1
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Ji W, Du G, Jiang J, Lu W, Mills CE, Yuan L, Jiang F, He Z, Bradshaw GA, Chung M, Jiang Z, Byun WS, Hinshaw SM, Zhang T, Gray NS. Discovery of bivalent small molecule degraders of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7). Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116613. [PMID: 39004018 PMCID: PMC11316633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7, along with cyclin H and MAT1, forms the CDK-activating complex (CAK), which directs cell cycle progression via T-loop phosphorylation of cell cycle CDKs. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK7 leads to selective anti-cancer effects in cellular and in vivo models, motivating several ongoing clinical investigations of this target. Current CDK7 inhibitors are either reversible or covalent inhibitors of its catalytic activity. We hypothesized that small molecule targeted protein degradation (TPD) might result in differentiated pharmacology due to the loss of scaffolding functions. Here, we report the design and characterization of a potent CDK7 degrader that is comprised of an ATP-competitive CDK7 binder linked to a CRL2VHL recruiter. JWZ-5-13 effectively degrades CDK7 in multiple cancer cells and leads to a potent inhibition of cell proliferation. Additionally, compound JWZ-5-13 displayed bioavailability in a pharmacokinetic study conducted in mice. Therefore, JWZ-5-13 is a useful chemical probe to investigate the pharmacological consequences of CDK7 degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Ji
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Guangyan Du
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Caitlin E Mills
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Linjie Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Fen Jiang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Zhixiang He
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Gary A Bradshaw
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mirra Chung
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zixuan Jiang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Woong Sub Byun
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Stephen M Hinshaw
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H, and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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2
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Bergman MT, Zhang W, Liu Y, Jang H, Nussinov R. Binding Modalities and Phase-Specific Regulation of Cyclin/Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Complexes in the Cell Cycle. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:9315-9326. [PMID: 39314090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c03243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are activated upon cyclin-binding to enable progression through the cell cycle. Dominant CDKs and cyclins in mammalian cells include CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6 and corresponding cyclins A, B, D, and E. While only certain, "typical" cyclin/CDK complexes are primarily responsible for cell cycle progression, "atypical" cyclin/CDK complexes can form and sometimes perform the same roles as typical complexes. We asked what structural features of cyclins and CDKs favor the formation of typical complexes, a vital yet not fully explored question. We use computational docking and biophysical analyses to exhaustively evaluate the structure and stability of all CDK and cyclin complexes listed above. We find that binding of the complexes is generally stronger for typical than for atypical complexes, especially when the CDK is in an active conformation. Typical complexes have denser clusters, indicating that they have more defined cyclin-binding sites than atypical complexes. Our results help explain three notable features of cyclin/CDK function in the cell cycle: (i) why CDK4 and cyclin-D have exceptionally high specificity for each other; (ii) why both cyclin-A and cyclin-B strongly activate CDK1, whereas CDK2 is only strongly activated by cyclin-A; and (iii) why cyclin-E normally activates CDK2 but not CDK1. Overall, this work reveals the binding modalities of cyclin/CDK complexes, how the modalities lead to the preference for typical complexes versus atypical complexes, and how binding modalities differ between typical complexes. Our observations suggest targeting CDK catalytic actions through destabilizing their native differential cyclin interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Bergman
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Wengang Zhang
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Yonglan Liu
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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3
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Lin JX, Ge M, Liu CY, Holewinski R, Andresson T, Yu ZX, Gebregiorgis T, Spolski R, Li P, Leonard WJ. Tyrosine phosphorylation of both STAT5A and STAT5B is necessary for maximal IL-2 signaling and T cell proliferation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7372. [PMID: 39191751 PMCID: PMC11349758 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50925-6] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokine-mediated STAT5 protein activation is vital for lymphocyte development and function. In vitro tyrosine phosphorylation of a C-terminal tyrosine is critical for activation of STAT5A and STAT5B; however, the importance of STAT5 tyrosine phosphorylation in vivo has not been assessed. Here we generate Stat5a and Stat5b tyrosine-to-phenylalanine mutant knockin mice and find they have greatly reduced CD8+ T-cell numbers and profoundly diminished IL-2-induced proliferation of these cells, and this correlates with reduced induction of Myc, pRB, a range of cyclins and CDKs, and a partial G1→S phase-transition block. These mutant CD8+ T cells also exhibit decreased IL-2-mediated activation of pERK and pAKT, which we attribute in part to diminished expression of IL-2Rβ and IL-2Rγ. Our findings thus demonstrate that tyrosine phosphorylation of both STAT5A and STAT5B is essential for maximal IL-2 signaling. Moreover, our transcriptomic and proteomic analyses elucidate the molecular basis of the IL-2-induced proliferation of CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1674, USA.
| | - Meili Ge
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1674, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, PR China
| | - Cheng-Yu Liu
- Transgenic Mouse Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-8018, USA
| | - Ronald Holewinski
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Thorkell Andresson
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- Pathology Core, National Heart Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tesfay Gebregiorgis
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1674, USA
| | - Rosanne Spolski
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1674, USA
| | - Peng Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1674, USA
- Amgen, Inc., 2301 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1674, USA.
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4
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Shirasawa M, Nakajima R, Zhou Y, Zhao L, Fikriyanti M, Iwanaga R, Bradford AP, Kurayoshi K, Araki K, Ohtani K. Activation of the CDK7 Gene, Coding for the Catalytic Subunit of the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (CDK)-Activating Kinase (CAK) and General Transcription Factor II H, by the Trans-Activator Protein Tax of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type-1. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1080. [PMID: 39202439 PMCID: PMC11353830 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081080] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). The trans-activator protein Tax of HTLV-1 plays crucial roles in leukemogenesis by promoting proliferation of virus-infected cells through activation of growth-promoting genes. However, critical target genes are yet to be elucidated. We show here that Tax activates the gene coding for cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), the essential component of both CDK-activating kinase (CAK) and general transcription factor TFIIH. CAK and TFIIH play essential roles in cell cycle progression and transcription by activating CDKs and facilitating transcriptional initiation, respectively. Tax induced CDK7 gene expression not only in human T-cell lines but also in normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PHA-PBLs) along with increased protein expression. Tax stimulated phosphorylation of CDK2 and RNA polymerase II at sites reported to be mediated by CDK7. Tax activated the CDK7 promoter through the NF-κB pathway, which mainly mediates cell growth promotion by Tax. Knockdown of CDK7 expression reduced Tax-mediated induction of target gene expression and cell cycle progression. These results suggest that the CDK7 gene is a crucial target of Tax-mediated trans-activation to promote cell proliferation by activating CDKs and transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashiro Shirasawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Hyogo, Japan; (M.S.); (R.N.); (Y.Z.); (M.F.)
| | - Rinka Nakajima
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Hyogo, Japan; (M.S.); (R.N.); (Y.Z.); (M.F.)
| | - Yaxuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Hyogo, Japan; (M.S.); (R.N.); (Y.Z.); (M.F.)
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Hyogo, Japan; (M.S.); (R.N.); (Y.Z.); (M.F.)
| | - Mariana Fikriyanti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Hyogo, Japan; (M.S.); (R.N.); (Y.Z.); (M.F.)
| | - Ritsuko Iwanaga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (R.I.); (A.P.B.)
| | - Andrew P. Bradford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (R.I.); (A.P.B.)
| | - Kenta Kurayoshi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Ishikawa, Japan;
| | - Keigo Araki
- Department of Morphological Biology, Ohu University School of Dentistry, 31-1 Misumido Tomitamachi, Koriyama 963-8611, Fukushima, Japan;
| | - Kiyoshi Ohtani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda 669-1330, Hyogo, Japan; (M.S.); (R.N.); (Y.Z.); (M.F.)
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5
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Kar PP, Araveti PB, Saxena K, Borah A, Sijwali P, Srivastava A. Cimicifugin, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of Theileria annulata and Plasmodium falciparum CDK7. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0044024. [PMID: 39023263 PMCID: PMC11304743 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00440-24] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers, and a previous report suggested that Plasmodium falciparum CDK7 is a potential drug target for developing new anti-malarial drugs. In this study, we aimed to characterize and evaluate the drug target potential of Theileria annulata CDK7. Theileria annulata is responsible for tropical theileriosis, which induces a phenotype similar to cancerous cells like immortalization, hyperproliferation, and dissemination. Virtual screening of the MyriaScreen II library predicted 14 compounds with high binding energies to the ATP-binding pocket of TaCDK7. Three compounds (cimicifugin, ST092793, and ST026925) of these 14 compounds were non-cytotoxic to the uninfected bovine cells (BoMac cells). Cimicifugin treatment led to the activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway and induced autophagy in T. annulata-infected cells. Furthermore, cimicifugin also inhibited the growth of P. falciparum, indicating that it has both anti-theilerial and anti-malarial activities and that TaCDK7 and PfCDK7 are promising drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Parimita Kar
- BRIC-NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology), Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
| | - Prasanna Babu Araveti
- BRIC-NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology), Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
| | - Kanika Saxena
- CSIR-CCMB (Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology), Hyderabad, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Atlanta Borah
- BRIC-NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology), Hyderabad, India
| | - Puran Sijwali
- CSIR-CCMB (Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology), Hyderabad, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Anand Srivastava
- BRIC-NIAB (National Institute of Animal Biotechnology), Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, India
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6
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Düster R, Anand K, Binder SC, Schmitz M, Gatterdam K, Fisher RP, Geyer M. Structural basis of Cdk7 activation by dual T-loop phosphorylation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6597. [PMID: 39097586 PMCID: PMC11297931 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50891-z] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (Cdk7) is required in cell-cycle and transcriptional regulation owing to its function as both a CDK-activating kinase (CAK) and part of transcription factor TFIIH. Cdk7 forms active complexes by associating with Cyclin H and Mat1, and is regulated by two phosphorylations in the activation segment (T loop): the canonical activating modification at T170 and another at S164. Here we report the crystal structure of the human Cdk7/Cyclin H/Mat1 complex containing both T-loop phosphorylations. Whereas pT170 coordinates basic residues conserved in other CDKs, pS164 nucleates an arginine network unique to the ternary Cdk7 complex, involving all three subunits. We identify differential dependencies of kinase activity and substrate recognition on the individual phosphorylations. CAK function is unaffected by T-loop phosphorylation, whereas activity towards non-CDK substrates is increased several-fold by T170 phosphorylation. Moreover, dual T-loop phosphorylation stimulates multisite phosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) and SPT5 carboxy-terminal repeat (CTR) region. In human cells, Cdk7 activation is a two-step process wherein S164 phosphorylation precedes, and may prime, T170 phosphorylation. Thus, dual T-loop phosphorylation can regulate Cdk7 through multiple mechanisms, with pS164 supporting tripartite complex formation and possibly influencing processivity, while pT170 enhances activity towards key transcriptional substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Düster
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kanchan Anand
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sophie C Binder
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schmitz
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Gatterdam
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert P Fisher
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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7
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Sun R, Fisher RP. Coordinate control of the RNA polymerase II transcription cycle by CDK9-dependent, tripartite phosphorylation of SPT5. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.25.605161. [PMID: 39211083 PMCID: PMC11360971 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.25.605161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription cycle is regulated throughout its duration by reversible protein phosphorylation. The elongation factor SPT5 contains two regions targeted by cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and previously implicated in promoter-proximal pausing and termination: the linker between KOWx-4 and KOW5 domains and carboxy-terminal repeat (CTR) 1, respectively. Here we show that phosphorylations in the KOWx-4/5 linker, CTR1 and a third region, CTR2, coordinately control pause release, elongation speed and RNA processing. Pausing was increased by mutations preventing CTR1 or CTR2 phosphorylation, but attenuated when both CTRs were mutated. Whereas mutating CTR1 alone slowed elongation and repressed nascent transcription, simultaneous mutation of CTR2 partially reversed both effects. Nevertheless, mutating both CTRs led to aberrant splicing, dysregulated termination and diminished steady-state mRNA levels, and impaired cell proliferation more severely than did either single-CTR mutation. Therefore, tripartite SPT5 phosphorylation times pause release and regulates RNAPII elongation rates positively and negatively to ensure productive transcription and cell viability.
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8
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Karimbayli J, Pellarin I, Belletti B, Baldassarre G. Insights into the structural and functional activities of forgotten Kinases: PCTAIREs CDKs. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:135. [PMID: 38951876 PMCID: PMC11218289 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02043-6] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In cells, signal transduction heavily relies on the intricate regulation of protein kinases, which provide the fundamental framework for modulating most signaling pathways. Dysregulation of kinase activity has been implicated in numerous pathological conditions, particularly in cancer. The druggable nature of most kinases positions them into a focal point during the process of drug development. However, a significant challenge persists, as the role and biological function of nearly one third of human kinases remains largely unknown.Within this diverse landscape, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) emerge as an intriguing molecular subgroup. In human, this kinase family encompasses 21 members, involved in several key biological processes. Remarkably, 13 of these CDKs belong to the category of understudied kinases, and only 5 having undergone broad investigation to date. This knowledge gap underscores the pressing need to delve into the study of these kinases, starting with a comprehensive review of the less-explored ones.Here, we will focus on the PCTAIRE subfamily of CDKs, which includes CDK16, CDK17, and CDK18, arguably among the most understudied CDKs members. To contextualize PCTAIREs within the spectrum of human pathophysiology, we conducted an exhaustive review of the existing literature and examined available databases. This approach resulted in an articulate depiction of these PCTAIREs, encompassing their expression patterns, 3D configurations, mechanisms of activation, and potential functions in normal tissues and in cancer.We propose that this effort offers the possibility of identifying promising areas of future research that extend from basic research to potential clinical and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Karimbayli
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) of Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Via Franco Gallini, Aviano, 33081, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pellarin
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) of Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Via Franco Gallini, Aviano, 33081, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) of Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Via Franco Gallini, Aviano, 33081, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) of Aviano, IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Via Franco Gallini, Aviano, 33081, Italy.
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9
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Velychko T, Mohammad E, Ferrer-Vicens I, Parfentev I, Werner M, Studniarek C, Schwalb B, Urlaub H, Murphy S, Cramer P, Lidschreiber M. CDK7 kinase activity promotes RNA polymerase II promoter escape by facilitating initiation factor release. Mol Cell 2024; 84:2287-2303.e10. [PMID: 38821049 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.05.007] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), part of the general transcription factor TFIIH, promotes gene transcription by phosphorylating the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II). Here, we combine rapid CDK7 kinase inhibition with multi-omics analysis to unravel the direct functions of CDK7 in human cells. CDK7 inhibition causes RNA Pol II retention at promoters, leading to decreased RNA Pol II initiation and immediate global downregulation of transcript synthesis. Elongation, termination, and recruitment of co-transcriptional factors are not directly affected. Although RNA Pol II, initiation factors, and Mediator accumulate at promoters, RNA Pol II complexes can also proceed into gene bodies without promoter-proximal pausing while retaining initiation factors and Mediator. Further downstream, RNA Pol II phosphorylation increases and initiation factors and Mediator are released, allowing recruitment of elongation factors and an increase in RNA Pol II elongation velocity. Collectively, CDK7 kinase activity promotes the release of initiation factors and Mediator from RNA Pol II, facilitating RNA Pol II escape from the promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taras Velychko
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eusra Mohammad
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ivan Ferrer-Vicens
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Iwan Parfentev
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcel Werner
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cecilia Studniarek
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Björn Schwalb
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Patrick Cramer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Michael Lidschreiber
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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10
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Zhang H, Lin G, Jia S, Wu J, Zhang Y, Tao Y, Huang W, Song M, Ding K, Ma D, Fan M. Design, synthesis and evaluation of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel potent CDK7 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107456. [PMID: 38761706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107456] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The targeting of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has become a highly desirable therapeutic approach in the field of oncology due to its dual role in regulating essential biological processes, encompassing cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. We have previously identified a highly selective thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-based CDK7 inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy and safety in animal model. In this study, we sought to optimize the thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine core to discover a novel series of CDK7 inhibitors with improved potency and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Through extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, compound 20 has emerged as the lead candidate due to its potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and remarkable efficacy on MDA-MB-453 cells, a representative triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, 20 has demonstrated favorable oral bioavailability and exhibited highly desirable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, making it a promising lead candidate for further structural optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Guohao Lin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Suyun Jia
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yanxin Tao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China
| | - Meiru Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China; Institute of Chemistry, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.
| | - Dawei Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20032, China.
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China.
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11
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Song X, Fang C, Dai Y, Sun Y, Qiu C, Lin X, Xu R. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitors as a novel therapeutic strategy for different molecular types of breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1239-1248. [PMID: 38355840 PMCID: PMC11014910 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02589-8] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 7 is aberrantly overexpressed in many types of cancer and is an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its dual role in transcription and cell cycle progression. Moreover, CDK7 can directly modulate the activities of estrogen receptor (ER), which is a major driver in breast cancer. Breast cancer cells have exhibited high sensitivity to CDK7 inhibition in pre-clinical studies. METHODS In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the latest insights into CDK7 biology and recent advancements in CDK7 inhibitor development for breast cancer treatment. We also discuss the current application of CDK7 inhibitors in different molecular types of breast cancer to provide potential strategies for the treatment of breast cancer. RESULTS Significant progress has been made in the development of selective CDK7 inhibitors, which show efficacy in both triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+). Moreover, combined with other agents, CDK7 inhibitors may provide synergistic effects for endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. Thus, high-quality studies for developing potent CDK7 inhibitors and investigating their applications in breast cancer therapy are rapidly emerging. CONCLUSION CDK7 inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy and have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in different subtypes of breast cancer, especially those that have been resistant to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Song
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Chen Fang
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yan Dai
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Chang Qiu
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiaojie Lin
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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12
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Gong Y, Li H. CDK7 in breast cancer: mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:226. [PMID: 38605321 PMCID: PMC11010440 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01577-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) serves as a pivotal regulator in orchestrating cellular cycle dynamics and gene transcriptional activity. Elevated expression levels of CDK7 have been ubiquitously documented across a spectrum of malignancies and have been concomitantly correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. This review delineates the biological roles of CDK7 and explicates the molecular pathways through which CDK7 exacerbates the oncogenic progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, we synthesize the extant literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the advancement of CDK7-specific small-molecule inhibitors, encapsulating both preclinical and clinical findings in breast cancer contexts. The accumulated evidence substantiates the conceptualization of CDK7 as a propitious therapeutic target in breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Huiping Li
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
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13
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Greber BJ. High-resolution cryo-EM of a small protein complex: The structure of the human CDK-activating kinase. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00085-6. [PMID: 38565138 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The human CDK-activating kinase (CAK) is a multifunctional protein complex and key regulator of cell growth and division. Because of its critical functions in regulating the cell cycle and transcription initiation, it is a key target for multiple cancer drug discovery programs. However, the structure of the active human CAK, insights into its regulation, and its interactions with cellular substrates and inhibitors remained elusive until recently due to the lack of high-resolution structures of the intact complex. This review covers the progress in structure determination of the human CAK by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), from early efforts to recent near-atomic resolution maps routinely resolved at 2Å or better. These results were enabled by the latest cryo-EM technologies introduced after the initial phase of the "resolution revolution" and allowed the application of high-resolution methods to new classes of molecular targets, including small protein complexes that were intractable using earlier technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil J Greber
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK.
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14
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Yin L, Jiang N, Li T, Zhang Y, Yuan S. Telomeric function and regulation during male meiosis in mice and humans. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38511802 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13631] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres are unique structures situated at the ends of chromosomes. Preserving the structure and function of telomeres is essential for maintaining genomic stability and promoting genetic diversity during male meiosis in mammals. MATERIAL-METHODS This review compiled recent literature on the function and regulation of telomeres during male meiosis in both mice and humans, and also highlighted the critical roles of telomeres in reproductive biology and medicine. RESULTS-DISCUSSION Various structures, consisting of the LINC complex (SUN-KASH), SPDYA-CDK2, TTM trimer (TERB1-TERB2-MAJIN), and shelterin, are critical in controlling telomeric activities, such as nuclear envelope attachment and bouquet formation. Other than telomere-related proteins, cohesins and genes responsible for regulating telomere function are also highlighted, though the exact mechanism remains unclear. The gene-mutant mouse models with meiotic defects directly reveal the essential roles of telomeres in male meiosis. Recently reported mutant genes associated with telomere activity in clinical practice have also been illustrated in detail. CONCLUSIONS Proper regulation of telomere activities is essential for male meiosis progression in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Yin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Youzhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology; Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, Xianning, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Cushing VI, Koh AF, Feng J, Jurgaityte K, Bondke A, Kroll SHB, Barbazanges M, Scheiper B, Bahl AK, Barrett AGM, Ali S, Kotecha A, Greber BJ. High-resolution cryo-EM of the human CDK-activating kinase for structure-based drug design. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2265. [PMID: 38480681 PMCID: PMC10937634 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46375-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Rational design of next-generation therapeutics can be facilitated by high-resolution structures of drug targets bound to small-molecule inhibitors. However, application of structure-based methods to macromolecules refractory to crystallization has been hampered by the often-limiting resolution and throughput of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Here, we use high-resolution cryo-EM to determine structures of the CDK-activating kinase, a master regulator of cell growth and division, in its free and nucleotide-bound states and in complex with 15 inhibitors at up to 1.8 Å resolution. Our structures provide detailed insight into inhibitor interactions and networks of water molecules in the active site of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 and provide insights into the mechanisms contributing to inhibitor selectivity, thereby providing the basis for rational design of next-generation therapeutics. These results establish a methodological framework for the use of high-resolution cryo-EM in structure-based drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria I Cushing
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Adrian F Koh
- Materials and Structural Analysis Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Achtseweg Noord 5, 5651, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Junjie Feng
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Kaste Jurgaityte
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | | | | | - Marion Barbazanges
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 4 Place Jussieu, 75252, Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Bodo Scheiper
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ash K Bahl
- Carrick Therapeutics, Nova UCD, Bellfield Innovation Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | | | - Simak Ali
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK.
| | - Abhay Kotecha
- Materials and Structural Analysis Division, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Achtseweg Noord 5, 5651, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Basil J Greber
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK.
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16
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Düster R, Anand K, Binder SC, Schmitz M, Gatterdam K, Fisher RP, Geyer M. Structural basis of Cdk7 activation by dual T-loop phosphorylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.14.580246. [PMID: 38405971 PMCID: PMC10888979 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (Cdk7) occupies a central position in cell-cycle and transcriptional regulation owing to its function as both a CDK-activating kinase (CAK) and part of the general transcription factor TFIIH. Cdk7 forms an active complex upon association with Cyclin H and Mat1, and its catalytic activity is regulated by two phosphorylations in the activation segment (T loop): the canonical activating modification at T170 and another at S164. Here we report the crystal structure of the fully activated human Cdk7/Cyclin H/Mat1 complex containing both T-loop phosphorylations. Whereas pT170 coordinates a set of basic residues conserved in other CDKs, pS164 nucleates an arginine network involving all three subunits that is unique to the ternary Cdk7 complex. We identify differential dependencies of kinase activity and substrate recognition on individual phosphorylations within the Cdk7 T loop. The CAK function of Cdk7 is not affected by T-loop phosphorylation, whereas activity towards non-CDK substrates is increased several-fold by phosphorylation at T170. Moreover, dual T-loop phosphorylation at both T170 and S164 stimulates multi-site phosphorylation of transcriptional substrates-the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) and the SPT5 carboxy-terminal repeat (CTR) region. In human cells, Cdk7-regulatory phosphorylation is a two-step process in which phosphorylation of S164 precedes, and may prime, T170 phosphorylation. Thus, dual T-loop phosphorylation can regulate Cdk7 through multiple mechanisms, with pS164 supporting tripartite complex formation and possibly influencing Cdk7 processivity, while the canonical pT170 enhances kinase activity towards critical substrates involved in transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Düster
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kanchan Anand
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sophie C. Binder
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schmitz
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Gatterdam
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert P. Fisher
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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17
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Zhang H, Lin G, Jia S, Zhang Y, Wu J, Tao Y, Huang W, Song M, Ding K, Ma D, Fan M. Discovery and optimization of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as highly selective inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 7. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115955. [PMID: 38000213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115955] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has emerged as a highly sought-after therapeutic strategy in oncology due to its duality of function in regulating biological processes, including cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. Herein, we describe the design, optimization and characterization of a series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent CDK7 inhibitors. The involvement of thiophene as core structure plays critical role in leading to the remarkable selectivity and incorporation of a fluorine atom into the piperidine ring enhances metabolic stability. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study generated compound 36 as lead compound with potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and good kinome selectivity in vitro. Compound 36 demonstrated strong efficacy against a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse model upon oral administration at 5 mg/kg once daily. Therefore, it exhibits immense potential as a lead candidate for further exploration in the development of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjin Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine (AMT), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
| | - Guohao Lin
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Suyun Jia
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Yanxin Tao
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China
| | - Meiru Song
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China.
| | - Dawei Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 20032, China.
| | - Mengyang Fan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China.
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18
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Dominguez EC, Roleder C, Ball B, Danilov AV. Cyclin-dependent kinase-9 in B-cell malignancies: pathogenic role and therapeutic implications. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:1893-1904. [PMID: 37552126 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2244102] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) regulate cell cycle and transcriptional activity. Pan-CDK inhibitors demonstrated early efficacy in lymphoid malignancies, but also have been associated with narrow therapeutic index. Among transcriptional CDKs, CDK7 and CDK9 emerged as promising targets. CDK9 serves as a component of P-TEFb elongation complex and thus is indispensable in mRNA transcription. Selective CDK9 inhibitors demonstrated pre-clinical efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CDK9 inhibition results in transcriptional pausing with rapid downmodulation of short-lived oncogenic proteins, e.g. Myc and Mcl-1, followed by cell apoptosis. Early phase clinical trials established safety of CDK9 inhibitors, with manageable neutropenia, infections and gastrointestinal toxicities. In this review, we summarize the rationale of targeting CDK9 in lymphoid malignancies, as well as pre-clinical and early clinical data with pan-CDK and selective CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carly Roleder
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Brian Ball
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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19
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Gomes I, Abreu C, Costa L, Casimiro S. The Evolving Pathways of the Efficacy of and Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4835. [PMID: 37835528 PMCID: PMC10571967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194835] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The approval of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) has remarkably improved the survival outcomes of patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC), becoming the new standard of care treatment in these patients. Despite the efficacy of this therapeutic combination, intrinsic and acquired resistance inevitably occurs and represents a major clinical challenge. Several mechanisms associated with resistance to CDK4/6i have been identified, including both cell cycle-related and cell cycle-nonspecific mechanisms. This review discusses new insights underlying the mechanisms of action of CDK4/6i, which are more far-reaching than initially thought, and the currently available evidence of the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6i in BC. Finally, it highlights possible treatment strategies to improve CDK4/6i efficacy, summarizing the most relevant clinical data on novel combination therapies involving CDK4/6i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Gomes
- Luis Costa Lab, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Catarina Abreu
- Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria—Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Luis Costa
- Luis Costa Lab, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Oncology Division, Hospital de Santa Maria—Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Sandra Casimiro
- Luis Costa Lab, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
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20
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Pluta AJ, Studniarek C, Murphy S, Norbury CJ. Cyclin-dependent kinases: Masters of the eukaryotic universe. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1816. [PMID: 37718413 PMCID: PMC10909489 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
A family of structurally related cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) drives many aspects of eukaryotic cell function. Much of the literature in this area has considered individual members of this family to act primarily either as regulators of the cell cycle, the context in which CDKs were first discovered, or as regulators of transcription. Until recently, CDK7 was the only clear example of a CDK that functions in both processes. However, new data points to several "cell-cycle" CDKs having important roles in transcription and some "transcriptional" CDKs having cell cycle-related targets. For example, novel functions in transcription have been demonstrated for the archetypal cell cycle regulator CDK1. The increasing evidence of the overlap between these two CDK types suggests that they might play a critical role in coordinating the two processes. Here we review the canonical functions of cell-cycle and transcriptional CDKs, and provide an update on how these kinases collaborate to perform important cellular functions. We also provide a brief overview of how dysregulation of CDKs contributes to carcinogenesis, and possible treatment avenues. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Processing > 3' End Processing RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of PathologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Chris J. Norbury
- Sir William Dunn School of PathologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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21
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Constantin TA, Varela-Carver A, Greenland KK, de Almeida GS, Olden E, Penfold L, Ang S, Ormrod A, Leach DA, Lai CF, Ainscow EK, Bahl AK, Carling D, Fuchter MJ, Ali S, Bevan CL. The CDK7 inhibitor CT7001 (Samuraciclib) targets proliferation pathways to inhibit advanced prostate cancer. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:2326-2337. [PMID: 37076563 PMCID: PMC10241923 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current strategies to inhibit androgen receptor (AR) are circumvented in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) promotes AR signalling, in addition to established roles in cell cycle and global transcription, providing a rationale for its therapeutic targeting in CRPC. METHODS The antitumour activity of CT7001, an orally bioavailable CDK7 inhibitor, was investigated across CRPC models in vitro and in xenograft models in vivo. Cell-based assays and transcriptomic analyses of treated xenografts were employed to investigate the mechanisms driving CT7001 activity, alone and in combination with the antiandrogen enzalutamide. RESULTS CT7001 selectively engages with CDK7 in prostate cancer cells, causing inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle arrest. Activation of p53, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of transcription mediated by full-length and constitutively active AR splice variants contribute to antitumour efficacy in vitro. Oral administration of CT7001 represses growth of CRPC xenografts and significantly augments growth inhibition achieved by enzalutamide. Transcriptome analyses of treated xenografts indicate cell cycle and AR inhibition as the mode of action of CT7001 in vivo. CONCLUSIONS This study supports CDK7 inhibition as a strategy to target deregulated cell proliferation and demonstrates CT7001 is a promising CRPC therapeutic, alone or in combination with AR-targeting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora A Constantin
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Anabel Varela-Carver
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Kyle K Greenland
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Gilberto Serrano de Almeida
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Ellen Olden
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Lucy Penfold
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Simon Ang
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Alice Ormrod
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Damien A Leach
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Chun-Fui Lai
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Edward K Ainscow
- Carrick Therapeutics, Nova UCD, Bellfield Innovation Park, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Ash K Bahl
- Carrick Therapeutics, Nova UCD, Bellfield Innovation Park, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - David Carling
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Fuchter
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London, UK
| | - Simak Ali
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Charlotte L Bevan
- Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK.
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22
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López-Hernández MN, Vázquez-Ramos JM. Maize CDKA2;1a and CDKB1;1 kinases have different requirements for their activation and participate in substrate recognition. FEBS J 2023; 290:2463-2488. [PMID: 36259272 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16659] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), in association with cyclins, control cell cycle progression by phosphorylating a large number of substrates. In animals, activation of CDKs regularly requires both the association with a cyclin and then phosphorylation of a highly conserved threonine residue in the CDK activation loop (the classical mechanism), mediated by a CDK-activating kinase (CAK). In addition to this typical mechanism of activation, some CDKs can also be activated by the association of a cyclin to a monomeric CDK previously phosphorylated by CAK although not all CDKs can be activated by this mechanism. In animals and yeast, cyclin, in addition to being required for CDK activation, provides substrate specificity to the cyclin/CDK complex; however, in plants both the mechanisms of CDKs activation and the relevance of the CDK-associated cyclin for substrate targeting have been poorly studied. In this work, by co-expressing proteins in E. coli, we studied maize CDKA2;1a and CDKB1;1, two of the main types of CDKs that control the cell cycle in plants. These kinases could be activated by the classical mechanism and by the association of CycD2;2a to a phosphorylated intermediate in its activation loop, a previously unproven mechanism for the activation of plant CDKs. Unlike CDKA2;1a, CDKB1;1 did not require CAK for its activation, since it autophosphorylated in its activation loop. Phosphorylation of CDKB1;1 and association of CycD2;2 was not enough for its full activation as association of maize CKS, a scaffolding protein, differentially stimulated substrate phosphorylation. Our results suggest that both CDKs participate in substrate recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge M Vázquez-Ramos
- Facultad de Química, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
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23
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Cui G, Zhou JY, Ge XY, Sun BF, Song GG, Wang X, Wang XZ, Zhang R, Wang HL, Jing Q, Koziol MJ, Zhao YL, Zeng A, Zhang WQ, Han DL, Yang YG, Yang Y. m 6 A promotes planarian regeneration. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13481. [PMID: 37084418 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration is the regrowth of damaged tissues or organs, a vital process in response to damages from primitive organisms to higher mammals. Planarian possesses active whole-body regenerative capability owing to its vast reservoir of adult stem cells, neoblasts, providing an ideal model to delineate the underlying mechanisms for regeneration. RNA N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) modification participates in many biological processes, including stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, in particular the regeneration of haematopoietic stem cells and axons. However, how m6 A controls regeneration at the whole-organism level remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the depletion of m6 A methyltransferase regulatory subunit wtap abolishes planarian regeneration, potentially through regulating genes related to cell-cell communication and cell cycle. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analysis unveils that the wtap knockdown induces a unique type of neural progenitor-like cells (NP-like cells), characterized by specific expression of the cell-cell communication ligand grn. Intriguingly, the depletion of m6 A-modified transcripts grn, cdk9 or cdk7 partially rescues the defective regeneration of planarian caused by wtap knockdown. Overall, our study reveals an indispensable role of m6 A modification in regulating whole-organism regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanshen Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Yi Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Yang Ge
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bao-Fa Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Ge-Ge Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Zhi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Jing
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine & CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai, Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Magdalena J Koziol
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research (Beijing), Research Unit of Medical Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Liang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - An Zeng
- The State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Qi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Da-Li Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Gui Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, College of Future Technology, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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24
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Saleh L, Ottewell PD, Brown JE, Wood SL, Brown NJ, Wilson C, Park C, Ali S, Holen I. The CDK4/6 Inhibitor Palbociclib Inhibits Estrogen-Positive and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082211. [PMID: 37190140 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082211] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
CDK 4/6 inhibitors have demonstrated significant improved survival for patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer (BC). However, the ability of these promising agents to inhibit bone metastasis from either ER+ve or triple negative BC (TNBC) remains to be established. We therefore investigated the effects of the CDK 4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, using in vivo models of breast cancer bone metastasis. In an ER+ve T47D model of spontaneous breast cancer metastasis from the mammary fat pad to bone, primary tumour growth and the number of hind limb skeletal tumours were significantly lower in palbociclib treated animals compared to vehicle controls. In the TNBC MDA-MB-231 model of metastatic outgrowth in bone (intracardiac route), continuous palbociclib treatment significantly inhibited tumour growth in bone compared to vehicle. When a 7-day break was introduced after 28 days (mimicking the clinical schedule), tumour growth resumed and was not inhibited by a second cycle of palbociclib, either alone or when combined with the bone-targeted agent, zoledronic acid (Zol), or a CDK7 inhibitor. Downstream phosphoprotein analysis of the MAPK pathway identified a number of phosphoproteins, such as p38, that may contribute to drug-insensitive tumour growth. These data encourage further investigation of targeting alternative pathways in CDK 4/6-insensitive tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubaid Saleh
- Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Penelope D Ottewell
- Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Janet E Brown
- Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
- Weston Park Hospital, Whitham Road, Sheffield S10 2SJ, UK
| | - Steve L Wood
- Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Nichola J Brown
- Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | | | - Catherine Park
- Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Simak Ali
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ingunn Holen
- Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
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25
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Gangemi CG, Sabapathy RT, Janovjak H. CDK6 activity in a recurring convergent kinase network motif. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22845. [PMID: 36884374 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201344r] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
In humans, more than 500 kinases phosphorylate ~15% of all proteins in an emerging phosphorylation network. Convergent local interaction motifs, in which ≥two kinases phosphorylate the same substrate, underlie feedback loops and signal amplification events but have not been systematically analyzed. Here, we first report a network-wide computational analysis of convergent kinase-substrate relationships (cKSRs). In experimentally validated phosphorylation sites, we find that cKSRs are common and involve >80% of all human kinases and >24% of all substrates. We show that cKSRs occur over a wide range of stoichiometries, in many instances harnessing co-expressed kinases from family subgroups. We then experimentally demonstrate for the prototypical convergent CDK4/6 kinase pair how multiple inputs phosphorylate the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma protein (RB) and thereby hamper in situ analysis of the individual kinases. We hypothesize that overexpression of one kinase combined with a CDK4/6 inhibitor can dissect convergence. In breast cancer cells expressing high levels of CDK4, we confirm this hypothesis and develop a high-throughput compatible assay that quantifies genetically modified CDK6 variants and inhibitors. Collectively, our work reveals the occurrence, topology, and experimental dissection of convergent interactions toward a deeper understanding of kinase networks and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina G Gangemi
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton/Melbourne, Australia.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash University, Victoria, Clayton/Melbourne, Australia.,Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Bedford Park/Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rahkesh T Sabapathy
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Bedford Park/Adelaide, Australia
| | - Harald Janovjak
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Clayton/Melbourne, Australia.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash University, Victoria, Clayton/Melbourne, Australia.,Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Bedford Park/Adelaide, Australia
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26
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Zabihi M, Lotfi R, Yousefi AM, Bashash D. Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases: from biology to tumorigenesis and therapeutic opportunities. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:1585-1606. [PMID: 35781526 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04135-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The discussion on cell proliferation cannot be continued without taking a look at the cell cycle regulatory machinery. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), cyclins, and CDK inhibitors (CKIs) are valuable members of this system and their equilibrium guarantees the proper progression of the cell cycle. As expected, any dysregulation in the expression or function of these components can provide a platform for excessive cell proliferation leading to tumorigenesis. The high frequency of CDK abnormalities in human cancers, together with their druggable structure has raised the possibility that perhaps designing a series of inhibitors targeting CDKs might be advantageous for restricting the survival of tumor cells; however, their application has faced a serious concern, since these groups of serine-threonine kinases possess non-canonical functions as well. In the present review, we aimed to take a look at the biology of CDKs and then magnify their contribution to tumorigenesis. Then, by arguing the bright and dark aspects of CDK inhibition in the treatment of human cancers, we intend to reach a consensus on the application of these inhibitors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Zabihi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Lotfi
- Clinical Research Development Center, Tohid Hospital, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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27
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Non-hippo kinases: indispensable roles in YAP/TAZ signaling and implications in cancer therapy. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:4565-4578. [PMID: 36877351 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08329-0] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and PDZ-binding domain (TAZ) are the known downstream effectors of the Hippo kinase cascade. YAP/TAZ have been shown to play important roles in cellular growth and differentiation, tissue development and carcinogenesis. Recent studies have found that, in addition to the Hippo kinase cascade, multiple non-Hippo kinases also regulate the YAP/TAZ cellular signaling and produce important effects on cellular functions, particularly on tumorigenesis and progression. In this article, we will review the multifaceted regulation of the YAP/TAZ signaling by the non-Hippo kinases and discuss the potential application of the non-Hippo kinase-regulated YAP/TAZ signaling for cancer therapy.
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28
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Chen R, Hassankhani R, Long Y, Basnet SKC, Teo T, Yang Y, Mekonnen L, Yu M, Wang S. Discovery of Potent Inhibitors of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases 7 and 9: Design, Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis and Biological Evaluation. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202200582. [PMID: 36400715 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200582] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 7 and 9 are deregulated in various types of human cancer and are thus viewed as therapeutic targets. Accordingly, small-molecule inhibitors of both CDKs are highly sought-after. Capitalising on our previous discovery of CDKI-73, a potent CDK9 inhibitor, medicinal chemistry optimisation was pursued. A number of N-pyridinylpyrimidin-2-amines were rationally designed, chemically synthesised and biologically assessed. Among them, N-(6-(4-cyclopentylpiperazin-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-4-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine was found to be one of the most potent inhibitors of CDKs 7 and 9 as well as the most effective anti-proliferative agent towards multiple human cancer cell lines. The cellular mode of action of this compound was investigated in MV4-11 acute myeloid leukaemia cells, revealing that the compound dampened the kinase activity of cellular CDKs 7 and 9, arrested the cell cycle at sub-G1 phase and induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Chen
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Ramin Hassankhani
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Yi Long
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Sunita K C Basnet
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Theodosia Teo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Laychiluh Mekonnen
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Mingfeng Yu
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
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29
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Yang Z, Liu Y, Cheng Q, Chen T. Targeting super enhancers for liver disease: a review. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14780. [PMID: 36726725 PMCID: PMC9885865 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Super enhancers (SEs) refer to the ultralong regions of a gene accompanied by multiple transcription factors and cofactors and strongly drive the expression of cell-type-related genes. Recent studies have demonstrated that SEs play crucial roles in regulating gene expression related to cell cycle progression and transcription. Aberrant activation of SEs is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver disease. Liver disease, especially liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), constitutes a major class of diseases that seriously endanger human health. Currently, therapeutic strategies targeting SEs can dramatically prevent disease progression and improve the prognosis of animal models. The associated new approaches to the treatment of related liver disease are relatively new and need systematic elaboration. Objectives In this review, we elaborate on the features of SEs and discuss their function in liver disease. Additionally, we review their application prospects in clinical practice in the future. The article would be of interest to hepatologists, molecular biologists, clinicians, and all those concerned with targeted therapy and prognosis of liver disease. Methodology We searched three bibliographic databases (Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, PubMed) from 01/1981 to 06/2022 for peer-reviewed scientific publications focused on (1) gene treatment of liver disease; (2) current status of SE research; and (3) targeting SEs for liver disease. We included English language original studies only. Results The number of published studies considering the role of enhancers in liver disease is considerable. Since SEs were just defined in 2013, the corresponding data on SEs are scarce: approximately 50 papers found in bibliographic databases on the correlation between enhancers (or SEs) and liver disease. Remarkably, half of these papers were published in the past three years, indicating the growing interest of the scientific community in this issue. Studies have shown that treatments targeting components of SEs can improve outcomes in liver disease in animal and clinical trials. Conclusions The treatment of liver disease is facing a bottleneck, and new treatments are needed. Therapeutic regimens targeting SEs have an important role in the treatment of liver disease. However, given the off-target effect of gene therapy and the lack of clinical trials, the available experimental data are still fragmented and controversial.
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30
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Merlini A, Pavese V, Manessi G, Rabino M, Tolomeo F, Aliberti S, D’Ambrosio L, Grignani G. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinases in sarcoma treatment: Current perspectives and future directions. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1095219. [PMID: 36741019 PMCID: PMC9893281 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1095219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective treatment of advanced/metastatic bone and soft tissue sarcomas still represents an unmet medical need. Recent advances in targeted therapies have highlighted the potential of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) inhibitors in several cancer types, including sarcomas. CDKs are master regulators of the cell cycle; their dysregulation is listed among the "hallmarks of cancer" and sarcomas are no exception to the rule. In this review, we report both the molecular basis, and the potential therapeutic implications for the use of CDK inhibitors in sarcoma treatment. What is more, we describe and discuss the possibility and biological rationale for combination therapies with conventional treatments, target therapy and immunotherapy, highlighting potential avenues for future research to integrate CDK inhibition in sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Merlini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, IRCCS-FPO, Turin, Italy,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Pavese
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Manessi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Rabino
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Lorenzo D’Ambrosio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Luigi Gonzaga, Turin, Italy,*Correspondence: Lorenzo D’Ambrosio,
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31
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Abstract
C-Myc overexpression is a common finding in pancreatic cancer and predicts the aggressive behavior of cancer cells. It binds to the promoter of different genes, thereby regulating their transcription. C-Myc is downstream of KRAS and interacts with several oncogenic and proliferative pathways in pancreatic cancer. C-Myc enhances aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells and regulates glutamate biosynthesis from glutamine. It provides enough energy for cancer cells' metabolism and sufficient substrate for the synthesis of organic molecules. C-Myc overexpression is associated with chemoresistance, intra-tumor angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Despite its title, c-Myc is not "undruggable" and recent studies unveiled that it can be targeted, directly or indirectly. Small molecules that accelerate c-Myc ubiquitination and degradation have been effective in preclinical studies. Small molecules that hinder c-Myc-MAX heterodimerization or c-Myc/MAX/DNA complex formation can functionally inhibit c-Myc. In addition, c-Myc can be targeted through transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Ala
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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32
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Donovan MG, Galbraith MD, Espinosa JM. Multi-omics investigation reveals functional specialization of transcriptional cyclin dependent kinases in cancer biology. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22505. [PMID: 36577800 PMCID: PMC9797569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26860-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional addiction is recognized as a valid therapeutic target in cancer, whereby the dependency of cancer cells on oncogenic transcriptional regulators may be pharmacologically exploited. However, a comprehensive understanding of the key factors within the transcriptional machinery that might afford a useful therapeutic window remains elusive. Herein, we present a cross-omics investigation into the functional specialization of the transcriptional cyclin dependent kinases (tCDKs) through analysis of high-content genetic dependency, gene expression, patient survival, and drug response datasets. This analysis revealed specialization among tCDKs in terms of contributions to cancer cell fitness, clinical prognosis, and interaction with oncogenic signaling pathways. CDK7 and CDK9 stand out as the most relevant targets, albeit through distinct mechanisms of oncogenicity and context-dependent contributions to cancer survival and drug sensitivity. Genetic ablation of CDK9, but not CDK7, mimics the effect on cell viability the loss of key components of the transcriptional machinery. Pathway analysis of genetic co-dependency and drug sensitivity data show CDK7 and CDK9 have distinct relationships with major oncogenic signatures, including MYC and E2F targets, oxidative phosphorylation, and the unfolded protein response. Altogether, these results inform the improved design of therapeutic strategies targeting tCDKs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micah G Donovan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Matthew D Galbraith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joaquin M Espinosa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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33
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Tao L, Segil N. CDK2 regulates aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death through modulating c-Jun activity: Inhibiting CDK2 to preserve hearing. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1013383. [PMID: 36311033 PMCID: PMC9606710 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1013383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory hair cell death caused by the ototoxic side effects of many clinically used drugs leads to permanent sensorineural hearing loss in patients. Aminoglycoside antibiotics are widely used and well-known for their ototoxicity, but the molecular mechanisms of aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death are not well understood. This creates challenges in our attempts to alleviate or prevent such adverse side effects. Here, we report a regulatory role of CDK2 in aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death. Utilizing organotypic cultures of cochleae from neonatal mice, we show that blocking CDK2 activity by either pharmaceutical inhibition or by Cdk2 gene knockout protects hair cells against the ototoxicity of gentamicin—one of the most commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotics—by interfering with intrinsic programmed cell death processes. Specifically, we show that CDK2 inhibition delays the collapse of mitochondria and the activation of a caspase cascade. Furthermore, at the molecular level, inhibition of CDK2 activity influences proapoptotic JNK signaling by reducing the protein level of c-Jun and suppressing the gentamicin-induced upregulation of c-Jun target genes Jun and Bim. Our in vivo studies reveal that Cdk2 gene knockout animals are significantly less sensitive to gentamicin ototoxicity compared to wild-type littermates. Altogether, our work ascertains the non-cell cycle role of CDK2 in regulating aminoglycoside-induced hair cell apoptosis and sheds lights on new potential strategies for hearing protection against ototoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litao Tao
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Litao Tao,
| | - Neil Segil
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Moser R, Annis J, Nikolova O, Whatcott C, Gurley K, Mendez E, Moran-Jones K, Dorrell C, Sears RC, Kuo C, Han H, Biankin A, Grandori C, Von Hoff DD, Kemp CJ. Pharmacologic Targeting of TFIIH Suppresses KRAS-Mutant Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Synergizes with TRAIL. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3375-3393. [PMID: 35819261 PMCID: PMC9481717 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) typically presents as metastatic disease at diagnosis and remains refractory to treatment. Next-generation sequencing efforts have described the genomic landscape, classified molecular subtypes, and confirmed frequent alterations in major driver genes, with coexistent alterations in KRAS and TP53 correlating with the highest metastatic burden and poorest outcomes. However, translating this information to guide therapy remains a challenge. By integrating genomic analysis with an arrayed RNAi druggable genome screen and drug profiling of a KRAS/TP53 mutant PDAC cell line derived from a patient-derived xenograft (PDCL), we identified numerous targetable vulnerabilities that reveal both known and novel functional aspects of pancreatic cancer biology. A dependence on the general transcription and DNA repair factor TFIIH complex, particularly the XPB subunit and the CAK complex (CDK7/CyclinH/MAT1), was identified and further validated utilizing a panel of genomically subtyped KRAS mutant PDCLs. TFIIH function was inhibited with a covalent inhibitor of CDK7/12/13 (THZ1), a CDK7/CDK9 kinase inhibitor (SNS-032), and a covalent inhibitor of XPB (triptolide), which led to disruption of the protein stability of the RNA polymerase II subunit RPB1. Loss of RPB1 following TFIIH inhibition led to downregulation of key transcriptional effectors of KRAS-mutant signaling and negative regulators of apoptosis, including MCL1, XIAP, and CFLAR, initiating caspase-8 dependent apoptosis. All three drugs exhibited synergy in combination with a multivalent TRAIL, effectively reinforcing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. These findings present a novel combination therapy, with direct translational implications for current clinical trials on metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. Significance: This study utilizes functional genetic and pharmacological profiling of KRAS-mutant pancreatic adenocarcinoma to identify therapeutic strategies and finds that TFIIH inhibition synergizes with TRAIL to induce apoptosis in KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Moser
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - James Annis
- Quellos High Throughput Facility, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington Medicine Research, Seattle, Washington
| | - Olga Nikolova
- Department of Computational Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Cliff Whatcott
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Division, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Kay Gurley
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eduardo Mendez
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kim Moran-Jones
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Dorrell
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rosalie C Sears
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Calvin Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Haiyong Han
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Division, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Andrew Biankin
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Division, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | - Daniel D Von Hoff
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Molecular Medicine Division, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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35
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Sun Y, Zhang Y, Schultz C, Pommier Y, Thomas A. CDK7 Inhibition Synergizes with Topoisomerase I Inhibition in Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Inducing Ubiquitin-Mediated Proteolysis of RNA Polymerase II. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1430-1438. [PMID: 35830858 PMCID: PMC10476602 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancers (SCLC) are highly aggressive, and currently there are no available targeted therapies. To identify clinically actionable drug combinations, we analyzed our previously reported chemogenomics screens and identified a synergistically cytotoxic combination of the topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitor topotecan and cycle-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor THZ1. Topotecan causes cell death by generating TOP1-induced DNA breaks and DNA-protein cross-links (TOP1-DPC) that require proteolysis by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for their repair. We find that inhibition of the transcriptional kinase CDK7 by THZ1 induces ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of RNA polymerase II and prevents the proteasomal degradation of TOP1-DPCs. We provide a mechanistic basis for combinatorial targeting of transcription using selective inhibitors of CDK7 and TOP1 in clinical trials to advance SCLC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilun Sun
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christopher Schultz
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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36
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Wang Y, Zhang Z, Mi X, Li M, Huang D, Song T, Qi X, Yang M. Elevation of effective p53 expression sensitizes wild-type p53 breast cancer cells to CDK7 inhibitor THZ1. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:96. [PMID: 36058938 PMCID: PMC9442925 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00837-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor THZ1 represses multiple cancer cells. However, its tumor-repressive efficiency in wild-type p53 breast cancer cells remains controversial. Methods We conducted various assays, including CCK8, colony formation, flow cytometry, western blotting, and lactate dehydrogenase release detection, to clarify whether p53 elevation sensitizes breast cancer cells to THZ1. Results We found that upregulating functional p53 contributes to the increased sensitivity of breast cancer cells to THZ1. Increased THZ1 sensitivity requires active p53 and an intact p53 pathway, which was confirmed by introducing exogenous wild-type p53 and the subsequent elevation of THZ1-mediated tumor suppression in breast cancer cells carrying mutant p53. We confirmed that p53 accumulates in the nucleus and mitochondria during cell death. Furthermore, we identified extensive transcriptional disruption, rather than solely CDK7 inhibition, as the mechanism underlying the nutlin-3 and THZ1-induced death of breast cancer cells. Finally, we observed the combined nutlin-3 and THZ1 treatment amplified gasdermin E cleavage. Conclusion Enhanced sensitivity of breast cancer cells to THZ1 can be achieved by increasing effective p53 expression. Our approach may serve as a potential treatment for patients with breast cancer resistant to regular therapies. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00837-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuguang Mi
- Tumor Biotherapy Center, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, Republic of China
| | - Mingxi Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Qi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
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37
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Mattinzoli D, Cacioppo M, Ikehata M, Armelloni S, Alfieri CM, Castellano G, Barilani M, Arcudi F, Messa P, Prato M. Carbon dots conjugated to SN38 for improved colorectal anticancer therapy. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100286. [PMID: 36186846 PMCID: PMC9523396 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Irinotecan (CTP-11) is one of the standard therapies for colorectal cancer (CRC). CTP-11 is enzymatically converted to the hydrophobic 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38), a one hundred-fold more active metabolite. Conjugation of hydrophobic anticancer drugs to nanomaterials is a strategy to improve their solubility, efficacy, and selectivity. Carbon dots (CDs) have garnered interest for their small sizes (<10 nm), low toxicity, high water solubility, and bright fluorescence. This paper describes the use of CDs to improve drug vehiculation, stability, and chemotherapeutic efficiency of SN38 through a direct intracellular uptake in CRC. The covalent conjugation of SN38 to CDs via a carbamate bond provides a CD-SN38 hybrid material for slow, sustained, and pH-responsive drug release. CD-SN38 successfully penetrates the CRC cells with a release in the nucleus affecting first the cell cycle and then the cytoskeleton. Moreover, CD-SN38 leads to a deregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), one of the major components of the cancer niche considered a possible target therapy for reducing the cancer progression. This work shows the combined therapeutic and imaging potential of CD-based hybrid materials for the treatment of CRC. Future efforts for targeted therapy of chronic diseases characterized by altered ECM deposition, such as chronic kidney disease and chronic allograft nephropathy in kidney transplant patients are envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Mattinzoli
- Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Michele Cacioppo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM UdR Trieste, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, Trieste, 34127, Italy
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC BiomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramón 182, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20014, Spain
| | - Masami Ikehata
- Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Silvia Armelloni
- Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Alfieri
- Unit of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Della Commenda 15, Milan, 20122, Italy
- University of Study of Milan, Via Festa Del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author. University of Study of Milan, via Festa Del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Castellano
- Unit of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Della Commenda 15, Milan, 20122, Italy
- University of Study of Milan, Via Festa Del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Barilani
- EPIGET LAB, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Cell Factory, Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Francesca Arcudi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM UdR Trieste, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, Trieste, 34127, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Piergiorgio Messa
- Unit of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Della Commenda 15, Milan, 20122, Italy
- University of Study of Milan, Via Festa Del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Prato
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM UdR Trieste, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, Trieste, 34127, Italy
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC BiomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramón 182, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20014, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48013, Spain
- Corresponding author. Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM UdR Trieste, University of Trieste, via Licio Giorgieri 1, Trieste, 34127, Italy.
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38
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Kirova DG, Judasova K, Vorhauser J, Zerjatke T, Leung JK, Glauche I, Mansfeld J. A ROS-dependent mechanism promotes CDK2 phosphorylation to drive progression through S phase. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1712-1727.e9. [PMID: 35809563 PMCID: PMC9616724 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the right concentration promote cell proliferation in cell culture, stem cells, and model organisms. However, the mystery of how ROS signaling is coordinated with cell cycle progression and integrated into the cell cycle control machinery on the molecular level remains unsolved. Here, we report increasing levels of mitochondrial ROS during the cell cycle in human cell lines that target cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Chemical and metabolic interferences with ROS production decrease T-loop phosphorylation on CDK2 and so impede its full activation and thus its efficient DNA replication. ROS regulate CDK2 activity through the oxidation of a conserved cysteine residue near the T-loop, which prevents the binding of the T-loop phosphatase KAP. Together, our data reveal how mitochondrial metabolism is coupled with DNA replication and cell cycle progression via ROS, thereby demonstrating how KAP activity toward CDKs can be cell cycle regulated. Mitochondrial ROS drive cell cycle progression and proliferation Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is increasingly oxidized during the cell cycle The oxidation state of a conserved cysteine on CDK2 regulates KAP binding CDK2 oxidation promotes T-loop phosphorylation and DNA replication
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristyna Judasova
- Cell Cycle, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Vorhauser
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Cell Cycle, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Zerjatke
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jacky Kieran Leung
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Ingmar Glauche
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jörg Mansfeld
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Cell Cycle, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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39
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Teo T, Kasirzadeh S, Albrecht H, Sykes MJ, Yang Y, Wang S. An Overview of CDK3 in Cancer: Clinical Significance and Pharmacological Implications. Pharmacol Res 2022; 180:106249. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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40
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Dion V, Schumacher N, Masar N, Pieltain A, Tocquin P, Lesoinne P, Malgrange B, Vandenbosch R, Franzen R. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 contributes to myelin maintenance in the adult central nervous system and promotes myelin gene expression. Glia 2022; 70:1652-1665. [PMID: 35488490 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24186] [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: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms regulating oligodendrocyte differentiation, developmental myelination and myelin maintenance in adulthood are complex and still not completely described. Their understanding is crucial for the development of new protective or therapeutic strategies in demyelinating pathologies such as multiple sclerosis. In this perspective, we have investigated the role of Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (Cdk7), a kinase involved in cell-cycle progression and transcription regulation, in the oligodendroglial lineage. We generated a conditional knock-out mouse model in which Cdk7 is invalidated in post-mitotic oligodendrocytes. At the end of developmental myelination, the number and diameter of myelinated axons, as well as the myelin structure, thickness and protein composition, were normal. However, in young adult and in aged mice, there was a higher number of small caliber myelinated axons associated with a decreased mean axonal diameter, myelin sheaths of large caliber axons were thinner, and the level of some major myelin-associated proteins was reduced. These defects were accompanied by the appearance of an abnormal clasping phenotype. We also used an in vitro oligodendroglial model and showed that Cdk7 pharmacological inhibition led to an altered myelination-associated morphological modification combined with a decreased expression of myelin-specific genes. Altogether, we identified novel functions for Cdk7 in CNS myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Dion
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapies, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Schumacher
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapies, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Masar
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapies, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Pieltain
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapies, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Tocquin
- CARE PhytoSYSTEMS, Integrative Biological Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Lesoinne
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapies, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Malgrange
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, GIGA Stem Cells & GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Renaud Vandenbosch
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, GIGA Stem Cells & GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Division of Histology, Department of Biomedical and Preclinical Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Rachelle Franzen
- Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Therapies, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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41
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Yan Y, Tang YD, Zheng C. When cyclin-dependent kinases meet viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. J Med Virol 2022; 94:2962-2968. [PMID: 35288942 PMCID: PMC9088476 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) are protein kinases that play a key role in cell division and transcriptional regulation. Recent studies have demonstrated the critical roles of CDKs in various viral infections. However, the molecular processes underpinning CDKs' roles in viral infection and host antiviral defense are unknown. This minireview briefly overviews CDKs' functions and highlights the most recent discoveries of CDKs' emerging roles during viral infections, thereby providing a scientific and theoretical foundation for antiviral regulation and shedding light on developing novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies against viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yan-Dong Tang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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42
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Düster R, Ji Y, Pan KT, Urlaub H, Geyer M. Functional characterization of the human Cdk10/Cyclin Q complex. Open Biol 2022; 12:210381. [PMID: 35291876 PMCID: PMC8924752 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210381] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are key players in cell cycle regulation and transcription. The CDK-family member Cdk10 is important for neural development and can act as a tumour suppressor, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we provide an in-depth analysis of Cdk10 substrate specificity and function. Using recombinant Cdk10/CycQ protein complexes, we characterize RNA pol II CTD, c-MYC and RB1 as in vitro protein substrates. Using an analogue-sensitive mutant kinase, we identify 89 different Cdk10 phosphosites in HEK cells originating from 66 different proteins. Among these, proteins involved in cell cycle, translation, stress response, growth signalling, as well as rRNA, and mRNA transcriptional regulation, are found. Of a set of pan-selective CDK- and Cdk9-specific inhibitors tested, all inhibited Cdk10/CycQ at least five times weaker than their proposed target kinases. We also identify Cdk10 as an in vitro substrate of Cdk1 and Cdk5 at multiple sites, allowing for a potential cross-talk between these CDKs. With this functional characterization, Cdk10 adopts a hybrid position in both cell cycle and transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Düster
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Yanlong Ji
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany,Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine II, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kuan-Ting Pan
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine II, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany,Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics Group, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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43
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Zhang L, Cheng C, Li J, Wang L, Chumanevich AA, Porter DC, Mindich A, Gorbunova S, Roninson IB, Chen M, McInnes C. A Selective and Orally Bioavailable Quinoline-6-Carbonitrile-Based Inhibitor of CDK8/19 Mediator Kinase with Tumor-Enriched Pharmacokinetics. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3420-3433. [PMID: 35114084 PMCID: PMC10042267 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Senexins are potent and selective quinazoline inhibitors of CDK8/19 Mediator kinases. To improve their potency and metabolic stability, quinoline-based derivatives were designed through a structure-guided strategy based on the simulated drug-target docking model of Senexin A and Senexin B. A library of quinoline-Senexin derivatives was synthesized to explore the structure-activity relationship (SAR). An optimized compound 20a (Senexin C) exhibits potent CDK8/19 inhibitory activity with high selectivity. Senexin C is more metabolically stable and provides a more sustained inhibition of CDK8/19-dependent cellular gene expression when compared with the prototype inhibitor Senexin B. In vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluation using a novel tumor-based PD assay showed good oral bioavailability of Senexin C with a strong tumor-enrichment PK profile and tumor-PD marker responses. Senexin C inhibits MV4-11 leukemia growth in a systemic in vivo model with good tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Chen Cheng
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Alexander A Chumanevich
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Donald C Porter
- Senex Biotechnology, Inc., Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Aleksei Mindich
- CSC BIOCAD, Strelna, Saint-Petersburg 198515, Russia.,Biotechnology Department, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia
| | | | - Igor B Roninson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States.,Senex Biotechnology, Inc., Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Mengqian Chen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States.,Senex Biotechnology, Inc., Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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44
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Huang X, Qiu M, Wang T, Li B, Zhang S, Zhang T, Liu P, Wang Q, Qian ZR, Zhu C, Wu M, Zhao J. Carrier-free multifunctional nanomedicine for intraperitoneal disseminated ovarian cancer therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:93. [PMID: 35193583 PMCID: PMC8864853 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer which is characterized by extensive peritoneal implantation metastasis and malignant ascites. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment in recent years, the five-year survival rate is only 25–30%. Therefore, developing multifunctional nanomedicine with abilities of promoting apoptosis and inhibiting migration on tumor cells would be a promising strategy to improve the antitumor effect. Methods and results In this study, we developed a novel ACaT nanomedicine composed of alendronate, calcium ions and cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor THZ1. With the average size of 164 nm and zeta potential of 12.4 mV, the spherical ACaT nanoparticles were selectively internalized by tumor cells and effectively accumulated in the tumor site. Results of RNA-sequencing and in vitro experiments showed that ACaT promoted tumor cell apoptosis and inhibited tumor cell migration by arresting the cell cycle, increasing ROS and affecting calcium homeostasis. Weekly intraperitoneally administered of ACaT for 8 cycles significantly inhibited the growth of tumor and prolonged the survival of intraperitoneal xenograft mice. Conclusion In summary, this study presents a new self-assembly nanomedicine with favorable tumor targeting, antitumor activity and good biocompatibility, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced ovarian cancer. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01300-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyu Huang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaojuan Qiu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Binbin Li
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiqiang Zhang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianzhi Zhang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Liu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Rong Qian
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meiying Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Zhao
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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45
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Control of Expression of Key Cell Cycle Enzymes Drives Cell Line-Specific Functions of CDK7 in Human PDAC Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020812. [PMID: 35054996 PMCID: PMC8775745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the dual function cell cycle and transcription kinase CDK7 is known to affect the viability of cancer cells, but the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth control remain poorly understood. Here, we employed a previously developed, highly specific small molecule inhibitor that non-covalently blocks ATP binding to CDK7 (LDC4297) to study the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth using a panel of genetically heterogeneous human pancreatic tumor lines as model system. Although LDC4297 diminished both transcription rates and CDK T-loop phosphorylation in a comparable manner, some PDAC lines displayed significantly higher sensitivity than others. We focused our analyses on two well-responsive lines (Mia-Paca2 and Panc89) that, however, showed significant differences in their viability upon extended exposure to limiting LDC4297 concentrations. Biochemical and RNAseq analysis revealed striking differences in gene expression and cell cycle control. Especially the downregulation of a group of cell cycle control genes, among them CDK1/2 and CDC25A/C, correlated well to the observed viability differences in Panc89 versus Mia-Paca2 cells. A parallel downregulation of regulatory pathways supported the hypothesis of a feedforward programmatic effect of CDK7 inhibitors, eventually causing hypersensitivity of PDAC lines.
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46
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Zheng C, Tang YD. The emerging roles of the CDK/cyclin complexes in antiviral innate immunity. J Med Virol 2021; 94:2384-2387. [PMID: 34964486 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
More than 20 members of the human Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) family share the feature of being activated by cyclins. CDKs have been involved in diverse biological processes, such as cell cycle, transcription, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. If CDKs are not properly regulated, they can cause diseases like cancer. CDKs are Ser/Thr kinases that work with cyclins to control cell cycle progression. Various CDK-cyclin complexes phosphorylate particular target proteins and drive different cell cycle stages. Accumulating evidence demonstrated that CDKs play an essential role in the cell cycle; however, their roles in antiviral innate immunity are just emerging. This minireview summarizes how CDKs play their roles in antiviral innate immunity. Our goal is to draw attention to the involvement of CDKs in antiviral innate immunity, whether as separate entities or as components of CDK/cyclin complexes that have gotten less attention in the past. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yan-Dong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
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47
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Chen X, Li Y, Dai H, Zhang H, Wan D, Zhou X, Situ C, Zhu H. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 is essential for spermatogenesis by regulating retinoic acid signaling pathways and the STAT3 molecular pathway. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:1446-1459. [PMID: 34717033 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that requires precise regulation. Phosphorylation plays a role in spermatogenesis by regulating protein structure and activity. This study focused on cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), and explored its function and molecular mechanisms in spermatogenesis in vitro in a cell line and in vivo in a mouse model. Inhibition of CDK7 activity affected spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation, and we found that CDK7 regulates retinoic acid (RA)-mediated c-KIT expression to play a role in spermatogonia. Then, we demonstrated that inhibition of CDK7 affected meiosis initiation, DNA repair, and synaptonemal complex formation in meiosis progression, and CDK7 played this role by regulating RA-mediated STRA8 and REC8 signaling pathways. Moreover, inhibition of CDK7 impacted spermatid differentiation and resulted in decreased counts, decreased motility, and increased head deformity of sperm. We demonstrated that CDK7 affects germ cell apoptosis and sperm motility by activating STAT3 and that STAT3 further regulates Cortactin expression to influence the nuclear elongation, chromatin condensation, and acrosome formation of sperm. Additionally, EP300 was identified as another potential target phosphorylated by CDK7 that participates in chromatin condensation. Our results demonstrated the important role of CDK7 in all key aspects of spermatogenesis, potentially providing an effective target for clinical diagnosis and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiqian Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Danyang Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenghao Situ
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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48
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An Y, Wang Y, Xu G, Liao Y, Huang G, Jin X, Xie C, Li Q, Yin D. Identification of key genes in osteosarcoma - before and after CDK7 treatment. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27304. [PMID: 34596127 PMCID: PMC8483848 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027304] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is one of the most common bone tumors, with a high degree of malignancy and a poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that THZ2, a cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitor, can exhibit strong antibone tumor effects in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting transcriptional activity. In this study, by screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of osteosarcoma cells before and after THZ2 treatment, it provides new possible targets for the future targeted therapy of osteosarcoma. METHODS Download the gene expression profile of GSE134603 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and use the R software package "limma Geoquery" to screen DEGs. DAVID database was used for gene ontology analysis of DEGs. Use search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes online database and Cytoscape software to construct protein-protein interaction network. Use the "MCODE" plugin in Cytoscape to analyze key molecular complexes (module) of DEGs, and use the "Cluego" plugin to perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis on module genes. The Hub gene is selected from the genes in DEGs that coexist in the top 30 Degree and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway. RESULTS A total of 1033 DEGs were screened, including 800 up-regulated genes and 233 down-regulated genes. Gene ontology analysis showed that cell component is the main enrichment area of DEGs, mainly in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and nucleoplasm. In addition, in molecular function analysis, DEGs are mainly enriched in the process of protein binding. In biological process analysis, changes in DEGs can also be observed in transcription and regulation using DNA as a template. Twenty-nine module genes are enriched in the Ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes pathway. Finally, 4 key genes are drawn: essential for mitotic growth 1, U3 SnoRNP protein 3 homolog, U3 small nucleolar RNA-associated protein 15 homolog, and WD repeat domain 3. CONCLUSION This study found that the 4 genes essential for mitotic growth 1, U3 SnoRNP protein 3 homolog, U3 small nucleolar RNA-associated protein 15 homolog, WD repeat domain 3, and the ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes pathway play a very important role in the occurrence and development of osteosarcoma, and can become a new target for molecular targeted therapy of osteosarcoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang An
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Yuanlin Wang
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Guoyong Xu
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Yinan Liao
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Ge Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Chengxin Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Qinglong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Dong Yin
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, P. R. China
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, P. R. China
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Choi YJ, Lee H, Kim DS, Kim DH, Kang MH, Cho YH, Choi CM, Yoo J, Lee KO, Choi EK, Lee JC, Rho JK. Discovery of a novel CDK7 inhibitor YPN-005 in small cell lung cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 907:174298. [PMID: 34224696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to non-small cell lung cancer, there has been no significant progress in the development of therapies for the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in recent decades. Although various targeted agents, including immunotherapies, have recently been developed for testing in clinical trials, novel therapeutic agents are still needed for SCLC. We developed a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7), designated YPN-005, and sought to determine whether it showed any anticancer effects in SCLC cells, cisplatin or etoposide-resistant cells, or organoids derived from SCLC patients. In a panel of kinases assay, YPN-005 was highly selective for CDK7 and showed antiproliferative effects in SCLC and cells with acquired resistance to conventional anticancer drugs. Similar to other CDK7 inhibitors, YPN-005 treatment significantly decreased the phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. Consistent with the in vitro results, YPN-005 treatment showed a significant inhibition of tumor growth through the suppression of RNA polymerase II phosphorylation. Finally, YPN-005 showed potent anticancer effects in organoids derived from SCLC patients compared to another CDK7 inhibitor, THZ1. Therapeutic targeting of CDK7 in SCLC might be suitable for clinical investigation, and YPN-005 may be a promising therapeutic option for primary SCLC and SCLC with acquired resistance to conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jung Choi
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Hyeonjeong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Da-Som Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Dong Ha Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Myoung-Hee Kang
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Cho
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Chang-Min Choi
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea; Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Jakyung Yoo
- R&D Institute, Yungjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 109, Suwon 16229, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Ok Lee
- R&D Institute, Yungjin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, 109, Suwon 16229, South Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Choi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Jae Cheol Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea.
| | - Jin Kyung Rho
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea.
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50
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Kumar V, Parate S, Thakur G, Lee G, Ro HS, Kim Y, Kim HJ, Kim MO, Lee KW. Identification of CDK7 Inhibitors from Natural Sources Using Pharmacoinformatics and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1197. [PMID: 34572383 PMCID: PMC8468199 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle and RNA polymerase-based transcription. Overexpression of this kinase is linked with various cancers in humans due to its dual involvement in cell development. Furthermore, emerging evidence has revealed that inhibiting CDK7 has anti-cancer effects, driving the development of novel and more cost-effective inhibitors with enhanced selectivity for CDK7 over other CDKs. In the present investigation, a pharmacophore-based approach was utilized to identify potential hit compounds against CDK7. The generated pharmacophore models were validated and used as 3D queries to screen 55,578 natural drug-like compounds. The obtained compounds were then subjected to molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to predict their binding mode with CDK7. The molecular dynamics simulation trajectories were subsequently used to calculate binding affinity, revealing four hits-ZINC20392430, SN00112175, SN00004718, and SN00262261-having a better binding affinity towards CDK7 than the reference inhibitors (CT7001 and THZ1). The binding mode analysis displayed hydrogen bond interactions with the hinge region residues Met94 and Glu95, DFG motif residue Asp155, ATP-binding site residues Thr96, Asp97, and Gln141, and quintessential residue outside the kinase domain, Cys312 of CDK7. The in silico selectivity of the hits was further checked by docking with CDK2, the close homolog structure of CDK7. Additionally, the detailed pharmacokinetic properties were predicted, revealing that our hits have better properties than established CDK7 inhibitors CT7001 and THZ1. Hence, we argue that proposed hits may be crucial against CDK7-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Shraddha Parate
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Gunjan Thakur
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Gihwan Lee
- Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Hyeon-Su Ro
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Yongseong Kim
- School of Cosmetics and Food Development, Kyungnam University, Masan 631-701, Korea;
| | - Hong Ja Kim
- Division of Life Sciences and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Myeong Ok Kim
- Division of Life Sciences and Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Sciences, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
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