1
|
Chen M, Zhu H, Li J, Luo D, Zhang J, Liu W, Wang J. Research progress on the relationship between AURKA and tumorigenesis: the neglected nuclear function of AURKA. Ann Med 2024; 56:2282184. [PMID: 38738386 PMCID: PMC11095293 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2282184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
AURKA is a threonine or serine kinase that needs to be activated by TPX2, Bora and other factors. AURKA is located on chromosome 20 and is amplified or overexpressed in many human cancers, such as breast cancer. AURKA regulates some basic cellular processes, and this regulation is realized via the phosphorylation of downstream substrates. AURKA can function in either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. It can promote the transcription and expression of oncogenes together with other transcription factors in the nucleus, including FoxM1, C-Myc, and NF-κB. In addition, it also sustains carcinogenic signaling, such as N-Myc and Wnt signaling. This article will focus on the role of AURKA in the nucleus and its carcinogenic characteristics that are independent of its kinase activity to provide a theoretical explanation for mechanisms of resistance to kinase inhibitors and a reference for future research on targeted inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menghua Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Huijun Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Danjing Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Toulany M. Targeting K-Ras-mediated DNA damage response in radiation oncology: Current status, challenges and future perspectives. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 38:6-14. [PMID: 36313934 PMCID: PMC9596599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 60% of cancer patients receive curative or palliative radiation. Despite the significant role of radiotherapy (RT) as a curative approach for many solid tumors, tumor recurrence occurs, partially because of intrinsic radioresistance. Accumulating evidence indicates that the success of RT is hampered by activation of the DNA damage response (DDR). The intensity of DDR signaling is affected by multiple parameters, e.g., loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes, gain-of-function mutations in protooncogenes as well as radiation-induced alterations in signal-transduction pathways. Therefore, the response to irradiation differs in tumors of different types, which makes the individualization of RT as a rational but challenging goal. One contributor to tumor cell radiation survival is signaling through the Ras pathway. Three RAS genes encode 4 Ras isoforms: K-Ras4A, K-Ras4B, H-Ras, and N-Ras. RAS family members are found to be mutated in approximately 19% of human cancers. Mutations in RAS lead to constitutive activation of the gene product and activation of multiple Ras-dependent signal-transduction cascades. Preclinical studies have shown that the expression of mutant KRAS affects DDR and increases cell survival after irradiation. Approximately 70% of RAS mutations occur in KRAS. Thus, applying targeted therapies directly against K-Ras as well as K-Ras upstream activators and downstream effectors might be a tumor-specific approach to overcome K-Ras-mediated RT resistance. In this review, the role of K-Ras in the activation of DDR signaling will be summarized. Recent progress in targeting DDR in KRAS-mutated tumors in combination with radiochemotherapy will be discussed.
Collapse
|
3
|
Jabbour SK, Williams TM, Sayan M, Miller ED, Ajani JA, Chang AC, Coleman N, El-Rifai W, Haddock M, Ilson D, Jamorabo D, Kunos C, Lin S, Liu G, Prasanna PG, Rustgi AK, Wong R, Vikram B, Ahmed MM. Potential Molecular Targets in the Setting of Chemoradiation for Esophageal Malignancies. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021; 113:665-679. [PMID: 33351071 PMCID: PMC8600025 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djaa195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the development of effective combined chemoradiation regimens for esophageal cancers has resulted in statistically significant survival benefits, the majority of patients treated with curative intent develop locoregional and/or distant relapse. Further improvements in disease control and survival will require the development of individualized therapy based on the knowledge of host and tumor genomics and potentially harnessing the host immune system. Although there are a number of gene targets that are amplified and proteins that are overexpressed in esophageal cancers, attempts to target several of these have not proven successful in unselected patients. Herein, we review our current state of knowledge regarding the molecular pathways implicated in esophageal carcinoma, and the available agents for targeting these pathways that may rationally be combined with standard chemoradiation, with the hope that this commentary will guide future efforts of novel combinations of therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salma K Jabbour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Terence M Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mutlay Sayan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Eric D Miller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jaffer A Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew C Chang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Norman Coleman
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael Haddock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David Ilson
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Charles Kunos
- Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Steven Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Geoffrey Liu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pataje G Prasanna
- Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosemary Wong
- Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Bhadrasain Vikram
- Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mansoor M Ahmed
- Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Centrosome dysfunction in human diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 110:113-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
5
|
Epigenetic Alterations in Oesophageal Cancer: Expression and Role of the Involved Enzymes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103522. [PMID: 32429269 PMCID: PMC7278932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal cancer is a life-threatening disease, accounting for high mortality rates. The poor prognosis of this malignancy is mostly due to late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies for advanced disease. Epigenetic alterations may constitute novel and attractive therapeutic targets, owing to their ubiquity in cancer and their reversible nature. Herein, we offer an overview of the most important studies which compared differences in expression of enzymes that mediate epigenetic alterations between oesophageal cancer and normal mucosa, as well as in vitro data addressing the role of these genes/proteins in oesophageal cancer. Furthermore, The Cancer Genome Atlas database was interrogated for the correlation between expression of these epigenetic markers and standard clinicopathological features. We concluded that most epigenetic players studied thus far are overexpressed in tumours compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, functional assays suggest an oncogenic role for most of those enzymes, supporting their potential as therapeutic targets in oesophageal cancer.
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang-Bishop L, Chen Z, Gomaa A, Lockhart AC, Salaria S, Wang J, Lewis KB, Ecsedy J, Washington K, Beauchamp RD, El-Rifai W. Inhibition of AURKA Reduces Proliferation and Survival of Gastrointestinal Cancer Cells With Activated KRAS by Preventing Activation of RPS6KB1. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:662-675.e7. [PMID: 30342037 PMCID: PMC6368861 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Activation of KRAS signaling and overexpression of the aurora kinase A (AURKA) are often detected in luminal gastrointestinal cancers. We investigated regulation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (RPS6KB1) by AURKA and the effects of alisertib, an AURKA inhibitor, in mice xenograft tumors grown from human gastrointestinal cancer cells with mutant, activated forms of KRAS. METHODS We tested the effects of alisertib or AURKA overexpression or knockdown in 10 upper gastrointestinal or colon cancer cell lines with KRAS mutations or amplifications using the CellTiter-Glo luminescence and clonogenic cell survival assays. We used the proximity ligation in situ assay to evaluate protein co-localization and immunoprecipitation to study protein interactions. Nude mice with xenograft tumors grown from HCT116, SNU-601, SW480, or SNU-1 cells were given oral alisertib (40 mg/kg, 5 times/wk) for 4 weeks. Tumor samples were collected and analyzed by immunoblots and immunohistochemistry. Tissue microarrays from 151 paraffin-embedded human colon tumors, with adjacent normal and adenoma tissues, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for levels of AURKA. RESULTS Alisertib reduced proliferation and survival of the cell lines tested. AURKA knockdown or inhibition with alisertib reduced levels of phosphorylated RPS6KB1 (at T389) and increased levels of proteins that induce apoptosis, including BIM, cleaved PARP, and cleaved caspase 3. AURKA co-localized and interacted with RPS6KB1, mediating RPS6KB1 phosphorylation at T389. We detected AURKA-dependent phosphorylation of RPS6KB1 in cell lines with mutations in KRAS but not in cells with wild-type KRAS. Administration of alisertib to mice with xenograft tumors significantly reduced tumor volumes (P < .001). Alisertib reduced phosphorylation of RPS6KB1 and Ki-67 and increased levels of cleaved caspase 3 in tumor tissues. In analyses of tissue microarrays, we found significant overexpression of AURKA in gastrointestinal tumor tissues compared with non-tumor tissues (P = .0003). CONCLUSION In studies of gastrointestinal cancer cell lines with activated KRAS, we found AURKA to phosphorylate RPS6KB1, promoting cell proliferation and survival and growth of xenograft tumors in mice. Agents that inhibit AURKA might slow the growth of gastrointestinal tumors with activation of KRAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wang-Bishop
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Ahmed Gomaa
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Albert Craig Lockhart
- Division of Medical Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Safia Salaria
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jialiang Wang
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Keeli B. Lewis
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeffrey Ecsedy
- Translational Medicine, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Kay Washington
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Robert Daniel Beauchamp
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee,Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare system, Miami, Florida.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shimonosono M, Idichi T, Seki N, Yamada Y, Arai T, Arigami T, Sasaki K, Omoto I, Uchikado Y, Kita Y, Kurahara H, Maemura K, Natsugoe S. Molecular pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Identification of the antitumor effects of miR‑145‑3p on gene regulation. Int J Oncol 2018; 54:673-688. [PMID: 30535463 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although miR‑145‑5p (the guide strand of the miR‑145 duplex) is established as a tumor suppressive microRNA (miRNA or miR), the functional significance of miR‑145‑3p (the passenger strand of the miR‑145 duplex) in cancer cells and its targets remains obscure. In our continuing analysis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) pathogenesis, the aim of the present study was to identify important oncogenes and proteins that are controlled by miR‑145‑3p. Overexpression of miR‑145‑3p significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasive abilities, and further increased apoptotic abilities. In ESCC cells, 30 possible oncogenic targets were identified that might be regulated by miR‑145‑3p. Among these targets, dehydrogenase/reductase member 2 (DHRS2) and myosin IB (MYO1B) were focused on to investigate their functional roles in ESCC cells. DHRS2 and MYO1B were directly regulated by miR‑145‑3p in ESCC cells by dual luciferase reporter assays. Aberrantly expressed DHRS2 and MYOIB were detected in ESCC clinical specimens, and their overexpression enhanced cancer cell aggressiveness. Genes regulated by antitumor miR‑145‑3p were closely associated with the molecular pathogenesis of ESCC. The approach based on antitumor miRNAs may contribute to the understanding of ESCC molecular pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Shimonosono
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Idichi
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Naohiko Seki
- Department of Functional Genomics, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260‑8670, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Yamada
- Department of Functional Genomics, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260‑8670, Japan
| | - Takayuki Arai
- Department of Functional Genomics, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260‑8670, Japan
| | - Takaaki Arigami
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Ken Sasaki
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Itaru Omoto
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Yasuto Uchikado
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kita
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kurahara
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Kosei Maemura
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Shoji Natsugoe
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ma Y, Yang J, Wang R, Zhang Z, Qi X, Liu C, Ma M. Aurora-A affects radiosenstivity in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and predicts poor prognosis. Oncotarget 2018; 8:31509-31520. [PMID: 28404933 PMCID: PMC5458225 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Definitive radiation therapy (RT) (with or without cisplatin-based chemotherapy) is one of the most effective treatments for cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), but efficacy is limited due to resistance. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the expression of Aurora kinase A (Aurora-A, AURKA)and response to RT in patients with CSCC. METHODS The expression of Aurora-A in biopsy specimens of untreated primary tumors in 129 Uyghur patients with CSCC was investigated immunohistochemically. Primary treatment in these patients was definitive radical RT, which consisted of pelvic RT plus brachytherapy (total point A dose:70-85 Gy) (with or without cisplatin-based chemotherapy). The prognostic value of tumoral Aurora-A expression and patients' clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS Aurora-A expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), large tumor size (P<0.001), low hemoglobin (Hb) level (P=0.011) and recurrence (P<0.001), but not other clinicopathological factors. Definitive RT was unfavorable in patients with high Aurora-A expression (P < 0.001). In 129 enrolled patients, lymph node metastasis, large tumor size, low Hb level, and AURKA overexpression were prognostic factors for both recurrent free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in univariate analysis. However, only high AURKA expression was an adverse independent risk factor for both RFS (hazard ratio, 3.953; 95% CI, 1.473-10.638; P = 0.006) and OS (hazard ratio 9.091; 95%CI 2.597-32.258; P<0.001) in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS Aurora-A may serve as a predictive biomarker of radiation response and a therapeutic target to reverse radiation therapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Ma
- Radiotherapy Second Department, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.,The Department of Radiation Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affilated To Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Radiotherapy Second Department, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ruozheng Wang
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affilated To Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zegao Zhang
- Radiotherapy Second Department, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaoli Qi
- Radiotherapy Second Department, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- Radiotherapy Second Department, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Miaomiao Ma
- Radiotherapy Second Department, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yu X, Liang Q, Liu W, Zhou L, Li W, Liu H. Deguelin, an Aurora B Kinase Inhibitor, Exhibits Potent Anti-Tumor Effect in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. EBioMedicine 2017; 26:100-111. [PMID: 29129699 PMCID: PMC5832566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora B kinase has emerged as a key regulator of mitosis and deregulation of Aurora B activity is closely related to the development and progression of human cancers. In the present study, we found that Aurora B is overexpressed in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), high levels of Aurora B protein were associated with a worse overall survival rate in ESCC patients. Depleting of Aurora B blunted the malignant phenotypes in ESCC cells. Importantly, we demonstrated that a natural compound, deguelin, has a profound anti-tumor effect on ESCC via inhibiting Aurora B activity. Deguelin potently inhibited in vitro Aurora B kinase activity. The in silico docking study further indicated that deguelin was docked into the ATP-binding pocket of Aurora B. Inhibition of Aurora B activity attenuated growth of ESCC cells, resulted in G2/M cell cycle arrest, polyploidy cells formation, and apoptosis induction. Knocking down of Aurora B decreased the sensitivity of ESCC cells to deguelin. The in vivo results showed that deguelin blocked the phosphorylation of histone H3 and inhibited the growth of ESCC tumor xenografts. Overall, we identified deguelin as an effective Aurora B inhibitor, which deserves further studies in other animal models and ESCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinfang Yu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Qi Liang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
| | - Haidan Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China; Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
APIO-EE-9 is a novel Aurora A and B antagonist that suppresses esophageal cancer growth in a PDX mouse model. Oncotarget 2017; 8:53387-53404. [PMID: 28881819 PMCID: PMC5581118 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract. Over the past three decades, with advances in surgical techniques and treatment, the prognosis of esophageal cancer has only slowly improved. Thus identifying novel molecular targets and developing therapeutic agents are critical. Aurora kinases play a crucial role in mitosis and selective inhibitors might provide an effective therapeutic treatment for cancer. However, the role of Aurora kinases in EC is still inadequately studied. Here, we identified a novel compound, referred to as APIO-EE-9, which inhibits growth and colony formation and induces apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. Using computer modeling, we found that APIO-EE-9 interacted with both Aurora A and B in the ATP-binding pocket. APIO-EE-9 inhibited both Aurora A and B kinase activities in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with APIO-EE-9 substantially reduced the downstream Aurora kinase phosphorylation of histone H3 (Ser10), resulting in formation of multiple nuclei and centrosomes. Additionally, esophageal cancer cells expressing shAurora A or shAurora B kinase exhibited a dramatic reduction in proliferation and colony formation. Injection of these cells as xenografts in mice reduced tumor formation compared to wildtype cells. Importantly, APIO-EE-9 significantly decreased the size of esophageal patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors implanted in SCID mice. These results demonstrated that APIO-EE-9 is a specific Aurora kinase inhibitor that could be developed as a therapeutic agent against esophageal cancer.
Collapse
|
11
|
FOXM1 recruits nuclear Aurora kinase A to participate in a positive feedback loop essential for the self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells. Oncogene 2017; 36:3428-3440. [PMID: 28114286 PMCID: PMC5485180 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Substantial evidence suggests that breast cancer initiation, recurrence and drug resistance is supported by breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Recently, we reported a novel role of Aurora kinase A (AURKA) in BCSCs, as a transactivating co-factor in the induction of the c-Myc oncoprotein. However, the mode of action and transcriptional network of nuclear AURKA in BCSCs remain unknown. Here, we report that nuclear AURKA can be recruited by Forkhead box subclass M1 (FOXM1) as a co-factor to transactivate FOXM1 target genes in a kinase-independent manner. In addition, we show that AURKA and FOXM1 participate in a tightly coupled positive feedback loop to enhance BCSC phenotype. Indeed, kinase-dead AURKA can effectively transactivate the FOXM1 promoter through a Forkhead response element, whereas FOXM1 can activate AURKA expression at the transcriptional level in a similar manner. Consistently, breast cancer patient samples portrayed a strong and significant correlation between the expression levels of FOXM1 and AURKA. Moreover, both FOXM1 and AURKA were essential for maintaining the BCSC population. Finally, we demonstrated that the AURKA inhibitor AKI603 and FOXM1 inhibitor thiostrepton acted synergistically to inhibit cytoplasmic AURKA activity and disrupt the nuclear AURKA/FOXM1-positive feedback loop, respectively, resulting in a more effective inhibition of the tumorigenicity and self-renewal ability of BCSCs. Collectively, our study uncovers a previously unknown tightly coupled positive feedback signalling loop between AURKA and FOXM1, crucial for BCSC self-renewal. Remarkably, our data reveal a novel potential therapeutic strategy for targeting both the cytoplasmic and nuclear AURKA function to effectively eliminate BCSCs, so as to overcome both breast cancer and drug resistance.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The centrosome, an organelle discovered >100 years ago, is the main microtubule-organizing center in mammalian organisms. The centrosome is composed of a pair of centrioles surrounded by the pericentriolar material (PMC) and plays a major role in the regulation of cell cycle transitions (G1-S, G2-M, and metaphase-anaphase), ensuring the normality of cell division. Hundreds of proteins found in the centrosome exert a variety of roles, including microtubule dynamics, nucleation, and kinetochore–microtubule attachments that allow correct chromosome alignment and segregation. Errors in these processes lead to structural (shape, size, number, position, and composition), functional (abnormal microtubule nucleation and disorganized spindles), and numerical (centrosome amplification [CA]) centrosome aberrations causing aneuploidy and genomic instability. Compelling data demonstrate that centrosomes are implicated in cancer, because there are important oncogenic and tumor suppressor proteins that are localized in this organelle and drive centrosome aberrations. Centrosome defects have been found in pre-neoplasias and tumors from breast, ovaries, prostate, head and neck, lung, liver, and bladder among many others. Several drugs/compounds against centrosomal proteins have shown promising results. Other drugs have higher toxicity with modest or no benefits, and there are more recently developed agents being tested in clinical trials. All of this emerging evidence suggests that targeting centrosome aberrations may be a future avenue for therapeutic intervention in cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yainyrette Rivera-Rivera
- Department of Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University-School of Medicine, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Harold I Saavedra
- Department of Pharmacology, Ponce Health Sciences University-School of Medicine, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yan M, Wang C, He B, Yang M, Tong M, Long Z, Liu B, Peng F, Xu L, Zhang Y, Liang D, Lei H, Subrata S, Kelley KW, Lam EWF, Jin B, Liu Q. Aurora-A Kinase: A Potent Oncogene and Target for Cancer Therapy. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:1036-1079. [PMID: 27406026 DOI: 10.1002/med.21399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Aurora kinase family is comprised of three serine/threonine kinases, Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C. Among these, Aurora-A and Aurora-B play central roles in mitosis, whereas Aurora-C executes unique roles in meiosis. Overexpression or gene amplification of Aurora kinases has been reported in a broad range of human malignancies, pointing to their role as potent oncogenes in tumorigenesis. Aurora kinases therefore represent promising targets for anticancer therapeutics. A number of Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKIs) have been generated; some of which are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. Recent studies have unveiled novel unexpected functions of Aurora kinases during cancer development and the mechanisms underlying the anticancer actions of AKIs. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances in Aurora-A kinase research and targeted cancer therapy, focusing on the oncogenic roles and signaling pathways of Aurora-A kinases in promoting tumorigenesis, the recent preclinical and clinical AKI data, and potential alternative routes for Aurora-A kinase inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengying Yang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengying Tong
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zijie Long
- Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Peng
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dapeng Liang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Haixin Lei
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Sen Subrata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keith W Kelley
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Department of Animal Sciences, College of ACES, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bilian Jin
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Quentin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China. .,Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|