1
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Rahman R, Rahaman MH, Hanson AR, Choo N, Xie J, Townley SL, Shrestha R, Hassankhani R, Islam S, Ramm S, Simpson KJ, Risbridger GP, Best G, Centenera MM, Balk SP, Kichenadasse G, Taylor RA, Butler LM, Tilley WD, Conn SJ, Lawrence MG, Wang S, Selth LA. CDK9 inhibition inhibits multiple oncogenic transcriptional and epigenetic pathways in prostate cancer. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02810-8. [PMID: 39117800 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02810-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) stimulates oncogenic transcriptional pathways in cancer and CDK9 inhibitors have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates. METHODS The activity of an orally bioavailable CDK9 inhibitor, CDKI-73, was evaluated in prostate cancer cell lines, a xenograft mouse model, and patient-derived tumor explants and organoids. Expression of CDK9 was evaluated in clinical specimens by mining public datasets and immunohistochemistry. Effects of CDKI-73 on prostate cancer cells were determined by cell-based assays, molecular profiling and transcriptomic/epigenomic approaches. RESULTS CDKI-73 inhibited proliferation and enhanced cell death in diverse in vitro and in vivo models of androgen receptor (AR)-driven and AR-independent models. Mechanistically, CDKI-73-mediated inhibition of RNA polymerase II serine 2 phosphorylation resulted in reduced expression of BCL-2 anti-apoptotic factors and transcriptional defects. Transcriptomic and epigenomic approaches revealed that CDKI-73 suppressed signaling pathways regulated by AR, MYC, and BRD4, key drivers of dysregulated transcription in prostate cancer, and reprogrammed cancer-associated super-enhancers. These latter findings prompted the evaluation of CDKI-73 with the BRD4 inhibitor AZD5153, a combination that was synergistic in patient-derived organoids and in vivo. CONCLUSION Our work demonstrates that CDK9 inhibition disrupts multiple oncogenic pathways and positions CDKI-73 as a promising therapeutic agent for prostate cancer, particularly aggressive, therapy-resistant subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razia Rahman
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Muhammed H Rahaman
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Adrienne R Hanson
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Nicholas Choo
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Prostate Cancer Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jianling Xie
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Scott L Townley
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Raj Shrestha
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Flinders University, Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Ramin Hassankhani
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Saiful Islam
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Susanne Ramm
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kaylene J Simpson
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Gail P Risbridger
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Prostate Cancer Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Cabrini Institute, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Urological Research Alliance (MURAL), Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Giles Best
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Margaret M Centenera
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Steven P Balk
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ganessan Kichenadasse
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, South Australia
| | - Renea A Taylor
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Cabrini Institute, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Urological Research Alliance (MURAL), Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa M Butler
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Wayne D Tilley
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon J Conn
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Mitchell G Lawrence
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Prostate Cancer Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Cabrini Institute, Cabrini Health, Malvern, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Urological Research Alliance (MURAL), Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Cancer Program, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Luke A Selth
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
- Flinders University, Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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2
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Marr AR, Halpin M, Corbin DL, Asemelash Y, Sher S, Gordon BK, Whipp EC, Mitchell S, Harrington BK, Orwick S, Benrashid S, Goettl VM, Yildiz V, Mitchell AD, Cahn O, Mims AS, Larkin KTM, Long M, Blachly J, Woyach JA, Lapalombella R, Grieselhuber NR. The multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib reverses bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:27. [PMID: 38438856 PMCID: PMC10913666 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00483-w] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematologic cancer with poor survival across a broad range of molecular subtypes. Development of efficacious and well-tolerable therapies encompassing the range of mutations that can arise in AML remains an unmet need. The bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins represents an attractive therapeutic target in AML due to their crucial roles in many cellular functions, regardless of any specific mutation. Many BET inhibitors (BETi) are currently in pre-clinical and early clinical development, but acquisition of resistance continues to remain an obstacle for the drug class. Novel methods to circumvent this development of resistance could be instrumental for the future use of BET inhibitors in AML, both as monotherapy and in combination. To date, many investigations into possible drug combinations of BETi with CDK inhibitors have focused on CDK9, which has a known physical and functional interaction with the BET protein BRD4. Therefore, we wished to investigate possible synergy and additive effects between inhibitors of these targets in AML. Here, we describe combination therapy with the multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib and the BETi PLX51107 in pre-clinical models of AML. Dinaciclib and PLX51107 demonstrate additive effects in AML cell lines, primary AML samples, and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate novel activity of dinaciclib through inhibition of the canonical/β-catenin dependent Wnt signaling pathway, a known resistance mechanism to BETi in AML. We show dinaciclib inhibits Wnt signaling at multiple levels, including downregulation of β-catenin, the Wnt co-receptor LRP6, as well as many Wnt pathway components and targets. Moreover, dinaciclib sensitivity remains unaffected in a setting of BET resistance, demonstrating similar inhibitory effects on Wnt signaling when compared to BET-sensitive cells. Ultimately, our results demonstrate rationale for combination CDKi and BETi in AML. In addition, our novel finding of Wnt signaling inhibition could have potential implications in other cancers where Wnt signaling is dysregulated and demonstrates one possible approach to circumvent development of BET resistance in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Marr
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Madeline Halpin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dominique L Corbin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yerdanos Asemelash
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steven Sher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Britten K Gordon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ethan C Whipp
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Shelley Orwick
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samon Benrashid
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Virginia M Goettl
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vedat Yildiz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andrew D Mitchell
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Olivia Cahn
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alice S Mims
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karilyn T M Larkin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Meixao Long
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Blachly
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer A Woyach
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicole R Grieselhuber
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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3
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Gasimli K, Raab M, Mandal R, Krämer A, Peña-Llopis S, Tahmasbi Rad M, Becker S, Strebhardt K, Sanhaji M. Synergistic Sensitization of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Cells Lacking Caspase-8 Expression to Chemotherapeutics Using Combinations of Small-Molecule BRD4 and CDK9 Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:107. [PMID: 38201534 PMCID: PMC10778249 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010107] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological cancers worldwide, with approximately 70% of cases diagnosed in advanced stages. This late diagnosis results from the absence of early warning symptoms and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. A standard treatment entails a combination of primary chemotherapy with platinum and taxane agents. Tumor recurrence following first-line chemotherapy with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel is detected in 80% of advanced ovarian cancer patients, with disease relapse occurring within 2 years of initial treatment. Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is one of the biggest challenges in treating patients. Second-line treatments involve PARP or VEGF inhibitors. Identifying novel biomarkers and resistance mechanisms is critical to overcoming resistance, developing newer treatment strategies, and improving patient survival. In this study, we have determined that low Caspase-8 expression in ovarian cancer patients leads to poor prognosis. High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC) cells lacking Caspase-8 expression showed an altered composition of the RNA Polymerase II-containing transcriptional elongation complex leading to increased transcriptional activity. Caspase-8 knockout cells display increased BRD4 expression and CDK9 activity and reduced sensitivities to Carboplatin and Paclitaxel. Based on our work, we are proposing three potential therapeutic approaches to treat advanced ovarian cancer patients who exhibit low Caspase-8 expression and resistance to Carboplatin and/or Paclitaxel-combinations of (1) Carboplatin with small-molecule BRD4 inhibitors; (2) Paclitaxel with small-molecule BRD4 inhibitors, and (3) small-molecule BRD4 and CDK9 inhibitors. In addition, we are also proposing two predictive markers of chemoresistance-BRD4 and pCDK9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khayal Gasimli
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (K.G.); (M.R.); (R.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (K.G.); (M.R.); (R.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Ranadip Mandal
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (K.G.); (M.R.); (R.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Andrea Krämer
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (K.G.); (M.R.); (R.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Samuel Peña-Llopis
- Translational Genomics, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 45147 Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Morva Tahmasbi Rad
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (K.G.); (M.R.); (R.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (K.G.); (M.R.); (R.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (K.G.); (M.R.); (R.M.); (A.K.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mourad Sanhaji
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (K.G.); (M.R.); (R.M.); (A.K.)
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4
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Sharma R, Incoronato A, Zhang C, Jayanthan A, Shah R, Narendran A. Establishment of a t(11;19), KMT2A Rearranged B-ALL Cell Line for Preclinical Evaluation and Novel Therapeutics Development for Refractory Infant Leukemia. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:e750-e756. [PMID: 37494611 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia, diagnosed in children less than 12 months of age, is a rare condition with an aggressive disease presentation and poor response to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, the unique vulnerability of the affected population does not always permit the use of markedly intense regimens with higher doses of cytotoxic agents. However, the unique biology of these leukemic cells also provides opportunities for the identification of effective and potentially well-tolerated targeted therapeutic strategies. In this report, we describe the establishment and characterization of a cell line from the blasts of an infant diagnosed with refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) carrying the characteristic histone lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) gene rearrangement. This cell line consists of rapidly proliferating clones of cells with chemosensitivity patterns previously described for KMT2A rearranged leukemia cells, including relative resistance to glucocorticoids and sensitivity to cytarabine. We also show effective targetability with menin inhibitors, indicating the activity of abnormal KMT2A-related pathways and the potential utility of this cell line in comprehensive drug library screens. Overall, our findings report the establishment and in vitro validation of a cell line for research into key aspects of infant leukemia biology and targeted therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritul Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea Incoronato
- Department of Hemato-oncology, Pereira Rossell Hospital, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Chunfen Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Ravi Shah
- Department of Pediatrics and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aru Narendran
- Department of Pediatrics and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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5
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Takahashi S. Combination Therapies with Kinase Inhibitors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment. Hematol Rep 2023; 15:331-346. [PMID: 37367084 DOI: 10.3390/hematolrep15020035] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting kinase activity is considered to be an attractive therapeutic strategy to overcome acute myeloid leukemia (AML) since aberrant activation of the kinase pathway plays a pivotal role in leukemogenesis through abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation block. Although clinical trials for kinase modulators as single agents remain scarce, combination therapies are an area of therapeutic interest. In this review, the author summarizes attractive kinase pathways for therapeutic targets and the combination strategies for these pathways. Specifically, the review focuses on combination therapies targeting the FLT3 pathways, as well as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, CDK and CHK1 pathways. From a literature review, combination therapies with the kinase inhibitors appear more promising than monotherapies with individual agents. Therefore, the development of efficient combination therapies with kinase inhibitors may result in effective therapeutic strategies for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Takahashi
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai 983-8536, Japan
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6
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Sher S, Whipp E, Walker J, Zhang P, Beaver L, Williams K, Orwick S, Ravikrishnan J, Walker B, Perry E, Gregory C, Purcell M, Pan A, Yan P, Alinari L, Johnson AJ, Frigault MM, Greer JM, Hamdy A, Izumi R, Mo X, Sampath D, Woyach J, Blachly J, Byrd JC, Lapalombella R. VIP152 is a selective CDK9 inhibitor with pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia 2023; 37:326-338. [PMID: 36376377 PMCID: PMC9898036 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01758-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is effectively treated with targeted therapies including Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors and BCL2 antagonists. When these become ineffective, treatment options are limited. Positive transcription elongation factor complex (P-TEFb), a heterodimeric protein complex composed of cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and cyclin T1, functions to regulate short half-life transcripts by phosphorylation of RNA Polymerase II (POLII). These transcripts are frequently dysregulated in hematologic malignancies; however, therapies targeting inhibition of P-TEFb have not yet achieved approval for cancer treatment. VIP152 kinome profiling revealed CDK9 as the main enzyme inhibited at 100 nM, with over a 10-fold increase in potency compared with other inhibitors currently in development for this target. VIP152 induced cell death in CLL cell lines and primary patient samples. Transcriptome analysis revealed inhibition of RNA degradation through the AU-Rich Element (ARE) dysregulation. Mechanistically, VIP152 inhibits the assembly of P-TEFb onto the transcription machinery and disturbs binding partners. Finally, immune competent mice engrafted with CLL-like cells of Eµ-MTCP1 over-expressing mice and treated with VIP152 demonstrated reduced disease burden and improvement in overall survival compared to vehicle-treated mice. These data suggest that VIP152 is a highly selective inhibitor of CDK9 that represents an attractive new therapy for CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Sher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ethan Whipp
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janek Walker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pu Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Larry Beaver
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Katie Williams
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shelley Orwick
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janani Ravikrishnan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brandi Walker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Perry
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charles Gregory
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Purcell
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexander Pan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lapo Alinari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaokui Mo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Deepa Sampath
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Woyach
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Blachly
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John C Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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7
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Bouligny IM, Maher KR, Grant S. Mechanisms of myeloid leukemogenesis: Current perspectives and therapeutic objectives. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100996. [PMID: 35989139 PMCID: PMC10693933 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic neoplasm which results in clonal proliferation of abnormally differentiated hematopoietic cells. In this review, mechanisms contributing to myeloid leukemogenesis are summarized, highlighting aberrations of epigenetics, transcription factors, signal transduction, cell cycling, and the bone marrow microenvironment. The mechanisms contributing to AML are detailed to spotlight recent findings that convey clinical impact. The applications of current and prospective therapeutic targets are accentuated in addition to reviews of treatment paradigms stratified for each characteristic molecular lesion - with a focus on exploring novel treatment approaches and combinations to improve outcomes in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Bouligny
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Keri R Maher
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Steven Grant
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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8
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Roussel X, Garnache Ottou F, Renosi F. Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells, a Novel Target in Myeloid Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143545. [PMID: 35884612 PMCID: PMC9317563 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are the main type I interferon producing cells in humans and are able to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Tumor infiltration by plasmacytoid dendritic cells is already well described and is associated with poor outcomes in cancers due to the tolerogenic activity of pDC. In hematological diseases, Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Neoplasm (BPDCN), aggressive leukemia derived from pDCs, is well described, but little is known about tumor infiltration by mature pDC described in Myeloid Neoplasms (MN). Recently, mature pDC proliferation (MPDCP) has been described as a differential diagnosis of BPDCN associated with acute myeloid leukemia (pDC-AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (pDC-MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (pDC-CMML). Tumor cells are myeloid blasts and/or mature myeloid cells from related myeloid disorders and pDC derived from a clonal proliferation. The poor prognosis associated with MPDCP requires a better understanding of pDC biology, MN oncogenesis and immune response. This review provides a comprehensive overview about the biological aspects of pDCs, the description of pDC proliferation in MN, and an insight into putative therapies in pDC-AML regarding personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Roussel
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besancon, France;
- Department of Clinical Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, 25000 Besançon, France
- Correspondence: (X.R.); (F.R.)
| | - Francine Garnache Ottou
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besancon, France;
- Etablissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Laboratoire d’Hématologie et d’Immunologie Régional, 25020 Besançon, France
| | - Florian Renosi
- INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 25000 Besancon, France;
- Etablissement Français du Sang Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Laboratoire d’Hématologie et d’Immunologie Régional, 25020 Besançon, France
- Correspondence: (X.R.); (F.R.)
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9
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Transcription associated cyclin-dependent kinases as therapeutic targets for prostate cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:3303-3315. [PMID: 35568739 PMCID: PMC9187515 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional deregulation has emerged as a hallmark of several cancer types. In metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, a stage in which systemic androgen deprivation therapies fail to show clinical benefit, transcriptional addiction to the androgen receptor is maintained in most patients. This has led to increased efforts to find novel therapies that prevent oncogenic transactivation of the androgen receptor. In this context, a group of druggable protein kinases, known as transcription associated cyclin-dependent kinases (tCDKs), show great potential as therapeutic targets. Despite initial reservations about targeting tCDKs due to their ubiquitous and prerequisite nature, preclinical studies showed that selectively inhibiting such kinases could provide sufficient therapeutic window to exert antitumour effects in the absence of systemic toxicity. As a result, several highly specific inhibitors are currently being trialled in solid tumours, including prostate cancer. This article summarises the roles of tCDKs in regulating gene transcription and highlights rationales for their targeting in prostate cancer. It provides an overview of the most recent developments in this therapeutic area, including the most recent clinical advances, and discusses the utility of tCDK inhibitors in combination with established cancer agents.
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10
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An Orally Bioavailable and Highly Efficacious Inhibitor of CDK9/FLT3 for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051113. [PMID: 35267421 PMCID: PMC8909834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) occur in approximately one-third of AML patients and are associated with a particularly poor prognosis. The most common mutation, FLT3-ITD, is a self-activating internal tandem duplication (ITD) in the FLT3 juxtamembrane domain. Many FLT3 inhibitors have shown encouraging results in clinical trials, but the rapid emergence of resistance has severely limited sustainable efficacy. Co-targeting of CDK9 and FLT3 is a promising two-pronged strategy to overcome resistance as the former plays a role in the transcription of cancer cell-survival genes. Most prominently, MCL-1 is known to be associated with AML tumorigenesis and drug resistance and can be down-regulated by CDK9 inhibition. We have developed CDDD11-8 as a potent CDK9 inhibitor co-targeting FLT3-ITD with Ki values of 8 and 13 nM, respectively. The kinome selectivity has been confirmed when the compound was tested in a panel of 369 human kinases. CDDD11-8 displayed antiproliferative activity against leukemia cell lines, and particularly potent effects were observed against MV4-11 and MOLM-13 cells, which are known to harbor the FLT3-ITD mutation and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion proteins. The mode of action was consistent with inhibition of CDK9 and FLT3-ITD. Most importantly, CDDD11-8 caused a robust tumor growth inhibition by oral administration in animal xenografts. At 125 mg/kg, CDDD11-8 induced tumor regression, and this was translated to an improved survival of animals. The study demonstrates the potential of CDDD11-8 towards the future development of a novel AML treatment.
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11
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Liu Y, Fu L, Wu J, Liu M, Wang G, Liu B, Zhang L. Transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases: Potential drug targets in cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 229:114056. [PMID: 34942431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the wake of the development of the concept of cell cycle and its limiting points, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are considered to play a central role in regulating cell cycle progression. Recent studies have strongly demonstrated that CDKs also has multiple functions, especially in response to extracellular and intracellular signals by interfering with transcriptional events. Consequently, how to inhibit their function has been a hot research topic. It is worth noting that the key role of CDKs in regulating transcription has been explored in recent years, but its related pharmacological targets are less developed, and most inhibitors have not entered the clinical stage. Accordingly, this perspective focus on the biological functions of transcription related CDKs and their complexes, some key upstream and downstream signals, and inhibitors for cancer treatment in recent years. In addition, some corresponding combined treatment strategies will provide a more novel perspective for future cancer remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Junhao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Anshabo AT, Milne R, Wang S, Albrecht H. CDK9: A Comprehensive Review of Its Biology, and Its Role as a Potential Target for Anti-Cancer Agents. Front Oncol 2021; 11:678559. [PMID: 34041038 PMCID: PMC8143439 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.678559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are proteins pivotal to a wide range of cellular functions, most importantly cell division and transcription, and their dysregulations have been implicated as prominent drivers of tumorigenesis. Besides the well-established role of cell cycle CDKs in cancer, the involvement of transcriptional CDKs has been confirmed more recently. Most cancers overtly employ CDKs that serve as key regulators of transcription (e.g., CDK9) for a continuous production of short-lived gene products that maintain their survival. As such, dysregulation of the CDK9 pathway has been observed in various hematological and solid malignancies, making it a valuable anticancer target. This therapeutic potential has been utilized for the discovery of CDK9 inhibitors, some of which have entered human clinical trials. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the structure and biology of CDK9, its role in solid and hematological cancers, and an updated review of the available inhibitors currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Tesfaye Anshabo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert Milne
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hugo Albrecht
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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13
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Mandal R, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Targeting CDK9 for Anti-Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2181. [PMID: 34062779 PMCID: PMC8124690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) is one of the most important transcription regulatory members of the CDK family. In conjunction with its main cyclin partner-Cyclin T1, it forms the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b (P-TEFb) whose primary function in eukaryotic cells is to mediate the positive transcription elongation of nascent mRNA strands, by phosphorylating the S2 residues of the YSPTSPS tandem repeats at the C-terminus domain (CTD) of RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II). To aid in this process, P-TEFb also simultaneously phosphorylates and inactivates a number of negative transcription regulators like 5,6-dichloro-1-β-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) Sensitivity-Inducing Factor (DSIF) and Negative Elongation Factor (NELF). Significantly enhanced activity of CDK9 is observed in multiple cancer types, which is universally associated with significantly shortened Overall Survival (OS) of the patients. In these cancer types, CDK9 regulates a plethora of cellular functions including proliferation, survival, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair and metastasis. Due to the extremely critical role of CDK9 in cancer cells, inhibiting its functions has been the subject of intense research, resulting the development of multiple, increasingly specific small-molecule inhibitors, some of which are presently in clinical trials. The search for newer generation CDK9 inhibitors with higher specificity and lower potential toxicities and suitable combination therapies continues. In fact, the Phase I clinical trials of the latest, highly specific CDK9 inhibitor BAY1251152, against different solid tumors have shown good anti-tumor and on-target activities and pharmacokinetics, combined with manageable safety profile while the phase I and II clinical trials of another inhibitor AT-7519 have been undertaken or are undergoing. To enhance the effectiveness and target diversity and reduce potential drug-resistance, the future of CDK9 inhibition would likely involve combining CDK9 inhibitors with inhibitors like those against BRD4, SEC, MYC, MCL-1 and HSP90.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranadip Mandal
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (R.M.); (S.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Shao H, Foley DW, Huang S, Abbas AY, Lam F, Gershkovich P, Bradshaw TD, Pepper C, Fischer PM, Wang S. Structure-based design of highly selective 2,4,5-trisubstituted pyrimidine CDK9 inhibitors as anti-cancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 214:113244. [PMID: 33581551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a family of Ser/Thr kinases involved in cell cycle and transcriptional regulation. CDK9 regulates transcriptional elongation and this unique property has made it a potential target for several diseases. Due to the conserved ATP binding site, designing selective CDK9 inhibitors has been challenging. Here we report our continued efforts in the optimization of 2,4,5-tri-substituted pyrimidine compounds as potent and selective CDK9 inhibitors. The most selective compound 30m was >100-fold selective for CDK9 over CDK1 and CDK2. These compounds showed broad anti-proliferative activities in various solid tumour cell lines and patient-derived chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells. Decreased phosphorylation of the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of RNAPII at Ser-2 and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 were confirmed in both the ovarian cancer model A2780 and patient-derived CLL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shao
- School of Pharmacy and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - David W Foley
- School of Pharmacy and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Shiliang Huang
- School of Pharmacy and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Abdullahi Y Abbas
- School of Pharmacy and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Frankie Lam
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Pavel Gershkovich
- School of Pharmacy and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Tracey D Bradshaw
- School of Pharmacy and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Chris Pepper
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9PX, UK
| | - Peter M Fischer
- School of Pharmacy and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Shudong Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
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15
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The Molecular 'Myc-anisms' Behind Myc-Driven Tumorigenesis and the Relevant Myc-Directed Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249486. [PMID: 33322239 PMCID: PMC7764474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC, a well-studied proto-oncogene that is overexpressed in >20% of tumors across all cancers, is classically known as “undruggable” due to its crucial roles in cell processes and its lack of a drug binding pocket. Four decades of research and creativity led to the discovery of a myriad of indirect (and now some direct!) therapeutic strategies targeting Myc. This review explores the various mechanisms in which Myc promotes cancer and highlights five key therapeutic approaches to disrupt Myc, including transcription, Myc-Max dimerization, protein stability, cell cycle regulation, and metabolism, in order to develop more specific Myc-directed therapies.
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16
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Roussel X, Daguindau E, Berceanu A, Desbrosses Y, Warda W, Neto da Rocha M, Trad R, Deconinck E, Deschamps M, Ferrand C. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: From Biology to Clinical Practices Through Development and Pre-Clinical Therapeutics. Front Oncol 2020; 10:599933. [PMID: 33363031 PMCID: PMC7757414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.599933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have provided several insights into acute myeloid leukemia. Studies based on molecular biology have identified eight functional mutations involved in leukemogenesis, including driver and passenger mutations. Insight into Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) and assessment of cell surface markers have enabled characterization of LSCs from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Clonal evolution has been described as having an effect similar to that of microenvironment alterations. Such biological findings have enabled the development of new targeted drugs, including drug inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies with blockage functions. Some recently approved targeted drugs have resulted in new therapeutic strategies that enhance standard intensive chemotherapy regimens as well as supportive care regimens. Besides the progress made in adoptive immunotherapy, since allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation enabled the development of new T-cell transfer therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell and transgenic TCR T-cell engineering, new promising strategies that are investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Roussel
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Etienne Daguindau
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Ana Berceanu
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Yohan Desbrosses
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Walid Warda
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | | | - Rim Trad
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eric Deconinck
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Marina Deschamps
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Christophe Ferrand
- Inserm EFS BFC, UMR1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
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17
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Shi W, Jin W, Xia L, Hu Y. Novel agents targeting leukemia cells and immune microenvironment for prevention and treatment of relapse of acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:2125-2139. [PMID: 32837873 PMCID: PMC7326461 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse remains the worst life-threatening complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), whose prognosis has been historically dismal. Given the rapid development of genomics and immunotherapies, the interference strategies for AML recurrence have been changing these years. More and more novel targeting agents that have received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for de novo AML treatment have been administrated in the salvage or maintenance therapy of post-HSCT relapse. Targeted strategies that regulate the immune microenvironment of and optimize the graft versus leukemia (GVL) effect of immune cells are gradually improved. Such agents not only have been proven to achieve clinical benefits from a single drug, but if combined with classic therapies, can significantly improve the poor prognosis of AML patients who relapse after allo-HSCT. This review will focus on currently available and promising upcoming agents and also discuss the challenges and limitations of targeted therapies in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA
| | - Weiwei Jin
- Department of Cardiovascular, Optical Valley School District, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, China
- Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Linghui Xia
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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18
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Wu T, Qin Z, Tian Y, Wang J, Xu C, Li Z, Bian J. Recent Developments in the Biology and Medicinal Chemistry of CDK9 Inhibitors: An Update. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13228-13257. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tizhi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yucheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jubo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People’s Republic of China
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19
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Forgione MO, McClure BJ, Yeung DT, Eadie LN, White DL. MLLT10 rearranged acute leukemia: Incidence, prognosis, and possible therapeutic strategies. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 59:709-721. [PMID: 32720323 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearrangements of the MLLT10 gene occur in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), most commonly T-lineage ALL (T-ALL), in patients of all ages. MLLT10 rearranged (MLLT10r) acute leukemia presents a complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to frequent presentation of immature or mixed phenotype, and a lack of consensus regarding optimal therapy. Cases of MLLT10r AML or T-ALL bearing immature phenotype are at high risk of poor outcome, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and sensitivity to targeted therapies remain poorly characterized. This review addresses the incidence and prognostic significance of MLLT10r in acute leukemia, and how the aberrant gene expression profile of this disease can inform potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Understanding the underlying genomics of MLLT10r acute leukemia, both clinically and molecularly, will improve prognostic stratification and accelerate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O Forgione
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara J McClure
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David T Yeung
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Laura N Eadie
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deborah L White
- Cancer Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance (AGHA), The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Australian and New Zealand Children's Oncology Group (ANZCHOG), Hudson Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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20
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de Barrios O, Meler A, Parra M. MYC's Fine Line Between B Cell Development and Malignancy. Cells 2020; 9:E523. [PMID: 32102485 PMCID: PMC7072781 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYC is transiently expressed during B lymphocyte development, and its correct modulation is essential in defined developmental transitions. Although temporary downregulation of MYC is essential at specific points, basal levels of expression are maintained, and its protein levels are not completely silenced until the B cell becomes fully differentiated into a plasma cell or a memory B cell. MYC has been described as a proto-oncogene that is closely involved in many cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. Aberrant expression of MYC protein in these hematological malignancies results in an uncontrolled rate of proliferation and, thereby, a blockade of the differentiation process. MYC is not activated by mutations in the coding sequence, and, as reviewed here, its overexpression in leukemia and lymphoma is mainly caused by gene amplification, chromosomal translocations, and aberrant regulation of its transcription. This review provides a thorough overview of the role of MYC in the developmental steps of B cells, and of how it performs its essential function in an oncogenic context, highlighting the importance of appropriate MYC regulation circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maribel Parra
- Lymphocyte Development and Disease Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, IJC Building, Campus ICO-Germans Trias i Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, 08916 Barcelona, Spain (A.M.)
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