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Mo C, Wei N, Li T, Ahmed Bhat M, Mohammadi M, Kuang C. CDK9 inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumors. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 229:116470. [PMID: 39127153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116470] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) regulates mRNA transcription by promoting RNA Pol II elongation. CDK9 is now emerging as a potential therapeutic target for cancer, since its overexpression has been found to correlate with cancer development and worse clinical outcomes. While much work on CDK9 inhibition has focused on hematologic malignancies, the role of this cancer driver in solid tumors is starting to come into focus. Many solid cancers also overexpress CDK9 and depend on its activity to promote downstream oncogenic signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge of CDK9 biology in solid tumors and the studies of small molecule CDK9 inhibitors. We discuss the results of the latest clinical trials of CDK9 inhibitors in solid tumors, with a focus on key issues to consider for improving the therapeutic impact of this drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Mo
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Terence Li
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Muzaffer Ahmed Bhat
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mahshid Mohammadi
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Chaoyuan Kuang
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA.
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2
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Kwon MR, Park JS, Ko EJ, Park J, Ju EJ, Shin SH, Son GW, Lee HW, Park YY, Kang MH, Kim YJ, Kim BM, Lee HJ, Kim TW, Kim CJ, Song SY, Park SS, Jeong SY. Ibulocydine Inhibits Migration and Invasion of TNBC Cells via MMP-9 Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6123. [PMID: 38892310 PMCID: PMC11173234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116123] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15-20% of all breast cancer types, indicating a poor survival prognosis with a more aggressive biology of metastasis to the lung and a short response duration to available therapies. Ibulocydine (IB) is a novel (cyclin-dependent kinase) CDK7/9 inhibitor prodrug displaying potent anti-cancer effects against various cancer cell types. We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to determine whether IB inhibits metastasis and eventually overcomes the poor drug response in TNBC. The result showed that IB inhibited the growth of TNBC cells by inducing caspase-mediated apoptosis and blocking metastasis by reducing MMP-9 expression in vitro. Concurrently, in vivo experiments using the metastasis model showed that IB inhibited metastasis of MDA-MB-231-Luc cells to the lung. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IB inhibited the growth of TNBC cells and blocked metastasis by regulating MMP-9 expression, suggesting a novel therapeutic agent for metastatic TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Ri Kwon
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Soo Park
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Ko
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Park
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Ju
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol-Hwa Shin
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Won Son
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Won Lee
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Yong Park
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Hee Kang
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Joo Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Moon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Lee
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Won Kim
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong-Jai Kim
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Yeol Song
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Soon Park
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Yun Jeong
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Asan Preclinical Evaluation Center for Cancer Therapeutix, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
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Jaradat SK, Ayoub NM, Al Sharie AH, Aldaod JM. Targeting Receptor Tyrosine Kinases as a Novel Strategy for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241234780. [PMID: 38389413 PMCID: PMC10894558 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241234780] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises a group of aggressive and heterogeneous breast carcinoma. Chemotherapy is the mainstay for the treatment of triple-negative tumors. Nevertheless, the success of chemotherapeutic treatments is limited by their toxicity and development of acquired resistance leading to therapeutic failure and tumor relapse. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore novel targeted therapies for TNBC. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a family of transmembrane receptors that are key regulators of intracellular signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and motility. Aberrant activity and/or expression of several types of RTKs have been strongly connected to tumorigenesis. RTKs are frequently overexpressed and/or deregulated in triple-negative breast tumors and are further associated with tumor progression and reduced survival in patients. Therefore, targeting RTKs could be an appealing therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TNBC. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the antitumor activity of RTK inhibitors in preclinical models of TNBC. The review also provides insights into the clinical trials evaluating the use of RTK inhibitors for the treatment of patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K. Jaradat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nehad M. Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmed H. Al Sharie
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Julia M. Aldaod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
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Gao G, Li J, Cao Y, Li X, Qian Y, Wang X, Li M, Qiu Y, Wu T, Wang L, Fang M. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 4,4'-bipyridine derivatives acting as CDK9-Cyclin T1 protein-protein interaction inhibitors against triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115858. [PMID: 37837671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115858] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is directly related to tumor development in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Increased CDK9 is significantly associated with poor patient prognosis, while inhibiting CDK9-Cyclin T1 protein-protein interaction has recently been demonstrated as a new approach to TNBC treatment. Herein, we synthesized a novel class of 4,4'-bipyridine derivatives as potential CDK9-Cyclin T1 PPI inhibitors against TNBC. The represented compound B19 was found to be an excellent and selective CDK9-Cyclin T1 PPI inhibitor with good potency against TNBC cell lines while exhibiting lower toxicity in normal human cell lines than the positive compound I-CDK9. Notably, compound B19 showed good pharmacokinetic properties and excellent antitumor activity against TNBC (4T1) allografts in mice with a therapeutic index of more than 42 (TGI4T1(12.5 mg/kg,i.p.) = 63.1% vs. LD50 = 537 mg/kg). Moreover, the administration of B19 in combination with the PARP inhibitor Olaparib results in a significant increase of the antitumor activity in MDA-MB-231 cells relative to that of either single agent. To our knowledge, B19 is the first reported non-metal organic compound that acts as a selective CDK9-Cyclin T1 PPI inhibitor with in vivo antitumor activity, and it may be alone and in combination with PARP inhibitor Olaparib for TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiping Gao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Huaqiao University School of Medicine Science, Quanzhou, 362021, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xudan Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yuqing Qian
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, PR China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yingkun Qiu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Huaqiao University School of Medicine Science, Quanzhou, 362021, China.
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
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Kuang Z, Guo K, Cao Y, Jiang M, Wang C, Wu Q, Hu G, Ao M, Huang M, Qin J, Zhao T, Lu S, Sun C, Li M, Wu T, Liu W, Fang M. The novel CDK9 inhibitor, XPW1, alone and in combination with BRD4 inhibitor JQ1, for the treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1915-1929. [PMID: 37884683 PMCID: PMC10703862 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02464-y] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a highly lethal malignancy with few therapeutic options. Cyclin‑dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a potential therapeutic target of many cancers, has been recently observed to be upregulated in ccRCC patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of CDK9 in ccRCC and develop a novel CDK9 inhibitor with low toxicity for ccRCC treatment. METHODS The expression of CDK9 in ccRCC was checked using the online database and tissue microarray analysis. shRNA-mediated CDK9 knockdown and CDK inhibitor were applied to evaluate the effect of CDK9 on ccRCC. Medicinal chemistry methods were used to develop a new CDK9 inhibitor with drugability. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq experiments were conducted to explore the mechanism of action. MTS, western blotting, and colony formation assays were performed to evaluate the anti-ccRCC effects of CDK9 knockdown and inhibition in vitro. The in vivo anti-tumour efficacy was evaluated in a xenograft model. RESULTS CDK9 is overexpressed and associated with poor survival in ccRCC. Knockdown or inhibition of CDK9 significantly suppressed ccRCC cells. XPW1 was identified as a new potent and selective CDK9 inhibitor with excellent anti-ccRCC activity and low toxicity. In mechanism, XPW1 transcriptionally inhibited DNA repair programmes in ccRCC cells, resulting in an excellent anti-tumour effect. CDK9 and BRD4 were two highly correlated transcriptional regulators in ccRCC patients, and the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 enhanced XPW1's anti-ccRCC effects in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS This work provides valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of CDK9 in ccRCC. The CDK9 inhibitor XPW1 would be a novel therapeutic agent for targeting ccRCC, alone or in rational combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Kuang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Kaiqiang Guo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
- College of Arts, Sichuan University, 610207, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Mengxue Jiang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
- Jiangxi Cancer Hospital (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical Colloge), 519 East Beijing Rd, 330029, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiaoqiong Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Guosheng Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingtao Ao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingfeng Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingbo Qin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Taige Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Sheng Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Cuiling Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingyu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China.
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Chen D, Hong R, Cao Y, Wu Q, Wang Y, Chen J, Li J, Zhang W, Zhan Q. Combined Wee1 and EGFR inhibition reveals synergistic antitumor effect in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2023; 44:451-462. [PMID: 37279554 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most common amplified and overexpressed oncogenes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), while the clinical efficacy of EGFR-targeted therapy in ESCC is dismal. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of dual blockage using monoclonal antibody against EGFR (Nimotuzumab) and an Wee1 inhibitor (AZD1775) in ESCC. We found that the mRNA and protein expression of EGFR and Wee1 were positively correlated in ESCC. Nimotuzumab-AZD1775 co-treatment inhibited tumor growth in PDX models with different drug susceptibility. Transcriptome sequencing and mass spectrometry analysis indicated that higher sensitive models showed enrichment of the PI3K/Akt or MAPK signaling pathway in Nimotuzumab-AZD1775 group compared with control group. In vitro experiments showed that the combination further inhibit PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways compared to their monotherapy as indicated by downregulation of pAKT, pS6, pMEK, pErk and p-p38 MAPK. Furthermore, AZD1775 potentiated Nimotuzumab's antitumor effect through inducing apoptosis. Meanwhile, the bioinformatics analysis suggests the POLR2A might be candidate molecule of EGFR/Wee1 downstream. In conclusion, our work uncovers that EGFR-mAb Nimotuzumab combined with Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 elicited potentiated anticancer activity against ESCC cell line and PDXs partially through PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways blockade. These preclinical data raise the promising that ESCC patients may benefit from dual target EGFR and Wee1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongshao Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Ruoxi Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Youjun Cao
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Qingnan Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jinting Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qimin Zhan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Vyshnavi AM H, Sankaran S, Namboori PK K, Venkidasamy B, Hirad AH, Alarfaj AA, Vinayagam R. In Silico Analysis of the Effect of Hydrastis canadensis on Controlling Breast Cancer. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1412. [PMID: 37629702 PMCID: PMC10456556 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081412] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is a significant type of cancer among women worldwide. Studies have reported the anti-carcinogenic activity of Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) in cancer cell lines. Hydrastis Canadensis could help eliminate toxic substances due to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and other properties. The design phase includes the identification of potential and effective molecules through modern computational techniques. Objective: This work aims to study Hydrastis Canadensis's effect in controlling hormone-independent breast cancer through in-silico analysis. Materials and Methods: The preliminary screening of reported phytochemicals includes biomolecular networking. Identifying functionally relevant phytochemicals and the respective target mutations/genes leads to selecting 3D proteins of the desired mutations being considered the target. Interaction studies have been conducted using docking. The kinetic and thermodynamic stability of complexes was studied through molecular dynamic simulation and MM-PBSA/GBSA analysis. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features have been predicted. The mechanism-wise screening, functional enrichment, and interactional studies suggest that canadaline and Riboflavin effectively interact with the target proteins. Results: Hydrastis Canadensis has been identified as the effective formulation containing all these constituents. The phytoconstituents; Riboflavin and Canadensis showed good interaction with the targets of hormone-independent breast cancer. The complexes were found to be kinetically and thermodynamically stable. Conclusions: Hydrastis Canadensis has been identified as effective in controlling 'hormone-independent or basal-like breast cancer' followed by 'hormone-dependent breast cancer: Luminal A' and Luminal B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hima Vyshnavi AM
- Computational Chemistry Group (CCG), Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore 641112, India;
| | - Sathianarayanan Sankaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangaluru 575018, India;
| | - Krishnan Namboori PK
- Computational Chemistry Group (CCG), Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore 641112, India;
| | - Baskar Venkidasamy
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Abdurahman Hajinur Hirad
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.H.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Abdullah A. Alarfaj
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.H.H.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Ramachandran Vinayagam
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
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van der Noord VE, van der Stel W, Louwerens G, Verhoeven D, Kuiken HJ, Lieftink C, Grandits M, Ecker GF, Beijersbergen RL, Bouwman P, Le Dévédec SE, van de Water B. Systematic screening identifies ABCG2 as critical factor underlying synergy of kinase inhibitors with transcriptional CDK inhibitors. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:51. [PMID: 37147730 PMCID: PMC10161439 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01648-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with limited treatment options and poor clinical prognosis. Inhibitors of transcriptional CDKs are currently under thorough investigation for application in the treatment of multiple cancer types, including breast cancer. These studies have raised interest in combining these inhibitors, including CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531, with a variety of other anti-cancer agents. However, the full scope of these potential synergistic interactions of transcriptional CDK inhibitors with kinase inhibitors has not been systematically investigated. Moreover, the mechanisms behind these previously described synergistic interactions remain largely elusive. METHODS Kinase inhibitor combination screenings were performed to identify kinase inhibitors that synergize with CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 and CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531 in TNBC cell lines. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening and transcriptomic evaluation of resistant versus sensitive cell lines were performed to identify genes critical for THZ531 resistance. RNA sequencing analysis after treatment with individual and combined synergistic treatments was performed to gain further insights into the mechanism of this synergy. Kinase inhibitor screening in combination with visualization of ABCG2-substrate pheophorbide A was used to identify kinase inhibitors that inhibit ABCG2. Multiple transcriptional CDK inhibitors were evaluated to extend the significance of the found mechanism to other transcriptional CDK inhibitors. RESULTS We show that a very high number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors synergize with the CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531. Yet, we identified the multidrug transporter ABCG2 as key determinant of THZ531 resistance in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that most synergistic kinase inhibitors block ABCG2 function, thereby sensitizing cells to transcriptional CDK inhibitors, including THZ531. Accordingly, these kinase inhibitors potentiate the effects of THZ531, disrupting gene expression and increasing intronic polyadenylation. CONCLUSION Overall, this study demonstrates the critical role of ABCG2 in limiting the efficacy of transcriptional CDK inhibitors and identifies multiple kinase inhibitors that disrupt ABCG2 transporter function and thereby synergize with these CDK inhibitors. These findings therefore further facilitate the development of new (combination) therapies targeting transcriptional CDKs and highlight the importance of evaluating the role of ABC transporters in synergistic drug-drug interactions in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera E van der Noord
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wanda van der Stel
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs Louwerens
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle Verhoeven
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J Kuiken
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The NKI Robotics and Screening Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cor Lieftink
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The NKI Robotics and Screening Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Grandits
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard F Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roderick L Beijersbergen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The NKI Robotics and Screening Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Bouwman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia E Le Dévédec
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bob van de Water
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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9
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Wu L, Gao J, Zhang Y, Sui B, Wen Y, Wu Q, Liu K, He S, Bo X. A hybrid deep forest-based method for predicting synergistic drug combinations. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100411. [PMID: 36936075 PMCID: PMC10014304 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy is a promising approach in treating multiple complex diseases. However, the large search space of available drug combinations exacerbates challenge for experimental screening. To predict synergistic drug combinations in different cancer cell lines, we propose an improved deep forest-based method, ForSyn, and design two forest types embedded in ForSyn. ForSyn handles imbalanced and high-dimensional data in medium-/small-scale datasets, which are inherent characteristics of drug combination datasets. Compared with 12 state-of-the-art methods, ForSyn ranks first on four metrics for eight datasets with different feature combinations. We conduct a systematic analysis to identify the most appropriate configuration parameters. We validate the predictive value of ForSyn with cell-based experiments on several previously unexplored drug combinations. Finally, a systematic analysis of feature importance is performed on the top contributing features extracted by ForSyn. The resulting key genes may play key roles on corresponding cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Wu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Binsheng Sui
- School of Film, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuqi Wen
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Qingqiang Wu
- School of Film, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Kunhong Liu
- School of Film, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Song He
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaochen Bo
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
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10
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The CMG helicase and cancer: a tumor "engine" and weakness with missing mutations. Oncogene 2023; 42:473-490. [PMID: 36522488 PMCID: PMC9948756 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02572-8] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The replicative Cdc45-MCM-GINS (CMG) helicase is a large protein complex that functions in the DNA melting and unwinding steps as a component of replisomes during DNA replication in mammalian cells. Although the CMG performs this important role in cell growth, the CMG is not a simple bystander in cell cycle events. Components of the CMG, specifically the MCM precursors, are also involved in maintaining genomic stability by regulating DNA replication fork speeds, facilitating recovery from replicative stresses, and preventing consequential DNA damage. Given these important functions, MCM/CMG complexes are highly regulated by growth factors such as TGF-ß1 and by signaling factors such as Myc, Cyclin E, and the retinoblastoma protein. Mismanagement of MCM/CMG complexes when these signaling mediators are deregulated, and in the absence of the tumor suppressor protein p53, leads to increased genomic instability and is a contributor to tumorigenic transformation and tumor heterogeneity. The goal of this review is to provide insight into the mechanisms and dynamics by which the CMG is regulated during its assembly and activation in mammalian genomes, and how errors in CMG regulation due to oncogenic changes promote tumorigenesis. Finally, and most importantly, we highlight the emerging understanding of the CMG helicase as an exploitable vulnerability and novel target for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
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11
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Li FJ, Long HZ, Zhou ZW, Luo HY, Xu SG, Gao LC. System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 axis: An important antioxidant system for the ferroptosis in drug-resistant solid tumor therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:910292. [PMID: 36105219 PMCID: PMC9465090 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.910292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of ferroptosis is a new effective way to treat drug-resistant solid tumors. Ferroptosis is an iron-mediated form of cell death caused by the accumulation of lipid peroxides. The intracellular imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant due to the abnormal expression of multiple redox active enzymes will promote the produce of reactive oxygen species (ROS). So far, a few pathways and regulators have been discovered to regulate ferroptosis. In particular, the cystine/glutamate antiporter (System Xc−), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione (GSH) (System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 axis) plays a key role in preventing lipid peroxidation-mediated ferroptosis, because of which could be inhibited by blocking System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 axis. This review aims to present the current understanding of the mechanism of ferroptosis based on the System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 axis in the treatment of drug-resistant solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jiao Li
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Hui-Zhi Long
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Zi-Wei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong-Yu Luo
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Shuo-Guo Xu
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Li-Chen Gao
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Li-Chen Gao,
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12
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Chava S, Bugide S, Malvi P, Gupta R. Co-targeting of specific epigenetic regulators in combination with CDC7 potently inhibit melanoma growth. iScience 2022; 25:104752. [PMID: 35942091 PMCID: PMC9356103 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer that frequently metastasizes, but current therapies only benefit some patients. Here, we demonstrate that the serine/threonine kinase cell division cycle 7 (CDC7) is overexpressed in melanoma, and patients with higher expression have shorter survival. Transcription factor ELK1 regulates CDC7 expression, and CDC7 inhibition promotes cell cycle arrest, senescence, and apoptosis, leading to inhibition of melanoma tumor growth and metastasis. Our chemical genetics screen with epigenetic inhibitors revealed stronger melanoma tumor growth inhibition when XL413 is combined with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 or BRPF1/2/3 inhibitor OF1. Mechanistically, XL413 with GSK343 or OF1 synergistically altered the expression of tumor-suppressive genes, leading to higher apoptosis than the single agent alone. Collectively, these results identify CDC7 as a driver of melanoma tumor growth and metastasis that can be targeted alone or in combination with EZH2 or BRPF1/2/3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Suresh Bugide
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Parmanand Malvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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13
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ACBD3 Bioinformatic Analysis and Protein Expression in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168881. [PMID: 36012147 PMCID: PMC9408326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
ACBD3 overexpression has previously been found to correlate with worse prognosis for breast cancer patients and, as an incredibly diverse protein in both function and cellular localisation, ACBD3 may have a larger role in breast cancer than previously thought. This study further investigated ACBD3′s role in breast cancer. Bioinformatic databases were queried to characterise ACBD3 expression and mutation in breast cancer and to investigate how overexpression affects breast cancer patient outcomes. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to examine ACBD3 location within cells and tissue structures. ACBD3 was more highly expressed in breast cancer than in any other cancer or matched normal tissue, and expression over the median level resulted in reduced relapse-free, overall, and distant metastasis-free survival for breast cancer patients as a whole, with some differences observed between subtypes. IHC analysis found that ACBD3 levels varied based on hormone receptor status, indicating that ACBD3 could be a candidate biomarker for poor patient prognosis in breast cancer and may possibly be a biomarker for ER signal reprogramming of precancerous breast tissue.
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14
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Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 in cancer therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1633-1645. [PMID: 34811514 PMCID: PMC9253122 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 9 associates mainly with cyclin T1 and forms the positive transcription elongation factor b (p-TEFb) complex responsible for transcriptional regulation. It has been shown that CDK9 modulates the expression and activity of oncogenes, such as MYC and murine double minute 4 (MDM4), and it also plays an important role in development and/or maintenance of the malignant cell phenotype. Malfunction of CDK9 is frequently observed in numerous cancers. Recent studies have highlighted the function of CDK9 through a variety of mechanisms in cancers, including the formation of new complexes and epigenetic alterations. Due to the importance of CDK9 activation in cancer cells, CDK9 inhibitors have emerged as promising candidates for cancer therapy. Natural product-derived and chemically synthesized CDK9 inhibitors are being examined in preclinical and clinical research. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of CDK9 in transcriptional regulation, epigenetic regulation, and different cellular factor interactions, focusing on new advances. We show the importance of CDK9 in mediating tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Then, we provide an overview of some CDK9 inhibitors supported by multiple oncologic preclinical and clinical investigations. Finally, we discuss the perspective and challenge of CDK9 modulation in cancer.
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15
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Liu R, Huang Y. CDC7 as a novel biomarker and druggable target in cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1856-1864. [PMID: 35657477 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02853-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Due to the bottlenecks encountered in traditional treatment for tumor, more effective drug targets need to be developed. Cell division cycle 7 kinase plays an important role in DNA replication, DNA repair and recombination signaling pathways. In this review, we first describe recent studies on the role of CDC7 in DNA replication in normal human tissues, and then we integrate new evidence focusing on the important role of CDC7 in replication stress tolerance of tumor cells and its impact on the prognosis of clinical oncology patients. Finally, we comb through the CDC7 inhibitors identified in recent studies as a reference for further research in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runze Liu
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yong Huang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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16
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Transcription associated cyclin-dependent kinases as therapeutic targets for prostate cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:3303-3315. [PMID: 35568739 PMCID: PMC9187515 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional deregulation has emerged as a hallmark of several cancer types. In metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, a stage in which systemic androgen deprivation therapies fail to show clinical benefit, transcriptional addiction to the androgen receptor is maintained in most patients. This has led to increased efforts to find novel therapies that prevent oncogenic transactivation of the androgen receptor. In this context, a group of druggable protein kinases, known as transcription associated cyclin-dependent kinases (tCDKs), show great potential as therapeutic targets. Despite initial reservations about targeting tCDKs due to their ubiquitous and prerequisite nature, preclinical studies showed that selectively inhibiting such kinases could provide sufficient therapeutic window to exert antitumour effects in the absence of systemic toxicity. As a result, several highly specific inhibitors are currently being trialled in solid tumours, including prostate cancer. This article summarises the roles of tCDKs in regulating gene transcription and highlights rationales for their targeting in prostate cancer. It provides an overview of the most recent developments in this therapeutic area, including the most recent clinical advances, and discusses the utility of tCDK inhibitors in combination with established cancer agents.
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17
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Firoozbakht F, Rezaeian I, Rueda L, Ngom A. Computationally repurposing drugs for breast cancer subtypes using a network-based approach. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:143. [PMID: 35443626 PMCID: PMC9020161 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04662-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
‘De novo’ drug discovery is costly, slow, and with high risk. Repurposing known drugs for treatment of other diseases offers a fast, low-cost/risk and highly-efficient method toward development of efficacious treatments. The emergence of large-scale heterogeneous biomolecular networks, molecular, chemical and bioactivity data, and genomic and phenotypic data of pharmacological compounds is enabling the development of new area of drug repurposing called ‘in silico’ drug repurposing, i.e., computational drug repurposing (CDR). The aim of CDR is to discover new indications for an existing drug (drug-centric) or to identify effective drugs for a disease (disease-centric). Both drug-centric and disease-centric approaches have the common challenge of either assessing the similarity or connections between drugs and diseases. However, traditional CDR is fraught with many challenges due to the underlying complex pharmacology and biology of diseases, genes, and drugs, as well as the complexity of their associations. As such, capturing highly non-linear associations among drugs, genes, diseases by most existing CDR methods has been challenging. We propose a network-based integration approach that can best capture knowledge (and complex relationships) contained within and between drugs, genes and disease data. A network-based machine learning approach is applied thereafter by using the extracted knowledge and relationships in order to identify single and pair of approved or experimental drugs with potential therapeutic effects on different breast cancer subtypes. Indeed, further clinical analysis is needed to confirm the therapeutic effects of identified drugs on each breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Firoozbakht
- School of Computer Science, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Iman Rezaeian
- School of Computer Science, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, Canada.,Rocket Innovation Studio, 156 Chatham St W, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Luis Rueda
- School of Computer Science, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, Canada.
| | - Alioune Ngom
- School of Computer Science, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON, Canada
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18
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Liao M, Qin R, Huang W, Zhu HP, Peng F, Han B, Liu B. Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) with small-molecule compounds in triple-negative breast cancer: a revisited perspective from molecular mechanisms to targeted therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:44. [PMID: 35414025 PMCID: PMC9006445 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of human breast cancer with one of the worst prognoses, with no targeted therapeutic strategies currently available. Regulated cell death (RCD), also known as programmed cell death (PCD), has been widely reported to have numerous links to the progression and therapy of many types of human cancer. Of note, RCD can be divided into numerous different subroutines, including autophagy-dependent cell death, apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and anoikis. More recently, targeting the subroutines of RCD with small-molecule compounds has been emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy, which has rapidly progressed in the treatment of TNBC. Therefore, in this review, we focus on summarizing the molecular mechanisms of the above-mentioned seven major RCD subroutines related to TNBC and the latest progress of small-molecule compounds targeting different RCD subroutines. Moreover, we further discuss the combined strategies of one drug (e.g., narciclasine) or more drugs (e.g., torin-1 combined with chloroquine) to achieve the therapeutic potential on TNBC by regulating RCD subroutines. More importantly, we demonstrate several small-molecule compounds (e.g., ONC201 and NCT03733119) by targeting the subroutines of RCD in TNBC clinical trials. Taken together, these findings will provide a clue on illuminating more actionable low-hanging-fruit druggable targets and candidate small-molecule drugs for potential RCD-related TNBC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Rui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.,Antibiotics Research and Re-Evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P, Luo S, Chen Y, Jomhori M, Imani S, Xiang S, Wu Z, Li M, Shen J, Zhao Y, Wu X, Hin Cho C, Xiao Z. Pharmacotranscriptomic profiling of resistant triple-negative breast cancer cells treated with lapatinib and berberine shows upregulation of PI3K/Akt signaling under cytotoxic stress. Gene X 2022; 816:146171. [PMID: 35026293 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146171] [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: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most incurable type of breast cancer, accounting for 15-20% of breast cancer cases. Lapatinib is a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting EGFR and Her2, and berberine (BBR) is a plant-based alkaloid suggested to inhibit several cancer signaling pathways. We previously reported that lapatinib activates the Akt oncoprotein in MDA-MB231 TNBC cells. The present study determined the mechanism(s) of Akt activation in response to lapatinib, BBR, and capivasertib (Akt inhibitor) as well as the role of Akt signaling in chemoresistance in TNBC cells. Genetic profiles of 10 TNBC cell lines and patients were analyzed using datasets obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas Database. Then, the effects of lapatinib, BBR, and capivasertib on treated MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cell lines were studied using cytotoxicity, immunoblot, and RNA-sequencing analyses. For further confirmation, we also performed real-time PCR for genes associated with PI3K signaling. MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cell lines were both strongly resistant to capivasertib largely due to significant Akt activation in both breast cancer cell lines, while lapatinib and BBR only enhanced Akt signaling in MDA-MB231 cells. Next-generation sequencing, functional enrichment analysis, and immunoblot revealed downregulation of CDK6 and DNMT1 in response to lapatinib and BBR lead to a decrease in cell proliferation. Expression of placental, fibroblast growth factor, and angiogenic biomarker genes, which are significantly associated with Akt activation and/or dormancy in breast cancer cells, was significantly upregulated in TNBC cells treated with lapatinib and BBR. Lapatinib and BBR activate Akt through upregulation of alternative signaling, which lead to chemoresistance in TNBC cell. In addition, lapatinib overexpresses genes related to PI3K signaling in resistant TNBC cell model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Cancer Biology, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Shuang Luo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yao Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Masume Jomhori
- Department of Biotechnology Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saber Imani
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shixin Xiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zhigui Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China; South Sichuan Institution for Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, PR China.
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20
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Cheng SS, Qu YQ, Wu J, Yang GJ, Liu H, Wang W, Huang Q, Chen F, Li G, Wong CY, Wong VKW, Ma DL, Leung CH. Inhibition of the CDK9-cyclin T1 protein-protein interaction as a new approach against triple-negative breast cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:1390-1405. [PMID: 35530158 PMCID: PMC9069406 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) activity is correlated with worse outcomes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. The heterodimer between CDK9 with cyclin T1 is essential for maintaining the active state of the kinase and targeting this protein-protein interaction (PPI) may offer promising avenues for selective CDK9 inhibition. Herein, we designed and generated a library of metal complexes bearing the 7-chloro-2-phenylquinoline CˆN ligand and tested their activity against the CDK9-cyclin T1 PPI. Complex 1 bound to CDK9 via an enthalpically-driven binding mode, leading to disruption of the CDK9-cyclin T1 interaction in vitro and in cellulo. Importantly, complex 1 showed promising anti-metastatic activity against TNBC allografts in mice and was comparably active compared to cisplatin. To our knowledge, 1 is the first CDK9-cyclin T1 PPI inhibitor with anti-metastatic activity against TNBC. Complex 1 could serve as a new platform for the future design of more efficacious kinase inhibitors against cancer, including TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha-Sha Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Yuan-Qing Qu
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao 999078, China
| | - Jia Wu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao 999078, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Chun-Yuen Wong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao 999078, China
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
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21
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Liu P, Zhou W, Yang L, Zhang C. E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF180 reduces sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer cells to Gefitinib by downregulating RAD51. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 354:109798. [PMID: 34998818 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109798] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gefitinib (Gef) is an EGFR inhibitor and its resistance in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a critical concern. E3 ubiquitin ligases are pivotal for mediation of TNBC metastasis. However, the role of E3 ubiquitin ligase Ring Finger Protein 180 (RNF180) in EGFR inhibitor resistance of TNBC remains unclear. This study was performed to investigate how the E3 ubiquitin protein ligase RNF180 manipulated the growth, metastasis, and resistance to Gef of TNBC cells. METHODS TNBC tissues were harvested for detection of RNF180 and RAD51 expression. Gef-resistant cell lines were constructed. Next, gain- and loss-of-function assays were implemented in TNBC cell lines and Gef-resistant cell lines, followed by assessment of TNBC cell biological processes. IP assay was performed to detect the interaction between RNF180 and RAD51. Drug resistance-related genes (MRP1, BCRP, and MDR1) were evaluated by Western blot and RT-qPCR. The tumorigenesis was performed in nude mice to observe the growth and metastasis of TNBC in vivo. RESULTS RAD51 was highly expressed in TNBC tissues and cells, while RNF180 was poorly expressed. Mechanistically, RNF180 degraded RAD51 by ubiquitination. Overexpression of RNF180 or silencing of RAD51 suppressed proliferation, invasion, migration, and Gef resistance of TNBC cells and accelerated their apoptosis. Upregulation of RNF180 or downregulation of RAD51 diminished tumorigenesis and Gef resistance of TNBC in mice. CONCLUSION RNF180 degraded RAD51 by ubiquitination, thereby inhibiting TNBC cell growth and metastasis and sensitizing TNBC cells to Gef.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pian Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, PR China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, PR China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, PR China.
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, PR China.
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22
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Borowczak J, Szczerbowski K, Ahmadi N, Szylberg Ł. CDK9 inhibitors in multiple myeloma: a review of progress and perspectives. Med Oncol 2022; 39:39. [PMID: 35092513 PMCID: PMC8800928 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01636-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Currently, multiple myeloma is not yet considered a curable disease. Despite the recent advances in therapy, the average patient lifespan is still unsatisfactory. Recently, CDK9 inhibitors emerged as a suitable agent to overcome resistance and prolong survival in patients with poor diagnoses. Downregulation of c-MYC, XIAP, Mcl-1 and restoration of p53 tumor-suppressive functions seems to play a key role in achieving clinical response. The applicability of the first generation of CDK9 inhibitors was limited due to relatively high toxicity, but the introduction of novel, highly selective drugs, seems to reduce the effects of off-target inhibition. CDK9 inhibitors were able to induce dose-dependent cytotoxicity in Doxorubicin-resistant, Lenalidomide-resistant and Bortezomib-resistant cell lines. They seem to be effective in cell lines with unfavorable prognostic factors, such as p53 deletion, t(4; 14) and t(14; 16). In preclinical trials, the application of CDK9 inhibitors led to tumor cells apoptosis, tumor growth inhibition and tumor mass reduction. Synergistic effects between CDK9 inhibitors and either Venetoclax, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide or Erlotinib have been proven and are awaiting verification in clinical trials. Although conclusions should be drawn with due care, obtained reports suggest that including CDK9 inhibitors into the current drug regimen may turn out to be beneficial, especially in poor prognosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Szczerbowski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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23
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Al-Taie Z, Hannink M, Mitchem J, Papageorgiou C, Shyu CR. Drug Repositioning and Subgroup Discovery for Precision Medicine Implementation in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6278. [PMID: 34944904 PMCID: PMC8699385 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death among female patients with cancer. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have the lowest survival rate. TNBC has substantial heterogeneity within the BC population. This study utilized our novel patient stratification and drug repositioning method to find subgroups of BC patients that share common genetic profiles and that may respond similarly to the recommended drugs. After further examination of the discovered patient subgroups, we identified five homogeneous druggable TNBC subgroups. A drug repositioning algorithm was then applied to find the drugs with a high potential for each subgroup. Most of the top drugs for these subgroups were chemotherapy used for various types of cancer, including BC. After analyzing the biological mechanisms targeted by these drugs, ferroptosis was the common cell death mechanism induced by the top drugs in the subgroups with neoplasm subdivision and race as clinical variables. In contrast, the antioxidative effect on cancer cells was the common targeted mechanism in the subgroup of patients with an age less than 50. Literature reviews were used to validate our findings, which could provide invaluable insights to streamline the drug repositioning process and could be further studied in a wet lab setting and in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Al-Taie
- Institute for Data Science & Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (Z.A.-T.); (J.M.)
- Department of Computer Science, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10070, Iraq
| | - Mark Hannink
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, MO 65211, USA;
- Department of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 1201 Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jonathan Mitchem
- Institute for Data Science & Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (Z.A.-T.); (J.M.)
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Christos Papageorgiou
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Chi-Ren Shyu
- Institute for Data Science & Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (Z.A.-T.); (J.M.)
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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24
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Sirinian C, Papanastasiou AD, Degn SE, Frantzi T, Aronis C, Chaniotis D, Makatsoris T, Koutras A, Kalofonos HP. RANK-C Expression Sensitizes ER-Negative, EGFR-Positive Breast Cancer Cells to EGFR-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs). Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111686. [PMID: 34828291 PMCID: PMC8619104 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We have previously shown that overexpression of RANK-c in ER-negative breast cancer cell lines attenuates aggressive properties of cancer cells, partially through a RANK-c/EGFR interaction. EGFR inhibition through TKIs in breast cancer has been tested in triple-negative disease settings with limited clinical benefit for patients. Here we test if expression of RANK-c in ER-negative breast cancer cells in conjunction with treatment with TK inhibitors (erlotinib or gefitinib) can affect survival and colony-forming capacity of cancer cells. Methods: Stably expressing MDA-MB-231-RANK-c and SKBR3-RANK-c cells were employed to test proliferation and colony formation in the presence of TKIs. In addition, Western blot analysis was performed to dissect EGFR related signaling cascades upon TK inhibition in the presence of RANK-c. Results: Interestingly the two RANK-c expressing, ER-negative cells lines presented with a distinct phenotype concerning TKI sensitivity upon treatment. MDA-MB-231-RANK-c cells had a higher sensitivity upon gefitinib treatment, while erlotinib decreased the proliferation rate of SKBR3-RANK-c cells. Further, colony formation assays for MDA-MB-231-RANK-c cells showed a decrease in the number and size of colonies developed in the presence of erlotinib. In addition, RANK-c seems to alter signaling through EGFR after TKI treatment in a cell type-specific manner. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ER-negative breast cancer cells that express RANK-c alter their sensitivity profile against tyrosine kinase inhibitors (erlotinib and gefitinib) in a cell type-specific and culture substrate-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaido Sirinian
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (T.F.); (C.A.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (H.P.K.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +30-26-1096-9133
| | | | - Soren E. Degn
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Theodora Frantzi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (T.F.); (C.A.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (H.P.K.)
| | - Christos Aronis
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (T.F.); (C.A.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (H.P.K.)
| | - Dimitrios Chaniotis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece; (A.D.P.); (D.C.)
| | - Thomas Makatsoris
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (T.F.); (C.A.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (H.P.K.)
| | - Angelos Koutras
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (T.F.); (C.A.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (H.P.K.)
| | - Haralabos P. Kalofonos
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (T.F.); (C.A.); (T.M.); (A.K.); (H.P.K.)
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25
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Genetic variations of DNA bindings of FOXA1 and co-factors in breast cancer susceptibility. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5318. [PMID: 34518541 PMCID: PMC8438084 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25670-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying transcription factors (TFs) whose DNA bindings are altered by genetic variants that regulate susceptibility genes is imperative to understand transcriptional dysregulation in disease etiology. Here, we develop a statistical framework to analyze extensive ChIP-seq and GWAS data and identify 22 breast cancer risk-associated TFs. We find that, by analyzing genetic variations of TF-DNA bindings, the interaction of FOXA1 with co-factors such as ESR1 and E2F1, and the interaction of TFs with chromatin features (i.e., enhancers) play a key role in breast cancer susceptibility. Using genetic variants occupied by the 22 TFs, transcriptome-wide association analyses identify 52 previously unreported breast cancer susceptibility genes, including seven with evidence of essentiality from functional screens in breast relevant cell lines. We show that FOXA1 and co-factors form a core TF-transcriptional network regulating the susceptibility genes. Our findings provide additional insights into genetic variations of TF-DNA bindings (particularly for FOXA1) underlying breast cancer susceptibility. The identification of transcription factors (TFs) whose binding sites are affected by risk genetic variants remains crucial. Here, the authors develop a statistical framework to analyse ChIP-seq and GWAS data, identify 22 breast cancer risk-associated TFs and a core TF-transcriptional network for FOXA1 and co-factors.
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26
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Panagiotou E, Gomatou G, Trontzas IP, Syrigos N, Kotteas E. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors in solid tumors: a review of clinical trials. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 24:161-192. [PMID: 34363593 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02688-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a key regulating role in the cell cycle, which is almost universally altered in cancer, leading to sustained proliferation. Early pan-CDK inhibitors showed poor results in clinical trials for solid malignancies, as the lack of selectivity produced significant toxicity. The production of more selective inhibitors led to significant developments in cancer therapy, as CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapy changed the landscape of the treatment of hormone-receptor positive (HR +) metastatic breast cancer. Recently, Trilaciclib demonstrated benefits regarding hematological toxicity compared to placebo when administered in combination with chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer. Newer agents, such as SY-5609, a selective CDK7 inhibitor, have also shown promising results in early clinical trials. In this paper, we review the data from clinical trials of CDK inhibitors in solid tumors, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other agents, with an emphasis on novel agents and potential new indications for this drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Panagiotou
- Oncology Unit, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens School of Medicine, 152 Mesogeion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| | - G Gomatou
- Oncology Unit, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens School of Medicine, 152 Mesogeion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - I P Trontzas
- Oncology Unit, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens School of Medicine, 152 Mesogeion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - N Syrigos
- Oncology Unit, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens School of Medicine, 152 Mesogeion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - E Kotteas
- Oncology Unit, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens School of Medicine, 152 Mesogeion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
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27
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Gao X, Wang X. HMGA2 rs968697 T > C polymorphism is associated with the risk of colorectal cancer. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 40:821-828. [PMID: 34284697 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2021.1952596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A genetic polymorphism (rs968697 T > C) in the HMGA2 gene has recently been linked to an increased risk of hepatoblastoma. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of the polymorphism on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study aimed to explore whether the rs968697 polymorphism had a significant impact on CRC risk. A total of 500 CRC patients and 500 age and gender matched healthy individuals were genotyped by using the SNaPshot method. Quantitative real-time PCR technology was used to detect the relative expression of the HMGA2 gene in 30 pairs of primary CRC and adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Results: HMGA2 rs968697 polymorphism was significantly associated with CRC risk [CC vs. TT: OR = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.06-0.70, P = 0.01; (CC + CT) vs. TT: OR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.53-0.96, P = 0.02; CC vs. (CT + TT): OR = 0.21, 95%CI = 0.06-0.73, P = 0.01; C vs. T: OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.51-0.89, P < 0.01]. The analysis based on tumor stage indicated that the CRC patients with HMGA2 rs968697 C allele were less likely to have high-stage tumors. Furthermore, the genotype-tissue expression analysis revealed that the rs968697 CC genotype was linked to the low expression of HMGA2 gene. The in silico analysis revealed that the rs968697 polymorphism in the promoter region of the HMGA2 gene could influence transcription factor binding, including ATF6, DBP, CDPCR3, DR3, NRSF, PAX8, PPARA, SZF11, TAXCREB and POLR2A. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the HMGA2 rs968697 polymorphism was linked to CRC risk and could be used as a biomarker to detect CRC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueren Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Yancheng Teachers' University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Physical Examination Centre, Xuhui District Central Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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28
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Gao GB, Sun Y, Fang RD, Wang Y, Wang Y, He QY. Post-translational modifications of CDK5 and their biological roles in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2021; 2:22. [PMID: 35006426 PMCID: PMC8607427 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-021-00029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) have emerged as important regulatory mechanisms that modulate cancer development in patients. Though CDK5 is an atypical member of the cyclin-dependent kinase family, its aberrant expression links to cell proliferation, DNA damage response, apoptosis, migration and angiogenesis in cancer. Current studies suggested that, new PTMs on CDK5, including S-nitrosylation, sumoylation, and acetylation, serve as molecular switches to control the kinase activity of CDK5 in the cell. However, a majority of these modifications and their biological significance in cancer remain uncharacterized. In this review, we discussed the role of PTMs on CDK5-mediated signaling cascade, and their possible mechanisms of action in malignant tumors, as well as the challenges and future perspectives in this field. On the basis of the newly identified regulatory signaling pathways of CDK5 related to PTMs, researchers have investigated the cancer therapeutic potential of chemical compounds, small-molecule inhibitors, and competitive peptides by targeting CDK5 and its PTMs. Results of these preclinical studies demonstrated that targeting PTMs of CDK5 yields promising antitumor effects and that clinical translation of these therapeutic strategies is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Bin Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yue Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Run-Dong Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Qing-Yu He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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29
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Organ-Specific, Fibroblast-Derived Matrix as a Tool for Studying Breast Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133331. [PMID: 34283050 PMCID: PMC8269313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer in the breast often spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, which leads to poor outcomes for patients, as there are few effective treatments. Within organs such as the lungs, cancer cells are surrounded by a scaffold, made of proteins, which helps keeps the organs’ structure and maintains their function. This scaffold is produced by cells called fibroblasts, and we can reproduce this in the lab. We aim to investigate how cancer cells interact with the protein scaffold from different organs, where breast cancer cells spread to. This study hopes to reveal how breast cancer reacts to different organ environments and use this method to perform large-scale drug screening. Importantly, this study has shown that drug testing of breast cancer cells within a more physiological context, as opposed to testing on plastic, can lead to increased identification of targets to treat breast cancer. Abstract During the metastatic process, breast cancer cells must come into contact with the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) at every step. The ECM provides both structural support and biochemical cues, and cell–ECM interactions can lead to changes in drug response. Here, we used fibroblast-derived ECM (FDM) to perform high throughput drug screening of 4T1 breast cancer cells on metastatic organ ECM (lung), and we see that drug response differs from treatment on plastic. The FDMs that we can produce from different organs are abundant in and contains a complex mixture of ECM proteins. We also show differences in ECM composition between the primary site and secondary organ sites. Furthermore, we show that global kinase signalling of 4T1 cells on the ECM is relatively unchanged between organs, while changes in signalling compared to plastic are significant. Our study highlights the importance of context when testing drug response in vitro, showing that consideration of the ECM is critically important.
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Cheng S, Yang GJ, Wang W, Ma DL, Leung CH. Discovery of a tetrahydroisoquinoline-based CDK9-cyclin T1 protein–protein interaction inhibitor as an anti-proliferative and anti-migration agent against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1674-1688. [PMID: 36157485 PMCID: PMC9485199 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, PR China
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, PR China
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, PR China
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, PR China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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You KS, Yi YW, Cho J, Park JS, Seong YS. Potentiating Therapeutic Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:589. [PMID: 34207383 PMCID: PMC8233743 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subset of breast cancer with aggressive characteristics and few therapeutic options. The lack of an appropriate therapeutic target is a challenging issue in treating TNBC. Although a high level expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a poor prognosis among patients with TNBC, targeted anti-EGFR therapies have demonstrated limited efficacy for TNBC treatment in both clinical and preclinical settings. However, with the advantage of a number of clinically approved EGFR inhibitors (EGFRis), combination strategies have been explored as a promising approach to overcome the intrinsic resistance of TNBC to EGFRis. In this review, we analyzed the literature on the combination of EGFRis with other molecularly targeted therapeutics or conventional chemotherapeutics to understand the current knowledge and to provide potential therapeutic options for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sic You
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Yong Weon Yi
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeonghee Cho
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeong-Soo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
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Bahman F, Pittalà V, Haider M, Greish K. Enhanced Anticancer Activity of Nanoformulation of Dasatinib against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11060559. [PMID: 34204015 PMCID: PMC8234460 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer accounting for around 15% of identified breast cancer cases. TNBC lacks human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification, is hormone independent estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) negative, and is not reactive to current targeted therapies. Existing treatment relies on chemotherapeutic treatment, but in spite of an initial response to chemotherapy, the inception of resistance and relapse is unfortunately common. Dasatinib is an approved second-generation inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases, and literature data strongly support its use in the management of TNBC. However, dasatinib binds to plasma proteins and undergoes extensive metabolism through oxidation and conjugation. To protect dasatinib from fast pharmacokinetic degradation and to prolong its activity, it was encapsulated on poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA) micelles. The obtained SMA-dasatinib nanoparticles (NPs) were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, in vitro antiproliferative activity in different TNBC cell lines, and in vivo anticancer activity in a syngeneic model of breast cancer. Obtained results showed that SMA-dasatinib is more potent against 4T1 TNBC tumor growth in vivo compared to free drug. This enhanced effect was ascribed to the encapsulation of the drug protecting it from a rapid metabolism. Our finding highlights the often-overlooked value of nanoformulations in protecting its cargo from degradation. Overall, results may provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for TNBC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemah Bahman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Kuwait Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 50000, Kuwait;
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (K.G.); Tel.: +39-0957-738-4269 (V.P.); +973-1723-7393 (K.G.); Fax: +973-1724-6022 (K.G.)
| | - Mohamed Haider
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 71526, Egypt
| | - Khaled Greish
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Nanomedicine Unit, Princess Al-Jawhara Center for Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (K.G.); Tel.: +39-0957-738-4269 (V.P.); +973-1723-7393 (K.G.); Fax: +973-1724-6022 (K.G.)
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Suski JM, Braun M, Strmiska V, Sicinski P. Targeting cell-cycle machinery in cancer. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:759-778. [PMID: 33891890 PMCID: PMC8206013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal activity of the core cell-cycle machinery is seen in essentially all tumor types and represents a driving force of tumorigenesis. Recent studies revealed that cell-cycle proteins regulate a wide range of cellular functions, in addition to promoting cell division. With the clinical success of CDK4/6 inhibitors, it is becoming increasingly clear that targeting individual cell-cycle components may represent an effective anti-cancer strategy. Here, we discuss the potential of inhibiting different cell-cycle proteins for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Suski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marcin Braun
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Vladislav Strmiska
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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34
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Itoh T, Hatano R, Horimoto Y, Yamada T, Song D, Otsuka H, Shirakawa Y, Mastuoka S, Iwao N, Aune TM, Dang NH, Kaneko Y, Okumura K, Morimoto C, Ohnuma K. IL-26 mediates epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance through endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:520. [PMID: 34021125 PMCID: PMC8139965 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in TNBC, clinical trials with EGFR inhibitors including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) in TNBC have heretofore been unsuccessful. To develop effective EGFR-targeted therapy for TNBC, the precise mechanisms of EGFR-TKI resistance in TNBC need to be elucidated. In this study, to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the differences in EGFR-TKI efficacy on TNBC between human and mouse, we focused on the effect of IL-26, which is absent in mice. In vitro analysis showed that IL-26 activated AKT and JNK signaling of bypass pathway of EGFR-TKI in both murine and human TNBC cells. We next investigated the mechanisms involved in IL-26-mediated EGFR-TKI resistance in TNBC. We identified EphA3 as a novel functional receptor for IL-26 in TNBC. IL-26 induced dephosphorylation and downmodulation of EphA3 in TNBC, which resulted in increased phosphorylation of AKT and JNK against EGFR-TKI-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to tumor growth. Meanwhile, the blockade of IL-26 overcame EGFR-TKI resistance in TNBC. Since the gene encoding IL-26 is absent in mice, we utilized human IL-26 transgenic (hIL-26Tg) mice as a tumor-bearing murine model to characterize the role of IL-26 in the differential effect of EGFR-TKI in human and mice and to confirm our in vitro findings. Our findings indicate that IL-26 activates the bypass pathway of EGFR-TKI, while blockade of IL-26 overcomes EGFR-TKI resistance in TNBC via enhancement of ER stress signaling. Our work provides novel insights into the mechanisms of EGFR-TKI resistance in TNBC via interaction of IL-26 with its newly identified receptor EphA3, while also suggesting IL-26 as a possible therapeutic target in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Itoh
- Department of Therapy Development and Innovation for Immune Disorders and Cancers, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.,Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Ryo Hatano
- Department of Therapy Development and Innovation for Immune Disorders and Cancers, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Horimoto
- Department of Breast Oncology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Taketo Yamada
- Department of Pathology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama-machi, Iruma-gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Dan Song
- Department of Therapy Development and Innovation for Immune Disorders and Cancers, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Haruna Otsuka
- Department of Therapy Development and Innovation for Immune Disorders and Cancers, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yuki Shirakawa
- Department of Therapy Development and Innovation for Immune Disorders and Cancers, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Shuji Mastuoka
- Department of Immunological Diagnosis, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Noriaki Iwao
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, 410-2295, Japan
| | - Thomas M Aune
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Nam H Dang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road-Box 100278, Room MSB M410A, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Yutaro Kaneko
- Y's AC Co., Ltd., 2-6-8 Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0074, Japan
| | - Ko Okumura
- Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Chikao Morimoto
- Department of Therapy Development and Innovation for Immune Disorders and Cancers, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kei Ohnuma
- Department of Therapy Development and Innovation for Immune Disorders and Cancers, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
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Zhang M, Zhang L, Hei R, Li X, Cai H, Wu X, Zheng Q, Cai C. CDK inhibitors in cancer therapy, an overview of recent development. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:1913-1935. [PMID: 34094661 PMCID: PMC8167670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated cell division, which leads to aberrant cell proliferation, is one of the key hallmarks of cancer. Therefore, therapeutic targets that block cell division would be effective for cancer treatment. Cell division is mainly controlled by a complex composed of cyclin and cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs). To date, the CDK inhibitors (CDKIs), specifically the ones that block the enzyme activity of CDK4 and CDK6 (CDK4/6), have been approved by FDA for the treatment of metastatic hormone receptor positive breast cancer. However, due to the non-selectivity and significant toxicity, most of the first generation CDK inhibitors (so called pan-CDK inhibitors that target several CDKs), have not been approved for clinical application. Despite this, great efforts and progress have been made to enable pan-CDK inhibitors application in the clinical setting. Notably, the development of combination therapy strategies in recent years has made it possible to reduce the toxicity and side effects of pan-CDK inhibitors. Thus, as a combination therapy approach, pan-CDK inhibitors regain great potential in clinical application. In this review, we introduced the CDK family members and discussed their major functions in cell cycle controlling. Then, we summarized the research progress regarding CDK inhibitors, especially those other than CDK4/6 inhibitors. We reviewed first-generation pan-CDKIs Flavopiridol and Roscovitine, and second-generation CDKIs Dinaciclib, P276-00, AT7519, TG02, Roniciclib, RGB-286638 by focusing on their developing stages, clinical trials and targeting cancers. The specific CDKIs, which targets to increase specificity and decrease the side effects, were also discussed. These CDKIs include CDK4/6, CDK7, CDK9, and CDK12/13 inhibitors. Finally, the efficacy and discrepancy of combination therapy with CDK inhibitors and PD1/PDL1 antibodies were analyzed, which might give insights into the development of promising strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan UniversityWuhan 430071, China
| | - Lingxian Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan UniversityWuhan 430071, China
| | - Ruoxuan Hei
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan UniversityWuhan 430071, China
| | | | - Xuan Wu
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Qiping Zheng
- Department of Hematological Laboratory Science, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu UniversityZhenjiang 212013, China
- Shenzhen Academy of Peptide Targeting Technology at Pingshan, and Shenzhen Tyercan Bio-pharm Co., Ltd.Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Cheguo Cai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan UniversityWuhan 430071, China
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Differential reprogramming of breast cancer subtypes in 3D cultures and implications for sensitivity to targeted therapy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7259. [PMID: 33790333 PMCID: PMC8012355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86664-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Screening for effective candidate drugs for breast cancer has shifted from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) cultures. Here we systematically compared the transcriptomes of these different culture conditions by RNAseq of 14 BC cell lines cultured in both 2D and 3D conditions. All 3D BC cell cultures demonstrated increased mitochondrial metabolism and downregulated cell cycle programs. Luminal BC cells in 3D demonstrated overall limited reprogramming. 3D basal B BC cells showed increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction genes, which coincides with an invasive phenotype not observed in other BC cells. Genes downregulated in 3D were associated with metastatic disease progression in BC patients, including cyclin dependent kinases and aurora kinases. Furthermore, the overall correlation of the cell line transcriptome to the BC patient transcriptome was increased in 3D cultures for all TNBC cell lines. To define the most optimal culture conditions to study the oncogenic pathway of interest, an open source bioinformatics strategy was established.
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Liu Y, Xue M, Cao D, Qin L, Wang Y, Miao Z, Wang P, Hu X, Shen J, Xiong B. Multi-omics characterization of WNT pathway reactivation to ameliorate BET inhibitor resistance in liver cancer cells. Genomics 2021; 113:1057-1069. [PMID: 33667649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The Bromodomain and Extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are promising targets in treating cancers. Although BET inhibitors have been in clinical trials, they are limited by lacking of suitable biomarkers to indicate drug responses in different cancers. Here we identify DHRS2, ETV4 and NOTUM as potential biomarkers to indicate drug resistance in liver cancer cells of a recently discovered BET inhibitor, Hjp-6-171. Furthermore, we confirm that reactivation of WNT pathway, the target of NOTUM, contributes to the drug sensitivity restoration in Hjp-6-171 resistant cells. Specially, combinations of Hjp-6-171 and a GSK3β inhibitor CHIR-98014 show remarkable therapeutic effects in vitro and in vivo. Integrating RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data, we reveal the expression signature of β-catenin regulated genes is contrary in sensitive cells to that in resistant cells. We propose WNT signaling molecules such as β-catenin and ETV4 to be candidate biomarkers to indicate BET inhibitor responses in liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Liu
- SARI center for stem cell and nanomedicine, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mengzhu Xue
- SARI center for stem cell and nanomedicine, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Danyan Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lihuai Qin
- Center for chemical biology and drug discovery, department of pharmacological sciences, Tisch cancer institute, Icahn School of medicine at Mount Sinai, New York 10029, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zehong Miao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, Key Lab of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Xin Hu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Jingkang Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bing Xiong
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Liao M, Zhang J, Wang G, Wang L, Liu J, Ouyang L, Liu B. Small-Molecule Drug Discovery in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Current Situation and Future Directions. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2382-2418. [PMID: 33650861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, but an effective targeted therapy has not been well-established so far. Considering the lack of effective targets, where do we go next in the current TNBC drug development? A promising intervention for TNBC might lie in de novo small-molecule drugs that precisely target different molecular characteristics of TNBC. However, an ideal single-target drug discovery still faces a huge challenge. Alternatively, other new emerging strategies, such as dual-target drug, drug repurposing, and combination strategies, may provide new insight into the improvement of TNBC therapeutics. In this review, we focus on summarizing the current situation of a series of candidate small-molecule drugs in TNBC therapy, including single-target drugs, dual-target drugs, as well as drug repurposing and combination strategies that will together shed new light on the future directions targeting TNBC vulnerabilities with small-molecule drugs for future therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Leiming Wang
- The Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Trailblazing perspectives on targeting breast cancer stem cells. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107800. [PMID: 33421449 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women's health worldwide. The recurrence and metastasis of BCa have made it a long-standing challenge to achieve remission-persistent or disease-undetectable clinical outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and generate heterogeneous tumor bulk. The existence of CSCs has been found to be vital in the initiation, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence of tumors across cancer types. Because CSCs grow slowly in their dormant state, they are insensitive to conventional chemotherapies; however, when CSCs emerge from their dormant state and become clinically evident, they usually acquire genetic traits that make them resistant to existing therapies. Moreover, CSCs also show evidence of acquired drug resistance in synchrony with tumor relapses. The concept of CSCs provides a new treatment strategy for BCa. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in research on breast CSCs and their association with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), plasticity of tumor cells, tumor microenvironment (TME), T-cell modulatory protein PD-L1, and non-coding RNAs. On the basis that CSCs are associated with multiple dysregulated biological processes, we envisage that increased understanding of disease sub-classification, selected combination of conventional treatment, molecular aberration directed therapy, immunotherapy, and CSC targeting/sensitizing strategy might improve the treatment outcome of patients with advanced BCa. We also discuss novel perspectives on new drugs and therapeutics purposing the potent and selective expunging of CSCs.
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Mologni L, Marzaro G, Redaelli S, Zambon A. Dual Kinase Targeting in Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E119. [PMID: 33401428 PMCID: PMC7796318 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological cancer therapy is often based on the concurrent inhibition of different survival pathways to improve treatment outcomes and to reduce the risk of relapses. While this strategy is traditionally pursued only through the co-administration of several drugs, the recent development of multi-targeting drugs (i.e., compounds intrinsically able to simultaneously target several macromolecules involved in cancer onset) has had a dramatic impact on cancer treatment. This review focuses on the most recent developments in dual-kinase inhibitors used in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and lymphoid tumors, giving details on preclinical studies as well as ongoing clinical trials. A brief overview of dual-targeting inhibitors (kinase/histone deacetylase (HDAC) and kinase/tubulin polymerization inhibitors) applied to leukemia is also given. Finally, the very recently developed Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC)-based kinase inhibitors are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mologni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, I-35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Sara Redaelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Alfonso Zambon
- Department of Chemistry and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Song X, Wang X, Liu Z, Yu Z. Role of GPX4-Mediated Ferroptosis in the Sensitivity of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Gefitinib. Front Oncol 2020; 10:597434. [PMID: 33425751 PMCID: PMC7785974 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.597434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gefitinib resistance in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a growing important concern. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a main regulator of ferroptosis, which is pivotal for TNBC cell growth. We investigated GPX4-mediated ferroptosis in gefitinib sensitivity in TNBC. Gefitinib resistant TNBC cells MDA-MB-231/Gef and HS578T/Gef were constructed and treated with lentivirus sh-GPX4 and ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. GPX4 expression, cell viability and apoptosis were detected. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated. The levels of ferroptosis-related proteins were detected. Subcutaneous tumor model was established in nude mice, and gefitinib was intraperitoneally injected to evaluate tumor growth, apoptosis, and Ki-67 expression. GPX4 was increased in gefitinib-resistant cells. After silencing GPX4, the inhibition rate of cell viability was increased, the limitation of colony formation ability was reduced, apoptosis rate was increased, and the sensitivity of cells to gefitinib was improved. After silencing GPX4, MDA and ROS production were increased, while GSH was decreased. Silencing GPX4 promoted ferroptosis. Inhibition of GPX4 promoted gefitinib sensitivity by promoting cell ferroptosis. In vivo experiments also revealed that inhibition of GPX4 enhanced the anticancer effect of gefitinib through promoting ferroptosis. Overall, inhibition of GPX4 stimulated ferroptosis and enhanced TNBC cell sensitivity to gefitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhiyong Yu
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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Wisitpongpun P, Suphrom N, Potup P, Nuengchamnong N, Calder PC, Usuwanthim K. In Vitro Bioassay-Guided Identification of Anticancer Properties from Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf against the MDA-MB-231 Cell Line. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13120464. [PMID: 33333817 PMCID: PMC7765196 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120464] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is a medicinal plant distributed across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. MO has been used in the traditional treatment of various diseases including cancer. This study aimed to perform bioassay-guided fractionation and identification of bioactive compounds from MO leaf against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. MO leaf was sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and ethanol. The most effective extract was subjected to fractionation. MO extract and its derived fractions were continuously screened for anti-cancer activities. The strongest fraction was selected for re-fractionation and identification of bioactive compounds using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. The best anticancer activities were related to the fraction no. 7-derived crude EtOAc extract. This fraction significantly reduced cell viability and clonogenic growth and increased cells apoptosis. Moreover, sub-fraction no. 7.7-derived fraction no. 7 was selected for the identification of bioactive compounds. There were 10 candidate compounds tentatively identified by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Three of identified compounds (7-octenoic acid, oleamide, and 1-phenyl-2-pentanol) showed anticancer activities by inducing cell cycle arrest and triggering apoptosis through suppressed Bcl-2 expression which subsequently promotes activation of caspase 3, indicators for the apoptosis pathway. This study identified 10 candidate compounds that may have potential in the field of anticancer substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapakorn Wisitpongpun
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (P.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Nungruthai Suphrom
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand;
| | - Pachuen Potup
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (P.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Nitra Nuengchamnong
- Science Laboratory Centre, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand;
| | - Philip C. Calder
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK;
| | - Kanchana Usuwanthim
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit (CMIRU), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (P.W.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-89-780-3878
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Beyond Kinases: Targeting Replication Stress Proteins in Cancer Therapy. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:430-446. [PMID: 33203609 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA replication stress describes a state of impaired replication fork progress that triggers a cellular stress response to maintain genome stability and complete DNA synthesis. Replication stress is a common state that must be tolerated in many cancers. One promising therapeutic approach is targeting replication stress response factors such as the ataxia telangiectasia and rad 3-related kinase (ATR) or checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) kinases that some cancers depend upon to survive endogenous replication stress. However, research revealing the complexity of the replication stress response suggests new genetic interactions and candidate therapeutic targets. Many of these candidates regulate DNA transactions around reversed replication forks, including helicases, nucleases and alternative polymerases that promote fork stability and restart. Here we review emerging strategies to exploit replication stress for cancer therapy.
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Mao CG, Jiang SS, Shen C, Long T, Jin H, Tan QY, Deng B. BCAR1 promotes proliferation and cell growth in lung adenocarcinoma via upregulation of POLR2A. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:3326-3336. [PMID: 33001583 PMCID: PMC7606008 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the effects of a novel carcinogenetic molecule, p130cas (breast cancer antiestrogen resistance protein 1 or BCAR1) on proliferation and cell growth in lung adenocarcinoma. The study also aimed to identify the possible underlying signal networks of BCAR1. METHODS First, we evaluated proliferation, cell colony formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle after BCAR1 was knocked out (KO) using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in H1975 and H1299 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Subsequently, BCAR1 was upregulated in 293T cells and immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) was used with bioinformatics analysis to screen for potential networks of BCAR1 interacting proteins. Ultimately, we validated the correlated expressions of BCAR1 and a selected hub gene, RNA polymerase II subunit A (POLR2A), in 54 lung adenocarcinoma tissues, as well as in H1975 and H1299 cells. RESULTS Cell proliferation of H1975 and H1299 was significantly inhibited following BCAR1-KO. Colony formation of H1975 cells was also significantly decreased following BCAR1-KO. IP-MS demonstrated 419 potential proteins that may interact with BCAR1. Among them, 68 genes were significantly positively correlated to BCAR1 expression, as verified by TCGA. Six hub genes were revealed by PPI String. High expression of POLR2A, MAPK3, MOV10, and XAB2 predicted poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma, as verified by the K-M plotter database. POLR2A and MAPK3 are involved in both catalytic activity and transferase activity. POLR2A and BCAR1 were significantly increased in lung cancer tissues as compared with matched normal tissues. High expression of POLR2A was significantly positively correlated to BCAR1 overexpression and predicted poor prognosis in 54 lung cancer cases. POLR2A expression was significantly decreased following BCAR1-KO in H1975 and H1299 cells. CONCLUSIONS BCAR1 promotes proliferation and cell growth, probably via upregulation of POLR2A and subsequent enhancement of catalytic and transferase activities. However, additional robust studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Guo Mao
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sha-Sha Jiang
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Shen
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tan Long
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Jin
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qun-You Tan
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Deng
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Thanindratarn P, Dean DC, Feng W, Wei R, Nelson SD, Hornicek FJ, Duan Z. Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) in chordoma: prognostic and therapeutic value. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2020; 29:3214-3228. [PMID: 32691223 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-020-06543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) expression in chordoma patient tissues and cell lines, its correlation with oncologic outcomes, and its function in chordoma cell proliferation. METHODS A chordoma tissue microarray was constructed from fifty-six patient specimens and examined by immunohistochemistry to measure CDK12 expression and its correlation to patient clinical characteristics and survival. CDK12 expression in chordoma cell lines and patient tissues was evaluated via western blot. CDK12 specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) was applied to determine whether its inhibition attenuated chordoma cell growth and proliferation. RESULTS CDK12 was expressed in the majority of chordoma specimens, with notably higher expression in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. High CDK12 expression was an independent prognostic predictor for shorter overall and progression-free survival in chordoma by univariate and multivariate analysis. Western blot analysis revealed that CDK12 was also highly expressed in chordoma cell lines, with CDK12 specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated knockdown decreasing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, inhibition of CDK12 decreased phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) and the anti-apoptotic proteins Survivin and Mcl-1. CONCLUSION High expression of CDK12 is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in chordoma. Inhibition of CDK12 significantly decreased chordoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Our results support CDK12 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in chordoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pichaya Thanindratarn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chulabhorn Hospital, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Wenlong Feng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Scott D Nelson
- Department of Pathology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Reed DR, Alexandrow MG. Myc and the Replicative CMG Helicase: The Creation and Destruction of Cancer: Myc Over-Activation of CMG Helicases Drives Tumorigenesis and Creates a Vulnerability in CMGs for Therapeutic Intervention. Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900218. [PMID: 32080866 PMCID: PMC8223603 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Myc-driven tumorigenesis involves a non-transcriptional role for Myc in over-activating replicative Cdc45-MCM-GINS (CMG) helicases. Excessive stimulation of CMG helicases by Myc mismanages CMG function by diminishing the number of reserve CMGs necessary for fidelity of DNA replication and recovery from replicative stresses. One potential outcome of these events is the creation of DNA damage that alters genomic structure/function, thereby acting as a driver for tumorigenesis and tumor heterogeneity. Intriguingly, another potential outcome of this Myc-induced CMG helicase over-activation is the creation of a vulnerability in cancer whereby tumor cells specifically lack enough unused reserve CMG helicases to recover from fork-stalling drugs commonly used in chemotherapy. This review provides molecular and clinical support for this provocative hypothesis that excessive activation of CMG helicases by Myc may not only drive tumorigenesis, but also confer an exploitable "reserve CMG helicase vulnerability" that supports developing innovative CMG-focused therapeutic approaches for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon R Reed
- Department of Interdisciplinary Cancer Management, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Mark G Alexandrow
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
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CDK7 Inhibition is Effective in all the Subtypes of Breast Cancer: Determinants of Response and Synergy with EGFR Inhibition. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030638. [PMID: 32155786 PMCID: PMC7140476 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CDK7, a transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinase, is emerging as a novel cancer target. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) but not estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers have been reported to be uniquely sensitive to the CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 due to the inhibition of a cluster of TNBC-specific genes. However, bioinformatic analysis indicates that CDK7 RNA expression is associated with negative prognosis in all the major subtypes of breast cancer. To further elucidate the effects of CDK7 inhibition in breast cancer, we profiled a panel of cell lines representing different breast cancer subtypes. THZ1 inhibited cell growth in all subtypes (TNBC, HER2+, ER+, and HER2+/ER+) with no apparent subtype selectivity. THZ1 inhibited CDK7 activity and induced G1 arrest and apoptosis in all the tested cell lines, but THZ1 sensitivity did not correlate with CDK7 inhibition or CDK7 expression levels. THZ1 sensitivity across the cell line panel did not correlate with TNBC-specific gene expression but it was found to correlate with the differential inhibition of three genes: CDKN1B, MYC and transcriptional coregulator CITED2. Response to THZ1 also correlated with basal CITED2 protein expression, a potential marker of CDK7 inhibitor sensitivity. Furthermore, all of the THZ1-inhibited genes examined were inducible by EGF but THZ1 prevented this induction. THZ1 had synergistic or additive effects when combined with the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib, with no outward selectivity for a particular subtype of breast cancer. These results suggest a potential broad utility for CDK7 inhibitors in breast cancer therapy and the potential for combining CDK7 and EGFR inhibitors.
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Network pharmacology-based preventive effect of XZF on cutaneous toxicities induced by EGFR inhibitor. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 123:109755. [PMID: 31926375 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin toxicities induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors such as Erlotinib plagues clinical challenges. Chinese formulas have a unique advantage in reducing side effects. Here, we aim to investigate the skin protecting function of XiaoZhenFang (XZF), a clinical adjuvant prescription made up of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon, Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma, Forsythiae Fructus, Spirodelae Herba, Cortex Moutan and Prunellae Spica. Our data showed that XZF aqueous extract effectively reduced skin toxicities induced by Erlotinib in vivo using established mice model. Next, we used a systems pharmacology approach to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of XZF with the goal of understanding its effects at the system, organ, and molecular levels. 44 candidate compounds and 103 potential targets were identified by network pharmacology. Inflammation, cell stress and the EGFR-related signal pathways, which may participate in the skin protection afforded by XZF, were analyzed by gene enrichment. Importantly, our in vivo experimental results largely validated XZF's mechanism of action, as predicted by the system pharmacology analysis. Our study uncovered the effect and mechanism of XZF in attenuating skin toxicities induced by EGFRI, providing a basis for the development of in-hospital preparations and new drugs for the prevention of skin toxicities.
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