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BHUSARE NILAM, KUMAR MAUSHMI. A review on potential heterocycles for the treatment of glioblastoma targeting receptor tyrosine kinases. Oncol Res 2024; 32:849-875. [PMID: 38686058 PMCID: PMC11055995 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.047042] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain tumor, poses significant challenges in terms of treatment success and patient survival. Current treatment modalities for glioblastoma include radiation therapy, surgical intervention, and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the median survival rate remains dishearteningly low at 12-15 months. One of the major obstacles in treating glioblastoma is the recurrence of tumors, making chemotherapy the primary approach for secondary glioma patients. However, the efficacy of drugs is hampered by the presence of the blood-brain barrier and multidrug resistance mechanisms. Consequently, considerable research efforts have been directed toward understanding the underlying signaling pathways involved in glioma and developing targeted drugs. To tackle glioma, numerous studies have examined kinase-downstream signaling pathways such as RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK-MPAK. By targeting specific signaling pathways, heterocyclic compounds have demonstrated efficacy in glioma therapeutics. Additionally, key kinases including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine kinase, cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (CTK), receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and lipid kinase (LK) have been considered for investigation. These pathways play crucial roles in drug effectiveness in glioma treatment. Heterocyclic compounds, encompassing pyrimidine, thiazole, quinazoline, imidazole, indole, acridone, triazine, and other derivatives, have shown promising results in targeting these pathways. As part of this review, we propose exploring novel structures with low toxicity and high potency for glioma treatment. The development of these compounds should strive to overcome multidrug resistance mechanisms and efficiently penetrate the blood-brain barrier. By optimizing the chemical properties and designing compounds with enhanced drug-like characteristics, we can maximize their therapeutic value and minimize adverse effects. Considering the complex nature of glioblastoma, these novel structures should be rigorously tested and evaluated for their efficacy and safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- NILAM BHUSARE
- Somaiya Institute for Research & Consultancy, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Vidyavihar (East), Mumbai, 400077, India
| | - MAUSHMI KUMAR
- Somaiya Institute for Research & Consultancy, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Vidyavihar (East), Mumbai, 400077, India
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2
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Fanfarillo F, Ferraguti G, Lucarelli M, Francati S, Barbato C, Minni A, Ceccanti M, Tarani L, Petrella C, Fiore M. The Impact of ROS and NGF in the Gliomagenesis and their Emerging Implications in the Glioma Treatment. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:449-462. [PMID: 37016521 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230403105438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules derived from molecular oxygen (O2). ROS sources can be endogenous, such as cellular organelles and inflammatory cells, or exogenous, such as ionizing radiation, alcohol, food, tobacco, chemotherapeutical agents and infectious agents. Oxidative stress results in damage of several cellular structures (lipids, proteins, lipoproteins, and DNA) and is implicated in various disease states such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging. A large body of studies showed that ROS plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Indeed, increased production of ROS causes accumulation in DNA damage leading to tumorigenesis. Various investigations demonstrated the involvement of ROS in gliomagenesis. The most common type of primary intracranial tumor in adults is represented by glioma. Furthermore, there is growing attention on the role of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in brain tumor pathogenesis. NGF is a growth factor belonging to the family of neurotrophins. It is involved in neuronal differentiation, proliferation and survival. Studies were conducted to investigate NGF pathogenesis's role as a pro- or anti-tumoral factor in brain tumors. It has been observed that NGF can induce both differentiation and proliferation in cells. The involvement of NGF in the pathogenesis of brain tumors leads to the hypothesis of a possible implication of NGF in new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have focused on the role of neurotrophin receptors as potential targets in glioma therapy. This review provides an updated overview of the role of ROS and NGF in gliomagenesis and their emerging role in glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
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3
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Deng H, Rao X, Zhang S, Chen L, Zong Y, Zhou R, Meng R, Dong X, Wu G, Li Q. Protein kinase CK2: An emerging regulator of cellular metabolism. Biofactors 2023. [PMID: 38158592 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The protein kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) exerts its influence on the metabolism of three major cellular substances by phosphorylating essential protein molecules involved in various cellular metabolic pathways. These substances include hormones, especially insulin, rate-limiting enzymes, transcription factors of key genes, and cytokines. This regulatory role of CK2 is closely tied to important cellular processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Additionally, tumor cells undergo metabolic reprogramming characterized by aerobic glycolysis, accelerated lipid β-oxidation, and abnormally active glutamine metabolism. In this context, CK2, which is overexpressed in various tumors, also plays a pivotal role. Hence, this review aims to summarize the regulatory mechanisms of CK2 in diverse metabolic pathways and tumor development, providing novel insights for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of metabolism-related diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Deng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinrui Rao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Leichong Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Meng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaorong Dong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianwen Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Chin HK, Lu MC, Hsu KC, El-Shazly M, Tsai TN, Lin TY, Shih SP, Lin TE, Wen ZH, Yang YCSH, Liu YC. Exploration of anti-leukemic effect of soft coral-derived 13-acetoxysarcocrassolide: Induction of apoptosis via oxidative stress as a potent inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 and topoisomerase II. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2023. [PMID: 37052190 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12678] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
13-Acetoxysarcocrassolide (13-AC) is a marine cembranoid derived from the aquaculture soft coral of Lobophytum crassum. The cytotoxic effect of 13-AC against leukemia cells was previously reported but its mechanism of action is still unexplored. In the current study, we showed that 13-AC induced apoptosis of human acute lymphoblastic leukemia Molt4 cells, as evidenced by the cleavage of PARP and caspases, phosphatidylserine externalization, as well as the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. The use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, attenuated the cytotoxic effect induced by 13-AC. Molecular docking and thermal shift assay indicated that the cytotoxic mechanism of action of 13-AC involved the inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp 90) activity by eliciting the level of Hsp 70 and topoisomerase IIα in Molt4 cells. 13-AC also exhibited potent antitumor activity by reducing the tumor volume (48.3%) and weight (72.5%) in the in vivo Molt4 xenograft mice model. Our findings suggested that the marine cembranoid, 13-AC, acted as a dual inhibitor of Hsp 90 and topoisomerase IIα, exerting more potent apoptotic activity via the enhancement of ROS generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Kuo Chin
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chin Lu
- Graduate Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Cheng Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mohamed El-Shazly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tsen-Ni Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yung Lin
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Ping Shih
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tony Eight Lin
- Master Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen S H Yang
- Joint Biobank, Office of Human Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chang Liu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Cellular Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Thakur A, Faujdar C, Sharma R, Sharma S, Malik B, Nepali K, Liou JP. Glioblastoma: Current Status, Emerging Targets, and Recent Advances. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8596-8685. [PMID: 35786935 PMCID: PMC9297300 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant
brain tumor characterized
by a heterogeneous population of genetically unstable and highly infiltrative
cells that are resistant to chemotherapy. Although substantial efforts
have been invested in the field of anti-GBM drug discovery in the
past decade, success has primarily been confined to the preclinical
level, and clinical studies have often been hampered due to efficacy-,
selectivity-, or physicochemical property-related issues. Thus, expansion
of the list of molecular targets coupled with a pragmatic design of
new small-molecule inhibitors with central nervous system (CNS)-penetrating
ability is required to steer the wheels of anti-GBM drug discovery
endeavors. This Perspective presents various aspects of drug discovery
(challenges in GBM drug discovery and delivery, therapeutic targets,
and agents under clinical investigation). The comprehensively covered
sections include the recent medicinal chemistry campaigns embarked
upon to validate the potential of numerous enzymes/proteins/receptors
as therapeutic targets in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chetna Faujdar
- Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida 201307, India
| | - Ram Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sachin Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Basant Malik
- Department of Sterile Product Development, Research and Development-Unit 2, Jubiliant Generics Ltd., Noida 201301, India
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jing Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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6
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Targeting Immune Modulators in Glioma While Avoiding Autoimmune Conditions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143524. [PMID: 34298735 PMCID: PMC8306848 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication signals and signaling pathways are often studied in different physiological systems. However, it has become abundantly clear that the immune system is not self-regulated, but functions in close association with the nervous system. The neural-immune interface is complex; its balance determines cancer progression, as well as autoimmune disorders. Immunotherapy remains a promising approach in the context of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The primary obstacle to finding effective therapies is the potent immunosuppression induced by GBM. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, induction of regulatory T cells, and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules are the key mediators for immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint molecules are ligand-receptor pairs that exert inhibitory or stimulatory effects on immune responses. In the past decade, they have been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical trials in diseases such as cancer or autoimmune diseases in which the immune system has failed to maintain homeostasis. In this review, we will discuss promising immune-modulatory targets that are in the focus of current clinical research in glioblastoma, but are also in the precarious position of potentially becoming starting points for the development of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
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7
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Guerra B, Issinger OG. Role of Protein Kinase CK2 in Aberrant Lipid Metabolism in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13100292. [PMID: 33027921 PMCID: PMC7601870 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled proliferation is a feature defining cancer and it is linked to the ability of cancer cells to effectively adapt their metabolic needs in response to a harsh tumor environment. Metabolic reprogramming is considered a hallmark of cancer and includes increased glucose uptake and processing, and increased glutamine utilization, but also the deregulation of lipid and cholesterol-associated signal transduction, as highlighted in recent years. In the first part of the review, we will (i) provide an overview of the major types of lipids found in eukaryotic cells and their importance as mediators of intracellular signaling pathways (ii) analyze the main metabolic changes occurring in cancer development and the role of oncogenic signaling in supporting aberrant lipid metabolism and (iii) discuss combination strategies as powerful new approaches to cancer treatment. The second part of the review will address the emerging role of CK2, a conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, in lipid homeostasis with an emphasis regarding its function in lipogenesis and adipogenesis. Evidence will be provided that CK2 regulates these processes at multiple levels. This suggests that its pharmacological inhibition combined with dietary restrictions and/or inhibitors of metabolic targets could represent an effective way to undermine the dependency of cancer cells on lipids to interfere with tumor progression.
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8
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The HMGB1-2 Ovarian Cancer Interactome. The Role of HMGB Proteins and Their Interacting Partners MIEN1 and NOP53 in Ovary Cancer and Drug-Response. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092435. [PMID: 32867128 PMCID: PMC7564582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group box B (HMGB) proteins are overexpressed in different types of cancers such as epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). We have determined the first interactome of HMGB1 and HMGB2 in epithelial ovarian cancer (the EOC-HMGB interactome). Libraries from the SKOV-3 cell line and a primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) ovarian tumor were tested by the Yeast Two Hybrid (Y2H) approach. The interactome reveals proteins that are related to cancer hallmarks and their expression is altered in EOC. Moreover, some of these proteins have been associated to survival and prognosis of patients. The interaction of MIEN1 and NOP53 with HMGB2 has been validated by co-immunoprecipitation in SKOV-3 and PEO1 cell lines. SKOV-3 cells were treated with different anti-tumoral drugs to evaluate changes in HMGB1, HMGB2, MIEN1 and NOP53 gene expression. Results show that combined treatment of paclitaxel and carboplatin induces a stronger down-regulation of these genes in comparison to individual treatments. Individual treatment with paclitaxel or olaparib up-regulates NOP53, which is expressed at lower levels in EOC than in non-cancerous cells. On the other hand, bevacizumab diminishes the expression of HMGB2 and NOP53. This study also shows that silencing of these genes affects cell-viability after drug exposure. HMGB1 silencing causes loss of response to paclitaxel, whereas silencing of HMGB2 slightly increases sensitivity to olaparib. Silencing of either HMGB1 or HMGB2 increases sensitivity to carboplatin. Lastly, a moderate loss of response to bevacizumab is observed when NOP53 is silenced.
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Borgo C, Ruzzene M. Role of protein kinase CK2 in antitumor drug resistance. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:287. [PMID: 31277672 PMCID: PMC6612148 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance represents the major reason of pharmacological treatment failure. It is supported by a broad spectrum of mechanisms, whose molecular bases have been frequently correlated to aberrant protein phosphorylation. CK2 is a constitutively active protein kinase which phosphorylates hundreds of substrates; it is expressed in all cells, but its level is commonly found higher in cancer cells, where it plays anti-apoptotic, pro-migration and pro-proliferation functions. Several evidences support a role for CK2 in processes directly responsible of drug resistance, such as drug efflux and DNA repair; moreover, CK2 intervenes in signaling pathways which are crucial to evade drug response (as PI3K/AKT/PTEN, NF-κB, β-catenin, hedgehog signaling, p53), and controls the activity of chaperone machineries fundamental in resistant cells. Interestingly, a panel of specific and effective inhibitors of CK2 is available, and several examples are known of their efficacy in resistant cells, with synergistic effect when used in combination with conventional drugs, also in vivo. Here we analyze and discuss evidences supporting the hypothesis that CK2 targeting represents a valuable strategy to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Borgo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58b, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Ruzzene
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58b, 35131, Padova, Italy.
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Guerra B, Issinger OG. Natural Compounds and Derivatives as Ser/Thr Protein Kinase Modulators and Inhibitors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:E4. [PMID: 30609679 PMCID: PMC6469162 DOI: 10.3390/ph12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for new drugs is compelling, irrespective of the disease. Focusing on medical problems in the Western countries, heart disease and cancer are at the moment predominant illnesses. Owing to the fact that ~90% of all 21,000 cellular proteins in humans are regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation it is not surprising that the enzymes catalysing these reactions (i.e., protein kinases and phosphatases, respectively) have attracted considerable attention in the recent past. Protein kinases are major team players in cell signalling. In tumours, these enzymes are found to be mutated disturbing the proper function of signalling pathways and leading to uncontrolled cellular growth and sustained malignant behaviour. Hence, the search for small-molecule inhibitors targeting the altered protein kinase molecules in tumour cells has become a major research focus in the academia and pharmaceutical companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Guerra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Olaf-Georg Issinger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
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11
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Fernandes GFDS, Fernandes BC, Valente V, Dos Santos JL. Recent advances in the discovery of small molecules targeting glioblastoma. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 164:8-26. [PMID: 30583248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common central nervous system cancers. It is characterized as a fast-growing tumor that arises from multiple cell types with neural stem-cell-like properties. Additionally, GBM tumors are highly invasive, which is attributed to the presence of glioblastoma stem cells that makes surgery ineffective in most cases. Currently, temozolomide is the unique chemotherapy option approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for GBM treatment. This review analyzes the emergence and development of new synthetic small molecules discovered as promising anti-glioblastoma agents. A number of compounds were described herein and grouped according to the main chemical class used in the drug discovery process. Importantly, we focused only on synthetic compounds published in the last 10 years, thus excluding natural products. Furthermore, we included in this review only those most biologically active compounds with proven in vitro and/or in vivo efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Felipe Dos Santos Fernandes
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, 14800-903, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, 14800-060, Brazil
| | - Barbara Colatto Fernandes
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Valeria Valente
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Jean Leandro Dos Santos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, 14800-903, Brazil; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, 14800-060, Brazil.
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12
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Schnitzler A, Gratz A, Bollacke A, Weyrich M, Kuckländer U, Wünsch B, Götz C, Niefind K, Jose J. A π-Halogen Bond of Dibenzofuranones with the Gatekeeper Phe113 in Human Protein Kinase CK2 Leads to Potent Tight Binding Inhibitors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11010023. [PMID: 29462988 PMCID: PMC5874719 DOI: 10.3390/ph11010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human protein kinase CK2 is an emerging target for neoplastic diseases. Potent lead structures for human CK2 inhibitors are derived from dibenzofuranones. Two new derivatives, 7,9-dichloro-1,2-dihydro-8-hydroxy-4-[(4-methoxyphenylamino)-methylene]dibenzo[b,d]furan-3(2H)-one (4a) and (E)-1,3-dichloro-6-[(4-methoxyphenylimino)-methyl]dibenzo[b,d]furan-2,7-diol (5) were tested for inhibition of CK2 and induction of apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Both turned out to be tight binding inhibitors, with IC50 values of 7 nM (4a) and 5 nM (5) and an apparent Ki value of 0.4 nM for both. Compounds 4a and 5 reduced cellular CK2 activity, indicating cell permeability. Cell viability was substantially impaired in LNCaP cells, as well as apoptosis was induced, which was not appearing in non-neoplastic ARPE-19 cells. Co-crystallization of 4a and 5 revealed an unexpected π-halogen bond of the chloro substituent at C9 with the gatekeeper amino acid Phe113, leading to an inverted binding mode in comparison to parent compound 4b, with the Cl at C6 instead, which was co-crystallized as a control. This indicates that the position of the chloro substituent on ring A of the dibenzofuran scaffold is responsible for an inversion of the binding mode that enhances potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Schnitzler
- Institut für Biochemie, Department für Chemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Straße 47, D-50674 Köln, Germany.
| | - Andreas Gratz
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, PharmaCampus, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Andre Bollacke
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, PharmaCampus, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Michael Weyrich
- Medizinische Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Str., Geb. 44, D-66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Uwe Kuckländer
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, PharmaCampus, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Claudia Götz
- Medizinische Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Str., Geb. 44, D-66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Karsten Niefind
- Institut für Biochemie, Department für Chemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Straße 47, D-50674 Köln, Germany.
| | - Joachim Jose
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, PharmaCampus, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
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13
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Schaefer S, Guerra B. Protein kinase CK2 regulates redox homeostasis through NF-κB and Bcl-xL in cardiomyoblasts. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 436:137-150. [PMID: 28597245 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen consumption is particularly elevated in cardiac cells as they are equipped with a large number of mitochondria and high levels of respiratory chain components. Consequently, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is tightly controlled as an imbalance in redox reactions can lead to irreversible cellular damage. siRNA-mediated down-regulation of protein kinase CK2 has been implicated in the accumulation of ROS in cells. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the role of CK2 in redox homeostasis in cardiomyoblasts. We found that inhibition or silencing of CK2 causes elevated levels of ROS, notably superoxide radical, and this is accompanied by suppression of NF-κB transcriptional activity and mitochondrial dysfunction. We show that CK2 regulates the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase, the enzyme catalyzing the dismutation of superoxide, in cancer cells but not in cardiomyoblasts. Furthermore, we report evidence that impaired expression of CK2 results in destabilization of the Bcl-2 mammalian homolog Bcl-xL, which is known to stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential, through a mechanism involving disruption of the chaperone function of heat shock protein 90. Analysis of differential mRNA expression related to oxidative stress revealed that CK2 silencing caused a statistically significant deregulation of four genes associated with the oxidative damage, i.e., Fmo2, Ptgs1, Dhcr24, and Ptgs2. Overall, the results reported here are consistent with the notion that CK2 plays a role in conferring protection against oxidative stress by positively regulating pro-survival signaling molecules and the protein folding machinery in cardiomyoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schaefer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Barbara Guerra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
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14
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Schaefer S, Svenstrup TH, Guerra B. The small-molecule kinase inhibitor D11 counteracts 17-AAG-mediated up-regulation of HSP70 in brain cancer cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177706. [PMID: 28542269 PMCID: PMC5436671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many types of cancer express high levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs) that are molecular chaperones regulating protein folding and stability ensuring protection of cells from potentially lethal stress. HSPs in cancer cells promote survival, growth and spreading even in situations of growth factors deprivation by associating with oncogenic proteins responsible for cell transformation. Hence, it is not surprising that the identification of potent inhibitors of HSPs, notably HSP90, has been the primary research focus, in recent years. Exposure of cancer cells to HSP90 inhibitors, including 17-AAG, has been shown to cause resistance to chemotherapeutic treatment mostly attributable to induction of the heat shock response and increased cellular levels of pro-survival chaperones. In this study, we show that treatment of glioblastoma cells with 17-AAG leads to HSP90 inhibition indicated by loss of stability of the EGFR client protein, and significant increase in HSP70 expression. Conversely, co-treatment with the small-molecule kinase inhibitor D11 leads to suppression of the heat shock response and inhibition of HSF1 transcriptional activity. Beside HSP70, Western blot and differential mRNA expression analysis reveal that combination treatment causes strong down-regulation of the small chaperone protein HSP27. Finally, we demonstrate that incubation of cells with both agents leads to enhanced cytotoxicity and significantly high levels of LC3-II suggesting autophagy induction. Taken together, results reported here support the notion that including D11 in future treatment regimens based on HSP90 inhibition can potentially overcome acquired resistance induced by the heat shock response in brain cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schaefer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tina H. Svenstrup
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Barbara Guerra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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15
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D11-Mediated Inhibition of Protein Kinase CK2 Impairs HIF-1α-Mediated Signaling in Human Glioblastoma Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:ph10010005. [PMID: 28045438 PMCID: PMC5374409 DOI: 10.3390/ph10010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence indicates that protein kinase CK2 plays an important role in many steps of cancer initiation and progression, therefore, the development of effective and cell-permeable inhibitors targeting this kinase has become an important objective for the treatment of a variety of cancer types including glioblastoma. We have recently identified 1,3-dichloro-6-[(E)-((4-methoxyphenyl)imino)methyl]dibenzo(b,d)furan-2,7-diol (D11) as a potent and selective inhibitor of protein kinase CK2. In this study, we have further characterized this compound and demonstrated that it suppresses CK2 kinase activity by mixed type inhibition (KI 7.7 nM, KI′ 42 nM). Incubation of glioblastoma cells with D11 induces cell death and upon hypoxia the compound leads to HIF-1α destabilization. The analysis of differential mRNA expression related to human hypoxia signaling pathway revealed that D11-mediated inhibition of CK2 caused strong down-regulation of genes associated with the hypoxia response including ANGPTL4, CA9, IGFBP3, MMP9, SLC2A1 and VEGFA. Taken together, the results reported here support the notion that including D11 in future treatment regimens might turn out to be a promising strategy to target tumor hypoxia to overcome resistance to radio- and chemotherapy.
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16
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Chou ST, Patil R, Galstyan A, Gangalum PR, Cavenee WK, Furnari FB, Ljubimov VA, Chesnokova A, Kramerov AA, Ding H, Falahatian V, Mashouf L, Fox I, Black KL, Holler E, Ljubimov AV, Ljubimova JY. Simultaneous blockade of interacting CK2 and EGFR pathways by tumor-targeting nanobioconjugates increases therapeutic efficacy against glioblastoma multiforme. J Control Release 2016; 244:14-23. [PMID: 27825958 PMCID: PMC5308909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the deadliest brain tumor in adults. GBM tumors are also notorious for drug and radiation resistance. To inhibit GBMs more effectively, polymalic acid-based blood-brain barrier crossing nanobioconjugates were synthesized that are delivered to the cytoplasm of cancer cells and specifically inhibit the master regulator serine/threonine protein kinase CK2 and the wild-type/mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/EGFRvIII), which are overexpressed in gliomas according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) GBM database. Two xenogeneic mouse models bearing intracranial human GBMs from cell lines LN229 and U87MG that expressed both CK2 and EGFR at different levels were used. Simultaneous knockdown of CK2α and EGFR/EGFRvIII suppressed their downstream prosurvival signaling. Treatment also markedly reduced the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a negative regulator of cytotoxic lymphocytes. Downregulation of CK2 and EGFR also caused deactivation of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) co-chaperone Cdc37, which may suppress the activity of key cellular kinases. Inhibition of either target was associated with downregulation of the other target as well, which may underlie the increased efficacy of the dual nanobioconjugate that is directed against both CK2 and EGFR. Importantly, the single nanodrugs, and especially the dual nanodrug, markedly suppressed the expression of the cancer stem cell markers c-Myc, CD133, and nestin, which could contribute to the efficacy of the treatments. In both tumor models, the nanobioconjugates significantly increased (up to 2-fold) animal survival compared with the PBS-treated control group. The versatile nanobioconjugates developed in this study, with the abilities of anti-cancer drug delivery across biobarriers and the inhibition of key tumor regulators, offer a promising nanotherapeutic approach to treat GBMs, and to potentially prevent drug resistance and retard the recurrence of brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ting Chou
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rameshwar Patil
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anna Galstyan
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pallavi R Gangalum
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Webster K Cavenee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Frank B Furnari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Vladimir A Ljubimov
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexandra Chesnokova
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrei A Kramerov
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hui Ding
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vida Falahatian
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistic and Bioinformatics Clinical Research Training Program ( CRTP )
| | | | - Irving Fox
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Julia Y Ljubimova
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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17
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Aloe L, Rocco ML, Balzamino BO, Micera A. Nerve growth factor: role in growth, differentiation and controlling cancer cell development. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:116. [PMID: 27439311 PMCID: PMC4955168 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0395-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) research has shown that this factor acts not only outside its classical domain of the peripheral and central nervous system, but also on non-neuronal and cancer cells. This latter observation has led to divergent hypothesis about the role of NGF, its specific distribution pattern within the tissues and its implication in induction as well as progression of carcinogenesis. Moreover, other recent studies have shown that NGF has direct clinical relevance in certain human brain neuron degeneration and a number of human ocular disorders. These studies, by suggesting that NGF is involved in a plethora of physiological function in health and disease, warrant further investigation regarding the true role of NGF in carcinogenesis. Based on our long-lasting experience in the physiopathology of NGF, we aimed to review previous and recent in vivo and in vitro NGF studies on tumor cell induction, progression and arrest. Overall, these studies indicate that the only presence of NGF is unable to generate cell carcinogenesis, both in normal neuronal and non-neuronal cells/tissues. However, it cannot be excluded the possibility that the co-expression of NGF and pro-carcinogenic molecules might open to different consequence. Whether NGF plays a direct or an indirect role in cell proliferation during carcinogenesis remains to demonstrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Aloe
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64 I-00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Luisa Rocco
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64 I-00143, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Micera
- IRCCS - G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6 I-00184, Rome, Italy
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18
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Protein Kinase CK2: A Targetable BCR-ABL Partner in Philadelphia Positive Leukemias. Adv Hematol 2015; 2015:612567. [PMID: 26843864 PMCID: PMC4710905 DOI: 10.1155/2015/612567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BCR-ABL-mediated leukemias, either Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) or Philadelphia positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), are the paradigm of targeted molecular therapy of cancer due to the impressive clinical responses obtained with BCR-ABL specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, BCR-ABL TKIs do not allow completely eradicating both CML and ALL. Furthermore, ALL therapy is associated with much worse responses to TKIs than those observed in CML. The identification of additional pathways that mediate BCR-ABL leukemogenesis is indeed mandatory to achieve synthetic lethality together with TKI. Here, we review the role of BCR-ABL/protein kinase CK2 interaction in BCR-ABL leukemias, with potentially relevant implications for therapy.
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