1
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Pan F, Liu J, Chen Y, Zhu B, Chen W, Yang Y, Zhu C, Zhao H, Liu X, Xu Y, Xu X, Huo L, Xie L, Wang R, Gu J, Huang G. Chemotherapy-induced high expression of IL23A enhances efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in TNBC by co-activating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway of CTLs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14248. [PMID: 38902343 PMCID: PMC11189934 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65129-7] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatment of advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a great challenge in clinical practice. The immune checkpoints are a category of immunosuppressive molecules that cancer could hijack and impede anti-tumor immunity. Targeting immune checkpoints, such as anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) therapy, is a promising therapeutic strategy in TNBC. The efficacy and safety of PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) with chemotherapy have been validated in TNBC patients. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect of chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy have not been elucidated, causing the TNBC patients that might benefit from this combination regimen not to be well selected. In the present work, we found that IL-23, an immunological cytokine, is significantly upregulated after chemotherapy in TNBC cells and plays a vital role in enhancing the anti-tumor immune response of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), especially in combination with PD-1 mAb. In addition, the combination of IL-23 and PD-1 mAb could synergistically inhibit the expression of Phosphoinositide-3-Kinase Regulatory Subunit 1 (PIK3R1), which is a regulatory subunit of PI3K and inhibit p110 activity, and promote phosphorylation of AKT in TNBC-specific CTLs. Our findings might provide a molecular marker that could be used to predict the effects of combination chemotherapy therapy and PD-1 mAb in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Pan
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Jiajing Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Liuting Road 59#, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22#, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Binghan Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321#, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yuchen Yang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Chunyan Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Hua Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Xiaobei Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yichen Xu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Xiaofan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Liqun Huo
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Li Xie
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Zhongshan Road 321#, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Jun Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Guichun Huang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Eastern Zhongshan Road 305#, Nanjing, 210002, China.
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2
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Aghaei-Zarch SM. Crosstalk between MiRNAs/lncRNAs and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in diabetes mellitus: Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:486-507. [PMID: 38511053 PMCID: PMC10950585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes as a fastest growing diseases worldwide is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. There's an enormous financial burden associated with this endocrine disorder, with unequal access to health care between developed and developing countries. PI3Ks (phosphoinositide 3-kinases) have been demonstrated to be crucial for glucose homeostasis, and malfunctioning of these molecules can contribute to an increase in glucose serum levels, the main pathophysiological feature of diabetes. Additionally, recent evidence suggests that miRNAs and lncRNAs are reciprocally interacting with this signaling pathway. It is therefore evident that abnormal regulation of miRNAs/lncRNAs in the lncRNAs/miRNAs/PI3K/AKT axis is related to clinicopathological characteristics and plays a crucial role in the regulation of biological processes. It has therefore been attempted in this review to describe the interaction between PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and various miRNAs/lncRNAs and their importance in DM biology. We also presented the clinical applications of PI3K/AKT-related ncRNAs/herbal medicine in patients with DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohsen Aghaei-Zarch
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Beatson EL, Risdon EN, Napoli GC, Price DK, Chau CH, Figg WD. Genomic Characterization of Preclinical Prostate Cancer Cell Line Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6111. [PMID: 38892296 PMCID: PMC11172770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
As we move into the era of precision medicine, the growing relevance of genetic alterations to prostate cancer (PCa) development and treatment demonstrates the importance of characterizing preclinical models at the genomic level. Our study investigated the genomic characterization of eight PCa cell lines to understand which models are clinically relevant. We designed a custom AmpliSeq DNA gene panel that encompassed key molecular pathways targeting AR signaling, apoptosis, DNA damage repair, and PI3K/AKT/PTEN, in addition to tumor suppressor genes. We examined the relationship between cell line genomic alterations and therapeutic response. In addition, using DepMap's Celligner tool, we identified which preclinical models are most representative of specific prostate cancer patient populations on cBioPortal. These data will help investigators understand the genetic differences in preclinical models of PCa and determine which ones are relevant for use in their translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - William D. Figg
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA (D.K.P.); (C.H.C.)
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4
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Palma MS, Perez SR, Husain A, Bhandari D. Substrate preference of protein kinase B isoforms can vary depending on the cell line. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298322. [PMID: 38502658 PMCID: PMC10950239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Many proteins in higher eukaryotes, especially those with crucial functions, have multiple isoforms with redundant roles providing protection against potential functional deficiencies in one isoform. However, these isoforms can also have some unique roles. Protein kinase B, also known as Akt, is one such protein that has three isoforms encoded on different genes. Due to high sequence similarity and the general lack of specific reagents, most studies on Akt generalize their findings and do not distinguish between the isoforms. Using an established chemical genetic strategy and a set of known Akt substrates, this work explores substrate specificity of Akt isoforms under steady state conditions in two commonly used cell lines. This strategy can be applied to study any Akt isoform-specific substrates of interest in any cell line of choice as long as the cell line can be transfected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel S. Palma
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, United States of America
| | - Samantha R. Perez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, United States of America
| | - Aida Husain
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, United States of America
| | - Deepali Bhandari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, United States of America
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5
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Li M, Wu X, Pan Y, Song M, Yang X, Xu J, Plikus MV, Lv C, Yu L, Yu Z. mTORC2-AKT signaling to PFKFB2 activates glycolysis that enhances stemness and tumorigenicity of intestinal epithelial cells. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23532. [PMID: 38451470 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301833rr] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Although elevated glycolysis has been widely recognized as a hallmark for highly proliferating cells like stem cells and cancer, its regulatory mechanisms are still being updated. Here, we found a previously unappreciated mechanism of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) in regulating glycolysis in intestinal stem cell maintenance and cancer progression. mTORC2 key subunits expression levels and its kinase activity were specifically upregulated in intestinal stem cells, mouse intestinal tumors, and human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. Genetic ablation of its key scaffolding protein Rictor in both mouse models and cell lines revealed that mTORC2 played an important role in promoting intestinal stem cell proliferation and self-renewal. Moreover, utilizing mouse models and organoid culture, mTORC2 loss of function was shown to impair growth of gut adenoma and tumor organoids. Based on these findings, we performed RNA-seq and noticed significant metabolic reprogramming in Rictor conditional knockout mice. Among all the pathways, carbohydrate metabolism was most profoundly altered, and further studies demonstrated that mTORC2 promoted glycolysis in intestinal epithelial cells. Most importantly, we showed that a rate-limiting enzyme in regulating glycolysis, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFKFB2), was a direct target for the mTORC2-AKT signaling. PFKFB2 was phosphorylated upon mTORC2 activation, but not mTORC1, and this process was AKT-dependent. Together, this study has identified a novel mechanism underlying mTORC2 activated glycolysis, offering potential therapeutic targets for treating CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhen Li
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Manyu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuzhi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Maksim V Plikus
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Cong Lv
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengquan Yu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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6
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Shi Y, Bashian EE, Hou Y, Wu P. Chemical immunology: Recent advances in tool development and applications. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:S2451-9456(24)00080-1. [PMID: 38508196 PMCID: PMC11393185 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.006] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Immunology was one of the first biological fields to embrace chemical approaches. The development of new chemical approaches and techniques has provided immunologists with an impressive arsenal of tools to address challenges once considered insurmountable. This review focuses on advances at the interface of chemistry and immunobiology over the past two decades that have not only opened new avenues in basic immunological research, but also revolutionized drug development for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. These include chemical approaches to understand and manipulate antigen presentation and the T cell priming process, to facilitate immune cell trafficking and regulate immune cell functions, and therapeutic applications of chemical approaches to disease control and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Shi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eleanor E Bashian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yingqin Hou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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7
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Kar A, Ghosh P, Gautam A, Chowdhury S, Basak D, Sarkar I, Bhoumik A, Barman S, Chakraborty P, Mukhopadhyay A, Mehrotra S, Ganesan SK, Paul S, Chatterjee S. CD38-RyR2 axis-mediated signaling impedes CD8 + T cell response to anti-PD1 therapy in cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315989121. [PMID: 38451948 PMCID: PMC10945783 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315989121] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PD1 blockade therapy, harnessing the cytotoxic potential of CD8+ T cells, has yielded clinical success in treating malignancies. However, its efficacy is often limited due to the progressive differentiation of intratumoral CD8+ T cells into a hypofunctional state known as terminal exhaustion. Despite identifying CD8+ T cell subsets associated with immunotherapy resistance, the molecular pathway triggering the resistance remains elusive. Given the clear association of CD38 with CD8+ T cell subsets resistant to anti-PD1 therapy, we investigated its role in inducing resistance. Phenotypic and functional characterization, along with single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of both in vitro chronically stimulated and intratumoral CD8+ T cells, revealed that CD38-expressing CD8+ T cells are terminally exhausted. Exploring the molecular mechanism, we found that CD38 expression was crucial in promoting terminal differentiation of CD8+ T cells by suppressing TCF1 expression, thereby rendering them unresponsive to anti-PD1 therapy. Genetic ablation of CD38 in tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells restored TCF1 levels and improved the responsiveness to anti-PD1 therapy in mice. Mechanistically, CD38 expression on exhausted CD8+ T cells elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels through RyR2 calcium channel activation. This, in turn, promoted chronic AKT activation, leading to TCF1 loss. Knockdown of RyR2 or inhibition of AKT in CD8+ T cells maintained TCF1 levels, induced a sustained anti-tumor response, and enhanced responsiveness to anti-PD1 therapy. Thus, targeting CD38 represents a potential strategy to improve the efficacy of anti-PD1 treatment in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Kar
- Division of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Puspendu Ghosh
- Division of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Anupam Gautam
- Algorithms in Bioinformatics, Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Sand 1472076, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School “From Molecules to Organisms”, Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen72076, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Snehanshu Chowdhury
- Division of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Debashree Basak
- Division of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ishita Sarkar
- Division of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Arpita Bhoumik
- Division of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Shubhrajit Barman
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Division of Structural Biology & Bioinformatics, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Paramita Chakraborty
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South CarolinaSC- 29425
| | - Asima Mukhopadhyay
- Kolkata Gynaecology Oncology Trials and Translational Research Group, Kolkata700156, West Bengal, India
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South CarolinaSC- 29425
| | - Senthil Kumar Ganesan
- Division of Structural Biology & Bioinformatics, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Sandip Paul
- System Biology Informatics Lab, Center for Health Science and Technology, JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research, JIS University, Kolkata700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Shilpak Chatterjee
- Division of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata700032, West Bengal, India
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8
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Karunakaran K, Muniyan R. Identification of allosteric inhibitor against AKT1 through structure-based virtual screening. Mol Divers 2023; 27:2803-2822. [PMID: 36522517 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10582-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AKT (serine/threonine protein kinase) is a potential therapeutic target for many types of cancer as it plays a vital role in cancer progression. Many AKT inhibitors are already in practice under single and combinatorial therapy. However, most of these inhibitors are orthosteric / pan-AKT that are non-selective and non-specific to AKT kinase and their isoforms. Hence, researchers are searching for novel allosteric inhibitors that bind in the interface between pH and kinase domain. In this study, we performed structure-based virtual screening from the afroDB (a diverse natural compounds library) to find the potential inhibitor targeting the AKT1. These compounds were filtered through Lipinski, ADMET properties, combined with a molecular docking approach to obtain the 8 best compounds. Then we performed molecular dynamics simulation for apoprotein, AKT1 with 8 complexes, and AKT1 with the positive control (Miransertib). Molecular docking and simulation analysis revealed that Bianthracene III (hit 1), 10-acetonyl Knipholonecyclooxanthrone (hit 2), Abyssinoflavanone VII (hit 5) and 8-c-p-hydroxybenzyldiosmetin (hit 6) had a better binding affinity, stability, and compactness than the reference compound. Notably, hit 1, hit 2 and hit 5 had molecular features required for allosteric inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthana Karunakaran
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Rajiniraja Muniyan
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India.
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9
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Zheng N, Wei J, Wu D, Xu Y, Guo J. Master kinase PDK1 in tumorigenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188971. [PMID: 37640147 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188971] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) is considered as master kinase regulating AGC kinase family members such as AKT, SGK, PLK, S6K and RSK. Although autophosphorylation regulates PDK1 activity, accumulating evidence suggests that PDK1 is manipulated by many other mechanisms, including S6K-mediated phosphorylation, and the E3 ligase SPOP-mediated ubiquitination and degradation. Dysregulation of these upstream regulators or downstream signals involves in cancer development, as PDK1 regulating cell growth, metastasis, invasion, apoptosis and survival time. Meanwhile, overexpression of PDK1 is also exposed in a plethora of cancers, whereas inhibition of PDK1 reduces cell size and inhibits tumor growth and progression. More importantly, PDK1 also modulates the tumor microenvironments and markedly influences tumor immunotherapies. In summary, we comprehensively summarize the downstream signals, upstream regulators, mouse models, inhibitors, tumor microenvironment and clinical treatments for PDK1, and highlight PDK1 as a potential cancer therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jiaqi Wei
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Depei Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Yang Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Jianping Guo
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275, China.
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10
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Zhao Q, Yu C, Xu X, Jin W, Zhang Z, Huang H, Gao Y, Pan D. Phosphorylated YBX2 is stabilized to promote glycolysis in brown adipocytes. iScience 2023; 26:108091. [PMID: 37860762 PMCID: PMC10583057 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Y-box binding protein 2 (YBX2) is an essential modulator of brown adipose tissue activation, yet the regulation on its own expression and the involved mechanism remains largely unknown. Herein, we report the YBX2 protein level, but not mRNA level, is induced in response to acute β-adrenergic signaling. In this context, YBX2 is a dual substrate for both AMPK and Akt2. The phosphorylation at Thr115 by AMPK or at Ser137 by Akt2 facilitates YBX2 accumulation in brown adipocytes by decreasing ubiquitination-mediated degradation. Beyond stabilizing PGC1α mRNA, increased YBX2 upon thermogenic activation assists the expression of glycolytic enzymes, promotes glucose utilization and lactate production. Mechanistically, YBX2 modulates translation of glycolytic genes via direct binding to 5'-UTRs of these genes. Together these findings suggest YBX2 is responsive to thermogenic stimuli by phosphorylation modification, and stabilized YBX2 helps to boost glycolysis and thermogenesis in brown adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenfang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongning Pan
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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11
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Doshi H, Spengler K, Godbole A, Gee YS, Baell J, Oakhill JS, Henke A, Heller R. AMPK protects endothelial cells against HSV-1 replication via inhibition of mTORC1 and ACC1. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0041723. [PMID: 37702499 PMCID: PMC10580915 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00417-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread contagious pathogen, mostly causing mild symptoms on the mucosal entry side. However, systemic distribution, in particular upon reactivation of the virus in immunocompromised patients, may trigger an innate immune response and induce damage of organs. In these conditions, HSV-1 may infect vascular endothelial cells, but little is known about the regulation of HSV-1 replication and possible defense mechanisms in these cells. The current study addresses the question of whether the host cell protein AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important metabolic sensor, can control HSV-1 replication in endothelial cells. We show that downregulation of the catalytic subunits AMPKα1 and/or AMPKα2 increased HSV-1 replication as monitored by TCID50 titrations, while a potent AMPK agonist, MK-8722, strongly inhibited it. MK-8722 induced a persistent phosphorylation of the AMPK downstream targets acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and the rapamycin-sensitive adaptor protein of mTOR (Raptor) and, related to this, impairment of ACC1-mediated lipid synthesis and the mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex-1 (mTORC1) pathway. Since blockade of mTOR by Torin-2 as well as downregulation of ACC1 by siRNA also decreased HSV-1 replication, MK-8722 is likely to exert its anti-viral effect via mTORC1 and ACC1 inhibition. Importantly, MK-8722 was able to reduce virus replication even when added after HSV-1. Together, our data highlight the importance of endothelial cells as host cells for HSV-1 replication upon systemic infection and identify AMPK, a metabolic host cell protein, as a potential target for antiviral strategies against HSV-1 infection and its severe consequences. IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common pathogen that causes blisters or cold sores in humans. It remains latent in infected individuals and can be reactivated multiple times. In adverse conditions, for instance, in immunocompromised patients, HSV-1 can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, or blindness. In these situations, infection of endothelial cells lining the surface of blood vessels may contribute to the manifestation of disease. Here, we describe the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a potent regulator of cellular energy metabolism, in HSV-1 replication in endothelial cells. While downregulation of AMPK potentiates HSV-1 replication, pharmacological AMPK activation inhibits it by limiting the availability of required host cell macromolecules such as proteins or fatty acids. These data highlight the role of metabolic host cell proteins as antiviral targets and reveal activation of endothelial AMPK as a potential strategy to protect from severe consequences of HSV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena Doshi
- Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Katrin Spengler
- Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Amod Godbole
- Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Yi Sing Gee
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jonathan S. Oakhill
- Metabolic Signaling Laboratory, St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Exercise and Nutrition Research Program, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Henke
- Section of Experimental Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Regine Heller
- Institute for Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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12
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Powis G, Meuillet EJ, Indarte M, Booher G, Kirkpatrick L. Pleckstrin Homology [PH] domain, structure, mechanism, and contribution to human disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115024. [PMID: 37399719 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The pleckstrin homology [PH] domain is a structural fold found in more than 250 proteins making it the 11th most common domain in the human proteome. 25% of family members have more than one PH domain and some PH domains are split by one, or several other, protein domains although still folding to give functioning PH domains. We review mechanisms of PH domain activity, the role PH domain mutation plays in human disease including cancer, hyperproliferation, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and infection, and discuss pharmacotherapeutic approaches to regulate PH domain activity for the treatment of human disease. Almost half PH domain family members bind phosphatidylinositols [PIs] that attach the host protein to cell membranes where they interact with other membrane proteins to give signaling complexes or cytoskeleton scaffold platforms. A PH domain in its native state may fold over other protein domains thereby preventing substrate access to a catalytic site or binding with other proteins. The resulting autoinhibition can be released by PI binding to the PH domain, or by protein phosphorylation thus providing fine tuning of the cellular control of PH domain protein activity. For many years the PH domain was thought to be undruggable until high-resolution structures of human PH domains allowed structure-based design of novel inhibitors that selectively bind the PH domain. Allosteric inhibitors of the Akt1 PH domain have already been tested in cancer patients and for proteus syndrome, with several other PH domain inhibitors in preclinical development for treatment of other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Powis
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | | | - Martin Indarte
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Garrett Booher
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lynn Kirkpatrick
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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13
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Safaroghli-Azar A, Sanaei MJ, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Bashash D. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) classes: From cell signaling to endocytic recycling and autophagy. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175827. [PMID: 37269974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lipid signaling is defined as any biological signaling action in which a lipid messenger binds to a protein target, converting its effects to specific cellular responses. In this complex biological pathway, the family of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) represents a pivotal role and affects many aspects of cellular biology from cell survival, proliferation, and migration to endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, metabolism, and autophagy. While yeasts have a single isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mammals possess eight PI3K types divided into three classes. The class I PI3Ks have set the stage to widen research interest in the field of cancer biology. The aberrant activation of class I PI3Ks has been identified in 30-50% of human tumors, and activating mutations in PIK3CA is one of the most frequent oncogenes in human cancer. In addition to indirect participation in cell signaling, class II and III PI3Ks primarily regulate vesicle trafficking. Class III PI3Ks are also responsible for autophagosome formation and autophagy flux. The current review aims to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on the latest discoveries regarding PI3Ks-mediated cell biological processes. Also, we unravel the mechanisms by which pools of the same phosphoinositides (PIs) derived from different PI3K types act differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Safaroghli-Azar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- 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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14
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Shaw AL, Parson MAH, Truebestein L, Jenkins ML, Leonard TA, Burke JE. ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors induce differential conformational changes at the autoinhibitory interface of Akt1. Structure 2023; 31:343-354.e3. [PMID: 36758543 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Akt is a master regulator of pro-growth signaling in the cell. Akt is activated by phosphoinositides that disrupt the autoinhibitory interface between the kinase and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and then is phosphorylated at T308 and S473. Akt hyperactivation is oncogenic, which has spurred development of potent and selective inhibitors as therapeutics. Using hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), we interrogated the conformational changes upon binding Akt ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors. We compared inhibitors against three different states of Akt1. The allosteric inhibitor caused substantive conformational changes and restricts membrane binding. ATP-competitive inhibitors caused extensive allosteric conformational changes, altering the autoinhibitory interface and leading to increased membrane binding, suggesting that the PH domain is more accessible for membrane binding. This work provides unique insight into the autoinhibitory conformation of the PH and kinase domain and conformational changes induced by Akt inhibitors and has important implications for the design of Akt targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria L Shaw
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Matthew A H Parson
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Linda Truebestein
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Meredith L Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Thomas A Leonard
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - John E Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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15
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Stehle J, Weisner J, Eichhorn L, Rauh D, Drescher M. Insights into the Conformational Plasticity of the Protein Kinase Akt1 by Multi-Lateral Dipolar Spectroscopy. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203959. [PMID: 36795969 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt1 is part of the PI3 K/Akt pathway and plays a key role in the regulation of various cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Here, we analyzed the elasticity between the two domains of the kinase Akt1, connected by a flexible linker, recording a wide variety of distance restraints by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We studied full length Akt1 and the influence of the cancer-associated mutation E17K. The conformational landscape in the presence of different modulators, like different types of inhibitors and membranes was presented, revealing a tuned flexibility between the two domains, dependent on the bound molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Stehle
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jörn Weisner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Straße 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Leanne Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Daniel Rauh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Straße 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Malte Drescher
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
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16
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Wang S, Liu X, Zhou T, Li J, Lin Y, Zhou A, Huang J, Zhao J, Cai J, Cai X, Huang Y, Li X. PKMYT1 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma progression by abrogating AKT1 activity. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:195-209. [PMID: 36350496 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE AKT hyperactivation drives malignant phenotypes in lung cancer via promoting tumor cell proliferation and survival. However, the relationship between dysregulation of cell cycle progression and AKT1 kinase activity is still not clear. METHODS Following the expression level of PKMYT1 in lung cancer, we performed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and xenograft assays to determine the function of PKMYT1. We used RNA-seq to explore the anti-tumor mechanism of PKMYT1 and examined the effect of PKMYT1 on AKT1 activity. RESULTS In this study, we report that PKMYT1 is downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues and its low expression predicts a poor prognosis in LUAD patients. PKMYT1 exerts potent tumor-suppressive functions in LUAD cells by inhibiting AKT1 activation and thereby repressing cell cycle progression, which depends on its tyrosine and threonine protein kinase activity. Interestingly, PKMYT1 could directly bind AKT1 to abrogate AKT1 activation. Moreover, silencing AKT1 and inhibitors targeting the AKT pathway effectively reverse the promoting effects of PKMYT1 knockdown on proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells. CONCLUSION This work reveals the anti-tumor effect of PKMYT1 in LUAD and provides evidence to clarify the dual roles of PKMYT1 in tumor progression. Moreover, our findings broaden the current understandings on AKT1 activation and identify PKMYT1 as a potential negative regulator of AKT1 kinase activity, providing further insights into targeting the AKT pathway in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ximeng Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jinling Li
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Anni Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiamin Huang
- Department of Microbiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Junchao Cai
- Department of Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan School of Medicine, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiuyu Cai
- Department of General Internal Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yongbo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Xu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Huang J, Chen L, Wu J, Ai D, Zhang JQ, Chen TG, Wang L. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in the Treatment of Human Diseases: Current Status, Trends, and Solutions. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16033-16061. [PMID: 36503229 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is one of the most important intracellular pathways involved in cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and survival. Therefore, this route is a prospective biological target for treating various human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, and diabetes. An increasing number of clinical studies emphasize the necessity of developing novel molecules targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This review focuses on recent advances in ATP-competitive inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors, covalent inhibitors, and proteolysis-targeting chimeras against the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and highlights possible solutions for overcoming the toxicities and acquired drug resistance of currently available drugs. We also provide recommendations for the future design and development of promising drugs targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindi Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liye Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiangxia Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daiqiao Ai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ji-Quan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Tie-Gen Chen
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 109, Building C, SSIP Healthcare and Medicine Demonstration Zone, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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18
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Decrotonylation of AKT1 promotes AKT1 phosphorylation and activation during myogenic differentiation. J Adv Res 2022:S2090-1232(22)00235-1. [PMID: 36265762 PMCID: PMC10403674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myogenic differentiation plays an important role in pathophysiological processes including muscle injury and regeneration, as well as muscle atrophy. A novel type of posttranslational modification, crotonylation, has been reported to play a role in stem cell differentiation and disease. However, the role of crotonylation in myogenic differentiation has not been clarified. OBJECTIVES This study aims to find the role of crotonylation during myogenic differentiation and explore whether it is a potential target in myogenic dysfunction disease. METHODS C2C12 cell line and skeletal muscle mesenchymal progenitors of Mus musculus were used for myogenic process study in vitro, while muscle injury model of mice was used for in vivo muscle regeneration study. Mass spectrometry favored in discovery of potential target protein of crotonylation and its specific sites. RESULTS We confirmed the gradual decrease in total protein crotonylation level during muscle differentiation and found decreased crotonylation of AKT1, which facilitated an increase in AKT1 phosphorylation. Then we verified that crotonylation of AKT1 at specific sites weakened its binding with PDK1 and impaired its phosphorylation. In addition, we found that increased expression of the crotonylation eraser HDAC3 decreased AKT1 crotonylation levels during myogenic differentiation, jointly promoting myogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the important role of decrotonylation of AKT1 in the process of muscle differentiation, where it aids the phosphorylation and activation of AKT1 and promotes myogenic differentiation. This is of great significance for exploring the pathophysiological process of muscle injury repair and sarcopenia.
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19
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Tsai PJ, Lai YH, Manne RK, Tsai YS, Sarbassov D, Lin HK. Akt: a key transducer in cancer. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:76. [PMID: 36180910 PMCID: PMC9526305 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00860-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth factor signaling plays a pivotal role in diverse biological functions, such as cell growth, apoptosis, senescence, and migration and its deregulation has been linked to various human diseases. Akt kinase is a central player transmitting extracellular clues to various cellular compartments, in turn executing these biological processes. Since the discovery of Akt three decades ago, the tremendous progress towards identifying its upstream regulators and downstream effectors and its roles in cancer has been made, offering novel paradigms and therapeutic strategies for targeting human diseases and cancers with deregulated Akt activation. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms for Akt signaling networks paves the way for developing selective inhibitors targeting Akt and its signaling regulation for the management of human diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Jane Tsai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Lai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Rajesh Kumar Manne
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Yau-Sheng Tsai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Clinical Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Dos Sarbassov
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Humanities, and National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan City, 010000, Kazakhstan.
| | - Hui-Kuan Lin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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20
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Bae H, Viennet T, Park E, Chu N, Salguero A, Eck MJ, Arthanari H, Cole PA. PH domain-mediated autoinhibition and oncogenic activation of Akt. eLife 2022; 11:80148. [PMID: 35968932 PMCID: PMC9417420 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that plays a central role in metabolism and cancer. Regulation of Akt’s activity involves an autoinhibitory intramolecular interaction between its pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and its kinase domain that can be relieved by C-tail phosphorylation. PH domain mutant E17K Akt is a well-established oncogene. Previously, we reported that the conformation of autoinhibited Akt may be shifted by small molecule allosteric inhibitors limiting the mechanistic insights from existing X-ray structures that have relied on such compounds (Chu et al., 2020). Here, we discover unexpectedly that a single mutation R86A Akt exhibits intensified autoinhibitory features with enhanced PH domain-kinase domain affinity. Structural and biochemical analysis uncovers the importance of a key interaction network involving Arg86, Glu17, and Tyr18 that controls Akt conformation and activity. Our studies also shed light on the molecular basis for E17K Akt activation as an oncogenic driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan Bae
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Thibault Viennet
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Eunyoung Park
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Nam Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States
| | - Antonieta Salguero
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Michael J Eck
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Philip A Cole
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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21
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A Novel Isaindigotone Derivative Displays Better Anti-Proliferation Activities and Induces Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148028. [PMID: 35887375 PMCID: PMC9324172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Isaindigotone is an alkaloid containing a pyrrolo-[2,1-b]quinazoline moiety conjugated with a benzylidene group and isolated from the root of Isatis indigotca Fort. However, further anticancer activities of this alkaloid and its derivatives have not been fully explored. In this work, a novel isaindigotone derivative was synthesized and three different gastric cell lines and one human epithelial gastric cell line were used to study the anti-proliferation effects of the novel isaindigotone derivative BLG26. HGC27 cells and AGS cells were used to further explore the potential mechanisms. BLG26 exhibited better anti-proliferation activities in AGS cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.45 μM. BLG26 caused mitochondrial membrane potential loss and induced apoptosis in both HGC27 cells and AGS cells by suppressing mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. Acute toxicity experiment showed that LD50 (median lethal dose) of BLG26 was above 1000.0 mg/kg. This research suggested that BLG26 can be a potential candidate for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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22
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Zhou K, Chen Q, Chen J, Liang D, Feng W, Liu M, Wang Q, Wang R, Ouyang Q, Quan C, Chen S. Spatiotemporal regulation of insulin signaling by liquid–liquid phase separation. Cell Discov 2022; 8:64. [PMID: 35790738 PMCID: PMC9256590 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00430-1] [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: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractInsulin signals through its receptor to recruit insulin receptor substrates (IRS) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) to the plasma membrane for production of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) from phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2], which consequently activates protein kinase B (PKB). How insulin signals transduce from the plasma membrane into the cytoplasm is not clearly understood. Here we show that liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays a critical role in spatiotemporal control of insulin signaling through regulating multiple components including IRS1. Both protein concentration and insulin stimulation can drive the formation of intracellular IRS1 condensates through LLPS. Components including PI(4,5)P2, p85-PI3K and PDK1 are constitutively present in IRS1 condensates whereas production of PIP3 and recruitment of PKB in them are induced by insulin. Thus, IRS1 condensates function as intracellular signal hubs to mediate insulin signaling, whose formation is impaired in insulin resistant cells. Collectively, these data reveal an important function of LLPS in spatiotemporal control of insulin signaling.
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Chen KQ, Wei BH, Hao SL, Yang WX. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: How does it regulate development of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells? Histol Histopathol 2022; 37:621-636. [PMID: 35388905 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is one of the most crucial regulatory mechanisms in animal cells, which can mainly regulate proliferation, survival and anti-apoptosis in cell lines. In the seminiferous epithelium, most studies were concentrated on the role of PI3K/AKT signaling in immature Sertoli cells (SCs) and spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs). PI3K/AKT signaling can facilitate the proliferation and anti-apoptosis of immature Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells. Besides, in mature Sertoli cells, this pathway can disintegrate the structure of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) via regulatory protein synthesis and the cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells. All of these effects can directly and indirectly maintain and promote spermatogenesis in male testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Qi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang-Li Hao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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24
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mTOR substrate phosphorylation in growth control. Cell 2022; 185:1814-1836. [PMID: 35580586 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The target of rapamycin (TOR), discovered 30 years ago, is a highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a central role in regulating cell growth and metabolism. It is activated by nutrients, growth factors, and cellular energy. TOR forms two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, TORC1 and TORC2. TOR signaling activates cell growth, defined as an increase in biomass, by stimulating anabolic metabolism while inhibiting catabolic processes. With emphasis on mammalian TOR (mTOR), we comprehensively reviewed the literature and identified all reported direct substrates. In the context of recent structural information, we discuss how mTORC1 and mTORC2, despite having a common catalytic subunit, phosphorylate distinct substrates. We conclude that the two complexes recruit different substrates to phosphorylate a common, minimal motif.
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25
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Distinct resistance mechanisms arise to allosteric vs. ATP-competitive AKT inhibitors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2057. [PMID: 35440108 PMCID: PMC9019088 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29655-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The AKT kinases have emerged as promising therapeutic targets in oncology and both allosteric and ATP-competitive AKT inhibitors have entered clinical investigation. However, long-term efficacy of such inhibitors will likely be challenged by the development of resistance. We have established prostate cancer models of acquired resistance to the allosteric inhibitor MK-2206 or the ATP-competitive inhibitor ipatasertib following prolonged exposure. While alterations in AKT are associated with acquired resistance to MK-2206, ipatasertib resistance is driven by rewired compensatory activity of parallel signaling pathways. Importantly, MK-2206 resistance can be overcome by treatment with ipatasertib, while ipatasertib resistance can be reversed by co-treatment with inhibitors of pathways including PIM signaling. These findings demonstrate that distinct resistance mechanisms arise to the two classes of AKT inhibitors and that combination approaches may reverse resistance to ATP-competitive inhibition. How resistance to different classes of AKT inhibitors can emerge is unclear. Here, the authors show that resistance to allosteric inhibitors is mainly due to mutation of AKT1 while the ATP competitive resistance is driven by activation of PIM kinases in prostate cancer models.
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26
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Shrestha Bhattarai T, Shamu T, Gorelick AN, Chang MT, Chakravarty D, Gavrila EI, Donoghue MTA, Gao J, Patel S, Gao SP, Reynolds MH, Phillips SM, Soumerai T, Abida W, Hyman DM, Schram AM, Solit DB, Smyth LM, Taylor BS. AKT mutant allele-specific activation dictates pharmacologic sensitivities. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2111. [PMID: 35440569 PMCID: PMC9018718 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29638-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT- a key molecular regulator of PI-3K signaling pathway, is somatically mutated in diverse solid cancer types, and aberrant AKT activation promotes altered cancer cell growth, survival, and metabolism1-8. The most common of AKT mutations (AKT1 E17K) sensitizes affected solid tumors to AKT inhibitor therapy7,8. However, the pathway dependence and inhibitor sensitivity of the long tail of potentially activating mutations in AKT is poorly understood, limiting our ability to act clinically in prospectively characterized cancer patients. Here we show, through population-scale driver mutation discovery combined with functional, biological, and therapeutic studies that some but not all missense mutations activate downstream AKT effector pathways in a growth factor-independent manner and sensitize tumor cells to diverse AKT inhibitors. A distinct class of small in-frame duplications paralogous across AKT isoforms induce structural changes different than those of activating missense mutations, leading to a greater degree of membrane affinity, AKT activation, and cell proliferation as well as pathway dependence and hyper-sensitivity to ATP-competitive, but not allosteric AKT inhibitors. Assessing these mutations clinically, we conducted a phase II clinical trial testing the AKT inhibitor capivasertib (AZD5363) in patients with solid tumors harboring AKT alterations (NCT03310541). Twelve patients were enrolled, out of which six harbored AKT1-3 non-E17K mutations. The median progression free survival (PFS) of capivasertib therapy was 84 days (95% CI 50-not reached) with an objective response rate of 25% (n = 3 of 12) and clinical benefit rate of 42% (n = 5 of 12). Collectively, our data indicate that the degree and mechanism of activation of oncogenic AKT mutants vary, thereby dictating allele-specific pharmacological sensitivities to AKT inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tripti Shrestha Bhattarai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tambudzai Shamu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander N Gorelick
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew T Chang
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Debyani Chakravarty
- Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elena I Gavrila
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark T A Donoghue
- Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - JianJong Gao
- Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Swati Patel
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sizhi Paul Gao
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret H Reynolds
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah M Phillips
- Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tara Soumerai
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wassim Abida
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David M Hyman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Alison M Schram
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Solit
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lillian M Smyth
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Stamford, CT, USA
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Loxo Oncology at Lilly, Stamford, CT, USA.
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27
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Salguero AL, Chen M, Balana AT, Chu N, Jiang H, Palanski BA, Bae H, Wright KM, Nathan S, Zhu H, Gabelli SB, Pratt MR, Cole PA. Multifaceted Regulation of Akt by Diverse C-Terminal Post-translational Modifications. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:68-76. [PMID: 34941261 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Akt is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that regulates cell growth and metabolism and is considered a therapeutic target for cancer. Regulation of Akt by membrane recruitment and post-translational modifications (PTMs) has been extensively studied. The most well-established mechanism for cellular Akt activation involves phosphorylation on its activation loop on Thr308 by PDK1 and on its C-terminal tail on Ser473 by mTORC2. In addition, dual phosphorylation on Ser477 and Thr479 has been shown to activate Akt. Other C-terminal tail PTMs have been identified, but their functional impacts have not been well-characterized. Here, we investigate the regulatory effects of phosphorylation of Tyr474 and O-GlcNAcylation of Ser473 on Akt. We use expressed protein ligation as a tool to produce semisynthetic Akt proteins containing phosphoTyr474 and O-GlcNAcSer473 to dissect the enzymatic functions of these PTMs. We find that O-GlcNAcylation at Ser473 and phosphorylation at Tyr474 can also partially increase Akt's kinase activity toward both peptide and protein substrates. Additionally, we performed kinase assays employing human protein microarrays to investigate global substrate specificity of Akt, comparing phosphorylated versus O-GlcNAcylated Ser473 forms. We observed a high similarity in the protein substrates phosphorylated by phosphoSer473 Akt and O-GlcNAcSer473 Akt. Two Akt substrates identified using microarrays, PPM1H, a protein phosphatase, and NEDD4L, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, were validated in solution-phase assays and cell transfection experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonieta L. Salguero
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Maggie Chen
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Aaron T. Balana
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Nam Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Hanjie Jiang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Brad A. Palanski
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Hwan Bae
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Katharine M. Wright
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sara Nathan
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Heng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- The Center for High-Throughput Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sandra B. Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Matthew R. Pratt
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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28
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Hua H, Zhang H, Chen J, Wang J, Liu J, Jiang Y. Targeting Akt in cancer for precision therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:128. [PMID: 34419139 PMCID: PMC8379749 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers-guided precision therapeutics has revolutionized the clinical development and administration of molecular-targeted anticancer agents. Tailored precision cancer therapy exhibits better response rate compared to unselective treatment. Protein kinases have critical roles in cell signaling, metabolism, proliferation, survival and migration. Aberrant activation of protein kinases is critical for tumor growth and progression. Hence, protein kinases are key targets for molecular targeted cancer therapy. The serine/threonine kinase Akt is frequently activated in various types of cancer. Activation of Akt promotes tumor progression and drug resistance. Since the first Akt inhibitor was reported in 2000, many Akt inhibitors have been developed and evaluated in either early or late stage of clinical trials, which take advantage of liquid biopsy and genomic or molecular profiling to realize personalized cancer therapy. Two inhibitors, capivasertib and ipatasertib, are being tested in phase III clinical trials for cancer therapy. Here, we highlight recent progress of Akt signaling pathway, review the up-to-date data from clinical studies of Akt inhibitors and discuss the potential biomarkers that may help personalized treatment of cancer with Akt inhibitors. In addition, we also discuss how Akt may confer the vulnerability of cancer cells to some kinds of anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jingzhu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieya Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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29
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Truebestein L, Hornegger H, Anrather D, Hartl M, Fleming KD, Stariha JTB, Pardon E, Steyaert J, Burke JE, Leonard TA. Structure of autoinhibited Akt1 reveals mechanism of PIP 3-mediated activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2101496118. [PMID: 34385319 PMCID: PMC8379990 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2101496118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase Akt is one of the primary effectors of growth factor signaling in the cell. Akt responds specifically to the lipid second messengers phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3] and phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate [PI(3,4)P2] via its PH domain, leading to phosphorylation of its activation loop and the hydrophobic motif of its kinase domain, which are critical for activity. We have now determined the crystal structure of Akt1, revealing an autoinhibitory interface between the PH and kinase domains that is often mutated in cancer and overgrowth disorders. This interface persists even after stoichiometric phosphorylation, thereby restricting maximum Akt activity to PI(3,4,5)P3- or PI(3,4)P2-containing membranes. Our work helps to resolve the roles of lipids and phosphorylation in the activation of Akt and has wide implications for the spatiotemporal control of Akt and potentially lipid-activated kinase signaling in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Truebestein
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Hornegger
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dorothea Anrather
- Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Hartl
- Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kaelin D Fleming
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Jordan T B Stariha
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Els Pardon
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - John E Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Thomas A Leonard
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria;
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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30
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Kueffer LE, Joseph RE, Andreotti AH. Reining in BTK: Interdomain Interactions and Their Importance in the Regulatory Control of BTK. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:655489. [PMID: 34249912 PMCID: PMC8260988 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.655489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since Dr. Ogden Bruton's 1952 paper describing the first human primary immunodeficiency disease, the peripheral membrane binding signaling protein, aptly named Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), has been the target of intense study. Dr. Bruton's description of agammaglobulinemia set the stage for ultimately understanding key signaling steps emanating from the B cell receptor. BTK is a multidomain tyrosine kinase and in the decades since Dr. Bruton's discovery it has become clear that genetic defects in the regulatory domains or the catalytic domain can lead to immunodeficiency. This finding underscores the intricate regulatory mechanisms within the BTK protein that maintain appropriate levels of signaling both in the resting B cell and during an immune challenge. In recent decades, BTK has become a target for clinical intervention in treating B cell malignancies. The survival reliance of B cell malignancies on B cell receptor signaling has allowed small molecules that target BTK to become essential tools in treating patients with hematological malignancies. The first-in-class Ibrutinib and more selective second-generation inhibitors all target the active site of the multidomain BTK protein. Therapeutic interventions targeting BTK have been successful but are plagued by resistance mutations that render drug treatment ineffective for some patients. This review will examine the molecular mechanisms that drive drug resistance, the long-range conformational effects of active site inhibitors on the BTK regulatory apparatus, and emerging opportunities to allosterically target the BTK kinase to improve therapeutic interventions using combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amy H. Andreotti
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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31
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Weako J, Jang H, Keskin O, Nussinov R, Gursoy A. The structural basis of Akt PH domain interaction with calmodulin. Biophys J 2021; 120:1994-2008. [PMID: 33775637 PMCID: PMC8204387 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt plays a key role in the Ras/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In breast cancer, Akt translocation to the plasma membrane is enabled by the interaction of its pleckstrin homology domain (PHD) with calmodulin (CaM). At the membrane, the conformational change promoted by PIP3 releases CaM and facilitates Thr308 and Ser473 phosphorylation and activation. Here, using modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, we aim to figure out how CaM interacts with Akt's PHD at the atomic level. Our simulations show that CaM-PHD interaction is thermodynamically stable and involves a β-strand rather than an α-helix, in agreement with NMR data, and that electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions are critical. The PHD interacts with CaM lobes; however, multiple modes are possible. IP4, the polar head of PIP3, weakens the CaM-PHD interaction, implicating the release mechanism at the plasma membrane. Recently, we unraveled the mechanism of PI3Kα activation at the atomistic level and the structural basis for Ras role in the activation. Here, our atomistic structural data clarify the mechanism of how CaM interacts, delivers, and releases Akt-the next node in the Ras/PI3K pathway-at the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Weako
- Computational Science and Engineering Program, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Attila Gursoy
- Department of Computer Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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32
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Wiechmann S, Ruprecht B, Siekmann T, Zheng R, Frejno M, Kunold E, Bajaj T, Zolg DP, Sieber SA, Gassen NC, Kuster B. Chemical Phosphoproteomics Sheds New Light on the Targets and Modes of Action of AKT Inhibitors. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:631-641. [PMID: 33755436 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to its important roles in oncogenic signaling, AKT has been subjected to extensive drug discovery efforts leading to small molecule inhibitors investigated in advanced clinical trials. To better understand how these drugs exert their therapeutic effects at the molecular level, we combined chemoproteomic target affinity profiling using kinobeads and phosphoproteomics to analyze the five clinical AKT inhibitors AZD5363 (Capivasertib), GSK2110183 (Afuresertib), GSK690693, Ipatasertib, and MK-2206 in BT-474 breast cancer cells. Kinobead profiling identified between four and 29 nM targets for these compounds and showed that AKT1 and AKT2 were the only common targets. Similarly, measuring the response of the phosphoproteome to the same inhibitors identified ∼1700 regulated phosphorylation sites, 276 of which were perturbed by all five compounds. This analysis expanded the known AKT signaling network by 119 phosphoproteins that may represent direct or indirect targets of AKT. Within this new network, 41 regulated phosphorylation sites harbor the AKT substrate motif, and recombinant kinase assays validated 16 as novel AKT substrates. These included CEP170 and FAM83H, suggesting a regulatory function of AKT in mitosis and cytoskeleton organization. In addition, a specific phosphorylation pattern on the ULK1-FIP200-ATG13-VAPB complex was found to determine the active state of ULK1, leading to elevated autophagy in response to AKT inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Wiechmann
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ruprecht
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Theresa Siekmann
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Runsheng Zheng
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Martin Frejno
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Elena Kunold
- Organic Chemistry II, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Thomas Bajaj
- Department of Psychiatry, Bonn Clinical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel P. Zolg
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Stephan A. Sieber
- Organic Chemistry II, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Nils C. Gassen
- Department of Psychiatry, Bonn Clinical Center, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, 85354 Freising, Germany
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Small in Size, but Large in Action: microRNAs as Potential Modulators of PTEN in Breast and Lung Cancers. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020304. [PMID: 33670518 PMCID: PMC7922700 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known regulators of biological mechanisms with a small size of 19–24 nucleotides and a single-stranded structure. miRNA dysregulation occurs in cancer progression. miRNAs can function as tumor-suppressing or tumor-promoting factors in cancer via regulating molecular pathways. Breast and lung cancers are two malignant thoracic tumors in which the abnormal expression of miRNAs plays a significant role in their development. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor-suppressor factor that is capable of suppressing the growth, viability, and metastasis of cancer cells via downregulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. PTEN downregulation occurs in lung and breast cancers to promote PI3K/Akt expression, leading to uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, and their resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. miRNAs as upstream mediators of PTEN can dually induce/inhibit PTEN signaling in affecting the malignant behavior of lung and breast cancer cells. Furthermore, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs can regulate the miRNA/PTEN axis in lung and breast cancer cells. It seems that anti-tumor compounds such as baicalein, propofol, and curcumin can induce PTEN upregulation by affecting miRNAs in suppressing breast and lung cancer progression. These topics are discussed in the current review with a focus on molecular pathways.
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Zhou X, Sun SC. Targeting ubiquitin signaling for cancer immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:16. [PMID: 33436547 PMCID: PMC7804490 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00421-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become an attractive approach of cancer treatment with tremendous success in treating various advanced malignancies. The development and clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors represent one of the most extraordinary accomplishments in cancer immunotherapy. In addition, considerable progress is being made in understanding the mechanism of antitumor immunity and characterizing novel targets for developing additional therapeutic approaches. One active area of investigation is protein ubiquitination, a post-translational mechanism of protein modification that regulates the function of diverse immune cells in antitumor immunity. Accumulating studies suggest that E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases form a family of potential targets to be exploited for enhancing antitumor immunity in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhou
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7455 Fannin Street, Box 902, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shao-Cong Sun
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7455 Fannin Street, Box 902, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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35
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Wang Y, Gao S, Zheng V, Chen L, Ma M, Shen S, Qu J, Zhang H, Gurney ME, O'Donnell JM, Xu Y. A Novel PDE4D Inhibitor BPN14770 Reverses Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Deficits via cAMP/SIRT1/Akt/Bcl-2 Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:599389. [PMID: 33363155 PMCID: PMC7758534 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.599389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A global, quantitative proteomics/systems-biology analysis of the selective pharmacological inhibition of phosphodiesterase-4D (PDE4D) revealed the differential regulation of pathways associated with neuroplasticity in memory-associated brain regions. Subtype selective inhibitors of PDE4D bind in an allosteric site that differs between mice and humans in a single amino acid (tyrosine vs. phenylalanine, respectively). Therefore to study selective inhibition of PDE4D by BPN14770, a subtype selective allosteric inhibitor of PDE4D, we utilized a line of mice in which the PDE4D gene had been humanized by mutating the critical tyrosine to phenylalanine. Relatively low doses of BPN14770 were effective at reversing scopolamine-induced memory and cognitive deficits in humanized PDE4D mice. Inhibition of PDE4D alters the expression of protein kinase A (PKA), Sirt1, Akt, and Bcl-2/Bax which are components of signaling pathways for regulating endocrine response, stress resistance, neuronal autophagy, and apoptosis. Treatment with a series of antagonists, such as H89, sirtinol, and MK-2206, reversed the effect of BPN14770 as shown by behavioral tests and immunoblot analysis. These findings suggest that inhibition of PDE4D enhances signaling through the cAMP-PKA-SIRT1-Akt -Bcl-2/Bax pathway and thereby may provide therapeutic benefit in neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Shichao Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Victor Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Ling Chen
- Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Min Ma
- Department of Cell Stress and Biophysical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Shichen Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Jun Qu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Hanting Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | | | - James M O'Donnell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
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36
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Merckaert T, Zwaenepoel O, Gevaert K, Gettemans J. Development and characterization of protein kinase B/AKT isoform-specific nanobodies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240554. [PMID: 33045011 PMCID: PMC7549812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine protein kinase AKT is frequently over-activated in cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. As a central node in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which regulates various processes considered to be hallmarks of cancer, this kinase has become a prime target for cancer therapy. However, AKT has proven to be a highly complex target as it comes in three isoforms (AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3) which are highly homologous, yet non-redundant. The isoform-specific functions of the AKT kinases can be dependent on context (i.e. different types of cancer) and even opposed to one another. To date, there is no isoform-specific inhibitor available and no alternative to genetic approaches to study the function of a single AKT isoform. We have developed and characterized nanobodies that specifically interact with the AKT1 or AKT2 isoforms. These new tools should enable future studies of AKT1 and AKT2 isoform-specific functions. Furthermore, for both isoforms we obtained a nanobody that interferes with the AKT-PIP3-interaction, an essential step in the activation of the kinase. The nanobodies characterized in this study are a new stepping stone towards unravelling AKT isoform-specific signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Merckaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Zwaenepoel
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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37
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Liu G, Shi A, Wang N, Li M, He X, Yin C, Tu Q, Shen X, Tao Y, Wang Q, Yin H. Polyphenolic Proanthocyanidin-B2 suppresses proliferation of liver cancer cells and hepatocellular carcinogenesis through directly binding and inhibiting AKT activity. Redox Biol 2020; 37:101701. [PMID: 32863234 PMCID: PMC7472926 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The well-documented anticarcinogenic properties of natural polyphenolic proanthocyanidins (OPC) have been primarily attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency. Emerging evidence suggests that OPC may target canonical oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT; however, the underlying mechanism and therapeutic potential remain elusive. Here we identify that proanthocyanidin B2 (OPC-B2) directly binds and inhibits AKT activity and downstream signalling, thereby suppressing tumour cell proliferation and metabolism in vitro and in a xenograft and diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse models. We further find that OPC-B2 binds to the catalytic and regulatory PH domains to lock the protein in a closed conformation, similar to the well-studied AKT allosteric inhibitor MK-2206. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation suggest that Lys297 and Arg86 are critical sites of OPC-B2 binding; mutation of Lys297 or Arg86 to alanine completely abolishes the antitumor effects of OPC-B2 but not MK-2206. Together, our study reveals that OPC-B2 is a novel allosteric AKT inhibitor with potent anti-tumour efficacy beyond its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Shi
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ningning Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Min Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Xuxiao He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China
| | - Chunzhao Yin
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Qiaochu Tu
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xia Shen
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yongzhen Tao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Huiyong Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health (SINH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200031, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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38
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Maffucci T, Falasca M. Inositol Polyphosphate-Based Compounds as Inhibitors of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-Dependent Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7198. [PMID: 33003448 PMCID: PMC7582811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling pathways regulated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) enzymes have a well-established role in cancer development and progression. Over the past 30 years, the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway has been well recognized, and this has led to the development of a multitude of drugs, some of which have progressed into clinical trials, with few of them currently approved for use in specific cancer settings. While many inhibitors compete with ATP, hence preventing the catalytic activity of the kinases directly, a deep understanding of the mechanisms of PI3K-dependent activation of its downstream effectors led to the development of additional strategies to prevent the initiation of this signaling pathway. This review summarizes previously published studies that led to the identification of inositol polyphosphates as promising parent molecules to design novel inhibitors of PI3K-dependent signals. We focus our attention on the inhibition of protein-membrane interactions mediated by binding of pleckstrin homology domains and phosphoinositides that we proposed 20 years ago as a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Maffucci
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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39
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Chu N, Viennet T, Bae H, Salguero A, Boeszoermenyi A, Arthanari H, Cole PA. The structural determinants of PH domain-mediated regulation of Akt revealed by segmental labeling. eLife 2020; 9:e59151. [PMID: 32744507 PMCID: PMC7438110 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt is a critical protein kinase that governs cancer cell growth and metabolism. Akt appears to be autoinhibited by an intramolecular interaction between its N-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and kinase domain, which is relieved by C-tail phosphorylation, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we use a combination of protein semisynthesis, NMR, and enzymological analysis to characterize structural features of the PH domain in its autoinhibited and activated states. We find that Akt autoinhibition depends on the length/flexibility of the PH-kinase linker. We identify a role for a dynamic short segment in the PH domain that appears to regulate autoinhibition and PDK1-catalyzed phosphorylation of Thr308 in the activation loop. We determine that Akt allosteric inhibitor MK2206 drives distinct PH domain structural changes compared to baseline autoinhibited Akt. These results highlight how the conformational plasticity of Akt governs the delicate control of its catalytic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Chu
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Thibault Viennet
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Hwan Bae
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Antonieta Salguero
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Andras Boeszoermenyi
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Philip A Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
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40
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Yudushkin I. Control of Akt activity and substrate phosphorylation in cells. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:1115-1125. [PMID: 32125765 PMCID: PMC7317883 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase B/Akt is a serine/threonine kinase that links receptors coupled to the PI3K lipid kinase to cellular anabolic pathways. Its activity in cells is controlled by reversible phosphorylation and an intramolecular lipid-controlled allosteric switch. In this review, I outline the current progress in understanding Akt regulatory mechanisms, define three models of Akt activation in cells, and highlight how intramolecular allosterism cooperates with cell-autonomous mechanisms to control Akt localization and activity and direct it toward specific sets of substrates in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Yudushkin
- Department of Structural and Computational BiologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
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41
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Uko NE, Güner OF, Matesic DF, Bowen JP. Akt Pathway Inhibitors. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:883-900. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200224101808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease that has plagued humans from ancient times to this day. After
decades of slow research progress, promising drug development, and the identification of new targets,
the war on cancer was launched, in 1972. The P13K/Akt pathway is a growth-regulating cellular signaling
pathway, which in many human cancers is over-activated. Studies have demonstrated that a decrease
in Akt activity by Akt inhibitors is associated with a reduction in tumor cell proliferation. There have
been several promising drug candidates that have been studied, including but not limited to ipatasertib
(RG7440), 1; afuresertib (GSK2110183), 2; uprosertib (GSK2141795), 3; capivasertib (AZD5363), 4;
which reportedly bind to the ATP active site and inhibit Akt activity, thus exerting cytotoxic and antiproliferative
activities against human cancer cells. For most of the compounds discussed in this review,
data from preclinical studies in various cancers suggest a mechanistic basis involving hyperactivated
Akt signaling. Allosteric inhibitors are also known to alter the activity of kinases. Perifosine (KRX-
0401), 5, an alkylphospholipid, is known as the first allosteric Akt inhibitor to enter clinical development
and is mechanistically characterized as a PH-domain dependent inhibitor, non-competitive with
ATP. This results in a reduction in Akt enzymatic and cellular activities. Other small molecule (MK-
2206, 6, PHT-427, Akti-1/2) inhibitors with a similar mechanism of action, alter Akt activity through the
suppression of cell growth mediated by the inhibition of Akt membrane localization and subsequent activation.
The natural product solenopsin has been identified as an inhibitor of Akt. A few promising solenopsin
derivatives have emerged through pharmacophore modeling, energy-based calculations, and
property predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nne E. Uko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - Osman F. Güner
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
| | - Diane F. Matesic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - J. Phillip Bowen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
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Deregulated PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in prostate cancer: Still a potential druggable target? BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118731. [PMID: 32360668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the prognosis of patients with localized prostate cancer is good after surgery, with a favorable response to androgen deprivation therapy, about one third of them invariably relapse, and progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer. Overall, prostate cancer therapies remain scarcely effective, thus it is mandatory to devise alternative treatments enhancing the efficacy of surgical castration and hormone administration. Dysregulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway has attracted growing attention in prostate cancer due to the highly frequent association of epigenetic and post-translational modifications as well as to genetic alterations of both phosphoinositide 3-kinase and PTEN to onset and/or progression of this malignancy, and to resistance to canonical androgen-deprivation therapy. Here we provide a summary of the biological functions of the major players of this cascade and their deregulation in prostate cancer, summarizing the results of preclinical and clinical studies with PI3K signaling inhibitors and the reasons of failure independent from genomic changes.
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Abstract
Pseudokinases are members of the protein kinase superfamily but signal primarily through noncatalytic mechanisms. Many pseudokinases contribute to the pathologies of human diseases, yet they remain largely unexplored as drug targets owing to challenges associated with modulation of their biological functions. Our understanding of the structure and physiological roles of pseudokinases has improved substantially over the past decade, revealing intriguing similarities between pseudokinases and their catalytically active counterparts. Pseudokinases often adopt conformations that are analogous to those seen in catalytically active kinases and, in some cases, can also bind metal cations and/or nucleotides. Several clinically approved kinase inhibitors have been shown to influence the noncatalytic functions of active kinases, providing hope that similar properties in pseudokinases could be pharmacologically regulated. In this Review, we discuss known roles of pseudokinases in disease, their unique structural features and the progress that has been made towards developing pseudokinase-directed therapeutics.
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Inhibition of ULK1 and Beclin1 by an α-herpesvirus Akt-like Ser/Thr kinase limits autophagy to stimulate virus replication. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:26941-26950. [PMID: 31843932 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1915139116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a powerful host defense that restricts herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) pathogenesis in neurons. As a countermeasure, the viral ICP34.5 polypeptide, which is exclusively encoded by HSV, antagonizes autophagy in part through binding Beclin1. However, whether autophagy is a cell-type-specific antiviral defense or broadly restricts HSV-1 reproduction in nonneuronal cells is unknown. Here, we establish that autophagy limits HSV-1 productive growth in nonneuronal cells and is repressed by the Us3 gene product. Phosphorylation of the autophagy regulators ULK1 and Beclin1 in virus-infected cells was dependent upon the HSV-1 Us3 Ser/Thr kinase. Furthermore, Beclin1 was unexpectedly identified as a direct Us3 kinase substrate. Although disabling autophagy did not impact replication of an ICP34.5-deficient virus in primary human fibroblasts, depleting Beclin1 and ULK1 partially rescued Us3-deficient HSV-1 replication. This shows that autophagy restricts HSV-1 reproduction in a cell-intrinsic manner in nonneuronal cells and is suppressed by multiple, independent viral functions targeting Beclin1 and ULK1. Moreover, it defines a surprising role regulating autophagy for the Us3 kinase, which unlike ICP34.5 is widely encoded by alpha-herpesvirus subfamily members.
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Nussinov R, Tsai C, Jang H. Autoinhibition can identify rare driver mutations and advise pharmacology. FASEB J 2019; 34:16-29. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901341r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section Basic Science Program Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick MD USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Chung‐Jung Tsai
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
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46
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Zhang M, Ma X, Xu H, Wu W, He X, Wang X, Jiang M, Hou Y, Bai G. A natural AKT inhibitor swertiamarin targets AKT-PH domain, inhibits downstream signaling, and alleviates inflammation. FEBS J 2019; 287:1816-1829. [PMID: 31665825 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Swertiamarin (SW), a representative component in Flos Lonicerae Japonicae, has been reported to exert significant activity in preventing infections. In this research, we aim to clarify the details of SW and its target to explore SW's underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms. An azide labeled SW probe was synthesized for protein target fishing, and the results demonstrated that AKT could be captured specifically. Immunofluorescence colocalization with AKT was implemented by a click reaction of the SW probe and alkynyl CY5. The result showed that AKT was one of the targets of SW. Then, a competitive combination experiment using a set of AKT inhibitors and a membrane translocation experiment confirmed that SW might target the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of AKT. This specific binding directly deactivated the phosphorylation of AKT on both Ser473 and Thr308, which induced the dephosphorylation of IKK and NF-κB. Finally, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) were suppressed both in cells and in acute lung injury animal model by targeting AKT-PH domain. This study demonstrated that SW functions as a natural AKT inhibitor and presents significant anti-inflammatory activity by directly regulating the AKT-PH domain and inhibiting downstream inflammatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Honglei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenbo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin He
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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47
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Chen G, Park D, Magis AT, Behera M, Ramalingam SS, Owonikoko TK, Sica GL, Ye K, Zhang C, Chen Z, Curran WJ, Deng X. Mcl-1 Interacts with Akt to Promote Lung Cancer Progression. Cancer Res 2019; 79:6126-6138. [PMID: 31662324 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mcl-1 is a unique antiapoptotic Bcl2 family protein that functions as a gatekeeper in manipulating apoptosis and survival in cancer cells. Akt is an oncogenic kinase that regulates multiple cellular functions and its activity is significantly elevated in human cancers. Here we discovered a cross-talk between Mcl-1 and Akt in promoting lung cancer cell growth. Depletion of endogenous Mcl-1 from human lung cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas9 or Mcl-1 shRNA significantly decreased Akt activity, leading to suppression of lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in xenografts. Mechanistically, Mcl-1 directly interacted via its PEST domain with Akt at the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. It is known that the interactions between the PH domain and kinase domain (KD) are important for maintaining Akt in an inactive state. The binding of Mcl-1/PH domain disrupted intramolecular PH/KD interactions to activate Akt. Intriguingly, Mcl-1 expression correlated with Akt activity in tumor tissues from patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Using the Mcl-1-binding PH domain of Akt as a docking site, we identified a novel small molecule, PH-687, that directly targets the PH domain and disrupts Mcl-1/Akt binding, leading to suppression of Akt activity and growth inhibition of lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. By targeting the Mcl-1/Akt interaction, this mechanism-driven agent provides a highly attractive strategy for the treatment of lung cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that targeting Mcl-1/Akt interaction by employing small molecules such as PH-687 represents a potentially new and effective strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Madhusmita Behera
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Walter J Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Najafov A, Mookhtiar AK, Luu HS, Ordureau A, Pan H, Amin PP, Li Y, Lu Q, Yuan J. TAM Kinases Promote Necroptosis by Regulating Oligomerization of MLKL. Mol Cell 2019; 75:457-468.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2019.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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49
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The deubiquitinase Otub1 controls the activation of CD8 + T cells and NK cells by regulating IL-15-mediated priming. Nat Immunol 2019; 20:879-889. [PMID: 31182807 PMCID: PMC6588407 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-019-0405-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CD8 T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, central cellular components of immune responses against pathogens and cancer, rely on IL-15 for homeostasis. Here we show that IL-15 also mediates homeostatic priming of CD8 T cells for antigen-stimulated activation, which is controlled by a deubiquitinase, Otub1. IL-15 mediates membrane recruitment of Otub1, which inhibits ubiquitin-dependent activation of AKT, a pivotal kinase for T cell activation and metabolism. Otub1 deficiency in mice causes aberrant responses of CD8 T cells to IL-15, rendering naive CD8 T cells hyper-sensitive to antigen stimulation characterized by enhanced metabolic reprograming and effector functions. Otub1 also controls the maturation and activation of NK cells. Consistently, Otub1 deletion profoundly enhances anticancer immunity through unleashing the activity of CD8 T cells and NK cells. These findings suggest that Otub1 controls the activation of CD8 T cells and NK cells by functioning as a checkpoint of IL-15-mediated priming.
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50
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Lipid-dependent Akt-ivity: where, when, and how. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:897-908. [PMID: 31147387 PMCID: PMC6599160 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Akt is an essential protein kinase activated downstream of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and frequently hyperactivated in cancer. Canonically, Akt is activated by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2, which phosphorylate it on two regulatory residues in its kinase domain upon targeting of Akt to the plasma membrane by PI(3,4,5)P3. Recent evidence, however, has shown that, in addition to phosphorylation, Akt activity is allosterically coupled to the engagement of PI(3,4,5)P3 or PI(3,4)P2 in cellular membranes. Furthermore, the active membrane-bound conformation of Akt is protected from dephosphorylation, and Akt inactivation by phosphatases is rate-limited by its dissociation. Thus, Akt activity is restricted to membranes containing either PI(3,4,5)P3 or PI(3,4)P2. While PI(3,4,5)P3 has long been associated with signaling at the plasma membrane, PI(3,4)P2 is gaining increasing traction as a signaling lipid and has been implicated in controlling Akt activity throughout the endomembrane system. This has clear implications for the phosphorylation of both freely diffusible substrates and those localized to discrete subcellular compartments.
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