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Sokhi S, Lewis CW, Bukhari AB, Hadfield J, Xiao EJ, Fung J, Yoon YJ, Hsu WH, Gamper AM, Chan GK. Myt1 overexpression mediates resistance to cell cycle and DNA damage checkpoint kinase inhibitors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1270542. [PMID: 38020882 PMCID: PMC10652759 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1270542] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle checkpoint kinases serve as important therapeutic targets for various cancers. When they are inhibited by small molecules, checkpoint abrogation can induce cell death or further sensitize cancer cells to other genotoxic therapies. Particularly aberrant Cdk1 activation at the G2/M checkpoint by kinase inhibitors causing unscheduled mitotic entry and mitotic arrest was found to lead to DNA damage and cell death selectively in cancer cells. Promising drugs inhibiting kinases like Wee1 (Adavosertib), Wee1+Myt1 (PD166285), ATR (AZD6738) and Chk1 (UCN-01) have been developed, but clinical data has shown variable efficacy for them with poorly understood mechanisms of resistance. Our lab recently identified Myt1 as a predictive biomarker of acquired resistance to the Wee1 kinase inhibitor, Adavosertib. Here, we investigate the role of Myt1 overexpression in promoting resistance to inhibitors (PD166285, UCN-01 and AZD6738) of other kinases regulating cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that Myt1 confers resistance by compensating Cdk1 inhibition in the presence of these different kinase inhibitors. Myt1 overexpression leads to reduced premature mitotic entry and decreased length of mitosis eventually leading to increased survival rates in Adavosertib treated cells. Elevated Myt1 levels also conferred resistance to inhibitors of ATR or Chk1 inhibitor. Our data supports that Myt1 overexpression is a common mechanism by which cancer cells can acquire resistance to a variety of drugs entering the clinic that aim to induce mitotic catastrophe by abrogating the G2/M checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sargun Sokhi
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cody W. Lewis
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Amirali B. Bukhari
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Joanne Hadfield
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Edric J. Xiao
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeremy Fung
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yea Jin Yoon
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wen-Hsin Hsu
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Armin M. Gamper
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gordon K. Chan
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Experimental Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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2
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Tan J, Sun X, Zhao H, Guan H, Gao S, Zhou P. Double-strand DNA break repair: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e388. [PMID: 37808268 PMCID: PMC10556206 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Double-strand break (DSB), a significant DNA damage brought on by ionizing radiation, acts as an initiating signal in tumor radiotherapy, causing cancer cells death. The two primary pathways for DNA DSB repair in mammalian cells are nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), which cooperate and compete with one another to achieve effective repair. The DSB repair mechanism depends on numerous regulatory variables. DSB recognition and the recruitment of DNA repair components, for instance, depend on the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex and the Ku70/80 heterodimer/DNA-PKcs (DNA-PK) complex, whose control is crucial in determining the DSB repair pathway choice and efficiency of HR and NHEJ. In-depth elucidation on the DSB repair pathway's molecular mechanisms has greatly facilitated for creation of repair proteins or pathways-specific inhibitors to advance precise cancer therapy and boost the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy. The architectures, roles, molecular processes, and inhibitors of significant target proteins in the DSB repair pathways are reviewed in this article. The strategy and application in cancer therapy are also discussed based on the advancement of inhibitors targeted DSB damage response and repair proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Tan
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xingyao Sun
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hongling Zhao
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hua Guan
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ping‐Kun Zhou
- Hengyang Medical CollegeUniversity of South ChinaHengyangHunan ProvinceChina
- Department of Radiation BiologyBeijing Key Laboratory for RadiobiologyBeijing Institute of Radiation MedicineBeijingChina
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3
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Nishikawa S, Iwakuma T. Drugs Targeting p53 Mutations with FDA Approval and in Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:429. [PMID: 36672377 PMCID: PMC9856662 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the tumor suppressor p53 (p53) promote cancer progression. This is mainly due to loss of function (LOS) as a tumor suppressor, dominant-negative (DN) activities of missense mutant p53 (mutp53) over wild-type p53 (wtp53), and wtp53-independent oncogenic activities of missense mutp53 by interacting with other tumor suppressors or oncogenes (gain of function: GOF). Since p53 mutations occur in ~50% of human cancers and rarely occur in normal tissues, p53 mutations are cancer-specific and ideal therapeutic targets. Approaches to target p53 mutations include (1) restoration or stabilization of wtp53 conformation from missense mutp53, (2) rescue of p53 nonsense mutations, (3) depletion or degradation of mutp53 proteins, and (4) induction of p53 synthetic lethality or targeting of vulnerabilities imposed by p53 mutations (enhanced YAP/TAZ activities) or deletions (hyperactivated retrotransposons). This review article focuses on clinically available FDA-approved drugs and drugs in clinical trials that target p53 mutations and summarizes their mechanisms of action and activities to suppress cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeto Nishikawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Tomoo Iwakuma
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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4
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Mitotic Checkpoints and the Role of WEE1 Inhibition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer J 2022; 28:381-386. [PMID: 36165727 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The WEE1 kinase family plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response pathways in malignant cells. Inhibition of WEE1 effectively overrides G2 cell cycle arrest and results in the accumulation of extensive DNA damage within dividing cells, potentiating mitotic catastrophe and cell death. As such, the development of WEE1 inhibitors as antineoplastic therapeutics has gained increasing interest in recent years. In particular, the role of WEE1 inhibitors for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas remains an area of active research with both preclinical and clinical studies investigating their use as both single-agent therapy and chemosensitizers when used in tandem with traditional chemotherapy, particularly in the context of TP53-mutant tumors. Here, we review the relevant available preclinical and clinical data on hand investigating the efficacy of WEE1 inhibitors for the treatment of head and neck cancers.
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Maresca L, Stecca B, Carrassa L. Novel Therapeutic Approaches with DNA Damage Response Inhibitors for Melanoma Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:1466. [PMID: 35563772 PMCID: PMC9099918 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies against components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and immunotherapies, which block immune checkpoints, have shown important clinical benefits in melanoma patients. However, most patients develop resistance, with consequent disease relapse. Therefore, there is a need to identify novel therapeutic approaches for patients who are resistant or do not respond to the current targeted and immune therapies. Melanoma is characterized by homologous recombination (HR) and DNA damage response (DDR) gene mutations and by high replicative stress, which increase the endogenous DNA damage, leading to the activation of DDR. In this review, we will discuss the current experimental evidence on how DDR can be exploited therapeutically in melanoma. Specifically, we will focus on PARP, ATM, CHK1, WEE1 and ATR inhibitors, for which preclinical data as single agents, taking advantage of synthetic lethal interactions, and in combination with chemo-targeted-immunotherapy, have been growing in melanoma, encouraging the ongoing clinical trials. The overviewed data are suggestive of considering DDR inhibitors as a valid therapeutic approach, which may positively impact the future of melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Maresca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Laura Carrassa
- Fondazione Cesalpino, Arezzo Hospital, USL Toscana Sud-Est, Via Pietro Nenni 20, 52100 Arezzo, Italy
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Huang J, Li JX, Ma LR, Xu DH, Wang P, Li LQ, Yu LL, Li Y, Li RZ, Zhang H, Zheng YH, Tang L, Yan PY. Traditional Herbal Medicine: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Adjuvant Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in the Future. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221144312. [PMID: 36567455 PMCID: PMC9806388 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221144312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung carcinoma is the primary reason for cancer-associated mortality, and it exhibits the highest mortality and incidence in developed and developing countries. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC are the 2 main types of lung cancer, with NSCLC contributing to 85% of all lung carcinoma cases. Conventional treatment mainly involves surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and immunotherapy, but has a dismal prognosis for many patients. Therefore, identifying an effective adjuvant therapy is urgent. Historically, traditional herbal medicine has been an essential part of complementary and alternative medicine, due to its numerous targets, few side effects and substantial therapeutic benefits. In China and other East Asian countries, traditional herbal medicine is increasingly popular, and is highly accepted by patients as a clinical adjuvant therapy. Numerous studies have reported that herbal extracts and prescription medications are effective at combating tumors. It emphasizes that, by mainly regulating the P13K/AKT signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the NF-κB signaling pathway, herbal medicine induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. The present review discusses the anti-NSCLC mechanisms of herbal medicines and provides options for future adjuvant therapy in patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Lin-Rui Ma
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Dong-Han Xu
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Li-Qi Li
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Li-Li Yu
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Yu Li
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Run-Ze Li
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou
University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Yu-Hong Zheng
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Ling Tang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou,
Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of
Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering
Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong,
China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Macau University of Science and
Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
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Esposito F, Giuffrida R, Raciti G, Puglisi C, Forte S. Wee1 Kinase: A Potential Target to Overcome Tumor Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910689. [PMID: 34639030 PMCID: PMC8508993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the cell cycle, DNA suffers several lesions that need to be repaired prior to entry into mitosis to preserve genome integrity in daughter cells. Toward this aim, cells have developed complex enzymatic machinery, the so-called DNA damage response (DDR), which is able to repair DNA, temporarily stopping the cell cycle to provide more time to repair, or if the damage is too severe, inducing apoptosis. This DDR mechanism is considered the main source of resistance to DNA-damaging therapeutic treatments in oncology. Recently, cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are a small subset of tumor cells, were identified as tumor-initiating cells. CSCs possess self-renewal potential and persistent tumorigenic capacity, allowing for tumor re-growth and relapse. Compared with cancer cells, CSCs are more resistant to therapeutic treatments. Wee1 is the principal gatekeeper for both G2/M and S-phase checkpoints, where it plays a key role in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage repair. From this perspective, Wee1 inhibition might increase the effectiveness of DNA-damaging treatments, such as radiotherapy, forcing tumor cells and CSCs to enter into mitosis, even with damaged DNA, leading to mitotic catastrophe and subsequent cell death.
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8
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Barnaba N, LaRocque JR. Targeting cell cycle regulation via the G2-M checkpoint for synthetic lethality in melanoma. CELL CYCLE (GEORGETOWN, TEX.) 2021; 20:1041-1051. [PMID: 33966611 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1922806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of cell cycle checkpoints has been well established as a hallmark of cancer. In particular, the G1-S transition mediated by the cyclin D-cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) pathway is dysregulated in more than 90% of melanoma cases. Therefore, tumor cells mainly rely on the G2-M checkpoint to halt the cell cycle in order to repair DNA damage. Here, we review the promising method of cell cycle-mediated synthetic lethality for melanoma treatment, which entails exploiting somatically acquired mutations in the G1-S transition with inhibitors of the G2-M transition in order to specifically kill melanoma cells. The idea stems from the theory that melanoma cells lacking G1-S checkpoints are particularly vulnerable to mitotic catastrophe when presented with G2-M checkpoint inhibition in addition to DNA damage, whereas normal cells with intact G1-S checkpoints should theoretically be spared. This review explores the link between cell cycle dysregulation and synthetic lethality in melanoma cells and discusses potential future applications for this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Barnaba
- Biology Department, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Georgetown University School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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9
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Fan Y, Ma Z, Zhao L, Wang W, Gao M, Jia X, Ouyang H, He J. Anti-tumor activities and mechanisms of Traditional Chinese medicines formulas: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110820. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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10
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Du X, Li J, Luo X, Li R, Li F, Zhang Y, Shi J, He J. Structure-activity relationships of Wee1 inhibitors: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112524. [PMID: 32688199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Wee1 kinase plays an important role in regulating G2/M checkpoint and S phase, and the inhibition of it will lead to mitotic catastrophe in cancer cells with p53 mutation or deletion. Therefore, the mechanism of Wee1 kinase in cancer treatment and the development of its inhibitors have become a research hotspot. However, although a variety of Wee1 inhibitors with different scaffolds and considerable activity have been successfully identified, so far no one has systematically summarized the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of Wee1 inhibitors. Previous reviews mainly focused on its mechanism and clinical application. To facilitate the rational design and development of Wee1 inhibitors in the future, this paper systematically summarizes its structural types, SARs and binding modes according to the Wee1 inhibitors reported in scientific journals, and also summarizes the regulatory effect of Wee1 kinase on cell cycle and the progress of its inhibitors in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingkai Du
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaojiao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rong Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Feng Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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11
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Ensemble docking-based virtual screening toward identifying inhibitors against Wee1 kinase. Future Med Chem 2020; 11:1889-1906. [PMID: 31517534 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Wee1 kinase plays a key role in the arrest of G2/M checkpoint that prevents mitotic entry in response to DNA damage. This work is to discover potent Wee1 inhibitors which can be considered valuable. Materials & Methods: Herein, Ensemble docking using multiple crystal structures was considered an effective strategy in the virtual screening. The performance of 17 scoring functions obtained from different docking software was evaluated for molecular docking. Results: Two novel compounds B1 and A2 were identified as Wee1 inhibitors with IC50 values of 10.23 ± 0.505 and 8.72 ± 0.323 μM, respectively. Further cell viability assay demonstrated that the two active compounds exhibited good anticancer activities. Conclusion: This provides a meaningful starting point for further structure optimization to discover more potent Wee1 inhibitors.
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12
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Warda K, Klimaszewska-Wiśniewska A, Grzanka A, Grzanka D. Mechanism of mitotic catastrophe and its role in anticancer therapy. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2020. [DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0014.1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The definition of mitotic catastrophe has been the subject of scientific discussion for over a decade. Initially, it was thought that mitotic catastrophe is one of the types of cell death occurring during aberrant mitosis. A number of studies carried out in recent years allowed for a better understanding of the function of this process. According to the definition proposed by the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death in 2018, mitotic catastrophe is an oncosuppressive mechanism that inhibits the proliferation and/or survival of cells that are unable to complete mitosis by inducing cell death or initiating cellular senescence. Mitotic catastrophe is recognized based on unique nuclear changes, the presence of abnormal mitotic figures and several molecular alterations. It is believed that avoiding mitotic catastrophe by genetically unstable cells promotes their unlimited growth, which can lead to cancer transformation. Therefore, the induction of mitotic catastrophe seems to be a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of cancer. However, despite the significant role of this process, the molecular events between aberrant mitosis and cell death are still not well understood. It can be assumed that a thorough understanding of signaling pathways linking mitotic catastrophe with cell death will enable the effective use of known inducers of mitotic catastrophe in the treatment of cancer and provide new therapeutic targets. The aim of this review is to present a morphological and functional definition of mitotic catastrophe and its potential role in anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Warda
- Katedra Histologii i Embriologii, Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
| | - Anna Klimaszewska-Wiśniewska
- Katedra Patomorfologii Klinicznej, Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
| | - Alina Grzanka
- Katedra Histologii i Embriologii, Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Katedra Patomorfologii Klinicznej, Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu
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Hanna CB, Yao S, Martin M, Schönbrunn E, Georg GI, Jensen JT, Cuellar RAD. Identification and Screening of Selective WEE2 Inhibitors to Develop Non-Hormonal Contraceptives that Specifically Target Meiosis. ChemistrySelect 2019; 4:13363-13369. [PMID: 32190728 PMCID: PMC7079731 DOI: 10.1002/slct.201903696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We used a progressive elimination strategy to identify oocyte-specific WEE2 kinase inhibitors for potential non-hormonal contraceptives that target meiosis. Beginning with an in-house library of over 300,000 compounds, virtual high throughput screening identified 57 WEE2 inhibitors with preferential predicted binding over the somatic variant WEE1. Seven compounds were further evaluated in vitro by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure biochemical inhibition on WEE1 and WEE2 phosphorylation of CDK1. To assess specificity, we evaluated WEE2-mediated inhibition of meiosis using in vitro oocyte fertilization, and WEE1-mediated inhibition of mitosis using a somatic cell proliferation assay. Our results from these assays identified three candidates for further development: 6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-((4-(2-(diethylamino)ethoxy) phenyl)amino)-8-methylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-one (2), 6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-8-methyl-2-((4-morpholinophenyl) amino)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-one (12), and 3-((6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-8-methyl-7-oxo-7,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)benzoic acid (16).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol B Hanna
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 Northwest 185 Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006 (USA)
| | - Shan Yao
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 Northwest 185 Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006 (USA)
| | - Mat Martin
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 (USA)
| | - Ernst Schönbrunn
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 (USA)
| | - Gunda I Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (USA)
| | - Jeffrey T Jensen
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 Northwest 185 Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006 (USA)
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239 (USA)
| | - Rebecca A D Cuellar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (USA)
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14
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Li Y, Pu Y, Liu H, Zhang L, Liu X, Li Y, Zuo Z. Discovery of novel wee1 inhibitors via structure-based virtual screening and biological evaluation. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2018; 32:901-915. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-018-0122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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15
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Emerging Therapeutics to Overcome Chemoresistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Mini-Review. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102171. [PMID: 29057791 PMCID: PMC5666852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women and the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. One of the leading causes of death in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is chemoresistant disease, which may present as intrinsic or acquired resistance to therapies. Here we discuss some of the known molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance that have been exhaustively investigated in chemoresistant ovarian cancer, including drug efflux pump multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, DNA damage and repair capacity. We also discuss novel therapeutics that may address some of the challenges in bringing approaches that target chemoresistant processes from bench to bedside. Some of these new therapies include novel drug delivery systems, targets that may halt adaptive changes in the tumor, exploitation of tumor mutations that leave cancer cells vulnerable to irreversible damage, and novel drugs that target ribosomal biogenesis, a process that may be uniquely different in cancer versus non-cancerous cells. Each of these approaches, or a combination of them, may provide a greater number of positive outcomes for a broader population of HGSOC patients.
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16
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Cao H, Bian Y, Zhang F, Tang Y, Li C, Chen J, Zhang X. Functional role of Forskolin and PD166285 in the development of denuded mouse oocytes. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2017; 31:344-353. [PMID: 28920413 PMCID: PMC5838339 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.17.0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE cAMP and mature promoting factor (MPF) play critical roles during the maturation of mammalian oocytes. The aim of this study was to produce the offspring from denuded oocytes (DOs) in mice by regulating cAMP and MPF. METHODS In this study, we used DOs at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage in mice and regulated levels of cAMP and MPF in DOs by adding Forskolin and PD166285 during in vitro maturation without follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, respectively. RESULTS Combined use of 50 μM Forskolin for 3 h and 2.5 μM PD166285 for additional 21 h enhanced the developmental competence of DOs, maturation rate of DOs was 76.71%± 4.11%, blastocyst rate was 18.33%±4.44% after parthenogenetic activation (PA). The DOs could successfully be fertilized with sperm in vitro, cleavage rate was 17.02%±5.82% and blastocyst rate was 5.65%±3.10%. Besides, 2-cell in vitro fertilization embryos from DOs produced 4 normal live offspring (4/34). CONCLUSION The results confirmed that the combination of Forskolin and PD166285 can induce DOs to complete meiosis process and produce normal offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguo Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Animal Genetic Resources Conservation and Biobreeding, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yani Bian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Fei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yunshu Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Caixia Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jiemei Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Animal Genetic Resources Conservation and Biobreeding, Hefei 230036, China
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17
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Ronco C, Martin AR, Demange L, Benhida R. ATM, ATR, CHK1, CHK2 and WEE1 inhibitors in cancer and cancer stem cells. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016; 8:295-319. [PMID: 30108746 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00439c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA inevitably undergoes a high number of damages throughout the cell cycle. To preserve the integrity of the genome, cells have developed a complex enzymatic machinery aimed at sensing and repairing DNA lesions, pausing the cell cycle to provide more time to repair, or induce apoptosis if damages are too severe. This so-called DNA-damage response (DDR) is yet considered as a major source of resistance to DNA-damaging treatments in oncology. Recently, it has been hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSC), a sub-population of cancer cells particularly resistant and with tumour-initiating ability, allow tumour re-growth and cancer relapse. Therefore, DDR appears as a relevant target to sensitize cancer cells and cancer stem cells to classical radio- and chemotherapies as well as to overcome resistances. Moreover, the concept of synthetic lethality could be particularly efficiently exploited in DDR. Five kinases play pivotal roles in the DDR: ATM, ATR, CHK1, CHK2 and WEE1. Herein, we review the drugs targeting these proteins and the inhibitors used in the specific case of CSC. We also suggest molecules that may be of interest for preclinical and clinical researchers studying checkpoint inhibition to sensitize cancer and cancer stem cells to DNA-damaging treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Ronco
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institut de Chimie de Nice , UMR7272 - Parc Valrose , 06108 Nice Cedex 2 , France . ; ; Tel: +33 4 92076143
| | - Anthony R Martin
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institut de Chimie de Nice , UMR7272 - Parc Valrose , 06108 Nice Cedex 2 , France . ; ; Tel: +33 4 92076143
| | - Luc Demange
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institut de Chimie de Nice , UMR7272 - Parc Valrose , 06108 Nice Cedex 2 , France . ; ; Tel: +33 4 92076143.,Université Paris Descartes , Sorbonne Paris Cité , UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques , 4 avenue de l'Observatoire , Paris Fr-75006 , France.,Université Paris Descartes , Sorbonne Paris Cité , UFR Biomédicale des Saints Pères , 45 rue des Saints Pères , France
| | - Rachid Benhida
- Université Côte d'Azur , CNRS , Institut de Chimie de Nice , UMR7272 - Parc Valrose , 06108 Nice Cedex 2 , France . ; ; Tel: +33 4 92076143
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18
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Gregorić T, Sedić M, Grbčić P, Tomljenović Paravić A, Kraljević Pavelić S, Cetina M, Vianello R, Raić-Malić S. Novel pyrimidine-2,4-dione-1,2,3-triazole and furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2-one-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as potential anti-cancer agents: Synthesis, computational and X-ray analysis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 125:1247-1267. [PMID: 27875779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regioselective 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole tethered pyrimidine-2,4-dione derivatives (5-23) were successfully prepared by the copper(I)-catalyzed click chemistry. While known palladium/copper-cocatalyzed method based on Sonogashira cross-coupling followed by the intramolecular 5-endo-dig ring closure generated novel 6-alkylfuro[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2-one-1,2,3-triazole hybrids (24b-37b), a small library of their 5-alkylethynyl analogs (24a-37a) was synthesized and described for the first time by tandem terminal alkyne dimerization and subsequent 5-endo-trig cyclization, which was additionally corroborated with computational and X-ray crystal structure analyses. The nature of substituents on alkynes and thereof homocoupled 1,3-diynes predominantly influenced the ratio of the formed products in both pathways. In vitro antiproliferative activity of prepared compounds evaluated on five human cancer cell lines revealed that N,N-1,3-bis-(1,2,3-triazole)-5-bromouracil (5-7) and 5,6-disubstituted furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2-one-1,2,3-triazole 34a hybrids exhibited the most pronounced cytostatic acitivities against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells with higher potencies than the reference drug 5-fluorouracil. Cytostatic effect of pyrimidine-2,4-dione-1,2,3-triazole hybrid 7 in HepG2 cells could be attributed to the Wee-1 kinase inhibition and abolishment of sphingolipid signaling mediated by acid ceramidase and sphingosine kinase 1. Importantly, this compound proved to be a non-mitochondrial toxicant, which makes it a promising candidate for further lead optimization and development of a new and more efficient agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Gregorić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Marulićev Trg 20, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirela Sedić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia; University of Rijeka, Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Petra Grbčić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
- University of Rijeka, Department of Biotechnology, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia; University of Rijeka, Centre for High-throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejčić 2, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mario Cetina
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry, Prilaz Baruna Filipovića 28a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Vianello
- Computational Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Group, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Silvana Raić-Malić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Department of Organic Chemistry, Marulićev Trg 20, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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19
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Araujo AR, Gelens L, Sheriff RSM, Santos SDM. Positive Feedback Keeps Duration of Mitosis Temporally Insulated from Upstream Cell-Cycle Events. Mol Cell 2016; 64:362-375. [PMID: 27768873 PMCID: PMC5077699 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Cell division is characterized by a sequence of events by which a cell gives rise to two daughter cells. Quantitative measurements of cell-cycle dynamics in single cells showed that despite variability in G1-, S-, and G2 phases, duration of mitosis is short and remarkably constant. Surprisingly, there is no correlation between cell-cycle length and mitotic duration, suggesting that mitosis is temporally insulated from variability in earlier cell-cycle phases. By combining live cell imaging and computational modeling, we showed that positive feedback is the molecular mechanism underlying the temporal insulation of mitosis. Perturbing positive feedback gave rise to a sluggish, variable entry and progression through mitosis and uncoupled duration of mitosis from variability in cell cycle length. We show that positive feedback is important to keep mitosis short, constant, and temporally insulated and anticipate it might be a commonly used regulatory strategy to create modularity in other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Araujo
- Quantitative Cell Biology Lab, MRC-Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC), London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Lendert Gelens
- Laboratory of Dynamics in Biological Systems, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rahuman S M Sheriff
- Quantitative Cell Biology Lab, MRC-Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC), London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Silvia D M Santos
- Quantitative Cell Biology Lab, MRC-Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC), London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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20
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Targeting WEE1 Kinase in Cancer. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:872-881. [PMID: 27427153 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
WEE1 kinase plays a crucial role in the G2-M cell-cycle checkpoint arrest for DNA repair before mitotic entry. Normal cells repair damaged DNA during G1 arrest; however, cancer cells often have a deficient G1-S checkpoint and depend on a functional G2-M checkpoint for DNA repair. WEE1 is expressed at high levels in various cancer types including breast cancers, leukemia, melanoma, and adult and pediatric brain tumors. Many of these cancers are treated with DNA-damaging agents; therefore, targeting WEE1 for inhibition and compromising the G2-M checkpoint presents an opportunity to potentiate therapy. In this review we summarize the current WEE1 inhibitors, the potential for further inhibitor development, and the challenges in the clinic for the WEE1 inhibitor strategy.
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21
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Francini CM, Fallacara AL, Artusi R, Mennuni L, Calgani A, Angelucci A, Schenone S, Botta M. Identification of Aminoimidazole and Aminothiazole Derivatives as Src Family Kinase Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:2027-41. [PMID: 26514807 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Src family kinases (SFKs) are a family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (TKs) implicated in the regulation of many cellular processes. The aberrant activity of these TKs has been associated with the growth and progression of cancer. In particular, c-Src is overexpressed or hyperactivated in a variety of solid tumors and is most likely a strong promoting factor for the development of metastasis. Herein, the synthesis of new 4-aminoimidazole and 2-aminothiazole derivatives and their in vitro biological evaluation are described for their potential use as SFK inhibitors. Initially, 2-aminothiazole analogues of dasatinib and 4-aminoimidazole derivatives were synthesized and tested against the SFKs Src, Fyn, Lyn, and Yes. Five hits were identified as the most promising compounds, with Ki values in the range of 90-480 nm. A combination of molecular docking, homology modeling, and molecular dynamics were then used to investigate the possible binding mode of such compounds within the ATP binding site of the SFKs. Finally, the antiproliferative activities of the best candidates were evaluated against SH-SY5Y and K562 cell lines. Compound 3 b [2-(4-{2-methyl-6-[(5-phenylthiazol-2-yl)amino]pyrimidin-4-yl}piperazin-1-yl)ethanol] was found to be the most active inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Maria Francini
- Medicinal Chemistry Division, Rottapharm Biotech S.r.l., Valosa di Sopra N 9 Street, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Fallacara
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Roberto Artusi
- Medicinal Chemistry Division, Rottapharm Biotech S.r.l., Valosa di Sopra N 9 Street, 20900, Monza, Italy.
| | - Laura Mennuni
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, Rottapharm Biotech S.r.l., Valosa di Sopra N 9 Street, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessia Calgani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologie, Università dell'Aquila, Via Vetoio Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Adriano Angelucci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologie, Università dell'Aquila, Via Vetoio Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, BioLife Science Building, Suite 333, 1900 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
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22
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Aleem E, Arceci RJ. Targeting cell cycle regulators in hematologic malignancies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2015; 3:16. [PMID: 25914884 PMCID: PMC4390903 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2015.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies represent the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in economically developed countries. In hematologic malignancies normal hematopoiesis is interrupted by uncontrolled growth of a genetically altered stem or progenitor cell (HSPC) that maintains its ability of self-renewal. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) not only regulate the mammalian cell cycle, but also influence other vital cellular processes, such as stem cell renewal, differentiation, transcription, epigenetic regulation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Chromosomal translocations, amplification, overexpression and altered CDK activities have been described in different types of human cancer, which have made them attractive targets for pharmacological inhibition. Mouse models deficient for one or more CDKs have significantly contributed to our current understanding of the physiological functions of CDKs, as well as their roles in human cancer. The present review focuses on selected cell cycle kinases with recent emerging key functions in hematopoiesis and in hematopoietic malignancies, such as CDK6 and its role in MLL-rearranged leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia, CDK1 and its regulator WEE-1 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and cyclin C/CDK8/CDK19 complexes in T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia. The knowledge gained from gene knockout experiments in mice of these kinases is also summarized. An overview of compounds targeting these kinases, which are currently in clinical development in various solid tumors and hematopoietic malignances, is presented. These include the CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors (palbociclib, LEE011, LY2835219), pan-CDK inhibitors that target CDK1 (dinaciclib, flavopiridol, AT7519, TG02, P276-00, terampeprocol and RGB 286638) as well as the WEE-1 kinase inhibitor, MK-1775. The advantage of combination therapy of cell cycle inhibitors with conventional chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of AML, such as cytarabine, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Aleem
- Department of Child Health, The Ronald A. Matricaria Institute of Molecular Medicine at Phoenix Children's Hospital, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Phoenix, AZ, USA ; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Robert J Arceci
- Department of Child Health, The Ronald A. Matricaria Institute of Molecular Medicine at Phoenix Children's Hospital, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Phoenix, AZ, USA
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23
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Kawaguchi T, Hayakawa M, Koga H, Torimura T. Effects of fucoidan on proliferation, AMP-activated protein kinase, and downstream metabolism- and cell cycle-associated molecules in poorly differentiated human hepatoma HLF cells. Int J Oncol 2015; 46:2216-22. [PMID: 25776104 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.2928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival rates are low in patients with poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, has anticancer activity; however, the effects of fucoidan on poorly differentiated HCC remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of fucoidan on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a proliferation regulator, and its downstream metabolism- and cell cycle-related molecules in a poorly differentiated human hepatoma HLF cell line. HLF cells were treated with fucoidan (10, 50, or 100 µg/ml; n=4) or phosphate buffered saline (control; n=4) for 96 h. Proliferation was evaluated by counting cells every 24 h. AMPK, TSC2, mTOR, GSK3β, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), ATP-citrate lyase, p53, cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4, and CDK6 expression and/or phosphorylation were examined by immunoblotting 24 h after treatment with 100 µg/ml fucoidan. Cell cycle progression was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter 48 h after treatment. Treatment with 50 or 100 µg/ml fucoidan significantly and dose- and time-dependently suppressed HLF cell proliferation (P<0.0001). Fucoidan induced AMPK phosphorylation on Ser172 24 h after treatment. Although no differences were seen in expression and phosphorylation levels of TSC2, mTOR, GSK3β, ATP-citrate lyase, and p53 between the control and fucoidan-treated HLF cells, fucoidan induced ACC phosphorylation on Ser79. Moreover, fucoidan decreased cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6 expression 24 h after treatment. Furthermore, HLF cells were arrested in the G1/S phase 48 h after fucoidan treatment. We demonstrated that fucoidan suppressed HLF cell proliferation with AMPK phosphorylation. We showed that fucoidan phosphorylated ACC and downregulated cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6 expression. Our findings suggest that fucoidan inhibits proliferation through AMPK-associated suppression of fatty acid synthesis and G1/S transition in HLF cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Masako Hayakawa
- Liver Cancer Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hironori Koga
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Takuji Torimura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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24
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Takahashi S, Lee J, Kohda T, Matsuzawa A, Kawasumi M, Kanai-Azuma M, Kaneko-Ishino T, Ishino F. Induction of the G2/M transition stabilizes haploid embryonic stem cells. Development 2014; 141:3842-7. [PMID: 25252944 DOI: 10.1242/dev.110726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The recent successful establishment of mouse parthenogenetic haploid embryonic stem cells (phESCs) and androgenetic haploid ESCs (ahESCs) has stimulated genetic research not only in vitro but also in vivo because of the germline competence of these cell lines. However, it is difficult to maintain the haploid status over time without a frequent sorting of the G1 phase haploid ESCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) at short intervals, because haploid cells tend to readily self-diploidize. To overcome this spontaneous diploid conversion, we developed a phESC culture condition using a small molecular inhibitor of Wee1 kinase to regulate the cell cycle by accelerating the G2/M phase transition and preventing re-entry into extra G1/S phase. Here, we demonstrate that, under this condition, phESCs maintained the haploid status for at least 4 weeks without the need for FACS. This method will greatly enhance the availability of these cells for genetic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Takahashi
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan Global Center of Excellence Program for International Research Center for Molecular Science in Tooth and Bone Diseases, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohda
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Ayumi Matsuzawa
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Miyuri Kawasumi
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kaneko-Ishino
- School of Health Sciences, Tokai University, Bohseidai, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Ishino
- Department of Epigenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan Global Center of Excellence Program for International Research Center for Molecular Science in Tooth and Bone Diseases, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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25
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Adhikari D, Diril MK, Busayavalasa K, Risal S, Nakagawa S, Lindkvist R, Shen Y, Coppola V, Tessarollo L, Kudo NR, Kaldis P, Liu K. Mastl is required for timely activation of APC/C in meiosis I and Cdk1 reactivation in meiosis II. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 206:843-53. [PMID: 25246615 PMCID: PMC4178961 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201406033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Greatwall kinase orthologue Mastl regulates timely activation of APC/C to allow meiosis I exit and suppresses PP2A activity and thereby allows the rapid rise of Cdk1 activity that is necessary for meiosis II entry in mouse oocytes. In mitosis, the Greatwall kinase (called microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase like [Mastl] in mammals) is essential for prometaphase entry or progression by suppressing protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity. PP2A suppression in turn leads to high levels of Cdk1 substrate phosphorylation. We have used a mouse model with an oocyte-specific deletion of Mastl to show that Mastl-null oocytes resume meiosis I and reach metaphase I normally but that the onset and completion of anaphase I are delayed. Moreover, after the completion of meiosis I, Mastl-null oocytes failed to enter meiosis II (MII) because they reassembled a nuclear structure containing decondensed chromatin. Our results show that Mastl is required for the timely activation of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome to allow meiosis I exit and for the rapid rise of Cdk1 activity that is needed for the entry into MII in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Adhikari
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Kasim Diril
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kiran Busayavalasa
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sanjiv Risal
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shoma Nakagawa
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, England, UK
| | - Rebecca Lindkvist
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vincenzo Coppola
- National Cancer Institute, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Lino Tessarollo
- National Cancer Institute, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Nobuaki R Kudo
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, England, UK
| | - Philipp Kaldis
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore 138673, Republic of Singapore Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Dillon MT, Good JS, Harrington KJ. Selective targeting of the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint to improve the therapeutic index of radiotherapy. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2014; 26:257-65. [PMID: 24581946 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite tremendous advances in radiotherapy techniques, allowing dose escalation to tumour tissues and sparing of organs at risk, cure rates from radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy remain suboptimal for most cancers. In tandem with our growing understanding of tumour biology, we are beginning to appreciate that targeting the molecular response to radiation-induced DNA damage holds great promise for selective tumour radiosensitisation. In particular, approaches that inhibit cell cycle checkpoint controls offer a means of exploiting molecular differences between tumour and normal cells, thereby inducing so-called cancer-specific synthetic lethality. In this overview, we discuss cellular responses to radiation-induced damage and discuss the potential of using G2/M cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors as a means of enhancing tumour control rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Dillon
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Targeted Therapy Team, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, UK; The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - J S Good
- The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - K J Harrington
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Targeted Therapy Team, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, UK; The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
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27
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Indovina P, Marcelli E, Di Marzo D, Casini N, Forte IM, Giorgi F, Alfano L, Pentimalli F, Giordano A. Abrogating G₂/M checkpoint through WEE1 inhibition in combination with chemotherapy as a promising therapeutic approach for mesothelioma. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:380-8. [PMID: 24365782 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.27623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive asbestos-related neoplasm of the serous membranes, whose incidence is increasing worldwide. Although the introduction of new drug combinations, such as cisplatin plus pemetrexed/gemcitabine, has determined an improvement in the patient quality of life, MM remains a universally fatal disease. The observation that key G 1/S checkpoint regulators are often functionally inactivated in MM prompted us to test whether the use of G 2/M checkpoint inhibitors, able to sensitize G 1/S checkpoint-defective cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, could be successful in MM. We treated six MM cell lines, representative of different histotypes (epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid), with cisplatin in combination with MK-1775, an inhibitor of the G 2/M checkpoint kinase WEE1. We observed that MK-1775 enhanced the cisplatin cytotoxic effect in all MM cell lines, except the sarcomatoid cell line, which is representative of the most aggressive histotype. As expected, the enhancement in cisplatin toxicity was accompanied by a decrease in the inactive phosphorylated form of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key substrate of WEE1, which is indicative of G 2/M checkpoint inactivation. Consistently, we also observed a decrease in G 2/M accumulation and an increase in mitotic entry of DNA-damaged cells and apoptosis, probably due to the loss of the cell ability to arrest cell cycle in response to DNA damage, irrespectively of p53 mutational status. Notably, this treatment did not increase cisplatin cytotoxicity on normal cells, thus suggesting a possible use of MK-1775 in combination with cisplatin for a safe and efficient treatment of epithelioid and biphasic MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Indovina
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Eleonora Marcelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Domenico Di Marzo
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Casini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Iris Maria Forte
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy
| | - Luigi Alfano
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience; University of Siena and Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT); Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine; Center for Biotechnology; College of Science and Technology; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA USA; Oncology Research Center of Mercogliano (CROM); Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale"; IRCCS; Naples, Italy
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Radons J. Inflammatory stress and sarcomagenesis: a vicious interplay. Cell Stress Chaperones 2014; 19:1-13. [PMID: 24046208 PMCID: PMC3857425 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-013-0449-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation represents one of the hallmarks of cancer, but its role in sarcomagenesis has long been overlooked. Sarcomas are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors of mesenchymal origin accounting for less than 1 % of cancers in adults but 21 % of cancers in the pediatric population. Sarcomas are associated with bad prognosis, and their management requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Several lines of evidence indicate that inflammation has been implicated in sarcomagenesis leading to the activation of the key transcription factors HIF-1, NF- κB, and STAT-3 involved in a complex inflammatory network. In the past years, an increasing number of new targets have been identified in the treatment of sarcomas leading to the development of new drugs that aim to interrupt the vicious connection between inflammation and sarcomagenesis. This article makes a brief overview of preclinical and clinical evidence of the molecular pathways involved in the inflammatory stress response in sarcomagenesis and the most targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Radons
- multimmune GmbH c/o Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany,
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Radons J. The role of inflammation in sarcoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 816:259-313. [PMID: 24818727 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-0348-0837-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sarcomas encompass a heterogenous group of tumors with diverse pathologically and clinically overlapping features. It is a rarely curable disease, and their management requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Chronic inflammation has emerged as one of the hallmarks of tumors including sarcomas. Classical inflammation-associated sarcomas comprise the inflammatory malignant fibrous histiocytoma and Kaposi sarcoma. The identification of specific chromosomal translocations and important intracellular signaling pathways such as Ras/Raf/MAPK, insulin-like growth factor, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, sonic hedgehog and Notch together with the increasing knowledge of angiogenesis has led to development of targeted therapies that aim to interrupt these pathways. Innovative agents like oncolytic viruses opened the way to design new therapeutic options with encouraging findings. Preclinical evidence also highlights the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals as they can inhibit multiple pathways while being less toxic. This chapter gives an overview of actual therapeutic standards, newest evidence-based studies and exciting options for targeted therapies in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Radons
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany,
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Raleigh DR, Haas-Kogan DA. Molecular targets and mechanisms of radiosensitization using DNA damage response pathways. Future Oncol 2013; 9:219-33. [PMID: 23414472 DOI: 10.2217/fon.12.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular reaction to genomic instability includes a network of signal transduction pathways collectively referred to as the DNA damage response (DDR). Activated by a variety of DNA lesions, the DDR orchestrates cell cycle arrest and DNA repair, and initiates apoptosis in instances where damage cannot be repaired. As such, disruption of the DDR increases the prevalence of DNA damage secondary to incomplete repair, and in doing so, enhances radiation-induced cytotoxicity. This article describes the molecular agents and their targets within DDR pathways that sensitize cells to radiation. Moreover, it reviews the therapeutic implications of these compounds, provides an overview of relevant clinical trials and offers a viewpoint on the evolution of the field in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Marzo I, Naval J. Antimitotic drugs in cancer chemotherapy: promises and pitfalls. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:703-10. [PMID: 23886991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells usually display higher proliferation rates than normal cells. Some currently used antitumor drugs, such as vinca alkaloids and taxanes, act by targeting microtubules and inhibiting mitosis. In the last years, different mitotic regulators have been proposed as drug target candidates for antitumor therapies. In particular, inhibitors of Cdks, Chks, Aurora kinase and Polo-like kinase have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in animal models and some of them have reached clinical trials. However, to date, none of these inhibitors has been still approved for use in chemotherapy regimes. We will discuss here the most recent preclinical information on those new antimitotic drugs, as well as the possible molecular bases underlying their lack of clinical efficiency. Also, advances in the identification of other mitosis-related targets will be also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Marzo
- Departamento de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.
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Magnussen GI, Hellesylt E, Nesland JM, Trope CG, Flørenes VA, Holm R. High expression of wee1 is associated with malignancy in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma patients. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:288. [PMID: 23767999 PMCID: PMC3751528 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer form with increasing incidence rate and few treatment options. Wee1 is a central regulator of the G2/M DNA-damage checkpoint, and has in previous studies been described as a prognostic biomarker and a potential target for therapy in other cancer forms. METHODS In the present study we analyzed the expression of Wee1 in a panel of 297 vulvar tumors by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, siRNA transfections were carried out in two vulvar cancer cell lines (SW-954 and CAL-39) in order to study the effect on cell cycle distribution (flow cytometry) and proteins (western blot) involved in DNA damage response and apoptosis. RESULTS Wee1 kinase is increased in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas, as compared to expression in normal epithelium, and a high Wee1 expression is associated with markers of malignancy, such as lymph node metastasis and poor differentiation. Our in vitro results showed that siRNA mediated Wee1 silencing only led to a modest reduction in viability, when examined in vulvar cancer cell lines. Nonetheless, a marked increase in DNA damages, as assessed by augmented levels of γ-H2AX, was observed in both cell lines in the absence of Wee1. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that Wee1 may be involved in the progression of vulvar carcinomas. Based on our in vitro results, Wee1 is unlikely to function as a target for mono-treatment of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry Irene Magnussen
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Montebello 0310, Norway
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WEE1 inhibition and genomic instability in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2013; 1836:227-35. [PMID: 23727417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of cancer is genomic instability controlled by cell cycle checkpoints. The G1 and G2 checkpoints allow DNA damage responses, whereas the mitotic checkpoint enables correct seggregation of the sister chromosomes to prevent aneuploidy. Cancer cells often lack a functional G1 arrest and rely on G2 arrest for DNA damage responses. WEE1 kinase is an important regulator of the G2 checkpoint and is overexpressed in various cancer types. Inhibition of WEE1 is a promising strategy in cancer therapy in combination with DNA-damaging agents, especially when cancer cells harbor p53 mutations, as it causes mitotic catastrophy when DNA is not repaired during G2 arrest. Cancer cell response to WEE1 inhibition monotherapy has also been demonstrated in various types of cancer, including p53 wild-type cancers. We postulate that chromosomal instability can explain tumor response to WEE1 monotherapy. Therefore, chromosomal instability may need to be taken into account when determining the most effective strategy for the use of WEE1 inhibitors in cancer therapy.
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34
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Evaluation of potential Myt1 kinase inhibitors by TR-FRET based binding assay. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 61:41-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Expression patterns of cell cycle proteins in the livers of rats treated with hepatocarcinogens for 28 days. Arch Toxicol 2013; 87:1141-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Identification of aurora kinase B and Wee1-like protein kinase as downstream targets of (V600E)B-RAF in melanoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:1151-62. [PMID: 23416158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BRAF is the most mutated gene in melanoma, with approximately 50% of patients containing V600E mutant protein. (V600E)B-RAF can be targeted using pharmacological agents, but resistance develops in patients by activating other proteins in the signaling pathway. Identifying downstream members in this signaling cascade is important to design strategies to avoid the development of resistance. Unfortunately, downstream proteins remain to be identified and therapeutic potential requires validation. A kinase screen was undertaken to identify downstream targets in the (V600E)B-RAF signaling cascade. Involvement of aurora kinase B (AURKB) and Wee1-like protein kinase (WEE1) as downstream proteins in the (V600E)B-RAF pathway was validated in xenografted tumors, and mechanisms of action were characterized in size- and time-matched tumors. Levels of only AURKB and WEE1 decreased in melanoma cells, when (V600E)B-RAF, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2, or extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 protein levels were reduced using siRNA compared with other identified kinases. AURKB and WEE1 were expressed in tumors of patients with melanoma at higher levels than observed in normal human melanocytes. Targeting these proteins reduced tumor development by approximately 70%, similar to that observed when inhibiting (V600E)B-RAF. Furthermore, protein or activity levels of AURKB and WEE1 decreased in melanoma cells when pharmacological agents targeting upstream (V600E)B-RAF or mitogen-activated protein kinase were used to inhibit the (V600E)B-RAF pathway. Thus, AURKB and WEE1 are targets and biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy, lying downstream of (V600E)B-RAF in melanomas.
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37
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Evans MS, Madhunapantula SV, Robertson GP, Drabick JJ. Current and future trials of targeted therapies in cutaneous melanoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 779:223-55. [PMID: 23288642 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6176-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In order to effectively treat melanoma, targeted inhibition of key m-echanistic events regulating melanoma development such as cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and invasion or metastasis needs to be accomplished. The Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway has been identified as a key player in melanoma development making this cascade an important therapeutic target. However, identification of the ideal pathway member to therapeutically target for maximal clinical benefit remains a challenge. In normal cells, the MAPK pathway relays extracellular signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus via a cascade of phosphorylation events, which promote cancer development. Dysregulation of the MAPK pathway occurs frequently in many human cancers including melanoma. Mutations in the B-RAF and RAS genes, genetic or epigenetic modifications are the key aberrations observed in this signaling cascade. Constitutive activation of this pathway causes oncogenic transformation of cells by promoting cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, migration, survival and angiogenesis. This review provides an overview of (a) key members of MAPK signaling regulating melanoma development; (b) key proteins which can serve as biomarkers to assess disease progression; (c) the clinical efficacy of various pharmacological agents targeting MAPK pathway; (d) current clinical trials evaluating downstream targets of the MAPK pathway; (e) issues associated with pharmacological agents such as drug resistance, induction of cancers; and finally (e) various strategies overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Evans
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Tsuchiya T, Wang L, Yafune A, Kimura M, Ohishi T, Suzuki K, Mitsumori K, Shibutani M. Disruptive cell cycle regulation involving epigenetic downregulation of Cdkn2a (p16Ink4a) in early-stage liver tumor-promotion facilitating liver cell regeneration in rats. Toxicology 2012; 299:146-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2012.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Magnussen GI, Holm R, Emilsen E, Rosnes AKR, Slipicevic A, Flørenes VA. High expression of Wee1 is associated with poor disease-free survival in malignant melanoma: potential for targeted therapy. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38254. [PMID: 22719872 PMCID: PMC3373567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Notoriously resistant malignant melanoma is one of the most increasing forms of cancer worldwide; there is thus a precarious need for new treatment options. The Wee1 kinase is a major regulator of the G2/M checkpoint, and halts the cell cycle by adding a negative phosphorylation on CDK1 (Tyr15). Additionally, Wee1 has a function in safeguarding the genome integrity during DNA synthesis. To assess the role of Wee1 in development and progression of malignant melanoma we examined its expression in a panel of paraffin-embedded patient derived tissue of benign nevi and primary- and metastatic melanomas, as well as in agarose-embedded cultured melanocytes. We found that Wee1 expression increased in the direction of malignancy, and showed a strong, positive correlation with known biomarkers involved in cell cycle regulation: Cyclin A (p<0.0001), Ki67 (p<0.0001), Cyclin D3 (p = 0.001), p21Cip1/WAF1 (p = 0.003), p53 (p = 0.025). Furthermore, high Wee1 expression was associated with thicker primary tumors (p = 0.001), ulceration (p = 0.005) and poor disease-free survival (p = 0.008). Transfections using siWee1 in metastatic melanoma cell lines; WM239WTp53, WM45.1MUTp53 and LOXWTp53, further support our hypothesis of a tumor promoting role of Wee1 in melanomas. Whereas no effect was observed in LOX cells, transfection with siWee1 led to accumulation of cells in G1/S and S phase of the cell cycle in WM239 and WM45.1 cells, respectively. Both latter cell lines displayed DNA damage and induction of apoptosis, in the absence of Wee1, indicating that the effect of silencing Wee1 may not be solely dependent of the p53 status of the cells. Together these results reveal the importance of Wee1 as a prognostic biomarker in melanomas, and indicate a potential role for targeted therapy, alone or in combination with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Holm
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Emilsen
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ana Slipicevic
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Vivi Ann Flørenes
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The G(2) checkpoint is an indispensable pathway for cancers lacking p53 function, for delaying cell cycle progression, and for completing DNA repair. Therefore, disruption of this pathway is expected to offer selective therapy for these highly prevalent cancers. The aim of this study was to identify an inhibitor of the G(2) checkpoint including the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related checkpoint kinase 1 pathway that selectively suppresses the growth of p53-deficient cells. To obtain molecules with a novel mechanism of action, we constructed a high-throughput screening system that detected abrogation of the G(2) checkpoint in X-irradiated HT-29 cells. The screening resulted in identification of a guanidine analog, CBP-93872 that dose dependently inhibited the G(2) checkpoint induced by DNA damage. Interestingly, CBP-93872 directly suppressed the growth of p53-mutated cancer cell lines with wild-type CDKN2A by eliciting G(1) arrest, but not CDKN2A-deleted and/or wild-type p53 lines. CBP-93872 decreased phospho-cdc2 Y15 by inhibiting phosphorylation of Chk1, but did not suppress phospho-Chk2 or the kinase activities of either Chk1 or Chk2 in cellular or cell-free assays. These results suggest that a checkpoint modulator through suppression of Chk1 phosphorylation provides synthetic lethality to p53-deficient cells.
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Garimella SV, Rocca A, Lipkowitz S. WEE1 inhibition sensitizes basal breast cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Mol Cancer Res 2011; 10:75-85. [PMID: 22112940 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-11-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
TRAIL is a member of the TNF super family and has been shown to induce apoptosis in many cancer cell lines but not in normal cells. Breast cancers can be divided into different subgroups on the basis of the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, HER-2 amplification, or the lack of these three markers (known as triple-negative or basal-type breast cancer). Our group and others have shown previously that triple-negative breast cancer cell lines are sensitive to TRAIL whereas others are relatively resistant. In an earlier study, we reported that inhibition of WEE1, a cell-cycle checkpoint regulator, causes increased cell death in breast cancer cell lines. In this study, we tested the effects of WEE1 inhibition on TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines. Pretreatment with WEE1 inhibitor or knockdown of WEE1 increased the toxicity of TRAIL in the basal/triple-negative breast cancer cell lines compared with WEE1 inhibitor or TRAIL treatment alone. The enhanced cell death is attributed to increased surface expression of death receptors, increased caspase activation which could be blocked by the pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, thereby rescuing cells from caspase-mediated apoptosis. The cell death was initiated primarily by caspase-8 because knockdown of caspase-8 and not of any other initiator caspases (i.e., caspase-2, -9, or -10) rescued cells from WEE1 inhibitor-sensitized TRAIL-induced cell death. Taken together, the data suggest that the combination of WEE1 inhibitor and TRAIL could provide a novel combination for the treatment of basal/triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sireesha V Garimella
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Moreno E, Plano D, Lamberto I, Font M, Encío I, Palop JA, Sanmartín C. Sulfur and selenium derivatives of quinazoline and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine: synthesis and study of their potential cytotoxic activity in vitro. Eur J Med Chem 2011; 47:283-98. [PMID: 22104973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2011.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis, cytotoxic activities and selectivities of 35 derivatives related to quinazoline and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine are described. The synthesized compounds were screened in vitro against four tumoral cell lines - leukemia (CCRF-CEM), colon (HT-29), lung (HTB-54) and breast (MCF-7) - and two cell lines derived from non-malignant cell lines, one mammary (184B5) and one from bronchial epithelium (BEAS-2B). MCF-7 and HTB-54 were the most sensitive cell lines with GI(50) values below 10μM for eleven and ten compounds, respectively. Two compounds (2o and 3a) were identified that evoked a marked cytotoxic effect in all cell lines tested and one compound, 7h, was potent and selective against MCF-7. A preliminary study into the mechanism of the potent derivatives 2o, 3a and 7h indicated that the cytotoxic activities of these compounds might be mediated by inducing cell death without affecting cell cycle phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Moreno
- Sección de síntesis, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea, 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
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Gaffré M, Martoriati A, Belhachemi N, Chambon JP, Houliston E, Jessus C, Karaiskou A. A critical balance between Cyclin B synthesis and Myt1 activity controls meiosis entry in Xenopus oocytes. Development 2011; 138:3735-44. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.063974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In fully grown oocytes, meiosis is arrested at first prophase until species-specific initiation signals trigger maturation. Meiotic resumption universally involves early activation of M phase-promoting factor (Cdc2 kinase-Cyclin B complex, MPF) by dephosphorylation of the inhibitory Thr14/Tyr15 sites of Cdc2. However, underlying mechanisms vary. In Xenopus oocytes, deciphering the intervening chain of events has been hampered by a sensitive amplification loop involving Cdc2-Cyclin B, the inhibitory kinase Myt1 and the activating phosphatase Cdc25. In this study we provide evidence that the critical event in meiotic resumption is a change in the balance between inhibitory Myt1 activity and Cyclin B neosynthesis. First, we show that in fully grown oocytes Myt1 is essential for maintaining prophase I arrest. Second, we demonstrate that, upon upregulation of Cyclin B synthesis in response to progesterone, rapid inactivating phosphorylation of Myt1 occurs, mediated by Cdc2 and without any significant contribution of Mos/MAPK or Plx1. We propose a model in which the appearance of active MPF complexes following increased Cyclin B synthesis causes Myt1 inhibition, upstream of the MPF/Cdc25 amplification loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Gaffré
- UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Alain Martoriati
- UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Naima Belhachemi
- UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Chambon
- UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Evelyn Houliston
- UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR7009-Biologie du Développement, 06230 Villefranche sur mer, France
- CNRS, UMR7009-Biologie du Développement, 06230 Villefranche sur mer, France
| | - Catherine Jessus
- UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anthi Karaiskou
- UPMC Université Paris 06, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR7622-Biologie du Développement, 9 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
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Liu Y, Chen XQ, Liang HX, Zhang FX, Zhang B, Jin J, Chen YL, Cheng YX, Zhou GB. Small compound 6-O-angeloylplenolin induces mitotic arrest and exhibits therapeutic potentials in multiple myeloma. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21930. [PMID: 21755010 PMCID: PMC3130785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease of cell cycle dysregulation while cell cycle modulation can be a target for MM therapy. In this study we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of a sesquiterpene lactone 6-O-angeloylplenolin (6-OAP) on MM cells. Methodology/Principal Findings MM cells were exposed to 6-OAP and cell cycle distribution were analyzed. The role for cyclin B1 to play in 6-OAP-caused mitotic arrest was tested by specific siRNA analyses in U266 cells. MM.1S cells co-incubated with interleukin-6 (IL-6), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), or bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were treated with 6-OAP. The effects of 6-OAP plus other drugs on MM.1S cells were evaluated. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetic features of 6-OAP were tested in nude mice bearing U266 cells and Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. We found that 6-OAP suppressed the proliferation of dexamethasone-sensitive and dexamethasone-resistant cell lines and primary CD138+ MM cells. 6-OAP caused mitotic arrest, accompanied by activation of spindle assembly checkpoint and blockage of ubiquitiniation and subsequent proteasomal degradation of cyclin B1. Combined use of 6-OAP and bortezomib induced potentiated cytotoxicity with inactivation of ERK1/2 and activation of JNK1/2 and Casp-8/-3. 6-OAP overcame the protective effects of IL-6 and IGF-I on MM cells through inhibition of Jak2/Stat3 and Akt, respectively. 6-OAP inhibited BMSCs-facilitated MM cell expansion and TNF-α-induced NF-κB signal. Moreover, 6-OAP exhibited potent anti-MM activity in nude mice and favorable pharmacokinetics in rats. Conclusions/Significance These results indicate that 6-OAP is a new cell cycle inhibitor which shows therapeutic potentials for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health and State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Chen
- Department of Hematology, the Cancer Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heng-Xing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Feng-Xiang Zhang
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health and State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health and State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Long Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health and State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Xian Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- * E-mail: (GBZ); (YXC)
| | - Guang-Biao Zhou
- Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health and State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (GBZ); (YXC)
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De Witt Hamer PC, Mir SE, Noske D, Van Noorden CJF, Würdinger T. WEE1 kinase targeting combined with DNA-damaging cancer therapy catalyzes mitotic catastrophe. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:4200-7. [PMID: 21562035 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-2537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
WEE1 kinase is a key molecule in maintaining G₂-cell-cycle checkpoint arrest for premitotic DNA repair. Whereas normal cells repair damaged DNA during G₁-arrest, cancer cells often have a deficient G₁-arrest and largely depend on G₂-arrest. The molecular switch for the G₂-M transition is held by WEE1 and is pushed forward by CDC25. WEE1 is overexpressed in various cancer types, including glioblastoma and breast cancer. Preclinical studies with cancer cell lines and animal models showed decreased cancer cell viability, reduced tumor burden, and improved survival after WEE1 inhibition by siRNA or small molecule inhibitors, which is enhanced by combination with conventional DNA-damaging therapy, such as radiotherapy and/or cytostatics. Mitotic catastrophe results from premature entry into mitosis with unrepaired lethal DNA damage. As such, cancer cells become sensitized to conventional therapy by WEE1 inhibition, in particular those with insufficient G₁-arrest due to deficient p53 signaling, like glioblastoma cells. One WEE1 inhibitor has now reached clinical phase I studies. Dose-limiting toxicity consisted of hematologic events, nausea and/or vomiting, and fatigue. The combination of DNA-damaging cancer therapy with WEE1 inhibition seems to be a rational approach to push cancer cells in mitotic catastrophe. Its safety and efficacy are being evaluated in clinical studies.
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PosthumaDeBoer J, Würdinger T, Graat HCA, van Beusechem VW, Helder MN, van Royen BJ, Kaspers GJL. WEE1 inhibition sensitizes osteosarcoma to radiotherapy. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:156. [PMID: 21529352 PMCID: PMC3103478 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of radiotherapy in osteosarcoma (OS) is controversial due to its radioresistance. OS patients currently treated with radiotherapy generally are inoperable, have painful skeletal metastases, refuse surgery or have undergone an intralesional resection of the primary tumor. After irradiation-induced DNA damage, OS cells sustain a prolonged G2 cell cycle checkpoint arrest allowing DNA repair and evasion of cell death. Inhibition of WEE1 kinase leads to abrogation of the G2 arrest and could sensitize OS cells to irradiation induced cell death. Methods WEE1 expression in OS was investigated by gene-expression data analysis and immunohistochemistry of tumor samples. WEE1 expression in OS cell lines and human osteoblasts was investigated by Western blot. The effect of WEE1 inhibition on the radiosensitivity of OS cells was assessed by cell viability and caspase activation analyses after combination treatment. The presence of DNA damage was visualized using immunofluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle effects were investigated by flow cytometry and WEE1 kinase regulation was analyzed by Western blot. Results WEE1 expression is found in the majority of tested OS tissue samples. Small molecule drug PD0166285 inhibits WEE1 kinase activity. In the presence of WEE1-inhibitor, irradiated cells fail to repair their damaged DNA, and show higher levels of caspase activation. The inhibition of WEE1 effectively abrogates the irradiation-induced G2 arrest in OS cells, forcing the cells into premature, catastrophic mitosis, thus enhancing cell death after irradiation treatment. Conclusion We show that PD0166285, a small molecule WEE1 kinase inhibitor, can abrogate the G2 checkpoint in OS cells, pushing them into mitotic catastrophe and thus sensitizing OS cells to irradiation-induced cell death. This suggests that WEE1 inhibition may be a promising strategy to enhance the radiotherapy effect in patients with OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jantine PosthumaDeBoer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Rajeshkumar NV, De Oliveira E, Ottenhof N, Watters J, Brooks D, Demuth T, Shumway SD, Mizuarai S, Hirai H, Maitra A, Hidalgo M. MK-1775, a potent Wee1 inhibitor, synergizes with gemcitabine to achieve tumor regressions, selectively in p53-deficient pancreatic cancer xenografts. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:2799-806. [PMID: 21389100 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-2580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigate the efficacy and pharmacodynamic effects of MK-1775, a potent Wee1 inhibitor, in both monotherapy and in combination with gemcitabine (GEM) using a panel of p53-deficient and p53 wild-type human pancreatic cancer xenografts. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Nine individual patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenografts (6 with p53-deficient and 3 with p53 wild-type status) from the PancXenoBank collection at Johns Hopkins were treated with MK-1775, GEM, or GEM followed 24 hour later by MK-1775, for 4 weeks. Tumor growth rate/regressions were calculated on day 28. Target modulation was assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS MK-1775 treatment led to the inhibition of Wee1 kinase and reduced inhibitory phosphorylation of its substrate Cdc2. MK-1775, when dosed with GEM, abrogated the checkpoint arrest to promote mitotic entry and facilitated tumor cell death as compared to control and GEM-treated tumors. MK-1775 monotherapy did not induce tumor regressions. However, the combination of GEM with MK-1775 produced robust antitumor activity and remarkably enhanced tumor regression response (4.01-fold) compared to GEM treatment in p53-deficient tumors. Tumor regrowth curves plotted after the drug treatment period suggest that the effect of the combination therapy is longer-lasting than that of GEM. None of the agents produced tumor regressions in p53 wild-type xenografts. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that MK-1775 selectively synergizes with GEM to achieve tumor regressions, selectively in p53-deficient pancreatic cancer xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Rajeshkumar
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Potapova TA, Sivakumar S, Flynn JN, Li R, Gorbsky GJ. Mitotic progression becomes irreversible in prometaphase and collapses when Wee1 and Cdc25 are inhibited. Mol Biol Cell 2011; 22:1191-206. [PMID: 21325631 PMCID: PMC3078080 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e10-07-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of Cdk1 is rapid and switch-like due to positive feedback mechanisms. When Cdk1 is fully on, cells are capable of M-to-G1 transition. Inhibition of positive feedback prevents rapid Cdk1 activation and induces a mitotic “collapse” phenotype characterized by the dephosphorylation of mitotic substrates without cyclin B proteolysis. Mitosis requires precise coordination of multiple global reorganizations of the nucleus and cytoplasm. Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) is the primary upstream kinase that directs mitotic progression by phosphorylation of a large number of substrate proteins. Cdk1 activation reaches the peak level due to positive feedback mechanisms. By inhibiting Cdk chemically, we showed that, in prometaphase, when Cdk1 substrates approach the peak of their phosphorylation, cells become capable of proper M-to-G1 transition. We interfered with the molecular components of the Cdk1-activating feedback system through use of chemical inhibitors of Wee1 and Myt1 kinases and Cdc25 phosphatases. Inhibition of Wee1 and Myt1 at the end of the S phase led to rapid Cdk1 activation and morphologically normal mitotic entry, even in the absence of G2. Dampening Cdc25 phosphatases simultaneously with Wee1 and Myt1 inhibition prevented Cdk1/cyclin B kinase activation and full substrate phosphorylation and induced a mitotic “collapse,” a terminal state characterized by the dephosphorylation of mitotic substrates without cyclin B proteolysis. This was blocked by the PP1/PP2A phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid. These findings suggest that the positive feedback in Cdk activation serves to overcome the activity of Cdk-opposing phosphatases and thus sustains forward progression in mitosis.
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Abstract
Cell cycle checkpoints operating through a network of multiple signaling pathways provide a key mechanism for self-defense of cells against DNA damage caused by various endogenous or environmental stresses. In cancer treatment, checkpoints are activated in response to diverse DNA-damaging agents and radiation, thus representing a critical barrier limiting therapeutic efficacy. To date, despite efforts to target other components of checkpoint signaling pathways (e.g., ATM, Chk2, Wee1), checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) remains the most important target for cancer treatment because of its functional association with essentially all cell cycle checkpoints. The primary goal in the development of therapeutic agents targeting cell cycle checkpoints continues to be improving the anti-cancer activity of chemo- and radiotherapy by abrogating checkpoints necessary for DNA repair, thereby killing cancer cells through engagement of the apoptotic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Dai
- Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 23298, Richmond, VA, USA.
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50
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Mir SE, De Witt Hamer PC, Krawczyk PM, Balaj L, Claes A, Niers JM, Van Tilborg AA, Zwinderman AH, Geerts D, Kaspers GJ, Vandertop WP, Cloos J, Tannous BA, Wesseling P, Aten JA, Noske DP, Van Noorden CJ, Würdinger T. In silico analysis of kinase expression identifies WEE1 as a gatekeeper against mitotic catastrophe in glioblastoma. Cancer Cell 2010; 18:244-57. [PMID: 20832752 PMCID: PMC3115571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2010.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2009] [Revised: 03/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Kinases execute pivotal cellular functions and are therefore widely investigated as potential targets in anticancer treatment. Here we analyze the kinase gene expression profiles of various tumor types and reveal the wee1 kinase to be overexpressed in glioblastomas. We demonstrate that WEE1 is a major regulator of the G(2) checkpoint in glioblastoma cells. Inhibition of WEE1 by siRNA or small molecular compound in cells exposed to DNA damaging agents results in abrogation of the G(2) arrest, premature termination of DNA repair, and cell death. Importantly, we show that the small-molecule inhibitor of WEE1 sensitizes glioblastoma to ionizing radiation in vivo. Our results suggest that inhibition of WEE1 kinase holds potential as a therapeutic approach in treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahryar E. Mir
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philip C. De Witt Hamer
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Leonora Balaj
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - An Claes
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna M. Niers
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02113, USA
| | | | - Aeilko H. Zwinderman
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gertjan J.L. Kaspers
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W. Peter Vandertop
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Cloos
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bakhos A. Tannous
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02113, USA
| | - Pieter Wesseling
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - David P. Noske
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Würdinger
- Neuro-oncology Research Group, Departments of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02113, USA
- Correspondence:
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