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Xia J, Zhao H, Edmondson JL, Koss B, Zhan F. Role of NEK2 in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00212-0. [PMID: 39181803 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.07.013] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a serine/threonine kinase found in the nucleus and cytoplasm throughout the cell cycle. NEK2 is overexpressed in many cancers and is a biomarker of poor prognosis. Factors contributing to NEK2 elevation in cancer cells include oncogenic transcription factors, decreased ubiquitination, DNA methylation, and the circular RNA (circRNA)/long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-miRNA axis. NEK2 overexpression produces chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, thereby enhancing cancer progression and suppressing antitumor immunity, which highlights the prominence of NEK2 in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting NEK2 have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo across various cancer types. This review outlines the regulatory mechanisms of NEK2 expression, emphasizes its functional roles in cancer initiation and progression, and highlights the anticancer properties of NEK2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Xia
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changshengxi Road 28, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changshengxi Road 28, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jacob L Edmondson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Brian Koss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Fenghuang Zhan
- Myeloma Center, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Aquino-Acevedo AN, Orengo-Orengo JA, Cruz-Robles ME, Saavedra HI. Mitotic kinases are emerging therapeutic targets against metastatic breast cancer. Cell Div 2024; 19:21. [PMID: 38886738 PMCID: PMC11184769 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-024-00125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to outline mitotic kinase inhibitors' roles as potential therapeutic targets and assess their suitability as a stand-alone clinical therapy or in combination with standard treatments for advanced-stage solid tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Breast cancer poses a significant global health risk, with TNBC standing out as the most aggressive subtype. Comprehending the role of mitosis is crucial for understanding how TNBC advances from a solid tumor to metastasis. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment used to treat TNBC. Some types of chemotherapeutic agents target cells in mitosis, thus highlighting the need to comprehend the molecular mechanisms governing mitosis in cancer. This understanding is essential for devising targeted therapies to disrupt these mitotic processes, prevent or treat metastasis, and improve patient outcomes. Mitotic kinases like Aurora kinase A, Aurora Kinase B, never in mitosis gene A-related kinase 2, Threonine-Tyrosine kinase, and Polo-kinase 1 significantly impact cell cycle progression by contributing to chromosome separation and centrosome homeostasis. When these kinases go awry, they can trigger chromosome instability, increase cell proliferation, and activate different molecular pathways that culminate in a transition from epithelial to mesenchymal cells. Ongoing clinical trials investigate various mitotic kinase inhibitors as potential biological treatments against advanced solid tumors. While clinical trials against mitotic kinases have shown some promise in the clinic, more investigation is necessary, since they induce severe adverse effects, particularly affecting the hematopoietic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Aquino-Acevedo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Research Institute, 388 Luis Salas Zona Industrial Reparada 2, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716-2347, USA
| | - Joel A Orengo-Orengo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Research Institute, 388 Luis Salas Zona Industrial Reparada 2, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716-2347, USA
| | - Melanie E Cruz-Robles
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Research Institute, 388 Luis Salas Zona Industrial Reparada 2, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716-2347, USA
| | - Harold I Saavedra
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Research Institute, 388 Luis Salas Zona Industrial Reparada 2, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716-2347, USA.
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Jessen M, Gertzmann D, Liss F, Zenk F, Bähner L, Schöffler V, Schulte C, Maric HM, Ade CP, von Eyss B, Gaubatz S. Inhibition of the YAP-MMB interaction and targeting NEK2 as potential therapeutic strategies for YAP-driven cancers. Oncogene 2024; 43:578-593. [PMID: 38182898 PMCID: PMC10873197 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02926-w] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
YAP activation in cancer is linked to poor outcomes, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Previous research focused on blocking the interaction of YAP with TEAD transcription factors. Here, we took a different approach by disrupting YAP's binding to the transcription factor B-MYB using MY-COMP, a fragment of B-MYB containing the YAP binding domain fused to a nuclear localization signal. MY-COMP induced cell cycle defects, nuclear abnormalities, and polyploidization. In an AKT and YAP-driven liver cancer model, MY-COMP significantly reduced liver tumorigenesis, highlighting the importance of the YAP-B-MYB interaction in tumor development. MY-COMP also perturbed the cell cycle progression of YAP-dependent uveal melanoma cells but not of YAP-independent cutaneous melanoma cell lines. It counteracted YAP-dependent expression of MMB-regulated cell cycle genes, explaining the observed effects. We also identified NIMA-related kinase (NEK2) as a downstream target of YAP and B-MYB, promoting YAP-driven transformation by facilitating centrosome clustering and inhibiting multipolar mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Jessen
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Dörthe Gertzmann
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Franziska Liss
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Franziska Zenk
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Laura Bähner
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Victoria Schöffler
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Clemens Schulte
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Hans Michael Maric
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten P Ade
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Björn von Eyss
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, 07745, Germany.
| | - Stefan Gaubatz
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany.
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Flores Fortis M, Perez Añorve IX, Del Moral Hernandez O, Villegas N, Arechaga Ocampo E. Transcriptomic profiles-based approach to decode the role of miR-122 in triple negative breast cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2023; 62:392-404. [PMID: 36695641 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23126] [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: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
miR-122 has been considered both as tumor suppressor miRNA and oncomiR in breast tumor phenotypes. However, the role of miR-122 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still unknown. In this study, the clinical value of miR-122 was used to describe the transcriptomic landscape of TNBC tumors obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Low expression levels of miR-122 were associated with poor overall survival (OS) of TNBC patients than those with higher expression levels of miR-122. We identified gene expression profiles in TNBC tumors expressed lower or higher miR-122. Gene coexpression networks analysis revealed gene modules and hub genes specific to TNBC tumors with low or high miR-122 levels. Gene ontology and KEGG pathways analysis revealed that gene modules in TNBC with gain of miR-122 were related to cell cycle and DNA repair, while in TNBC with loss of miR-122 were enriched in cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis and activation of cell migration and invasion. The expression of hub genes distinguished TNBC tumors with gain or loss of miR-122 from normal breast tissues. Furthermore, high levels of hub genes were associated with better OS in TNBC patients. Interestingly, the gene coexpression network related to loss of miR-122 were enriched with target genes of miR-122, but this did not observed in those with gain of miR-122. Target genes of miR-122 are oncogenes mainly associated with cell differentiation-related processes. Finally, 75 genes were identified exclusively associated to loss of miR-122, which are also implicated in cell differentiation. In conclusion, miR-122 could act as tumor suppressor by controlling oncogenes in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Flores Fortis
- Posgrado en Ciencias Naturales e Ingenieria, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico.,Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isidro X Perez Añorve
- Laboratorio de Patología Vascular Cerebral, Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia Manuel Velasco Suarez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Oscar Del Moral Hernandez
- Laboratorio de Virologia, Facultad de Ciencias Quimico Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Nicolas Villegas
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elena Arechaga Ocampo
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
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Escudero-Feliu J, García-Costela M, Moreno-SanJuan S, Puentes-Pardo JD, Arrabal SR, González-Novoa P, Núñez MI, Carazo Á, Jimenez-Lopez JC, León J. Narrow Leafed Lupin ( Lupinus angustifolius L.) β-Conglutin Seed Proteins as a New Natural Cytotoxic Agents against Breast Cancer Cells. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030523. [PMID: 36771230 PMCID: PMC9919070 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most widespread tumor in women and the second type of most common cancer worldwide. Despite all the technical and medical advances in existing therapies, between 30 and 50% of patients with BC will develop metastasis, which contributes to the failure of existing treatments. This situation urges the need to find more effective prevention and treatment strategies like the use of plant-based nutraceutical compounds. In this context, we purified three Narrow Leafed Lupin (NLL) β-conglutins isoforms using affinity-chromatography and evaluated their effectiveness in terms of viability, proliferation, apoptosis, stemness properties, and mechanism of action on both BC cell lines and a healthy one. NLL β-conglutins proteins have very promising effects at the molecular level on BC cells at very low concentrations, emerging as a potential natural cytotoxic agent and preserving the viability of healthy cells. These proteins could act through a dual mechanism involving tumorigenic and stemness-related genes such as SIRT1 and FoxO1, depending on the state of p53. More studies must be carried out to completely understand the underlying mechanisms of action of these nutraceutical compounds in BC in vitro and in vivo, and their potential use for the inhibition of other cancer cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Moreno-SanJuan
- Cytometry and Microscopy Research Service, Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose D. Puentes-Pardo
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, E-18011 Granada, Spain
| | - Sandra Ríos Arrabal
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | | | - María Isabel Núñez
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, E-18100 Granada, Spain
| | - Ángel Carazo
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Jose C. Jimenez-Lopez
- Department of Stress, Development and Plant Signalling, Estacion Experimental del Zaidin, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), E-18008 Granada, Spain
- UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.C.J.-L.); (J.L.)
| | - Josefa León
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
- Clinical Management Unit of Digestive Disease and UNAI, San Cecilio University Hospital, E-18006 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.J.-L.); (J.L.)
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In Mitosis You Are Not: The NIMA Family of Kinases in Aspergillus, Yeast, and Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074041. [PMID: 35409400 PMCID: PMC8999480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA) family of serine/threonine kinases is a diverse group of protein kinases implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes, including cilia regulation, microtubule dynamics, mitotic processes, cell growth, and DNA damage response. The founding member of this family was initially identified in Aspergillus and was found to play important roles in mitosis and cell division. The yeast family has one member each, Fin1p in fission yeast and Kin3p in budding yeast, also with functions in mitotic processes, but, overall, these are poorly studied kinases. The mammalian family, the main focus of this review, consists of 11 members named Nek1 to Nek11. With the exception of a few members, the functions of the mammalian Neks are poorly understood but appear to be quite diverse. Like the prototypical NIMA, many members appear to play important roles in mitosis and meiosis, but their functions in the cell go well beyond these well-established activities. In this review, we explore the roles of fungal and mammalian NIMA kinases and highlight the most recent findings in the field.
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