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Song Q, Zhang Q, Fan X, Kayaat F, Lv R, Li J, Wang Y. The discovery of novel imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine derivatives as covalent anticancer agents. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:5374-5384. [PMID: 38869445 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00694a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The success of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) for treating cancers has spurred the search for novel scaffolds to install covalent warheads. In our endeavour, using a scaffold hopping strategy, we managed to utilize imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine as the core backbone and explored its potential for the development of covalent inhibitors, therefore, synthesizing a series of novel KRAS G12C inhibitors facilitated by the Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymè reaction (GBB reaction). Preliminary bio-evaluation screening delivered compound I-11 as a potent anticancer agent for KRAS G12C-mutated NCI-H358 cells, whose effects were further clarified by a series of cellular, biochemical, and molecular docking experiments. These results not only indicate the potential of compound I-11 as a lead compound for the treatment of intractable cancers, but also validate the unique role of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine as a novel scaffold suitable for the discovery of covalent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Song
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Qianer Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Xuejing Fan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Fatmata Kayaat
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Ruicheng Lv
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
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Tang Y, Pu X, Yuan X, Pang Z, Li F, Wang X. Targeting KRASG12D mutation in non-small cell lung cancer: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:961-969. [PMID: 38734764 PMCID: PMC11257988 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00778-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Lung malignant tumors are a type of cancer with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for over 80% of all lung malignant tumors, and most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to poor prognosis. Over the past decades, various oncogenic driver alterations associated with lung cancer have been identified, each of which can potentially serve as a therapeutic target. Rat sarcoma (RAS) genes are the most commonly mutated oncogenes in human cancers, with Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) being the most common subtype. The role of KRAS oncogene in NSCLC is still not fully understood, and its impact on prognosis remains controversial. Despite the significant advancements in targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) that have transformed the treatment landscape of advanced NSCLC in recent years, targeting KRAS (both directly and indirectly) remains challenging and is still under intensive research. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of targeted drugs targeting the NSCLC KRASG12C mutant subtype. However, research progress on target drugs for the more common KRASG12D subtype has been slow, and currently, no specific drugs have been approved for clinical use, and many questions remain to be answered, such as the mechanisms of resistance in this subtype of NSCLC, how to better utilize combination strategies with multiple treatment modalities, and whether KRASG12D inhibitors offer substantial efficacy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Pu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonghao Pang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu University, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China.
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Liao W, Zhang R, Chen G, Zhu X, Wu W, Chen Z, Jiang C, Lin Z, Ma L, Yu H. Berberine synergises with ferroptosis inducer sensitizing NSCLC to ferroptosis in p53-dependent SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116832. [PMID: 38850659 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a compound derived from Chinese herbal medicine, known for its anticancer properties through multiple signaling pathways. However, whether BBR can inhibit tumor growth by participating in ferroptosis remains unconfirmed. In this study, we demonstrated that berberine synergistically inhibited NSCLC in combination with multiple ferroptosis inducers, and this combination synergistically down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and NRF2, resulting in ferroptosis accompanied by significant depletion of GSH, and aberrant accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde. In a lung cancer allograft model, the combination treatment exhibited enhanced anticancer effects compared to using either drug alone. Notably, p53 is critical in determining the ferroptosis sensitivity. We found that the combination treatment did not elicit a synergistic anticancer effect in cells with a p53 mutation or with exogenous expression of mutant p53. These findings provide insight into the mechanism by which combination induces ferroptosis and the regulatory role of p53 in this process. It may guide the development of new strategies for treating NSCLC, offering great medical potential for personal diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Liao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ren Zhang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Geer Chen
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Weiyu Wu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ziyu Chen
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Chenyu Jiang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Zicong Lin
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Lijuan Ma
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Haijie Yu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
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Wang Y, Shang P, Xu C, Dong W, Zhang X, Xia Y, Sui C, Yang C. Novel genetic alterations in liver cancer distinguish distinct clinical outcomes and combination immunotherapy responses. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1416295. [PMID: 38948469 PMCID: PMC11211383 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1416295] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Genomic profiling has revolutionized therapeutic interventions and the clinical management of liver cancer. However, pathogenetic mechanisms, molecular determinants of recurrence, and predictive biomarkers for first-line treatment (anti-PD-(L)1 plus bevacizumab) in liver cancer remain incompletely understood. Materials and methods: Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) (a 603-cancer-gene panel) was applied for the genomic profiling of 232 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 22 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients, among which 47 unresectable/metastatic HCC patients underwent anti-PD-1 plus bevacizumab therapy. Genomic alterations were estimated for their association with vascular invasion (VI), location of onset, recurrence, overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and anti-PD-1 plus bevacizumab therapy response. Results: The genomic landscape exhibited that the most commonly altered genes in HCC were TP53, FAT3, PDE4DIP, KMT2C, FAT1, and MYO18A, while TP53, FAT1, FAT3, PDE4DIP, ROS1, and GALNT11 were frequently altered in ICC; notably, KRAS (18.18% vs. 1.29%) and BAP1 (13.64% vs. 1.29%) alterations were significantly more prevalent in ICC. Comparison analysis demonstrated the distinct clinicopathological/genomic characterizations between Chinese and Western HCC cohorts. Genomic profiling of HCC underlying VI showed that LDLR, MSH2, KDM5D, PDE3A, and FOXO1 were frequently altered in the VI group compared to patients without VIs. Compared to the right hepatic lobes of HCC patients, the left hepatic lobe of HCC patients had superior OS (median OS: 36.77 months vs. unreached, p < 0.05). By further comparison, Notch signaling pathway-related alterations were significantly prevalent among the right hepatic lobes of HCC patients. Of note, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that altered RB1, NOTCH3, MGA, SYNE1, and ZFHX3, as independent prognostic factors, were significantly correlated with the OS of HCC patients. Furthermore, altered LATS1 was abundantly enriched in the HCC-recurrent group, and impressively, it was independent of clinicopathological features in predicting RFS (median RFS of altered type vs. wild-type: 5.57 months vs. 22.47 months, p < 0.01). Regarding those treated HCC patients, TMB value, altered PTPRZ1, and cell cycle-related alterations were identified to be positively associated with the objective response rate (ORR), but KMT2D alterations were negatively correlated with ORR. In addition, altered KMT2D and cell cycle signaling were significantly associated with reduced and increased time to progression-free survival (PFS), respectively. Conclusion: Comprehensive genomic profiling deciphered distinct molecular characterizations underlying VI, location of onset, recurrence, and survival time in liver cancer. The identification of novel genetic predictors of response to anti-PD-1 plus bevacizumab in HCC facilitated the development of an evidence-based approach to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV and Clinical Research Institute, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peipei Shang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Biliary Tract Disease Institute, Biliary Tract Disease Center, and Cancer Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV and Clinical Research Institute, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV and Clinical Research Institute, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengjun Sui
- Department of Special Treatment, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Special Treatment, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Noeparast M, Timofeev O, Pichler M. Enhancing oncogenic signaling to kill cancer cells. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:475-477. [PMID: 38734500 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-targeted therapies that inhibit oncogenic signaling often lead to resistance and recurrence. In a recent study, Dias et al. propose activating oncogenic pathways and inducing replication stress, resulting in cell death and tumor-suppressive mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC). This approach could spark a new wave of target discovery, and drug development and repurposing against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Noeparast
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Oleg Timofeev
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin Pichler
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
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Ajmal A, Alkhatabi HA, Alreemi RM, Alamri MA, Khalid A, Abdalla AN, Alotaibi BS, Wadood A. Prospective virtual screening combined with bio-molecular simulation enabled identification of new inhibitors for the KRAS drug target. BMC Chem 2024; 18:57. [PMID: 38528576 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-024-01152-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a disease with a high mortality rate and it is the number one cause of cancer death globally. Approximately 12-14% of non-small cell lung cancers are caused by mutations in KRASG12C. The KRASG12C is one of the most prevalent mutants in lung cancer patients. KRAS was first considered undruggable. The sotorasib and adagrasib are the recently approved drugs that selectively target KRASG12C, and offer new treatment approaches to enhance patient outcomes however drug resistance frequently arises. Drug development is a challenging, expensive, and time-consuming process. Recently, machine-learning-based virtual screening are used for the development of new drugs. In this study, we performed machine-learning-based virtual screening followed by molecular docking, all atoms molecular dynamics simulation, and binding energy calculations for the identifications of new inhibitors against the KRASG12C mutant. In this study, four machine learning models including, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, Gaussian naïve Bayes, and support vector machine were used. By using an external dataset and 5-fold cross-validation, the developed models were validated. Among all the models the performance of the random forest (RF) model was best on the train/test dataset and external dataset. The random forest model was further used for the virtual screening of the ZINC15 database, in-house database, Pakistani phytochemicals, and South African Natural Products database. A total of 100 ns MD simulation was performed for the four best docking score complexes as well as the standard compound in complex with KRASG12C. Furthermore, the top four hits revealed greater stability and greater binding affinities for KRASG12C compared to the standard drug. These new hits have the potential to inhibit KRASG12C and may help to prevent KRAS-associated lung cancer. All the datasets used in this study can be freely available at ( https://github.com/Amar-Ajmal/Datasets-for-KRAS ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Ajmal
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Hind A Alkhatabi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roaa M Alreemi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, 21959, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubarak A Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Center, Jazan University, P.O. Box: 114, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ashraf N Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader S Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra Univesity, Al- Quwayiyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Wadood
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
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Timofeev O, Giron P, Lawo S, Pichler M, Noeparast M. ERK pathway agonism for cancer therapy: evidence, insights, and a target discovery framework. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:70. [PMID: 38485987 PMCID: PMC10940698 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00554-5] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
At least 40% of human cancers are associated with aberrant ERK pathway activity (ERKp). Inhibitors targeting various effectors within the ERKp have been developed and explored for over two decades. Conversely, a substantial body of evidence suggests that both normal human cells and, notably to a greater extent, cancer cells exhibit susceptibility to hyperactivation of ERKp. However, this vulnerability of cancer cells remains relatively unexplored. In this review, we reexamine the evidence on the selective lethality of highly elevated ERKp activity in human cancer cells of varying backgrounds. We synthesize the insights proposed for harnessing this vulnerability of ERK-associated cancers for therapeutical approaches and contextualize these insights within established pharmacological cancer-targeting models. Moreover, we compile the intriguing preclinical findings of ERK pathway agonism in diverse cancer models. Lastly, we present a conceptual framework for target discovery regarding ERKp agonism, emphasizing the utilization of mutual exclusivity among oncogenes to develop novel targeted therapies for precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Timofeev
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Giron
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steffen Lawo
- CRISPR Screening Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Pichler
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Noeparast
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
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Runa F, Ortiz-Soto G, de Barros NR, Kelber JA. Targeting SMAD-Dependent Signaling: Considerations in Epithelial and Mesenchymal Solid Tumors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:326. [PMID: 38543112 PMCID: PMC10975212 DOI: 10.3390/ph17030326] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SMADs are the canonical intracellular effector proteins of the TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β). SMADs translocate from plasma membrane receptors to the nucleus regulated by many SMAD-interacting proteins through phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications that govern their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and subsequent transcriptional activity. The signaling pathway of TGF-β/SMAD exhibits both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting phenotypes in epithelial-derived solid tumors. Collectively, the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β/SMAD signaling presents significant challenges for the development of effective cancer therapies. Here, we review preclinical studies that evaluate the efficacy of inhibitors targeting major SMAD-regulating and/or -interacting proteins, particularly enzymes that may play important roles in epithelial or mesenchymal compartments within solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Runa
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan A Kelber
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
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Jiang Z, Li Y, Zhou X, Wen J, Zheng P, Zhu W. Research progress on small molecule inhibitors targeting KRAS G12C with acrylamide structure and the strategies for solving KRAS inhibitor resistance. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 100:117627. [PMID: 38310752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
KRAS (Kirsten-RAS) is a highly mutated gene in the RAS (rat sarcoma) gene family that acts as a critical switch in intracellular signaling pathways, regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The continuous activation of KRAS protein resulting from mutations leads to the activation of multiple downstream signaling pathways, inducing the development of malignant tumors. Despite the significant role of KRAS in tumorigenesis, targeted drugs against KRAS gene mutations have failed, and KRAS was once considered an undruggable target. The development of KRAS G12C mutant conformational modulators and the introduction of Sotorasib (R&D code: AMG510) have been a breakthrough in this field, with its remarkable clinical outcomes. Consequently, there is now a great number of KRAS G12C mutations. Patent applications for mutant GTPase KRAS G12C inhibitors, which are said to be covalently modified by cysteine codon 12, have been submitted since 2014. This review classifies KRAS G12C inhibitors based on their chemical structure and evaluates their biological properties. Additionally, it discusses the obstacles encountered in KRAS inhibitor research and the corresponding solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyan Jiang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Yan Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Jie Wen
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China
| | - Pengwu Zheng
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China.
| | - Wufu Zhu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330013, China.
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Zheng J, Dou Y, Huang D, Wang Y, Han R, Hu C, Zhu M, Lu C, Lin C, Wu D, Liu Y, Tang H, He T, Jiang W, He Y. Overall signature of acquired KRAS gene changes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patient with EGFR-TKI resistance. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2024; 54:89-96. [PMID: 37721193 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Numerous scattered case studies continue to demonstrate a strong correlation between acquired KRAS mutations and epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. However, the comprehensive understanding of the KRAS pathway following the failure of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy remains limited. METHODS We conducted a retrospective evaluation of the next generation sequencing data from 323 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and EGFR-activating mutations after experiencing progression with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Our analysis specifically focused on the acquired changes to the KRAS gene. RESULTS Among the 323 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and EGFR-activating mutations who experienced resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, 14 individuals (4.3%) developed resistance due to acquired KRAS alterations. Of these 14 patients, 10 cases (71.4%) were due to KRAS missense mutations, 1 case (7.2%) was due to KRAS gene fusion and 3 cases (21.4%) were due to KRAS amplification. Notably, we identified one newly demonstrated KRAS gene fusion (KRAS and LMNTD1), one KRAS G13D and one KRAS K117N. The emergence of acquired KRAS alterations was often accompanied by novel mutations and high tumor mutation burden, with TP53, CNKN2A, PIK3CA, MYC, STK11, CDK4, BRCA2 and ERBB2 being the most frequently observed concurrent mutations. The median progression-free survival and overall survival for the 14 patients were 5.2 and 7.3 months, respectively. Acquired KRAS missense variants were associated with significantly worse progression-free survival compared with other KRAS variant subtypes (P < 0.028). CONCLUSIONS This study provides significant evidence of the role of acquired KRAS variants in the development of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Our results contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the mutational profiles associated with resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, our study highlights the KRAS gene change as a significant mechanism of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyao Dou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daijuan Huang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yubo Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Hu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengxiao Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Conghua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Caiyu Lin
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yihui Liu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Tang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting He
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weilin Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong He
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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11
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Batrash F, Kutmah M, Zhang J. The current landscape of using direct inhibitors to target KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:93. [PMID: 37925476 PMCID: PMC10625227 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutation in KRAS protooncogene represents one of the most common genetic alterations in NSCLC and has posed a great therapeutic challenge over the past ~ 40 years since its discovery. However, the pioneer work from Shokat's lab in 2013 has led to a recent wave of direct KRASG12C inhibitors that utilize the switch II pocket identified. Notably, two of the inhibitors have recently received US FDA approval for their use in the treatment of KRASG12C mutant NSCLC. Despite this success, there remains the challenge of combating the resistance that cell lines, xenografts, and patients have exhibited while treated with KRASG12C inhibitors. This review discusses the varying mechanisms of resistance that limit long-lasting effective treatment of those direct inhibitors and highlights several novel therapeutic approaches including a new class of KRASG12C (ON) inhibitors, combinational therapies across the same and different pathways, and combination with immunotherapy/chemotherapy as possible solutions to the pressing question of adaptive resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Batrash
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Mahmoud Kutmah
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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12
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Escher TE, Satchell KJF. RAS degraders: The new frontier for RAS-driven cancers. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1904-1919. [PMID: 36945775 PMCID: PMC10362401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The function and significance of RAS proteins in cancer have been widely studied for decades. In 2013, the National Cancer Institute established the RAS Initiative to explore innovative approaches for attacking the proteins encoded by mutant forms of RAS genes and to create effective therapies for RAS-driven cancers. This initiative spurred researchers to develop novel approaches and to discover small molecules targeting this protein that was at one time termed "undruggable." More recently, advanced efforts in RAS degraders including PROTACs, linker-based degraders, and direct proteolysis degraders have been explored as novel strategies to target RAS for cancer treatment. These RAS degraders present new opportunities for RAS therapies and may prove fruitful in understanding basic cell biology. Novel delivery strategies will further enhance the efficacy of these therapeutics. In this review, we summarize recent efforts to develop RAS degraders, including PROTACs and E3 adaptor and ligase fusions as cancer therapies. This review also details the direct RAS protease degrader, RAS/RAP1-specific endopeptidase that directly and specifically cleaves RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E Escher
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Karla J F Satchell
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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13
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Wei Z, Lin X, Wang S, Zhang J, Ji D, Gong X, Huang ZS, Shu B, Li D. Syntheses and evaluation of acridone derivatives as anticancer agents targeting Kras promoter i-motif structure. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106526. [PMID: 37058782 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Two series of novel acridone derivatives were designed and synthesized, with their anticancer activity evaluated. Most of these compounds showed potent antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines. Among them, compound C4 with dual 1,2,3-triazol moieties exhibited the most potent activity against Hep-G2 cells with IC50 value determined to be 6.29 ± 0.93 μM. Subsequent experiments showed that C4 could bind to and destabilize Kras gene promoter i-motif structure without significant interaction with its corresponding G-quadruplex. C4 could down-regulate Kras expression in Hep-G2 cells, possibly due to its interaction with the Kras i-motif. Further cellular studies indicated that C4 could induce apoptosis of Hep-G2 cells, possibly related to its effect on mitochondrial dysfunction. These results indicated that C4 could be further developed as a promising anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzhuang Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou University City, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou University City, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Siyi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou University City, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou University City, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou University City, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xue Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou University City, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou University City, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Bing Shu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Ding Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou University City, 132 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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14
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Abuasaker B, Garrido E, Vilaplana M, Gómez-Zepeda JD, Brun S, Garcia-Cajide M, Mauvezin C, Jaumot M, Pujol MD, Rubio-Martínez J, Agell N. α4-α5 Helices on Surface of KRAS Can Accommodate Small Compounds That Increase KRAS Signaling While Inducing CRC Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010748. [PMID: 36614192 PMCID: PMC9821572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene associated with the genesis and progress of pancreatic, lung and colorectal (CRC) tumors. KRAS has always been considered as a therapeutic target in cancer but until now only two compounds that inhibit one specific KRAS mutation have been approved for clinical use. In this work, by molecular dynamics and a docking process, we describe a new compound (P14B) that stably binds to a druggable pocket near the α4-α5 helices of the allosteric domain of KRAS. This region had previously been identified as the binding site for calmodulin (CaM). Using surface plasmon resonance and pulldown analyses, we prove that P14B binds directly to oncogenic KRAS thus competing with CaM. Interestingly, P14B favors oncogenic KRAS interaction with BRAF and phosphorylated C-RAF, and increases downstream Ras signaling in CRC cells expressing oncogenic KRAS. The viability of these cells, but not that of the normal cells, is impaired by P14B treatment. These data support the significance of the α4-α5 helices region of KRAS in the regulation of oncogenic KRAS signaling, and demonstrate that drugs interacting with this site may destine CRC cells to death by increasing oncogenic KRAS downstream signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baraa Abuasaker
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Garrido
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona & Institut de Recerca en Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Vilaplana
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Daniel Gómez-Zepeda
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Brun
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Garcia-Cajide
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Caroline Mauvezin
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Jaumot
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Dolors Pujol
- Departament de Farmacologia, Toxicologia i Química Terapèutica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaime Rubio-Martínez
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona & Institut de Recerca en Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.R.-M.); (N.A.); Tel.: +34-934039263 (J.R.-M.); +34-934035267 (N.A.)
| | - Neus Agell
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.R.-M.); (N.A.); Tel.: +34-934039263 (J.R.-M.); +34-934035267 (N.A.)
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15
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Wang CX, Wang TT, Zhang KD, Li MY, Shen QC, Lu SY, Zhang J. Pan-KRAS inhibitors suppress proliferation through feedback regulation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2696-2708. [PMID: 35352018 PMCID: PMC9525295 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00897-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Several basic studies have confirmed that Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) is a key driver gene for the occurrence of PDAC, and KRAS mutations have also been found in most patients in clinical studies. In this study, two pan-KRAS inhibitors, BI-2852 and BAY-293, were chosen as chemical probes to investigate their antitumor potency in PDAC. Their inhibitory effects on KRAS activation were validated in vitro and their antiproliferative potency in PDAC cell lines were profiled, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of approximately 1 μM, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of pan-KRAS inhibitors in the treatment of PDAC. However, feedback regulation in the KRAS pathway weakened inhibitor activity, which was observed by a 50 times difference in BAY-293 from in vitro activity. Furthermore, pan-KRAS inhibitors effectively inhibited cell proliferation in 3D organoids cultured from PDAC patient samples; however, there were some variations between individuals. These results provide a sufficient theoretical foundation for KRAS as a clinical therapeutic target and for the application of pan-KRAS inhibitors in the treatment of PDAC, with important scientific significance in translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Xiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ting-Ting Wang
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Kun-Dong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ming-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qian-Cheng Shen
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shao-Yong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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16
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Ferreira A, Pereira F, Reis C, Oliveira MJ, Sousa MJ, Preto A. Crucial Role of Oncogenic KRAS Mutations in Apoptosis and Autophagy Regulation: Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142183. [PMID: 35883626 PMCID: PMC9319879 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS, one of the RAS protein family members, plays an important role in autophagy and apoptosis, through the regulation of several downstream effectors. In cancer cells, KRAS mutations confer the constitutive activation of this oncogene, stimulating cell proliferation, inducing autophagy, suppressing apoptosis, altering cell metabolism, changing cell motility and invasion and modulating the tumor microenvironment. In order to inhibit apoptosis, these oncogenic mutations were reported to upregulate anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-xL and survivin, and to downregulate proteins related to apoptosis induction, including thymine-DNA glycosylase (TDG) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). In addition, KRAS mutations are known to induce autophagy in order to promote cell survival and tumor progression through MAPK and PI3K regulation. Thus, these mutations confer resistance to anti-cancer drug treatment and, consequently, result in poor prognosis. Several therapies have been developed in order to overcome KRAS-induced cell death resistance and the downstream signaling pathways blockade, especially by combining MAPK and PI3K inhibitors, which demonstrated promising results. Understanding the involvement of KRAS mutations in apoptosis and autophagy regulation, might bring new avenues to the discovery of therapeutic approaches for CRCs harboring KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabela Ferreira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.F.); (F.P.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Flávia Pereira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.F.); (F.P.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.R.); (M.J.O.)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Celso Reis
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.R.); (M.J.O.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Oliveira
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.R.); (M.J.O.)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Sousa
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.F.); (F.P.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Preto
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.F.); (F.P.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-253-601524
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17
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Tian XM, Xiang B, Zhang ZX, Li YP, Shi QL, Li MJ, Li Q, Yu YH, Lu P, Liu F, Liu X, Lin T, He DW, Wei GH. The Regulatory Network and Role of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA Network in the Progression and the Immune Response of Wilms Tumor Based on RNA-Seq. Front Genet 2022; 13:849941. [PMID: 35559038 PMCID: PMC9086559 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.849941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA), which is a newly discovered non-coding RNA, has been documented to play important roles in miRNA sponges, and the dysregulation of which is involved in cancer development. However, circRNA expression profiles and their role in initiation and progression of Wilms tumor (WT) remain largely unclear at present. Here, we used paired WT samples and high-throughput RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRs) and mRNAs (DE-mRs). A total of 314 DE-circRs and 1612 DE-mRs were identified. The expression of a subset of differentially expressed genes was validated by qRT–PCR. A complete circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was then constructed based on the common miRNA targets of DE-circRs and DE-mRs identified by miRanda prediction tool. The Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that several signaling pathways involving targeted DE-mRs within the ceRNA network were associated with cell cycle and immune response, which implies their participation in WT development to some extent. Subsequently, these targeted DE-mRs were subjected to implement PPI analysis and to identify 10 hub genes. Four hub genes were closely related to the survival of WT patients. We then filtered prognosis-related hub genes by Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis to construct a prognosis-related risk score system based on a three-gene signature, which showed good discrimination and predictive ability for WT patient survival. Additionally, we analyzed the mutational landscape of these genes and the associations between their expression levels and those of immune checkpoint molecules and further demonstrated their potential impact on the efficacy of immunotherapy. qRT–PCR and western blotting (WB) analysis were used to validate key differentially expressed molecules at the RNA and protein levels, respectively. Besides these, we selected a key circRNA, circEYA1, for function validation. Overall, the current study presents the full-scale expression profiles of circRNAs and the circRNA-related ceRNA network in WT for the first time, deepening our understanding of the roles and downstream regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in WT development and progression. We further constructed a useful immune-related prognostic signature, which could improve clinical outcome prediction and guide individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Mao Tian
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Xiang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhao-Xia Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Ping Li
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin-Lin Shi
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Mu-Jie Li
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Hang Yu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Lu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Da-Wei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Guang-Hui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
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18
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Zhou Y, Zou Y, Yang M, Mei S, Liu X, Han H, Zhang CD, Niu MM. Highly Potent, Selective, Biostable, and Cell-Permeable Cyclic d-Peptide for Dual-Targeting Therapy of Lung Cancer. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:7117-7128. [PMID: 35417174 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The application of peptide drugs in cancer therapy is impeded by their poor biostability and weak cell permeability. Therefore, it is imperative to find biostable and cell-permeable peptide drugs for cancer treatment. Here, we identified a potent, selective, biostable, and cell-permeable cyclic d-peptide, NKTP-3, that targets NRP1 and KRASG12D using structure-based virtual screening. NKTP-3 exhibited strong biostability and cellular uptake ability. Importantly, it significantly inhibited the growth of A427 cells with the KRASG12D mutation. Moreover, NKTP-3 showed strong antitumor activity against A427 cell-derived xenograft and KRASG12D-driven primary lung cancer models without obvious toxicity. This study demonstrates that the dual NRP1/KRASG12D-targeting cyclic d-peptide NKTP-3 may be used as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for KRASG12D-driven lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunting Zou
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaohao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Huiyun Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chang-Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Liang TL, Li RZ, Mai CT, Guan XX, Li JX, Wang XR, Ma LR, Zhang FY, Wang J, He F, Pan HD, Zhou H, Yan PY, Fan XX, Wu QB, Neher E, Liu L, Xie Y, Leung ELH, Yao XJ. A method establishment and comparison of in vivo lung cancer model development platforms for evaluation of tumour metabolism and pharmaceutical efficacy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 96:153831. [PMID: 34794861 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the identification of accurate biomarkers for the diagnosis of patients with early-stage lung cancer remains difficult. Fortunately, metabolomics technology can be used to improve the detection of plasma metabolic biomarkers for lung cancer. In a previous study, we successfully utilised machine learning methods to identify significant metabolic markers for early-stage lung cancer diagnosis. However, a related research platform for the investigation of tumour metabolism and drug efficacy is still lacking. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE A novel methodology for the comprehensive evaluation of the internal tumour-metabolic profile and drug evaluation needs to be established. METHODS The optimal location for tumour cell inoculation was identified in mouse chest for the non-traumatic orthotopic lung cancer mouse model. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) was applied to monitor lung tumour growth. Proscillaridin A (P.A) and cisplatin (CDDP) were utilised to verify the anti-lung cancer efficacy of the platform. The top five clinically valid biomarkers, including proline, L-kynurenine, spermidine, taurine and palmitoyl-L-carnitine, were selected as the evaluation indices to obtain a suitable lung cancer mouse model for clinical metabolomics research by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS The platform was successfully established, achieving 100% tumour development rate and 0% surgery mortality. P.A and CDDP had significant anti-lung cancer efficacy in the platform. Compared with the control group, four biomarkers in the orthotopic model and two biomarkers in the metastatic model had significantly higher abundance. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a significant separation between the orthotopic/metastatic model and the control/subcutaneous/KRAS transgenic model. The platform was mainly involved in arginine and proline metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. CONCLUSION This study is the first to simulate clinical metabolomics by comparing the metabolic phenotype of plasma in different lung cancer mouse models. We found that the orthotopic model was the most suitable for tumour metabolism. Furthermore, the anti-tumour drug efficacy was verified in the platform. The platform can very well match the clinical reality, providing better lung cancer diagnosis and securing more precise evidence for drug evaluation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu-Liang Liang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Run-Ze Li
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Chu-Tian Mai
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Xiao-Xiang Guan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Xuan-Run Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Lin-Rui Ma
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Fang-Yuan Zhang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Jian Wang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Fan He
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Hu-Dan Pan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Qi-Biao Wu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Erwin Neher
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Liang Liu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China
| | - Ying Xie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China.
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China; Zhuhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai City, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (S.A.R.), China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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Sad K, Parashar P, Tripathi P, Hungyo H, Sistla R, Soni R, Tandon V. Prochlorperazine enhances radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung carcinoma by stabilizing GDP-bound mutant KRAS conformation. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 177:299-312. [PMID: 34742922 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is considered as leading cancer with the highest mortality. The KRAS-oncogenic mutations are dominant in lung carcinoma leading to poor prognosis and radioresistance, which is a major impediment to radiotherapy. Thus, KRAS mutant inhibitors that synergistically sensitize tumours to radiation are urgently needed. In pursuance of the search for a novel radiosensitizer, high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs was performed at active site of K-Ras. Prochlorperazine (PCZ), an antipsychotic drug, showed good binding affinity with KRAS-mutant proteins. PCZ binds to the GTP-binding pocket of KRAS-mutant protein and inhibits its constitutive activation by stabilizing the GDP-bound conformation of K-Ras mutants by 9 kcal/mol compared to WT. PCZ alongwith radiation decreased the clonogenic survival of KRAS-mutant NSCLC but not KRAS-WT cells. The combination treatment activates p-ATM, p53, and p21 proteins, leading to cell cycle arrest. PCZ with increasing radiation caused a linear increase in γH2AX foci, suggesting enhanced DSBs-associated apoptosis in radioresistant A549 cells. Pharmacokinetics study showed Cmax = 526 ng/ml at 30min, 4.6h half-life in plasma, and highest accumulation in tumours. PCZ and 10Gy irradiation synergistically radiosensitize mice xenografts via downregulation of Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Our efforts have led to the discovery of PCZ as a lead compound. In preclinical analyses, treatment with PCZ alone and in combination with radiation led to regression of KRAS-G12S tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Sad
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Palak Parashar
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Pragya Tripathi
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Hungharla Hungyo
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Ramesh Sistla
- Think Molecular Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560102, India
| | - Ravi Soni
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, New Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Vibha Tandon
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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21
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Park D, Anisuzzaman ASM, Magis AT, Chen G, Xie M, Zhang G, Behera M, Sica GL, Ramalingam SS, Owonikoko TK, Deng X. Discovery of Small Molecule Bak Activator for Lung Cancer Therapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:8500-8516. [PMID: 34373755 PMCID: PMC8344021 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Bak is a major proapoptotic Bcl2 family member and a required molecule for apoptotic cell death. High levels of endogenous Bak were observed in both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Increased Bak expression was correlated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients, suggesting that Bak protein is an attractive target for lung cancer therapy. The BH3 domain functions as death domain and is required for Bak to initiate apoptotic cell death. Thus, the BH3 domain is attractive target for discovery of Bak agonist. Methods: The BH3 death domain binding pocket (aa75-88) of Bak was chosen as a docking site for screening of small molecule Bak activators using the UCSF DOCK 6.1 program suite and the NCI chemical library (300,000 small molecules) database. The top 500 compounds determined to have the highest affinity for the BH3 domain were obtained from the NCI and tested for cytotoxicity for further screening. We identified a small molecule Bak activator BKA-073 as the lead compound. The binding affinity of BKA-073 with Bak protein was analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay. BKA-073-mediated Bak activation via oligomerization was analyzed by a cross-linking with Bis (maleimido) hexane (BMH). Sensitivity of BKA-073 to lung cancer cells in vitro was evaluated by dynamic BH3 profiling (DBP) and apoptotic cell death assay. The potency of BKA-073 alone or in combination with radiotherapy or Bcl2 inhibitor was evaluated in animal models. Results: We found that BKA-073 binds Bak at BH3 domain with high affinity and selectivity. BKA-073/Bak binding promotes Bak oligomerization and mitochondrial priming that activates its proapoptotic function. BKA-073 potently suppresses tumor growth without significant normal tissue toxicity in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and NSCLC xenografts, patient-derived xenografts, and genetically engineered mouse models of mutant KRAS-driven cancer. Bak accumulates in radioresistant lung cancer cells and BKA-073 reverses radioresistance. Combination of BKA-073 with Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax exhibits strong synergy against lung cancer in vivo. Conclusions: Development of small molecule Bak activator may provide a new class of anticancer agents to treat lung cancer.
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22
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Chen K, Zhang Y, Qian L, Wang P. Emerging strategies to target RAS signaling in human cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:116. [PMID: 34301278 PMCID: PMC8299671 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS mutations (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) are among the most common oncogenes, and around 19% of patients with cancer harbor RAS mutations. Cells harboring RAS mutations tend to undergo malignant transformation and exhibit malignant phenotypes. The mutational status of RAS correlates with the clinicopathological features of patients, such as mucinous type and poor differentiation, as well as response to anti-EGFR therapies in certain types of human cancers. Although RAS protein had been considered as a potential target for tumors with RAS mutations, it was once referred to as a undruggable target due to the consecutive failure in the discovery of RAS protein inhibitors. However, recent studies on the structure, signaling, and function of RAS have shed light on the development of RAS-targeting drugs, especially with the approval of Lumakras (sotorasib, AMG510) in treatment of KRASG12C-mutant NSCLC patients. Therefore, here we fully review RAS mutations in human cancer and especially focus on emerging strategies that have been recently developed for RAS-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yalei Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Qian
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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23
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Abstract
As a member of small GTPase family, KRAS protein is a key physiological modulator of various cellular activities including proliferation. However, mutations of KRAS present in numerous cancer types, most frequently in pancreatic (> 60%), colorectal (> 40%), and lung cancers, drive oncogenic processes through overactivation of proliferation. The G12C mutation of KRAS protein is especially abundant in the case of these types of malignancies. Despite its key importance in human disease, KRAS was assumed to be non-druggable for a long time since the protein seemingly lacks potential drug-binding pockets except the nucleotide-binding site, which is difficult to be targeted due to the high affinity of KRAS for both GDP and GTP. Recently, a new approach broke the ice and provided evidence that upon covalent targeting of the G12C mutant KRAS, a highly dynamic pocket was revealed. This novel targeting is especially important since it serves with an inherent solution for drug selectivity. Based on these results, various structure-based drug design projects have been launched to develop selective KRAS mutant inhibitors. In addition to the covalent modification strategy mostly applicable for G12C mutation, different innovative solutions have been suggested for the other frequently occurring oncogenic G12 mutants. Here we summarize the latest advances of this field, provide perspectives for novel approaches, and highlight the special properties of KRAS, which might issue some new challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Nyíri
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, 1111, Hungary.
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Koppány
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, 1111, Hungary
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Beáta G Vértessy
- Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, 1111, Hungary.
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
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What Is New in Biomarker Testing at Diagnosis of Advanced Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma? Implications for Cytology and Liquid Biopsy. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp2020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery and clinical validation of biomarkers predictive of the response of non-squamous non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC) to therapeutic strategies continue to provide new data. The evaluation of novel treatments is based on molecular analyses aimed at determining their efficacy. These tests are increasing in number, but the tissue specimens are smaller and smaller and/or can have few tumor cells. Indeed, in addition to tissue samples, complementary cytological and/or blood samples can also give access to these biomarkers. To date, it is recommended and necessary to look for the status of five genomic molecular biomarkers (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAFV600, NTRK) and of a protein biomarker (PD-L1). However, the short- and more or less long-term emergence of new targeted treatments of genomic alterations on RET and MET, but also on others’ genomic alteration, notably on KRAS, HER2, NRG1, SMARCA4, and NUT, have made cellular and blood samples essential for molecular testing. The aim of this review is to present the interest in using cytological and/or liquid biopsies as complementary biological material, or as an alternative to tissue specimens, for detection at diagnosis of new predictive biomarkers of NS-NSCLC.
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25
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Palma F, Affinito A, Nuzzo S, Roscigno G, Scognamiglio I, Ingenito F, Martinez L, Franzese M, Zanfardino M, Soricelli A, Fiorelli A, Condorelli G, Quintavalle C. miR-34c-3p targets CDK1 a synthetic lethality partner of KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:413-426. [PMID: 32948832 PMCID: PMC8119240 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-00224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is still the leading cause of death by cancer worldwide despite advances both in its detection and therapy. Multiple oncogenic driver alterations have been discovered, opening the prospective for new potential therapeutic targets. Among them, KRAS mutations represent the most frequent oncogene aberrations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a negative prognostic impact, but effective therapies targeting KRAS are not well characterized yet. Here, we demonstrate that the microRNA miR-34c-3p is a positive prognostic factor in KRAS-mutated NSCLC patients. Firstly, looking at the TGCA dataset, we found that high miR-34c-3p expression correlated with longer survival of KRAS-mutated NSCLC patients. In vitro assays on immortalized and patient-derived primary NSCLC cells revealed that miR-34c-3p overexpression increased apoptosis and lowered proliferation rate in KRASmut cells. Computational analysis and in vitro assays identified CDK1, one of the most promising lethal targets for KRAS-mutant cancer, as a target of miR-34c-3p. Moreover, the combination of CDK1 inhibition (mediated by RO3306) and miR-34c-3p overexpression resulted in an additive effect on the viability of KRASmut-expressing cells. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that miR-34c-3p is a novel biomarker that may allow tailored treatment for KRAS-mutated NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Palma
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Percuros BV, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Giuseppina Roscigno
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Iolanda Scognamiglio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ingenito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Percuros BV, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lola Martinez
- Flow Cytometry Core Unit, Biotechnology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), E-28029, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Alfonso Fiorelli
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) G. Salvatore, CNR, Naples, Italy.
| | - Cristina Quintavalle
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) G. Salvatore, CNR, Naples, Italy.
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Artesunate-induced ATG5-related autophagy enhances the cytotoxicity of NK92 cells on endometrial cancer cells via interactions between CD155 and CD226/TIGIT. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 97:107705. [PMID: 33933849 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is the most prevalent gynecologic cancer in developed countries and lacks efficient therapeutic strategies. Artesunate (ART), a well-modified derivate of artemisinin, exerts potent anti-cancer effects apart from its classical anti-malaria feature. Autophagy is a universal double-edged process in cell survival, and CD155 is a novel immune checkpoint highly expressed in numerous cancers. However, the relationships among ART, autophagy, and CD155 remain unclear in UCEC. In this study, we discovered that ART not only inhibited proliferation and migration, promoted apoptosis, but also induced autophagy in UCEC cells. Meanwhile, ART-induced autophagy elevated the level of CD155 in UCEC cells, thereby enhancing the cytotoxicity of natural killer cell line (NK92) by modulating the interactions between CD155 and its receptors in NK92 cells via upregulation of co-stimulator CD226 and downregulation of co-inhibitor TIGIT. Additionally, ART regulated CD155 partially via ATG5, and knockdown of ATG5 dampened the expression of CD155 in UCEC cells, thus decreasing the cytotoxicity of NK92 cells. Therefore, this study demonstrated the dual anti-cancer effects of ART as it could induce cell-killing directly and indirectly, which provides novel insights into the anti-cancer mechanisms of ART on UCEC.
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27
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Yu X, Liu J, Qiu H, Hao H, Zhu J, Peng S. Combined inhibition of ACK1 and AKT shows potential toward targeted therapy against KRAS-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2021; 21:198-207. [PMID: 32530390 PMCID: PMC7982072 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2020.4746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with Kirsten RAt Sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation has become a clinical challenge in cancer treatment as KRAS-mutant tumors are often resistant to conventional anti-tumor therapies. Activated CDC42-associated kinase 1 (ACK1), an activator of protein kinase B (AKT), is a promising target for KRAS-mutant tumor therapy, but the downstream ACK1 signaling remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined ACK1/AKT inhibition on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines (NCI-H23, NCI-H358, and A549). The cells were treated with an inhibitor of either ACK1 (dasatinib or sunitinib) or AKT (MK-2206 or GDC-0068), and the optimal concentrations of the two yielding synergistic tumor-killing effects were determined by applying the Chou-Talalay equation for drug combinations. We showed that combined administration of ACK1 and AKT inhibitors at the optimal concentrations effectively suppressed NSCLC cell viability and promoted apoptosis while inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase. Moreover, NSCLC cell migration and invasion were inhibited by combined ACK1/AKT inhibition. These phenomena were associated with the reduced phosphorylation levels of ACK1 and AKT (at Ser473 and Thr308), as well as alterations in caspase-dependent apoptotic signaling. Collectively, our results demonstrate the promising therapeutic potential of combined ACK1/AKT inhibition as a strategy against KRAS-mutant NSCLC. Our findings provide the basis for the clinical translation of biological targeted drugs (ACK1 and AKT inhibitors) and their rational combination in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjing Yu
- Clinical Laboratory, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Huawei Qiu
- Clinical Laboratory, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Huiting Hao
- Clinical Laboratory, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jinhong Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shiyun Peng
- Precision Medicine Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
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28
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Song R, Qiao W, He J, Huang J, Luo Y, Yang T. Proteases and Their Modulators in Cancer Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2851-2877. [PMID: 33656892 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteostasis is the process of regulating intracellular proteins to maintain the balance of the cell proteome, which is crucial for cancer cell survival. Several proteases located in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, lysosome, and extracellular environment have been identified as potential antitumor targets because of their involvement in proteostasis. Although the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors targeting proteases faces particular challenges, rapid advances in chemical biology and structural biology, and the new technology of drug discovery have facilitated the development of promising protease modulators. In this review, the protein structure and function of important tumor-related proteases and their inhibitors are presented. We also provide a prospective on advances and the outlook of new drug strategies that target these proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenliang Qiao
- Lung Cancer Center, Laboratory of Lung Cancer, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiasheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Youfu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Laboratory of Human Disease and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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29
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Zhang JJ, Hong J, Ma YS, Shi Y, Zhang DD, Yang XL, Jia CY, Yin YZ, Jiang GX, Fu D, Yu F. Identified GNGT1 and NMU as Combined Diagnosis Biomarker of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Utilizing Bioinformatics and Logistic Regression. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:6696198. [PMID: 33505535 PMCID: PMC7806402 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6696198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most devastating diseases worldwide. The study is aimed at identifying reliable prognostic biomarkers and to improve understanding of cancer initiation and progression mechanisms. RNA-Seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Subsequently, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis incorporating gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) closely associated with NSCLC. Eight hub genes were screened out using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and cytoHubba. The prognostic and diagnostic values of the hub genes were further confirmed by survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Hub genes were validated by other datasets, such as the Oncomine, Human Protein Atlas, and cBioPortal databases. Ultimately, logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic potential of the two identified biomarkers. Screening removed 1,411 DEGs, including 1,362 upregulated and 49 downregulated genes. Pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs examined the Ras signaling pathway, alcoholism, and other factors. Ultimately, eight prioritized genes (GNGT1, GNG4, NMU, GCG, TAC1, GAST, GCGR1, and NPSR1) were identified as hub genes. High hub gene expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival in patients with NSCLC. The ROC curves showed that these hub genes had diagnostic value. The mRNA expressions of GNGT1 and NMU were low in the Oncomine database. Their protein expressions and genetic alterations were also revealed. Finally, logistic regression analysis indicated that combining the two biomarkers substantially improved the ability to discriminate NSCLC. GNGT1 and NMU identified in the current study may empower further discovery of the molecular mechanisms underlying NSCLC's initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Jiang Hong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Navy Military Medical University Affiliated Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu-Shui Ma
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zhang
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xiao-Li Yang
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Cheng-You Jia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yu-Zhen Yin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Geng-Xi Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Navy Military Medical University Affiliated Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Da Fu
- Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
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30
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Kolahi M, Saremi S, Tabandeh M, Hashemitabar M. Induction of apoptosis and suppression of Ras gene expression in MCF human breast cancer cells. J Cancer Res Ther 2021; 18:1052-1060. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_624_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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31
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MiRNAs directly targeting the key intermediates of biological pathways in pancreatic cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 189:114357. [PMID: 33279497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic Cancer (PC) is a severe form of malignancy all over the world. Delayed diagnosis and chemoresistance are the major factors contributing to its poor prognosis and high mortality rate. The genetic and epigenetic regulations of biological pathways further complicate the progression and chemotherapy response to this cancer. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) involvement has been observed in all types of cancers including PC. The understanding and categorization of miRNAs according to their specific targets are very important to develop early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The current review, emphasizing recent research findings, has categorized miRNAs that directly target the potential onco-factors that act as central converging signal-nodes in five major cancer-related pathways i.e., MAPK/ERK, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, and TGFβ in PC. The therapeutic perspectives of miRNAs in PC have also been discussed. This will help to understand the interplay of various miRNAs within foremost signaling pathways and develop a multifactorial approach to treat difficult-to-treat PC.
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32
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S UK, R B, D TK, Doss CGP, Zayed H. Mutational landscape of K-Ras substitutions at 12th position-a systematic molecular dynamics approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:1571-1585. [PMID: 33034275 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1830177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
K-Ras is a small GTPase and acts as a molecular switch by recruiting GEFs and GAPs, and alternates between the inert GDP-bound and the dynamic GTP-bound forms. The amino acid at position 12 of K-Ras is a hot spot for oncogenic mutations (G12A, G12C, G12D, G12R, G12S, and G12V), disturbing the active fold of the protein, leading to cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the potential conformational changes induced by these oncogenic mutations at the 12th position, impairing GAP-mediated GTP hydrolysis. Comprehensive computational tools (iStable, FoldX, SNPeffect, DynaMut, and CUPSAT) were used to evaluate the effect of these six mutations on the stability of wild type K-Ras protein. The docking of GTP with K-Ras was carried out using AutoDock4.2, followed by molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, on comparison of binding energies between the wild type K-Ras and the six mutants, we have demonstrated that the G12A and G12V mutants exhibited the strongest binding efficiency compared to the other four mutants. Trajectory analyses of these mutations revealed that G12A encountered the least deviation, fluctuation, intermolecular H-bonds, and compactness compared to the wildtype, which was supported by the lower Gibbs free energy value. Our study investigates the molecular dynamics simulations of the mutant K-Ras forms at the 12th position, which expects to provide insights about the molecular mechanisms involved in cancer development, and may serve as a platform for targeted therapies against cancer. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udhaya Kumar S
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bithia R
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Thirumal Kumar D
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - C George Priya Doss
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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33
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Sun T, Liu Z, Yang Q. The role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in cancer metabolism. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:146. [PMID: 33004065 PMCID: PMC7529510 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming, including enhanced biosynthesis of macromolecules, altered energy metabolism, and maintenance of redox homeostasis, is considered a hallmark of cancer, sustaining cancer cell growth. Multiple signaling pathways, transcription factors and metabolic enzymes participate in the modulation of cancer metabolism and thus, metabolic reprogramming is a highly complex process. Recent studies have observed that ubiquitination and deubiquitination are involved in the regulation of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. As one of the most important type of post-translational modifications, ubiquitination is a multistep enzymatic process, involved in diverse cellular biological activities. Dysregulation of ubiquitination and deubiquitination contributes to various disease, including cancer. Here, we discuss the role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in the regulation of cancer metabolism, which is aimed at highlighting the importance of this post-translational modification in metabolic reprogramming and supporting the development of new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshui Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Zhuonan Liu
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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34
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Wan Y, Zhang Y, Wang G, Mwangi PM, Cai H, Li R. Recombinant KRAS G12D Protein Vaccines Elicit Significant Anti-Tumor Effects in Mouse CT26 Tumor Models. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1326. [PMID: 32903495 PMCID: PMC7435050 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug development targeting the most frequently mutation G12D of KRAS has great significance. As an attractive immunotherapy, cancer vaccines can overcome binding difficulties of small molecules; however, the weak immunogenicity and production difficulties of reported KRAS mutation vaccines limit their clinical application. To improve antigen-specific immune responses and Anti-Tumor effects on tumors expressing KRAS G12D mutation, we designed recombinant proteins containing KRAS peptide (amino acids 5–21) with G12D (called SP) in two forms: DTT-SP4 and DTSP. DTT-SP4 was constructed by fusing four copies of SP to the C-terminal of the translocation domain of diphtheria toxin (DTT), and DTSP was constructed by grafting SP onto DTT. The two vaccines in combination with aluminum hydroxide (Alum) and cytosine phosphoguanine (CpG) successfully induced conspicuous SP-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, and displayed prominent protective and therapeutic Anti-Tumor effects in mouse CT26 tumor models. Surprisingly, the DTSP-treated group displayed better Anti-Tumor effects in vivo compared with the DTT-SP4-treated and control groups. Moreover, 87.5 and 50% of DTSP-treated mice in the preventive and therapeutic models were tumor free, respectively. Notably, in the DTSP-treated group, the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression of T cells in vitro and the T-helper 1 (Th1)–related cytokine expression in tumor tissues indicated that the activated Th1 immune response may be involved in Anti-Tumor activity. Furthermore, DTSP treatment remarkably altered the subpopulation of T cells in splenocytes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The percentage of effector CD8+ T cells increased, whereas that of immunosuppressive CD4+Foxp3+ T cells remained reduced in the DTSP group. Dramatic tumor-inhibitory effects of DTSP, which is easily prepared, make it a more attractive strategy against KRAS G12D tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengchong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Patrick Malonza Mwangi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaman Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai HyCharm Inc., Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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35
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Xu K, Park D, Magis AT, Zhang J, Zhou W, Sica GL, Ramalingam SS, Curran WJ, Deng X. Correction to: Small Molecule KRAS Agonist for Mutant KRAS Cancer Therapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:93. [PMID: 32434536 PMCID: PMC7238649 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Jun Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Walter J Curran
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Xingming Deng
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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36
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Liu T, Zhang J, Li K, Deng L, Wang H. Combination of an Autophagy Inducer and an Autophagy Inhibitor: A Smarter Strategy Emerging in Cancer Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:408. [PMID: 32322202 PMCID: PMC7156970 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is considered a cytoprotective function in cancer therapy under certain conditions and is a drug resistance mechanism that represents a clinical obstacle to successful cancer treatment and leads to poor prognosis in cancer patients. Because certain clinical drugs and agents in development have cytoprotective autophagy effects, targeting autophagic pathways has emerged as a potential smarter strategy for cancer therapy. Multiple preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that autophagy inhibition augments the efficacy of anticancer agents in various cancers. Autophagy inhibitors, such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, have already been clinically approved, promoting drug combination treatment by targeting autophagic pathways as a means of discovering and developing more novel and more effective cancer therapeutic approaches. We summarize current studies that focus on the antitumor efficiency of agents that induce cytoprotective autophagy combined with autophagy inhibitors. Furthermore, we discuss the challenge and development of targeting cytoprotective autophagy as a cancer therapeutic approach in clinical application. Thus, we need to facilitate the exploitation of appropriate autophagy inhibitors and coadministration delivery system to cooperate with anticancer drugs. This review aims to note optimal combination strategies by modulating autophagy for therapeutic advantage to overcome drug resistance and enhance the effect of antitumor therapies on cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kangdi Li
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingnan Deng
- Department of Digestion, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University TCM, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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37
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Yamayoshi A, Higuchi M, Sakai Y, Kobori A, Yamamoto T, Shibata T, Murakami A. Selective cross-linking behavior of oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing 2'- O-[ N-(4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen-4'-ylmethylcarbamoyl)]adenosine to mutant H-ras DNA. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 39:119-130. [PMID: 31645189 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2019.1677912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Point mutations are well characterized activators of oncogenes but are often indistinguishable using common gene technologies. In general, the precise sites of point-mutated oncogenes are difficult to distinguish under physiological conditions primarily because single nucleotide mismatch do not affect the annealing temperatures of DNA probes sufficiently. To address this limitation, we developed photo-responsive oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing 2'-O-[N-(4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen-4'-ylmethylcarbamoyl)]adenosine (Ps-amd-Oligo), which can be used to selectively manipulate and identify genes with point mutations. Here we present time course analyses of the photo-cross-linking efficiency of Ps-amd-Oligo with DNA and RNA and show promising selectivity for the oncogene H-ras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Yamayoshi
- Chemistry of Functional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,PRSTO, JST, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Maiko Higuchi
- Faculty of Molecular Chemistry and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yui Sakai
- Chemistry of Functional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akio Kobori
- Faculty of Molecular Chemistry and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
- Chemistry of Functional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shibata
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Akira Murakami
- Chemistry of Functional Molecules, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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38
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Dent P, Booth L, Poklepovic A, Hancock JF. Signaling alterations caused by drugs and autophagy. Cell Signal 2019; 64:109416. [PMID: 31520735 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved process that recycles cellular materials in times of nutrient restriction to maintain viability. In cancer therapeutics, the role of autophagy in response to multi-kinase inhibitors, alone or when combined with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors acts, generally, to facilitate the killing of tumor cells. Furthermore, the formation of autophagosomes and subsequent degradation of their contents can reduce the expression of HDAC proteins themselves as well as of other signaling regulatory molecules such as protein chaperones and mutated RAS proteins. Reduced levels of HDAC6 causes the acetylation and inactivation of heat shock protein 90, and, together with reduced expression of the chaperones HSP70 and GRP78, generates a strong endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Prolonged intense ER stress signaling causes tumor cell death. Reduced expression of HDACs 1, 2 and 3 causes the levels of programed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) to decline and the expression of Class I MHCA to increase which correlates with elevated immunogenicity of the tumor cells in vivo. This review will specifically focus on the downstream implications that result from autophagic-degradation of HDACs, RAS and protein chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
| | - Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Andrew Poklepovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - John F Hancock
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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39
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Positive Correlation Between Somatic Mutations in RAS Gene and Colorectal Cancer in Telangana Population: Hospital-Based Study in a Cosmopolitan City. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 190:703-711. [PMID: 31475312 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-019-03119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent cancer types in both men and women. Screening of RAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), neuro-blastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF)) somatic mutations is necessary prior to considering anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies in CRC patients. Next-generation sequencing studies have confirmed that RAS gene panels could be used while developing treatment strategies for patients with CRC. The present study explored genetic mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF in CRC patients in the Telangana state of India. Patients with confirmed CRC (n = 100) who visited the Apollo hospitals were evaluated. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, and pyrosequencing analysis was performed. Patient DNA samples were screened for 54 different KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations, which revealed 34 somatic mutations. Exon 11 of BRAF possessed 4 mutations with highest individuals documented with G469A mutation. Pyrosequencing, a reliable method for analyzing somatic mutations present in RAS, could aid in taking treatment decisions for patients with CRC.
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40
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Zhou WJ, Zhang J, Yang HL, Wu K, Xie F, Wu JN, Wang Y, Yao L, Zhuang Y, Xiang JD, Zhang AJ, He YY, Li MQ. Estrogen inhibits autophagy and promotes growth of endometrial cancer by promoting glutamine metabolism. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:99. [PMID: 31429768 PMCID: PMC6700828 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Excessive estrogen exposure is an important pathogenic factor in uterine endometrial cancer (UEC). Recent studies have reported the metabolic properties can influence the progression of UEC. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Methods Glutaminase (GLS), MYC and autophagy levels were detected. The biological functions of estrogen-MYC-GLS in UEC cells (UECC) were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Results Our study showed that estrogen remarkably increased GLS level through up-regulating c-Myc, and enhanced glutamine (Gln) metabolism in estrogen-sensitive UEC cell (UECC), whereas fulvestrant (an ER inhibitor antagonist) could reverse these effects. Estrogen remarkably promoted cell viability and inhibited autophagy of estrogen sensitive UECC. However, CB-839, a potent selective oral bioavailable inhibitor of both splice variants of GLS, negatively regulated Gln metabolism, and inhibited the effects of Gln and estrogen on UECC’s growth and autophagy in vitro and / or in vivo. Conclusions CB-839 triggers autophagy and restricts growth of UEC by suppressing ER/Gln metabolism, which provides new insights into the potential value of CB-839 in clinical treatment of estrogen-related UEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jie Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Wu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xie
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Nan Wu
- Clinical Epidemiology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yao
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Dong Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Jun Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yin-Yan He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China. .,Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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