusion The results of this meta-analysis confirmed that CTCs were an important component of noninvasive methods of confirming BC with SEN of 0.69 (0.55 - 0.80), SPE of 0.93 (0.60 - 0.99) and AUC of 0.81 (0.77 - 0.84).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Breast Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing-Yan Chen
- Medical college, Hebei University of Engineering, Hebei, China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ji-Qiao Yang
- Breast Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ji-Qiao Yang,
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22
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Kwon S. Molecular dissection of Janus kinases as drug targets for inflammatory diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1075192. [PMID: 36569926 PMCID: PMC9773558 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1075192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase (JAK) family enzymes are non-receptor tyrosine kinases that phosphorylate cytokine receptors and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Considering that JAK-STAT signal transduction is initiated by the binding of ligands, such as cytokines to their receptors, dysfunctional JAKs in the JAK-STAT pathway can lead to severe immune system-related diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Therefore, JAKs are attractive drug targets to develop therapies that block abnormal JAK-STAT signaling. To date, various JAK inhibitors have been developed to block cytokine-triggered signaling pathways. However, kinase inhibitors have intrinsic limitations to drug selectivity. Moreover, resistance to the developed JAK inhibitors constitutes a recently emerging issue owing to the occurrence of drug-resistant mutations. In this review, we discuss the role of JAKs in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and analyze the structures of JAKs, along with their conformational changes for catalysis. In addition, the entire structure of the murine JAK1 elucidated recently provides information on an interaction mode for dimerization. Based on updated structural information on JAKs, we also discuss strategies for disrupting the dimerization of JAKs to develop novel JAK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghark Kwon
- Department of Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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23
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Liu J, Peng Y, Inuzuka H, Wei W. Targeting micro-environmental pathways by PROTACs as a therapeutic strategy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:269-279. [PMID: 35798235 PMCID: PMC11000491 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) composes of multiple cell types and non-cellular components, which supports the proliferation, metastasis and immune surveillance evasion of tumor cells, as well as accounts for the resistance to therapies. Therefore, therapeutic strategies using small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) and antibodies to block potential targets in TME are practical for cancer treatment. Targeted protein degradation using PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) technic has several advantages over traditional SMIs and antibodies, including overcoming drug resistance. Thus many PROTACs are currently under development for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of PROTAC development that target TME pathways and propose the potential direction of future PROTAC technique to advance as novel cancer treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Yunhua Peng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
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24
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Tsuzuki S, Yasuda T, Goto H, Maeda N, Akahane K, Inukai T, Yamamoto H, Karnan S, Ota A, Hyodo T, Konishi H, Hosokawa Y, Kiyoi H, Hayakawa F. BCL6 inhibition ameliorates resistance to ruxolitinib in CRLF2-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2022; 108:394-408. [PMID: 36005560 PMCID: PMC9890033 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.280879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-like ALL) is an intractable disease and most cases harbor genetic alterations that activate JAK or ABL signaling. The commonest subtype of Ph-like ALL exhibits a CRLF2 gene rearrangement that brings about JAK1/2-STAT5 pathway activation. However, JAK1/2 inhibition alone is insufficient as a treatment, so combinatorial therapies targeting multiple signals are needed. To better understand the mechanisms underlying the insufficient efficacy of JAK inhibition, we explored gene expression changes upon treatment with a JAK1/2 inhibitor (ruxolitinib) and found that elevated BCL6 expression was one such mechanism. Upregulated BCL6 suppressed the expression of TP53 along with its downstream cell cycle inhibitor p21 (CDKN2A) and pro-apoptotic molecules, such as FAS, TNFRSF10B, BID, BAX, BAK, PUMA, and NOXA, conferring cells some degree of resistance to therapy. BCL6 inhibition (with FX1) alone was able to upregulate TP53 and restore the TP53 expression that ruxolitinib had diminished. In addition, ruxolitinib and FX1 concertedly downregulated MYC. As a result, FX1 treatment alone had growth-inhibitory and apoptosis- sensitizing effects, but the combination of ruxolitinib and FX1 more potently inhibited leukemia cell growth, enhanced apoptosis sensitivity, and prolonged the survival of xenografted mice. These findings provide one mechanism for the insufficiency of JAK inhibition for the treatment of CRLF2-rearranged ALL and indicate BCL6 inhibition as a potentially helpful adjunctive therapy combined with JAK inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinobu Tsuzuki
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University, School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi.
| | - Takahiko Yasuda
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Aichi
| | - Hiroaki Goto
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Kanagawa Children’s Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa
| | - Naoko Maeda
- Department of Pediatrics, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Aichi
| | - Koshi Akahane
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi
| | - Takeshi Inukai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi
| | - Hideyuki Yamamoto
- Department of Hematology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi
| | - Sivasundaram Karnan
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University, School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi
| | - Akinobu Ota
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University, School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi
| | - Toshinori Hyodo
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University, School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi
| | - Hiroyuki Konishi
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University, School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi
| | - Yoshitaka Hosokawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Aichi Medical University, School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi
| | - Hitoshi Kiyoi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi
| | - Fumihiko Hayakawa
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Division of Cellular and Genetic Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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25
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Roskoski R. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of neoplastic and inflammatory disorders. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106362. [PMID: 35878738 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Janus kinase (JAK) family of nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases consists of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2 (Tyrosine Kinase 2). Each of these proteins contains a JAK homology pseudokinase (JH2) domain that interacts with and regulates the activity of the adjacent protein kinase domain (JH1). The Janus kinase family is regulated by numerous cytokines including interferons, interleukins, and hormones such as erythropoietin and thrombopoietin. Ligand binding to cytokine receptors leads to the activation of associated Janus kinases, which then catalyze the phosphorylation of the receptors. The SH2 domain of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) binds to the cytokine receptor phosphotyrosines thereby promoting STAT phosphorylation and activation by the Janus kinases. STAT dimers are then translocated into the nucleus where they participate in the regulation and expression of dozens of proteins. JAK1/3 signaling participates in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders while JAK1/2 signaling contributes to the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms as well as several malignancies including leukemias and lymphomas. An activating JAK2 V617F mutation occurs in 95% of people with polycythemia vera and about 50% of cases of myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia. Abrocitinib, ruxolitinib, and upadacitinib are JAK inhibitors that are FDA-approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Baricitinib is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and covid 19. Tofacitinib and upadacitinib are JAK antagonists that are used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, ruxolitinib is approved for the treatment of polycythemia vera while fedratinib, pacritinib, and ruxolitinib are approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 3754 Brevard Road, Suite 106, Box 19, Horse Shoe, NC 28742, United States.
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26
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Downes CEJ, McClure BJ, McDougal DP, Heatley SL, Bruning JB, Thomas D, Yeung DT, White DL. JAK2 Alterations in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Molecular Insights for Superior Precision Medicine Strategies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:942053. [PMID: 35903543 PMCID: PMC9315936 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.942053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer, arising from immature lymphocytes that show uncontrolled proliferation and arrested differentiation. Genomic alterations affecting Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) correlate with some of the poorest outcomes within the Philadelphia-like subtype of ALL. Given the success of kinase inhibitors in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, the discovery of activating JAK2 point mutations and JAK2 fusion genes in ALL, was a breakthrough for potential targeted therapies. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these alterations activate JAK2 and promote downstream signaling is poorly understood. Furthermore, as clinical data regarding the limitations of approved JAK inhibitors in myeloproliferative disorders matures, there is a growing awareness of the need for alternative precision medicine approaches for specific JAK2 lesions. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms behind ALL-associated JAK2 mutations and JAK2 fusion genes, known and potential causes of JAK-inhibitor resistance, and how JAK2 alterations could be targeted using alternative and novel rationally designed therapies to guide precision medicine approaches for these high-risk subtypes of ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte EJ. Downes
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Barbara J. McClure
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel P. McDougal
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susan L. Heatley
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Australian and New Zealand Children’s Oncology Group (ANZCHOG), Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - John B. Bruning
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel Thomas
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David T. Yeung
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Deborah L. White
- Blood Cancer Program, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Australian and New Zealand Children’s Oncology Group (ANZCHOG), Clayton, VIC, Australia
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27
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Ni Y, Low JT, Silke J, O’Reilly LA. Digesting the Role of JAK-STAT and Cytokine Signaling in Oral and Gastric Cancers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:835997. [PMID: 35844493 PMCID: PMC9277720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
When small proteins such as cytokines bind to their associated receptors on the plasma membrane, they can activate multiple internal signaling cascades allowing information from one cell to affect another. Frequently the signaling cascade leads to a change in gene expression that can affect cell functions such as proliferation, differentiation and homeostasis. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) are the pivotal mechanisms employed for such communication. When deregulated, the JAK-STAT and the TNF receptor signaling pathways can induce chronic inflammatory phenotypes by promoting more cytokine production. Furthermore, these signaling pathways can promote replication, survival and metastasis of cancer cells. This review will summarize the essentials of the JAK/STAT and TNF signaling pathways and their regulation and the molecular mechanisms that lead to the dysregulation of the JAK-STAT pathway. The consequences of dysregulation, as ascertained from founding work in haematopoietic malignancies to more recent research in solid oral-gastrointestinal cancers, will also be discussed. Finally, this review will highlight the development and future of therapeutic applications which modulate the JAK-STAT or the TNF signaling pathways in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun T. Low
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John Silke
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lorraine A. O’Reilly
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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28
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He M, Cao C, Ni Z, Liu Y, Song P, Hao S, He Y, Sun X, Rao Y. PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry (an update from 2020 to 2021). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:181. [PMID: 35680848 PMCID: PMC9178337 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology is a new protein-degradation strategy that has emerged in recent years. It uses bifunctional small molecules to induce the ubiquitination and degradation of target proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. PROTACs can not only be used as potential clinical treatments for diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, viral infections, and neurodegenerative diseases, but also provide unique chemical knockdown tools for biological research in a catalytic, reversible, and rapid manner. In 2019, our group published a review article "PROTACs: great opportunities for academia and industry" in the journal, summarizing the representative compounds of PROTACs reported before the end of 2019. In the past 2 years, the entire field of protein degradation has experienced rapid development, including not only a large increase in the number of research papers on protein-degradation technology but also a rapid increase in the number of small-molecule degraders that have entered the clinical and will enter the clinical stage. In addition to PROTAC and molecular glue technology, other new degradation technologies are also developing rapidly. In this article, we mainly summarize and review the representative PROTACs of related targets published in 2020-2021 to present to researchers the exciting developments in the field of protein degradation. The problems that need to be solved in this field will also be briefly introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chaoguo Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Ni
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yongbo Liu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peilu Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Hao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuna He
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyun Sun
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Rao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, P. R. China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450001, Zhengzhou, China.
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29
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Wu Y, Zhang J, Zhu X, Zhang Y. Developing PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) for hematologic malignancies. Cancer Lett 2022; 544:215808. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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30
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Drula R, Iluta S, Gulei D, Iuga C, Dima D, Ghiaur G, Buzoianu AD, Ciechanover A, Tomuleasa C. Exploiting the ubiquitin system in myeloid malignancies. From basic research to drug discovery in MDS and AML. Blood Rev 2022; 56:100971. [PMID: 35595613 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system is the crucial homeostatic mechanism responsible for the degradation and turnover of proteins. As such, alterations at this level are often associated with oncogenic processes, either through accumulation of undegraded pathway effectors or, conversely, excessive degradation of tumor-suppressing factors. Therefore, investigation of the ubiquitin- proteasome system has gained much attraction in recent years, especially in the context of hematological malignancies, giving rise to efficient therapeutics such as bortezomib for multiple myeloma. Current investigations are now focused on manipulating protein degradation via fine-tuning of the ubiquitination process through inhibition of deubiquitinating enzymes or development of PROTAC systems for stimulation of ubiquitination and protein degradation. On the other hand, the efficiency of Thalidomide derivates in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), such as Lenalidomide, acted as the starting point for the development of targeted leukemia-associated protein degradation molecules. These novel molecules display high efficiency in overcoming the limitations of current therapeutic regimens, such as refractory diseases. Therefore, in this manuscript we will address the therapeutic opportunities and strategies based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system, ranging from the modulation of deubiquitinating enzymes and, conversely, describing the potential of modern targeted protein degrading molecules and their progress into clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rares Drula
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Sabina Iluta
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Iuga
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Ghiaur
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anca Dana Buzoianu
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Aaron Ciechanover
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel; Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Research Center for Advanced Medicine - MedFUTURE, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania; Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania.
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31
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A Comprehensive Overview of Globally Approved JAK Inhibitors. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051001. [PMID: 35631587 PMCID: PMC9146299 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Janus kinase (JAK) is a family of cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinases that includes four members, namely JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. The JAKs transduce cytokine signaling through the JAK-STAT pathway, which regulates the transcription of several genes involved in inflammatory, immune, and cancer conditions. Targeting the JAK family kinases with small-molecule inhibitors has proved to be effective in the treatment of different types of diseases. In the current review, eleven of the JAK inhibitors that received approval for clinical use have been discussed. These drugs are abrocitinib, baricitinib, delgocitinib, fedratinib, filgotinib, oclacitinib, pacritinib, peficitinib, ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, and upadacitinib. The aim of the current review was to provide an integrated overview of the chemical and pharmacological data of the globally approved JAK inhibitors. The synthetic routes of the eleven drugs were described. In addition, their inhibitory activities against different kinases and their pharmacological uses have also been explained. Moreover, their crystal structures with different kinases were summarized, with a primary focus on their binding modes and interactions. The proposed metabolic pathways and metabolites of these drugs were also illustrated. To sum up, the data in the current review could help in the design of new JAK inhibitors with potential therapeutic benefits in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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32
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Levy G, Guglielmelli P, Langmuir P, Constantinescu S. JAK inhibitors and COVID-19. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-002838. [PMID: 35459733 PMCID: PMC9035837 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During SARS-CoV-2 infection, the innate immune response can be inhibited or delayed, and the subsequent persistent viral replication can induce emergency signals that may culminate in a cytokine storm contributing to the severe evolution of COVID-19. Cytokines are key regulators of the immune response and virus clearance, and, as such, are linked to the—possibly altered—response to the SARS-CoV-2. They act via a family of more than 40 transmembrane receptors that are coupled to one or several of the 4 Janus kinases (JAKs) coded by the human genome, namely JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. Once activated, JAKs act on pathways for either survival, proliferation, differentiation, immune regulation or, in the case of type I interferons, antiviral and antiproliferative effects. Studies of graft-versus-host and systemic rheumatic diseases indicated that JAK inhibitors (JAKi) exert immunosuppressive effects that are non-redundant with those of corticotherapy. Therefore, they hold the potential to cut-off pathological reactions in COVID-19. Significant clinical experience already exists with several JAKi in COVID-19, such as baricitinib, ruxolitinib, tofacitinib, and nezulcitinib, which were suggested by a meta-analysis (Patoulias et al.) to exert a benefit in terms of risk reduction concerning major outcomes when added to standard of care in patients with COVID-19. Yet, only baricitinib is recommended in first line for severe COVID-19 treatment by the WHO, as it is the only JAKi that has proven efficient to reduce mortality in individual randomized clinical trials (RCT), especially the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial (ACTT-2) and COV-BARRIER phase 3 trials. As for secondary effects of JAKi treatment, the main caution with baricitinib consists in the induced immunosuppression as long-term side effects should not be an issue in patients treated for COVID-19. We discuss whether a class effect of JAKi may be emerging in COVID-19 treatment, although at the moment the convincing data are for baricitinib only. Given the key role of JAK1 in both type I IFN action and signaling by cytokines involved in pathogenic effects, establishing the precise timing of treatment will be very important in future trials, along with the control of viral replication by associating antiviral molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Levy
- Signal Transduction and Molecular Hematology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium.,Signal Transduction on Molecular Hematology, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgium.,WELBIO, Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paola Guglielmelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy.,Center of Research and Innovation for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (CRIMM), Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | - Peter Langmuir
- Oncology Targeted Therapeutics, Incyte Corp, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Stefan Constantinescu
- Signal Transduction and Molecular Hematology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium .,Signal Transduction on Molecular Hematology, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Bruxelles, Belgium.,WELBIO, Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Brussels, Belgium.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford, UK
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33
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Torres-Ayuso P, Brognard J. Degraders: The Ultimate Weapon Against Amplified Driver Kinases in Cancer. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:191-200. [PMID: 35115411 PMCID: PMC9092480 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Amplification of pro-oncogenic kinases is a common genetic alteration driving tumorigenic phenotypes. Cancer cells rely on the amplified kinases to sustain cell proliferation, survival, and growth, presenting an opportunity to develop therapies targeting the amplified kinases. Utilizing small molecule catalytic inhibitors as therapies to target amplified kinases is plagued by de novo resistance driven by increased expression of the target, and amplified kinases can drive tumorigenic phenotypes independent of catalytic activity. Here, we discuss the emergence of proteolysis-targeting chimeras that provide an opportunity to target these oncogenic drivers effectively. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Protein kinases contribute to tumorigenesis through catalytic and noncatalytic mechanisms, and kinase gene amplifications are well described mechanisms of resistance to small molecule catalytic inhibitors. Repurposing catalytic inhibitors for the development of protein degraders will offer improved clinical benefits by targeting noncatalytic functions of kinases that promote tumorigenesis and overcoming resistance due to amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Torres-Ayuso
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - John Brognard
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
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34
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Alcock LJ, Chang Y, Jarusiewicz JA, Actis M, Nithianantham S, Mayasundari A, Min J, Maxwell D, Hunt J, Smart B, Yang JJ, Nishiguchi G, Fischer M, Mullighan CG, Rankovic Z. Development of Potent and Selective Janus Kinase 2/3 Directing PG-PROTACs. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:475-482. [PMID: 35300081 PMCID: PMC8919382 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a range of hematological malignancies and autoimmune disorders. Here we describe the design, synthesis, and characterization of JAK2/3 PROTACs utilizing a phenyl glutarimide (PG) ligand as the cereblon (CRBN) recruiter. SJ10542 displayed high selectivity over GSPT1 and other members of the JAK family and potency in patient-derived ALL cells containing both JAK2 fusions and CRLF2 rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Alcock
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Yunchao Chang
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jamie A Jarusiewicz
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Marisa Actis
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Stanley Nithianantham
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Anand Mayasundari
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Dylan Maxwell
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jeremy Hunt
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Brandon Smart
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Jun J Yang
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Gisele Nishiguchi
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States.,Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Charles G Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States.,Hematological Malignancies Program, St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
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35
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Hu M, Yang T, Yang L, Niu L, Zhu J, Zhao A, Shi M, Yuan X, Tang M, Yang J, Pei H, Yang Z, Chen Q, Ye H, Niu T, Chen L. Preclinical studies of Flonoltinib Maleate, a novel JAK2/FLT3 inhibitor, in treatment of JAK2 V617F-induced myeloproliferative neoplasms. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:37. [PMID: 35256594 PMCID: PMC8901636 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00628-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) hyperactivation by JAK2V617F mutation leads to myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and targeting JAK2 could serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for MPNs. Here, we report that Flonoltinib Maleate (FM), a selective JAK2/FLT3 inhibitor, shows high selectivity for JAK2 over the JAK family. Surface plasmon resonance assays verified that FM had a stronger affinity for the pseudokinase domain JH2 than JH1 of JAK2 and had an inhibitory effect on JAK2 JH2V617F. The cocrystal structure confirmed that FM could stably bind to JAK2 JH2, and FM suppressed endogenous colony formation of primary erythroid progenitor cells from patients with MPNs. In several JAK2V617F-induced MPN murine models, FM could dose-dependently reduce hepatosplenomegaly and prolong survival. Similar results were observed in JAK2V617F bone marrow transplantation mice. FM exhibited strong inhibitory effects on fibrosis of the spleen and bone marrow. Long-term FM treatment showed good pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics with high drug exposure in tumor-bearing tissues and low toxicity. Currently, FM has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China (CXHL2000628), and this study will guide clinical trials for patients with MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinbing Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ailin Zhao
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingsong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Minghai Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Heying Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haoyu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Lijuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Chengdu Zenitar Biomedical Technology Co., Ltd, Chengdu, China.
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36
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Bochicchio MT, Di Battista V, Poggio P, Carrà G, Morotti A, Brancaccio M, Lucchesi A. Understanding Aberrant Signaling to Elude Therapy Escape Mechanisms in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040972. [PMID: 35205715 PMCID: PMC8870427 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant signaling in myeloproliferative neoplasms may arise from alterations in genes coding for signal transduction proteins or epigenetic regulators. Both mutated and normal cells cooperate, altering fragile balances in bone marrow niches and fueling persistent inflammation through paracrine or systemic signals. Despite the hopes placed in targeted therapies, myeloid proliferative neoplasms remain incurable diseases in patients not eligible for stem cell transplantation. Due to the emergence of drug resistance, patient management is often very difficult in the long term. Unexpected connections among signal transduction pathways highlighted in neoplastic cells suggest new strategies to overcome neoplastic cell adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Bochicchio
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
| | - Valeria Di Battista
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
| | - Pietro Poggio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Carrà
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Morotti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (M.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (M.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Alessandro Lucchesi
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (M.B.); (A.L.)
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37
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Degrading JAK2 in ALL by ruxolitinib-based PROTACs. Blood 2021; 138:2301-2302. [PMID: 34882211 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021012004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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38
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Iacobucci I, Kimura S, Mullighan CG. Biologic and Therapeutic Implications of Genomic Alterations in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3792. [PMID: 34501239 PMCID: PMC8432032 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most successful paradigm of how risk-adapted therapy and detailed understanding of the genetic alterations driving leukemogenesis and therapeutic response may dramatically improve treatment outcomes, with cure rates now exceeding 90% in children. However, ALL still represents a leading cause of cancer-related death in the young, and the outcome for older adolescents and young adults with ALL remains poor. In the past decade, next generation sequencing has enabled critical advances in our understanding of leukemogenesis. These include the identification of risk-associated ALL subtypes (e.g., those with rearrangements of MEF2D, DUX4, NUTM1, ZNF384 and BCL11B; the PAX5 P80R and IKZF1 N159Y mutations; and genomic phenocopies such as Ph-like ALL) and the genomic basis of disease evolution. These advances have been complemented by the development of novel therapeutic approaches, including those that are of mutation-specific, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and those that are mutation-agnostic, including antibody and cellular immunotherapies, and protein degradation strategies such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras. Herein, we review the genetic taxonomy of ALL with a focus on clinical implications and the implementation of genomic diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Iacobucci
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Shunsuke Kimura
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Charles G. Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematological Malignancies Program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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