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Huang M, Park J, Seo J, Ko S, Yang YH, Lee Y, Kim HJ, Lee BS, Lee YS, Ko BJ, Jung ST, Park D, Yoo TH, Kim CH. An epidermal growth factor receptor-targeting immunotoxin based on IgG shows potent antitumor activity against head and neck cancer. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23759. [PMID: 38949635 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301968r] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important target for cancer therapies. Many head and neck cancer (HNC) cells have been reported to overexpress EGFR; therefore, anti-EGFR therapies have been attempted in patients with HNC. However, its clinical efficacy is limited owing to the development of drug resistance. In this study, we developed an EGFR-targeting immunotoxin consisting of a clinically proven anti-EGFR IgG (cetuximab; CTX) and a toxin fragment (LR-LO10) derived from Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) using a novel site-specific conjugation technology (peptide-directed photo-crosslinking reaction), as an alternative option. The immunotoxin (CTX-LR-LO10) showed specific binding to EGFR and properties of a typical IgG, such as stability, interactions with receptors of immune cells, and pharmacokinetics, and inhibited protein synthesis via modification of elongation factor-2. Treatment of EGFR-positive HNC cells with the immunotoxin resulted in apoptotic cell death and the inhibition of cell migration and invasion. The efficacy of CTX-LR-LO10 was evaluated in xenograft mouse models, and the immunotoxin exhibited much stronger tumor suppression than CTX or LR-LO10. Transcriptome analyses revealed that the immunotoxins elicited immune responses and altered the expression of genes related to its mechanisms of action. These results support the notion that CTX-LR-LO10 may serve as a new therapeutic agent targeting EGFR-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Huang
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoo Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jina Seo
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghwan Ko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Hee Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeaji Lee
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bok-Soon Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sang Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Joon Ko
- School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Teak Jung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Human Genetics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deachan Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Advanced College of Bio-convergence Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyeon Yoo
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Advanced College of Bio-convergence Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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2
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Yan LJ, Y. Lau AT, Xu YM. The regulation of microRNAs on chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer: a recent update. Epigenomics 2024; 16:571-587. [PMID: 38639712 PMCID: PMC11160456 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0430] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has negative expressions of ER, PR and HER2. Due to the insensitivity to both endocrine therapy and HER2-targeted therapy, the main treatment method for TNBC is cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, the curative effect of chemotherapy is limited because of the existence of acquired or intrinsic multidrug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently dysregulated in malignant tumors and involved in tumor occurrence and progression. Interestingly, growing studies show that miRNAs are involved in chemoresistance in TNBC. Thus, targeting dysregulated miRNAs could be a plausible way for better treatment of TNBC. Here, we present the updated knowledge of miRNAs associated with chemoresistance in TNBC, which may be helpful for the early diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of this life-threatening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Yan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Andy T. Y. Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology & Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology & Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
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3
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Erdogan MA, Yılmaz OA. Rottlerin and genistein inhibit neuroblastoma cell proliferation and invasion through EF2K suppression and related protein pathways. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2481-2500. [PMID: 37083712 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02473-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common solid tumors in children younger than 1 year of age, with poor prognosis and survival rates. Therefore, novel molecular targets and therapeutic strategies are needed to prolong patient survival. For this purpose, we investigated the effects of rottlerin and genistein separately and in combination on neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y, Kelly). First, the effects of rottlerin and genistein were investigated on cell proliferation. Different rottlerin (1-50 µM) and genistein (5-150 µM) doses were used as experimental groups compared to the control (DMSO/vehicle). The IC50 dose was found to be 5 µM for rottlerin and 30 µM for genistein (P < 0.0001). Other analyses, such as colony formation assays, annexin V/propidium iodide staining, matrigel invasion assays, and Western blot analysis, were performed with these doses and their combinations. To assess statistical significance, statistical analysis was conducted using the one-way ANOVA with the post hoc Tukey test. Our results showed that IC50 doses of rottlerin and genistein induced a significant reduction in cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion in neuroblastoma cells (P < 0.0001). The combination of these doses increased the levels of inhibition of cell proliferation and invasion while decreasing the level of apoptosis (P 0.0001). Furthermore, these agents caused G1-cell cycle arrest in these cells. Our western blot data showed that rottlerin and genistein treatments markedly inhibit elongation factor 2 kinase (EF2K) and other pro-tumorigenic, metastatic proteins in neuroblastoma cells. These agents probably showed their anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, and pro-apoptotic effects through EF2K downregulation. Our results suggested that rottlerin and genistein have inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and cell cycle and induce apoptosis in both cell lines. Combined treatment with rottlerin and genistein may be a viable approach and beneficial to neuroblastoma patients as the combined effect significantly suppresses the above-mentioned pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumin Alper Erdogan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Ozlem Alkan Yılmaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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4
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Safaei M, Khalighi F, Behabadi FA, Abpeikar Z, Goodarzi A, Kouhpayeh SA, Najafipour S, Ramezani V. Liposomal nanocarriers containing siRNA as small molecule-based drugs to overcome cancer drug resistance. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1745-1768. [PMID: 37965906 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0176] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the application of nanoliposomes containing siRNA/drug to overcome multidrug resistance for all types of cancer treatments. As drug resistance-associated factors are overexpressed in many cancer cell types, pumping chemotherapy drugs out of the cytoplasm leads to an inadequate therapeutic response. The siRNA/drug-loaded nanoliposomes are a promising approach to treating multidrug-resistant cancer, as they can effectively transmit a small-molecule drug into the target cytoplasm, ensuring that the drug binds efficiently. Moreover, nanoliposome-based therapeutics with advances in nanotechnology can effectively deliver siRNA to cancer cells. Overall, nanoliposomes have the potential to effectively deliver siRNA and small-molecule drugs in a targeted manner and are thus a promising tool for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Safaei
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, 7461686688, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khalighi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 9417694780, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Akhavan Behabadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 9417694780, Iran
| | - Zahra Abpeikar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, 7461686688, Iran
| | - Arash Goodarzi
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, 7461686688, Iran
| | - Seyed Amin Kouhpayeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, 7461686688, Iran
| | - Sohrab Najafipour
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, 7461686688, Iran
| | - Vahid Ramezani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 9417694780, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 9417694780, Iran
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5
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Klupt KA, Jia Z. eEF2K Inhibitor Design: The Progression of Exemplary Structure-Based Drug Design. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031095. [PMID: 36770760 PMCID: PMC9921739 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The α-kinase, eEF2K, phosphorylates the threonine 56 residue of eEF2 to inhibit global peptide elongation (protein translation). As a master regulator of protein synthesis, in combination with its unique atypical kinase active site, investigations into the targeting of eEF2K represents a case of intense structure-based drug design that includes the use of modern computational techniques. The role of eEF2K is incredibly diverse and has been scrutinized in several different diseases including cancer and neurological disorders-with numerous studies inhibiting eEF2K as a potential treatment option, as described in this paper. Using available crystal structures of related α-kinases, particularly MHCKA, we report how homology modeling has been used to improve inhibitor design and efficacy. This review presents an overview of eEF2K related drug discovery efforts predating from the 1990's, to more recent in vivo studies in rat models. We also provide the reader with a basic introduction to several approaches and software programs used to undertake such drug discovery campaigns. With the recent exciting publication of an eEF2K crystal structure, we present our view regarding the future of eEF2K drug discovery.
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Aydemir E, Tüysüz EC, Bayrak ÖF, Tecimel D, Hızlı-Deniz AA, Şahin F. Impact of silencing eEF2K expression on the malignant properties of chordoma. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:3011-3022. [PMID: 36652154 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08257-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase, eEF2K) is a calcium calmodulin dependent protein kinase that keeps the highest energy consuming cellular process of protein synthesis under check through negative regulation. eEF2K pauses global protein synthesis rates at the translational elongation step by phosphorylating its only kown substrate elongation factor 2 (eEF2), a unique translocase activity in ekaryotic cells enabling the polypeptide chain elongation. Therefore, eEF2K is thought to preserve cellular energy pools particularly upon acute development of cellular stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, or infections. Recently, high expression of this enzyme has been associated with poor prognosis in an array of solid tumor types. Therefore, in a growing number of studies tremendous effort is being directed to the development of treatment methods aiming to suppress eEF2K as a novel therapeutic approach in the fight against cancer. METHODS In our study, we aimed to investigate the changes in the tumorigenicity of chordoma cells in presence of gene silencing for eEF2K. Taking a transient gene silencing approach using siRNA particles, eEF2K gene expression was suppressed in chordoma cells. RESULTS Silencing eEF2K expression was associated with a slight increase in cellular proliferation and a decrease in death rates. Furthermore, no alteration in the sensitivity of chordoma cells to chemotherapy was detected in response to the decrease in eEF2K expression which intriguingly promoted suppression of cell migratory and invasion related properties. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the loss of eEF2K expression in chordoma cell lines results in the reduction of metastatic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Aydemir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Biruni University, 10. Yil Cad, Protokol Yolu, No: 45 Topkapı, 34010, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Emre Can Tüysüz
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Medical Genetics, Yeditepe University Medical School and Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ömer Faruk Bayrak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Yeditepe University Medical School and Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Didem Tecimel
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Medical Genetics, Yeditepe University Medical School and Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşen Aslı Hızlı-Deniz
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fikrettin Şahin
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
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7
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Erdogan MA, Yuca E, Ashour A, Gurbuz N, Sencan S, Ozpolat B. SCN5A promotes the growth and lung metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer through EF2-kinase signaling. Life Sci 2023; 313:121282. [PMID: 36526045 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mumin Alper Erdogan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Erkan Yuca
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ahmed Ashour
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nilgun Gurbuz
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sevide Sencan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Nanomedicine, Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Dr. Marr and Roy Neil Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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8
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Sahu R, Jha S, Pattanayak SP. Therapeutic silencing of mTOR by systemically administered siRNA-loaded neutral liposomal nanoparticles inhibits DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:2207-2219. [PMID: 36261586 PMCID: PMC9726943 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammary carcinogenesis possesses great challenges due to the lack of effectiveness of the multiple therapeutic options available. Gene therapy-based cancer treatment strategy provides more targeting accuracy, fewer side effects, and higher therapeutic efficiency. Downregulation of the oncogene mTOR by mTOR-siRNA is an encouraging approach to reduce cancer progression. However, its employment as means of therapeutic strategy has been restricted due to the unavailability of a suitable delivery system. METHODS A suitable nanocarrier system made up of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) has been developed to prevent degradation and for proficient delivery of siRNA. This was followed by in vitro and in vivo anti-breast cancer efficiency analysis of the mTOR siRNA-loaded neutral liposomal formulation (NL-mTOR-siRNA). RESULTS In our experiment, a profound reduction in MCF-7 cell growth, proliferation and invasion was ascertained following extensive downregulation of mTOR expression. NL-mTOR-siRNA suppressed tumour growth and restored morphological alterations of DMBA-induced breast cancer. In addition, neutral liposome enhanced accumulation of siRNA in mammary cancer tissues facilitating its deep cytosolic distribution within the tumour, which allows apoptosis thereby facilitating its anti-tumour potential. CONCLUSION Hence, the current study highlighted the augmented ground for therapies aiming toward cancerous cells to diminish mTOR expression by RNAi in managing mammary carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roja Sahu
- Division of Advanced Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835 215, India
| | - Shivesh Jha
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835 215, India
| | - Shakti Prasad Pattanayak
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Science, Central University of South Bihar (Gaya), Gaya, Bihar, 824 236, India.
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9
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Rubio A, Garland GD, Sfakianos A, Harvey RF, Willis AE. Aberrant protein synthesis and cancer development: The role of canonical eukaryotic initiation, elongation and termination factors in tumorigenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:151-165. [PMID: 35487398 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In tumourigenesis, oncogenes or dysregulated tumour suppressor genes alter the canonical translation machinery leading to a reprogramming of the translatome that, in turn, promotes the translation of selected mRNAs encoding proteins involved in proliferation and metastasis. It is therefore unsurprising that abnormal expression levels and activities of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), elongation factors (eEFs) or termination factors (eRFs) are associated with poor outcome for patients with a wide range of cancers. In this review we discuss how RNA binding proteins (RBPs) within the canonical translation factor machinery are dysregulated in cancers and how targeting such proteins is leading to new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rubio
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Gavin D Garland
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Aristeidis Sfakianos
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Robert F Harvey
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Anne E Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
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10
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Cınar V, Hamurcu Z, Guler A, Nurdinov N, Ozpolat B. Serotonin 5-HT7 receptor is a biomarker poor prognostic factor and induces proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells through FOXM1. Breast Cancer 2022; 29:1106-1120. [PMID: 36006564 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-022-01391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer and associated with poor prognosis and shorter survival due to significant genetic heterogeneity, drug resistance and lack of effective targeted therapeutics. Therefore, novel molecular targets and therapeutic strategies are needed to improve patient survival. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been shown to induce growth stimulatory effects in breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms by which 5-HT exerts its oncogenic effects in TNBC still are not well understood. METHODS Normal breast epithelium (MCF10A) and two TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231, BT-546) and MCF-7 cells (ER +) were used to investigate effects of 5-HT7 receptor. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based knockdown and metergoline (5-HT7 antagonist) were used to inhibit the activity of 5-HT7. Cell proliferation and colony formation were evaluated using MTS cell viability and colony formation assays, respectively. Western blotting was used to investigate 5-HT7, FOXM1 and its downstream targets protein expressions. RESULTS We demonstrated that 5-HT induces cell proliferation of TNBC cells and expression of 5-HT7 receptor and FOXM1 oncogenic transcription factor. We found that expression of 5-HT7 receptor is up-regulated in TNBC cells and higher 5-HT7 receptor expression is associated with poor patient prognosis and shorter patient survival. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of 5-HT7 receptor by siRNA and metergoline, respectively, suppressed TNBC cell proliferation and FOXM1 and its downstream mediators, including eEF2-Kinase (eEF2K) and cyclin-D1. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest for the first time that the 5-HT7 receptor promotes FOXM1, eEF2K and cyclin D1 signaling to support TNBC cell proliferation; thus, inhibition of 5-HT7 receptor/FOXM1 signaling may be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting TNBC. 5-HT induces cell proliferation of TNBC cells through 5-HT7 receptor signaling. Also, genetic and pharmacological inhibition of 5-HT7 by RNAi (siRNA) and metergoline HTR7 antagonist, respectively inhibits FOXM1 oncogenic transcription factor and suppresses TNBC cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venhar Cınar
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Hamurcu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ahsen Guler
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nursultan Nurdinov
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Betül-Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Houston Methodist Neal Cancer, Houston, TX, USA.
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11
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Comert Onder F, Siyah P, Durdagi S, Ay M, Ozpolat B. Novel etodolac derivatives as eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) inhibitors for targeted cancer therapy. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:840-849. [PMID: 35923718 PMCID: PMC9298183 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00105e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) has been shown to be an important molecular driver of tumorigenesis and validated as a potential novel molecular target in various solid cancers including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Therefore, there has been significant interest in identifying novel inhibitors of eEF2K for the development of targeted therapeutics and clinical translation. Herein, we investigated the effects of indole ring containing derivatives of etodolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug, as potential eEF2K inhibitors and we designed and synthesized seven novel compounds with a pyrano[3,4-b] indole core structure. We evaluated the eEF2K inhibitory activity of seven of these novel compounds using in silico molecular modeling and in vitro studies in TNBC cell lines. We identified two novel compounds (EC1 and EC7) with significant in vitro activity in inhibiting eEF2K in TNBC cells. In conclusion, our studies indicate that pyrano[3,4-b] indole scaffold containing compounds demonstrate marked eEF2K inhibitory activity and they may be used as eEF2K inhibitors for the development of eEF2K-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferah Comert Onder
- Department of Medical Biology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Medicine 17020 Çanakkale Turkey
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422 Houston TX 77030 USA
- Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Science and Arts 17020 Çanakkale Turkey
| | - Pinar Siyah
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University 34734 Istanbul Turkey
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University 34734 Istanbul Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Science and Arts 17020 Çanakkale Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422 Houston TX 77030 USA
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston TX USA
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12
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Targeting Protein Translation in Melanoma by Inhibiting EEF-2 Kinase Regulates Cholesterol Metabolism though SREBP2 to Inhibit Tumour Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073481. [PMID: 35408842 PMCID: PMC8998919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreasing the levels of certain proteins has been shown to be important for controlling cancer but it is currently unknown whether proteins could potentially be targeted by the inhibiting of protein synthesis. Under this circumstance, targeting protein translation could preferentially affect certain pathways, which could then be of therapeutic advantage when treating cancer. In this report, eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (EEF2K), which is involved in protein translation, was shown to regulate cholesterol metabolism. Targeting EEF2K inhibited key parts of the cholesterol pathway in cancer cells, which could be rescued by the addition of exogenous cholesterol, suggesting that it is a potentially important pathway modulated by targeting this process. Specifically, targeting EEF2K significantly suppressed tumour cell growth by blocking mRNA translation of the cholesterol biosynthesis transcription factor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 2, and the proteins it regulates. The process could be rescued by the addition of LDL cholesterol taken into the cells via non-receptor-mediated-uptake, which negated the need for SREBP2 protein. Thus, the levels of SREBP2 needed for cholesterol metabolism in cancer cells are therapeutically vulnerable by targeting protein translation. This is the first report to suggest that targeting EEF2K can be used to modulate cholesterol metabolism to treat cancer.
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Kara G, Calin GA, Ozpolat B. RNAi-based therapeutics and tumor targeted delivery in cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114113. [PMID: 35063535 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, non-coding RNA-based therapeutics have proven as a great potential for the development of targeted therapies for cancer and other diseases. The discovery of the critical function of microRNAs (miRNAs) has generated great excitement in developing miRNA-based therapies. The dysregulation of miRNAs contributes to the pathogenesis of various human diseases and cancers by modulating genes that are involved in critical cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, drug resistance, and tumorigenesis. miRNA (miRNA mimic, anti-miRNA/antagomir) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) can inhibit the expression of any cancer-related genes/mRNAs with high specificity through RNA interference (RNAi), thus representing a remarkable therapeutic tool for targeted therapies and precision medicine. siRNA and miRNA-based therapies have entered clinical trials and recently three novel siRNA-based therapeutics were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating the beginning of a new era of targeted therapeutics. The successful clinical applications of miRNA and siRNA therapeutics rely on safe and effective nanodelivery strategies for targeting tumor cells or tumor microenvironment. For this purpose, promising nanodelivery/nanoparticle-based approaches have been developed using a variety of molecules for systemic administration and improved tumor targeted delivery with reduced side effects. In this review, we present an overview of RNAi-based therapeutics, the major pharmaceutical challenges, and the perspectives for the development of promising delivery systems for clinical translation. We also highlight the passive and active tumor targeting nanodelivery strategies and primarily focus on the current applications of nanoparticle-based delivery formulations for tumor targeted RNAi molecules and their recent advances in clinical trials in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goknur Kara
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry Division, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Prevention and Progression through the Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010079. [PMID: 35010954 PMCID: PMC8746460 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained considerable attention in various areas of cancer research due to its role in driving a loss of immune surveillance and enabling rapid advanced tumor development and progression. The TME plays an integral role in driving advanced aggressive breast cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a pivotal mediator for tumor cells to communicate with the surrounding cells via lymphatic and circulatory systems. Furthermore, the TME plays a significant role in all steps and stages of carcinogenesis by promoting and stimulating uncontrolled cell proliferation and protecting tumor cells from the immune system. Various cellular components of the TME work together to drive cancer processes, some of which include tumor-associated adipocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils which sustain perpetual amplification and release of pro-inflammatory molecules such as cytokines. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural chemical component from black cumin seed, is widely used traditionally and now in clinical trials for the treatment/prevention of multiple types of cancer, showing a potential to mitigate components of TME at various stages by various pathways. In this review, we focus on the role of TME in TNBC cancer progression and the effect of TQ on the TME, emphasizing their anticipated role in the prevention and treatment of TNBC. It was concluded from this review that the multiple components of the TME serve as a critical part of TNBC tumor promotion and stimulation of uncontrolled cell proliferation. Meanwhile, TQ could be a crucial compound in the prevention and progression of TNBC therapy through the modulation of the TME.
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15
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Atteia HH, Arafa MH, Mohammad NS, Amin DM, Sakr AT. Thymoquinone upregulates miR-125a-5p, attenuates STAT3 activation, and potentiates doxorubicin antitumor activity in murine solid Ehrlich carcinoma. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22924. [PMID: 34605108 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In breast cancer, there has been evidence of atypical activation of signal transduction and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Thymoquinone (TQ) exerts its anti-neoplastic effect through diverse mechanisms, including STAT3 inhibition. The tumor suppressor, microRNA-125a-5p was reported to be downregulated in various breast cancer cells. Therefore, we investigated the influence of TQ and/or doxorubicin on microRNA-125a-5p and its correlation with STAT3 activation as well as tumor growth in mice bearing solid Ehrlich tumors. We found that TQ markedly suppressed inducible and constitutive phosphorylation of STAT3 in tumor tissue without affecting STAT5. Moreover, it attenuated tumor growth, downregulated STAT3 downstream target proteins, and increased the apoptotic activities of caspase-3 and -9. Interestingly, TQ-elicited synergism of doxorubicin anti-neoplastic activity was coupled with upregulation of tumoral microRNA-125a-5p. Taken together, the current findings raise the potential of TQ as a promising chemomodulatory adjuvant to augment mammary carcinoma sensitivity to doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebatallah H Atteia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar H Arafa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nanies S Mohammad
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Dalia M Amin
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Amr T Sakr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City (USC), Menoufia, Egypt
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16
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Development of 2'-aminospiro [pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline]-3'-carbonitrile derivatives as non-ATP competitive Src kinase inhibitors that suppress breast cancer cell migration and proliferation. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105344. [PMID: 34598088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Src kinase activity controls diverse cellular functions, including cell growth, migration, adhesion, and survival. It is de-regulated in several cancers, including breast cancer, where it is highly expressed and phosphorylated. Thus, targeting Src by a small molecule is a feasible strategy for managing different breast cancer types. Several Src kinase inhibitors are available, including the FDA-approved drug (dasatinib). However, they are primarily ATP-competitive inhibitors that have been reported to lack specificity towards Src. We have a long-time interest in discovering protein kinase inhibitors that are non-competitive for ATP. In this project, three groups of 2'-aminospiro[pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline]-3'-carbonitrile derivatives were designed and synthesized, hypothesizing that small molecules with a spiro scaffold appended to a pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline analog could act as non-ATP competitive Src kinase inhibitors. 3b, 3c, and 3d inhibited Src kinase activity with IC50s of 4.9, 5.9, and 0.9 μM, respectively. At the same time, they did not impact the MDM2/p53 interaction in HEK293 cells, which has been reported to be affected by some spirocyclic compounds. 25 µM of 3b, 3c, or 3d did not inhibit the kinase activity of ERK2, JNK1, or p38-alpha in an in-vitro kinase assay. Steady-state kinetic studies for the effect of 3d on the ability of recombinant Src to phosphorylate its substrate (Srctide) revealed a non-ATP competitive inhibition mechanism. 1.6 µM of 3d was enough to diminish Src, Fak, and paxillin phosphorylation in the breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF7. In the NCI screening, 3d induced broad tumor cytotoxicity for the NCI-60 cell lines, including all the breast cancer cell lines. The potency of 3b, 3c, and 3d to inhibit migration, proliferation, and colony formation of MDA-MB-231 and proliferation of MCF7 cells correlates with their potency to suppress Src kinase activity in the same cell line. Noticeably, the cell growth suppression and apoptosis induction in the tested cell lines can be attributed to the ability of the new derivatives to suppress the ERK and Akt survival pathways downstream of Src.
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Chowdhury P, Ghosh U, Samanta K, Jaggi M, Chauhan SC, Yallapu MM. Bioactive nanotherapeutic trends to combat triple negative breast cancer. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:3269-3287. [PMID: 33778204 PMCID: PMC7970221 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of aggressive breast cancer, particularly, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a formidable challenge, despite treatment advancement. Although newer therapies such as atezolizumab, olaparib, and sacituzumab can tackle the breast cancer prognosis and/or progression, but achieved limited survival benefit(s). The current research efforts are aimed to develop and implement strategies for improved bioavailability, targetability, reduce systemic toxicity, and enhance therapeutic outcome of FDA-approved treatment regimen. This review presents various nanoparticle technology mediated delivery of chemotherapeutic agent(s) for breast cancer treatment. This article also documents novel strategies to employ cellular and cell membrane cloaked (biomimetic) nanoparticles for effective clinical translation. These technologies offer a safe and active targeting nanomedicine for effective management of breast cancer, especially TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabita Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Upasana Ghosh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Kamalika Samanta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
| | - Subhash C. Chauhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
| | - Murali M. Yallapu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
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18
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Onder FC, Durdagi S, Kahraman N, Uslu TN, Kandemir H, Atici EB, Ozpolat B, Ay M. Novel inhibitors of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase: In silico, synthesis and in vitro studies. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105296. [PMID: 34488125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) is an unusual alpha kinase whose expression is highly upregulated in various cancers and contributes to tumor growth, metastasis, and progression. More importantly, eEF2K expression is associated with poor clinical outcome and shorter patient survival in breast, lung and ovarian cancers. Therefore, eEF2K is an emerging molecular target for development of novel targeted therapeutics and precision medicine in solid cancers. Currently, there are not any available potent and specific eEF2K inhibitors for clinical translation. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel compounds with coumarin scaffold with various substitutions and investigated their effects in inhibiting eEF2K activity using in silico approaches and in vitro studies in breast cancer cells. We utilized an amide substitution at position 3 on the coumarin ring with their pharmacologically active groups containing pyrrolidine, piperidine, morpholine and piperazine groups with (CH2)2 bridged for aliphatic amides. Due to their ability to form covalent binding to the target enzyme, we also investigated the effects of boron containing groups on functionalized coumarin ring (3 compounds) and designed novel aliphatic and aromatic derivatives of coumarin scaffolds (10 compounds) and phenyl ring with boron groups (4 compounds). The Glide/SP module of the Maestro molecular modeling package was used to perform in silico analysis and molecular docking studies. According to our combined results, structure activity relationship (SAR) was performed in detail. Among the newly designed, synthesized, and tested compounds, our in vitro findings revealed that several compounds displayed a highly effective eEF2K inhibition at submicromolar concentrations in in vitro breast cancer cells. In conclusion, we identified novel compounds that can be used as eEF2K inhibitors and that they should be further evaluated by in vivo preclinical tumor models studies for antitumor efficacy and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferah Comert Onder
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Çanakkale, Turkey; Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Çanakkale, Turkey; Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, 34734 İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Tugce Nur Uslu
- Department of Chemistry, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Hakan Kandemir
- Department of Chemistry, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | | | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States; Department of Experimental Therapeutics and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Çanakkale, Turkey.
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19
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Ballard DJ, Peng HY, Das JK, Kumar A, Wang L, Ren Y, Xiong X, Ren X, Yang JM, Song J. Insights Into the Pathologic Roles and Regulation of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor-2 Kinase. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:727863. [PMID: 34532346 PMCID: PMC8438118 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.727863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic Elongation Factor-2 Kinase (eEF2K) acts as a negative regulator of protein synthesis, translation, and cell growth. As a structurally unique member of the alpha-kinase family, eEF2K is essential to cell survival under stressful conditions, as it contributes to both cell viability and proliferation. Known as the modulator of the global rate of protein translation, eEF2K inhibits eEF2 (eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2) and decreases translation elongation when active. eEF2K is regulated by various mechanisms, including phosphorylation through residues and autophosphorylation. Specifically, this protein kinase is downregulated through the phosphorylation of multiple sites via mTOR signaling and upregulated via the AMPK pathway. eEF2K plays important roles in numerous biological systems, including neurology, cardiology, myology, and immunology. This review provides further insights into the current roles of eEF2K and its potential to be explored as a therapeutic target for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby J. Ballard
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Hao-Yun Peng
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jugal Kishore Das
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Liqing Wang
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Yijie Ren
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Xiaofang Xiong
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Xingcong Ren
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jin-Ming Yang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
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20
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Tber Z, Loubidi M, Jouha J, Hdoufane I, Erdogan MA, Saso L, Armagan G, Berteina-Raboin S. Pyrido[2',1':2,3]imidazo[4,5- c]isoquinolin-5-amines as Potential Cytotoxic Agents against Human Neuroblastoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080750. [PMID: 34451847 PMCID: PMC8399734 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080750] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We report herein the evaluation of various pyrido[2',1':2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]isoquinolin-5-amines as potential cytotoxic agents. These molecules were obtained by developing the multicomponent Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymé reaction to yield various pyrido[2',1':2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]quinolines which are isosteres of ellipticine whose biological activities are well established. To evaluate the anticancer potential of these pyrido[2',1':2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]isoquinolin-5-amine derivatives in the human neuroblastoma cell line, the cytotoxicity was examined using the WST-1 assay after 72 h drug exposure. A clonogenic assay was used to assess the ability of treated cells to proliferate and form colonies. Protein expressions (Bax, bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP-1) were analyzed using Western blotting. The colony number decrease in cells was 50.54%, 37.88% and 27.12% following exposure to compounds 2d, 2g and 4b respectively at 10 μM. We also show that treating the neuroblastoma cell line with these compounds resulted in a significant alteration in caspase-3 and PARP-1 cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahira Tber
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique ICOA, Université d’Orléans-Pôle de Chimie, UMR CNRS 7311, Rue de Chartres-BP 6759, CEDEX 2, 45067 Orléans, France; (Z.T.); (M.L.); (J.J.)
| | - Mohammed Loubidi
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique ICOA, Université d’Orléans-Pôle de Chimie, UMR CNRS 7311, Rue de Chartres-BP 6759, CEDEX 2, 45067 Orléans, France; (Z.T.); (M.L.); (J.J.)
| | - Jabrane Jouha
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique ICOA, Université d’Orléans-Pôle de Chimie, UMR CNRS 7311, Rue de Chartres-BP 6759, CEDEX 2, 45067 Orléans, France; (Z.T.); (M.L.); (J.J.)
| | - Ismail Hdoufane
- Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech BP 2390, Morocco;
| | - Mümin Alper Erdogan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Izmir 35620, Turkey;
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Vittorio Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Güliz Armagan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova 35100, Turkey
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (S.B.-R.); Tel.: +33-238-494-856 (S.B.-R.)
| | - Sabine Berteina-Raboin
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique ICOA, Université d’Orléans-Pôle de Chimie, UMR CNRS 7311, Rue de Chartres-BP 6759, CEDEX 2, 45067 Orléans, France; (Z.T.); (M.L.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (S.B.-R.); Tel.: +33-238-494-856 (S.B.-R.)
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21
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Zhu S, Liao M, Tan H, Zhu L, Chen Y, He G, Liu B. Inhibiting Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase: An Update on Pharmacological Small-Molecule Compounds in Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8870-8883. [PMID: 34162208 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), a member of the atypical protein kinase family of alpha-kinases, is well-known as a negative regulator of protein synthesis by phosphorylating eEF2. Notably, eEF2K functions as a key regulator of several cellular processes, leading to tumorigenesis. To date, some small-molecule compounds have been reported as potential eEF2K inhibitors in cancer drug discovery. However, an ideal targeted drug design still faces huge challenges. Alternatively, other design strategies, such as repurposed drugs, dual-target drugs, and drug combination strategies, provide insights into the improvement of cancer treatment. Here, we summarize the crucial eEF2K-modulating pathways in cancer, including AMPK, REDD1, and Src. Moreover, we discuss the inhibition of eEF2K with single-target inhibitors, repurposed drugs, dual-target inhibitors, drug combination strategies, and other emerging technologies for therapeutic purposes. Together, these inspiring findings provide insights into a promising strategy for inhibiting eEF2K with small-molecule compounds to improve potential cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiou Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huidan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lingjuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gu He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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22
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Ghaznavi H, Shirvaliloo M, Zarebkohan A, Shams Z, Radnia F, Bahmanpour Z, Sargazi S, Saravani R, Shirvalilou S, Shahraki O, Shahraki S, Nazarlou Z, Sheervalilou R. An Updated Review on Implications of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Tumorigenesis: Possible Alterations in Autophagy through Engineered Nanomaterials and Their Importance in Cancer Therapy. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:119-143. [PMID: 33990406 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most commonly recognized as a catabolic pathway, autophagy is a perplexing mechanism through which a living cell can free itself of excess cytoplasmic components, i.e., organelles, by means of certain membranous vesicles or lysosomes filled with degrading enzymes. Upon exposure to external insult or internal stimuli, the cell might opt to activate such a pathway, through which it can gain control over the maintenance of intracellular components and thus sustain homeostasis by intercepting the formation of unnecessary structures or eliminating the already present dysfunctional or inutile organelles. Despite such appropriateness, autophagy might also be considered a frailty for the cell, as it has been said to have a rather complicated role in tumorigenesis. A merit in the early stages of tumor formation, autophagy appears to be salutary because of its tumor-suppressing effects. In fact, several investigations on tumorigenesis have reported diminished levels of autophagic activity in tumor cells, which might result in transition to malignancy. On the contrary, autophagy has been suggested to be a seemingly favorable mechanism to progressed malignancies, as it contributes to survival of such cells. Based on the recent literature, this mechanism might also be activated upon the entry of engineered nanomaterials inside a cell, supposedly protecting the host from foreign materials. Accordingly, there is a good chance that therapeutic interventions for modulating autophagy in malignant cells using nanoparticles may sensitize cancerous cells to certain treatment modalities, e.g., radiotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the signaling pathways involved in autophagy and the significance of the mechanism itself in apoptosis and tumorigenesis while shedding light on possible alterations in autophagy through engineered nanomaterials and their potential therapeutic applications in cancer. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Autophagy has been said to have a complicated role in tumorigenesis. In the early stages of tumor formation, autophagy appears to be salutary because of its tumor-suppressing effects. On the contrary, autophagy has been suggested to be a favorable mechanism to progressed malignancies. This mechanism might be affected upon the entry of nanomaterials inside a cell. Accordingly, therapeutic interventions for modulating autophagy using nanoparticles may sensitize cancerous cells to certain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Ghaznavi
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Milad Shirvaliloo
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Amir Zarebkohan
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Zinat Shams
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Fatemeh Radnia
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Zahra Bahmanpour
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Saman Sargazi
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Ramin Saravani
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Sakine Shirvalilou
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Omolbanin Shahraki
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Sheida Shahraki
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Ziba Nazarlou
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Roghayeh Sheervalilou
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
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23
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Feng T, Zhou S, Shi X, Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhao S, Yang X, Meng X, Liu M. Eef2k is not required for fertility in male mice. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:1988-1999. [PMID: 34159079 PMCID: PMC8185658 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (Eef2k) is a protein kinase associated with the calmodulin-induced signaling pathway and an atypical alpha-kinase family member. Eef2k-mediated phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (Eef2) can inhibit the functionality of this protein, altering protein translation. Prior work suggests Eef2k to be overexpressed in breast, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancers wherein it may control key processes associated with apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle progression. The functional importance of Eef2k in the testes of male mice, however, has yet to be clarified. Methods A CRISPR/Cas9 approach was used to generate male Eef2k-knockout mice, which were evaluated for phenotypic changes in epididymal or testicular tissues through histological and immunofluorescent staining assays. In addition, TUNEL staining was conducted to assess the apoptotic death of cells in the testis. Fertility, sperm counts, and sperm motility were further assessed. Results Male Eef2k-knockout mice were successfully generated, and exhibited normal fertility and development. No apparent differences were observed with respect to spermatogenesis, sperm counts, or germ cell apoptosis when comparing male Eef2k -/- and Eef2k +/+ mice. Conclusions Male Eef2k-knockout mice remained fertile and were free of any evident developmental or spermatogenic abnormalities, suggesting Eef2k to be dispensable in the context of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shushu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuhui Meng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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24
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Shin DH, Nguyen T, Ozpolat B, Lang F, Alonso M, Gomez-Manzano C, Fueyo J. Current strategies to circumvent the antiviral immunity to optimize cancer virotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002086. [PMID: 33795384 PMCID: PMC8021759 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer virotherapy is a paradigm-shifting treatment modality based on virus-mediated oncolysis and subsequent antitumor immune responses. Clinical trials of currently available virotherapies showed that robust antitumor immunity characterizes the remarkable and long-term responses observed in a subset of patients. These data suggest that future therapies should incorporate strategies to maximize the immunotherapeutic potential of oncolytic viruses. In this review, we highlight the recent evidence that the antiviral immunity of the patients may limit the immunotherapeutic potential of oncolytic viruses and summarize the most relevant approaches to strategically redirect the immune response away from the viruses and toward tumors to heighten the clinical impact of viro-immunotherapy platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Ho Shin
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Teresa Nguyen
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Frederick Lang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marta Alonso
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Candelaria Gomez-Manzano
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Juan Fueyo
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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25
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Comert Onder F, Kahraman N, Bellur Atici E, Cagir A, Kandemir H, Tatar G, Taskin Tok T, Kara G, Karliga B, Durdagi S, Ay M, Ozpolat B. Target-Driven Design of a Coumarinyl Chalcone Scaffold Based Novel EF2 Kinase Inhibitor Suppresses Breast Cancer Growth In Vivo. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:926-940. [PMID: 33860211 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K) is an unusual alpha kinase involved in protein synthesis through phosphorylation of elongation factor 2 (EF2). eEF-2K is highly overexpressed in breast cancer, and its activity is associated with significantly shortened patient survival and proven to be a potential molecular target in breast cancer. The crystal structure of eEF-2K remains unknown, and there is no potent, safe, and effective inhibitor available for clinical applications. We designed and synthesized several generations of potential inhibitors. The effect of the inhibitors at the binding pocket of eEF-2K was analyzed after developing a 3D target model by using a domain of another α-kinase called myosin heavy-chain kinase A (MHCKA) that closely resembles eEF-2K. In silico studies showed that compounds with a coumarin-chalcone core have high predicted binding affinities for eEF-2K. Using in vitro studies in highly aggressive and invasive (MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-231, and BT20) and noninvazive (MCF-7) breast cancer cells, we identified a lead compound that was highly effective in inhibiting eEF-2K activity at submicromolar concentrations and at inhibiting cell proliferation by induction of apoptosis with no toxicity in normal breast epithelial cells. In vivo systemic administration of the lead compound encapsulated in single lipid-based liposomal nanoparticles twice a week significantly suppressed growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors in orthotopic breast cancer models in nude mice with no observed toxicity. In conclusion, our study provides a highly potent and in vivo effective novel small-molecule eEF-2K inhibitor that may be used as a molecularly targeted therapy breast cancer or other eEF-2K-dependent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferah Comert Onder
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Medical Biology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Medicine, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey.,Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Arts, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | - Ali Cagir
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, 35430 Urla, Turkey
| | - Hakan Kandemir
- Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Department of Chemistry, 59030 Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Gizem Tatar
- Gaziantep University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Tugba Taskin Tok
- Gaziantep University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey.,Gaziantep University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, 27310 Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Goknur Kara
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | - Serdar Durdagi
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Bahcesehir University, 34734 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Arts, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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26
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Progress in the Development of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) Natural Product and Synthetic Small Molecule Inhibitors for Cancer Chemotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052408. [PMID: 33673713 PMCID: PMC7957638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, CAMKIII) is a new member of an atypical α-kinase family different from conventional protein kinases that is now considered as a potential target for the treatment of cancer. This protein regulates the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) to restrain activity and inhibit the elongation stage of protein synthesis. Mounting evidence shows that eEF2K regulates the cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in several types of cancers. The expression of eEF2K promotes survival of cancer cells, and the level of this protein is increased in many cancer cells to adapt them to the microenvironment conditions including hypoxia, nutrient depletion, and acidosis. The physiological function of eEF2K and its role in the development and progression of cancer are here reviewed in detail. In addition, a summary of progress for in vitro eEF2K inhibitors from anti-cancer drug discovery research in recent years, along with their structure-activity relationships (SARs) and synthetic routes or natural sources, is also described. Special attention is given to those inhibitors that have been already validated in vivo, with the overall aim to provide reference context for the further development of new first-in-class anti-cancer drugs that target eEF2K.
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27
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Targeting eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase suppresses the growth and peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer. Cell Signal 2021; 81:109938. [PMID: 33539938 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.109938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer and is currently incurable with standard treatment regimens. Early invasion, intraperitoneal metastasis, and an aggressive course are the hallmarks of OC. The major reason for poor prognosis is a lack of molecular targets and highly effective targeted therapies. Therefore, identification of novel molecular targets and therapeutic strategies is urgently needed to improve OC survival. Herein we report that eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (EF2K) is highly upregulated in primary and drug-resistant OC cells and its expresssion associated with progression free survival TCGA database) and promotes cell proliferation, survival, and invasion. Downregulation of EF2K reduced expression of integrin β1 and cyclin D1 and the activity of the Src, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT, and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. Also, in vivo, therapeutic targeting of EF2K by using single-lipid nanoparticles containing siRNA led to substantial inhibition of ovarian tumor growth and peritoneal metastasis in nude mouse models. Furthermore, EF2K inhibition led to robust apoptosis and markedly reduced intratumoral proliferation in vivo in ovarian tumor xenografts and intraperitoneal metastatic models. Collectively, our data suggest for the first time that EF2K plays an important role in OC growth, metastasis, and progression and may serve as a novel therapeutic target in OCs.
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28
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Erdoğan MA, Apaydin M, Armagan G, Taskiran D. Evaluation of toxicity of gadolinium-based contrast agents on neuronal cells. Acta Radiol 2021; 62:206-214. [PMID: 32366109 DOI: 10.1177/0284185120920801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recently, increased signal intensity has been reported in specific brain areas after repeated administrations of GBCAs. PURPOSE To investigate the toxic effects of GBCAs on neuronal cells by using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell cultures. MATERIAL AND METHODS For toxicity assays, SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with different doses (0-1000 µM) of several macrocyclic (gadoterate meglumine and gadobutrol) and linear GBCAs (gadoversetamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadodiamide, and gadoxetate disodium) for 48 h. Cell viability and proliferation capacity were evaluated by using MTS assay, LDH assay, and colony-forming assay. In addition, Western blotting of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins and nuclear Hoechst 33258 staining were performed to evaluate apoptotic cell death. The results were expressed as mean ± SEM. The data were analyzed using Student's t-test. A P value < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS Both macrocyclic and linear GBCAs significantly and dose-dependently reduced cell viability in neuronal cells compared to control. Cell viability was measured between 89.5% ± 4% and 61% ± 0.7% in GBCA-treated groups. In addition, neurotoxicity was more prominent in linear GBCA-treated cultures (P < 0.0005). Bax protein levels were increased in GBCA-treated cells particularly with linear agents whereas Bcl-2 expression was decreased concomitantly. CONCLUSION The results of the present study indicated that exposure to specific GBCAs, even at low micro-molar concentrations, may have detrimental effects on neuronal survival. Further investigations are required to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying GBCA-induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mümin Alper Erdoğan
- Department of Physiology, İzmir Katip Çelebi University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Melda Apaydin
- Department of Radiology, KCU Atatürk Education and Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Güliz Armagan
- Department of Biochemistry, Ege University School of Pharmacy, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Dilek Taskiran
- Department of Physiology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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29
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Gorur A, Bayraktar R, Ivan C, Mokhlis HA, Bayraktar E, Kahraman N, Karakas D, Karamil S, Kabil NN, Kanlikilicer P, Aslan B, Tamer L, Wang Z, Cristini V, Lopez-Berestein G, Calin G, Ozpolat B. ncRNA therapy with miRNA-22-3p suppresses the growth of triple-negative breast cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 23:930-943. [PMID: 33614241 PMCID: PMC7868999 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Deregulation of noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRs), is implicated in the pathogenesis of many human cancers, including breast cancer. Through extensive analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas, we found that expression of miR-22-3p is markedly lower in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) than in normal breast tissue. The restoration of miR-22-3p expression led to significant inhibition of TNBC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. We demonstrated that miR-22-3p reduces eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) expression by directly binding to the 3' untranslated region of eEF2K mRNA. Inhibition of EF2K expression recapitulated the effects of miR-22-3p on TNBC cell proliferation, motility, invasion, and suppression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and Src signaling. Systemic administration of miR-22-3p in single-lipid nanoparticles significantly suppressed tumor growth in orthotopic MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 TNBC models. Evaluation of the tumor response, following miR-22-3p therapy in these models using a novel mathematical model factoring in various in vivo parameters, demonstrated that the therapy is highly effective against TNBC. These findings suggest that miR-22-3p functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting clinically significant oncogenic pathways and that miR-22-3p loss contributes to TNBC growth and progression. The restoration of miR-22-3p expression is a potential novel noncoding RNA-based therapy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegul Gorur
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Recep Bayraktar
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cristina Ivan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, Unit 2080, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hamada Ahmed Mokhlis
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emine Bayraktar
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Didem Karakas
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Selda Karamil
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nashwa N Kabil
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pinar Kanlikilicer
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Burcu Aslan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lulufer Tamer
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Zhihui Wang
- Mathematics in Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vittorio Cristini
- Mathematics in Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, Unit 2080, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - George Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, Unit 2080, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, Unit 2080, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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30
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Integrated transcriptome and phosphoproteome analyses reveal that fads2 is critical for maintaining body LC-PUFA homeostasis. J Proteomics 2020; 229:103967. [PMID: 32891890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid desaturate 2 (Fads2) is associated with many chronic diseases. Nevertheless, comprehensive researches on its role have not been performed. We here conducted an integrated analysis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) metabolism of fads2-deletion zebrafish (fads2-/-) by transcriptomics, proteomics and phosphoproteomics. Compared with wild type zebrafish (WT), fads2-/- showed significantly higher contents of hepatic linoleic acid (all-cis-9,12-C18:2), α-linolenic acid (all-cis-9,12,15-C18:3) and docosapetaenoic acid (all-cis-7,10,13,16,19-C22:5), and lower contents of γ-linolenic acid (all-cis-6,9,12-C18:3), stearidonic acid (all-cis-6,9,12,15-C18:4) and docosahexaenoic acid (all-cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-C22:6), accompanied by an increased n-6/n-3 PUFA level. In total, we identified 1608 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 209 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 153 differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins (DEPPs) with 190 sites between fads2-/- and WT. Transcriptome and proteome analysis simultaneously aggregated these DEGs and DEPs into LC-PUFA synthesis and PPAR signaling pathways. Further interaction network analysis of the DEPPs showed that spliceosome and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathway were critical groups. Additionally, we determined seven highly phosphorylated kinases and a highly expressed phosphatase in fads2-/- zebrafish. These results give insights into the mechanism by which fads2 affects metabolic disease occurrence, and provide datasets for target selections for human disease treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: Balanced LC-PUFA composition was deeply associated with body health, while changes of LC-PUFAs usually induced serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disease. Fatty acid desaturase 2 (Fads2), subordinating to the fatty acid desaturase protein family, catalyzes the first desaturation reaction in LC-PUFA synthesis. Although Fads2 is associated with many chronic diseases including metabolic abnormalities, type 2 diabetes and obesity, comprehensive researches on its role have not been performed. On the basis of the integrated transcriptome, proteome and phosphoproteome analysis, we identified that fads2 was critical for maintaining body LC-PUFA homeostasis. Moreover, the crucial pathways including PPAR signaling pathway, spliceosome and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathway, and candidate kinase targets associated with LC-PUFA metabolism were determined. These findings will contribute to the revealing of the mechanism and supply possible datasets for target selection for human disease treatment.
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31
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Pei X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Xue B, Sun M, Li H. Circular RNA circ-ZEB1 acts as an oncogene in triple negative breast cancer via sponging miR-448. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 126:105798. [PMID: 32629026 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in tumor development. The miRNA sponge is a common role played by circRNAs in various tumors, including breast cancer. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the role of circ-ZEB1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. METHODS The expressions of several circRNAs which were predicted to be bound with miR-448 were detected in 30 clinical TNBC tumor tissues and paired paracancer tissues. The cell counting kit-8 assay was performed to detect the TNBC cell proliferation. The TNBC cell apoptosis was detected using the TUNEL assay. The binding between circ-ZEB1 and miR-448, as well as between miR-448 and eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2 K), was detected using the RNA pull-down assay and/or the luciferase reporter assay. The effect of circ-ZEB1 knockdown on TNBC tumor growth was detected using the mouse xenograft model. RESULTS Compared with normal tissues and breast epithelial cells, the expression of circ-ZEB1 was markedly higher in TNBC tumor tissues and tumor cell lines. The small hairpin RNA-mediated circ-ZEB1 knockdown inhibited TNBC cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. The RNA pull-down assay and the luciferase reporter assay confirmed the binding between circ-ZEB1 and miR-448, as well as between miR-448 and eEF2 K. The knockdown of circ-ZEB1 was proven to inhibit TNBC cell proliferation and tumor growth via releasing miR-448, and subsequently reducing the expression of the miR-448 target, eEF2 K. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our findings identified a new functional circ-ZEB1 in TNBC tumorigenesis, and revealed the important regulatory role of circ-ZEB1 via sponging miR-448, providing a novel insight for TNBC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Pei
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xinxing Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Bingjian Xue
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Huixiang Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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32
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Yang J, Wang T, Zhao L, Rajasekhar VK, Joshi S, Andreou C, Pal S, Hsu HT, Zhang H, Cohen IJ, Huang R, Hendrickson RC, Miele MM, Pei W, Brendel MB, Healey JH, Chiosis G, Kircher MF. Gold/alpha-lactalbumin nanoprobes for the imaging and treatment of breast cancer. Nat Biomed Eng 2020; 4:686-703. [PMID: 32661307 PMCID: PMC8255032 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-020-0584-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Theranostic agents should ideally be renally cleared and biodegradable. Here, we report the synthesis, characterization and theranostic applications of fluorescent ultrasmall gold quantum clusters that are stabilized by the milk metalloprotein alpha-lactalbumin. We synthesized three types of these nanoprobes that together display fluorescence across the visible and near-infrared spectra when excited at a single wavelength through optical colour coding. In live tumour-bearing mice, the near-infrared nanoprobe generates contrast for fluorescence, X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and exhibits long circulation times, low accumulation in the reticuloendothelial system, sustained tumour retention, insignificant toxicity and renal clearance. An intravenously administrated near-infrared nanoprobe with a large Stokes shift facilitated the detection and image-guided resection of breast tumours in vivo using a smartphone with modified optics. Moreover, the partially unfolded structure of alpha-lactalbumin in the nanoprobe helps with the formation of an anti-cancer lipoprotein complex with oleic acid that triggers the inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways, immunogenic cell death and the recruitment of infiltrating macrophages. The biodegradability and safety profile of the nanoprobes make them suitable for the systemic detection and localized treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Yang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tai Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lina Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Suhasini Joshi
- Chemical Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chrysafis Andreou
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suchetan Pal
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hsiao-Ting Hsu
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hanwen Zhang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ivan J Cohen
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruimin Huang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald C Hendrickson
- Proteomics and Microchemistry Core Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew M Miele
- Proteomics and Microchemistry Core Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wenbo Pei
- Chemical Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew B Brendel
- Molecular Cytology Core Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - John H Healey
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriela Chiosis
- Chemical Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Breast Cancer Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moritz F Kircher
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology (CMINT), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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33
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Karakas D, Ozpolat B. Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K) signaling in tumor and microenvironment as a novel molecular target. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:775-787. [PMID: 32377852 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01917-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K), an atypical member of alpha-kinase family, is highly overexpressed in breast, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancers, and associated with poor survival in patients. eEF2K promotes cell proliferation, survival, and aggressive tumor characteristics, leading to tumor growth and progression. While initial studies indicated that eEF2K acts as a negative regulator of protein synthesis by suppressing peptide elongation phase, later studies demonstrated that it has multiple functions and promotes cell cycle, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion as well as induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition through induction of integrin β1, SRC/FAK, PI3K/AKT, cyclin D1, VEGF, ZEB1, Snail, and MMP-2. Under stress conditions such as hypoxia and metabolic distress, eEF2K is activated by several signaling pathways and slows down protein synthesis and helping cells to save energy and survive. In vivo therapeutic targeting of eEF2K by genetic methods inhibits tumor growth in various tumor models, validating it as a potential molecular target. Recent studies suggest that eEF2K plays a role in tumor microenvironment cells by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and accumulation of tumor-associated macrophages. Due to its clinical significance and the pivotal role in tumorigenesis and progression, eEF2K is considered as an important therapeutic target in solid tumors. However, currently, there is no specific and potent inhibitor for translation into clinical studies. Here, we aim to systematically review current knowledge regarding eEF2K in tumor biology, microenvironment, and development of eEF2K targeted inhibitors and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Karakas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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34
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Knight JRP, Garland G, Pöyry T, Mead E, Vlahov N, Sfakianos A, Grosso S, De-Lima-Hedayioglu F, Mallucci GR, von der Haar T, Smales CM, Sansom OJ, Willis AE. Control of translation elongation in health and disease. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm043208. [PMID: 32298235 PMCID: PMC7104864 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of protein synthesis makes a major contribution to post-transcriptional control pathways. During disease, or under stress, cells initiate processes to reprogramme protein synthesis and thus orchestrate the appropriate cellular response. Recent data show that the elongation stage of protein synthesis is a key regulatory node for translational control in health and disease. There is a complex set of factors that individually affect the overall rate of elongation and, for the most part, these influence either transfer RNA (tRNA)- and eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A)-dependent codon decoding, and/or elongation factor 2 (eEF2)-dependent ribosome translocation along the mRNA. Decoding speeds depend on the relative abundance of each tRNA, the cognate:near-cognate tRNA ratios and the degree of tRNA modification, whereas eEF2-dependent ribosome translocation is negatively regulated by phosphorylation on threonine-56 by eEF2 kinase. Additional factors that contribute to the control of the elongation rate include epigenetic modification of the mRNA, coding sequence variation and the expression of eIF5A, which stimulates peptide bond formation between proline residues. Importantly, dysregulation of elongation control is central to disease mechanisms in both tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration, making the individual key steps in this process attractive therapeutic targets. Here, we discuss the relative contribution of individual components of the translational apparatus (e.g. tRNAs, elongation factors and their modifiers) to the overall control of translation elongation and how their dysregulation contributes towards disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gavin Garland
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Tuija Pöyry
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Emma Mead
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Nikola Vlahov
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Aristeidis Sfakianos
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Stefano Grosso
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | | | - Giovanna R Mallucci
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Cambridge and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | | | - C Mark Smales
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Anne E Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
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35
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Comert Onder F, Durdagi S, Sahin K, Ozpolat B, Ay M. Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Modeling Studies of Novel Coumarin Carboxamide Derivatives as eEF-2K Inhibitors. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:1766-1778. [PMID: 32027127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b01083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF-2K) is an unusual alpha kinase commonly upregulated in various human cancers, including breast, pancreatic, lung, and brain tumors. We have demonstrated that eEF-2K is relevant to poor prognosis and shorter patient survival in breast and lung cancers and validated it as a molecular target using genetic methods in related in vivo tumor models. Although several eEF-2K inhibitors have been published, none of them have shown to be potent and specific enough for translation into clinical trials. Therefore, development of highly effective novel inhibitors targeting eEF-2K is needed for clinical applications. However, currently, the crystal structure of eEF-2K is not known, limiting the efforts for designing novel inhibitor compounds. Therefore, using homology modeling of eEF-2K, we designed and synthesized novel coumarin-3-carboxamides including compounds A1, A2, and B1-B4 and evaluated their activity by performing in silico analysis and in vitro biological assays in breast cancer cells. The Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) area results showed that A1 and A2 have interaction energies with eEF-2K better than those of B1-B4 compounds. Our in vitro results indicated that compounds A1 and A2 were highly effective in inhibiting eEF-2K at 1.0 and 2.5 μM concentrations compared to compounds B1-B4, supporting the in silico findings. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that our homology modeling along with in silico analysis may be effectively used to design inhibitors for eEF-2K. Our newly synthesized compounds A1 and A2 may be used as novel eEF-2K inhibitors with potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferah Comert Onder
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey.,Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Bahcesehir University, Kadikoy, 34734 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kader Sahin
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Bahcesehir University, Kadikoy, 34734 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Canakkale, Turkey
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36
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Shao L, Kahraman N, Yan G, Wang J, Ozpolat B, Ittmann M. Targeting the TMPRSS2/ERG fusion mRNA using liposomal nanovectors enhances docetaxel treatment in prostate cancer. Prostate 2020; 80:65-73. [PMID: 31614005 PMCID: PMC6925833 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TMPRSS2/ERG (TE) fusion gene is present in half of the prostate cancers (PCas). The TMPRSS2 and ERG junction of the fusion messenger RNA (mRNA) constitutes a cancer-specific target. Although docetaxel-based chemotherapy is the second line of therapy following development resistance to androgen ablation therapies, it is not curative. Therefore, the development of nontoxic novel monotherapies for targeting TE mRNA in PCa patients and for increasing the clinical efficacy of docetaxel treatment are needed. METHODS We evaluated multiple approaches to enhance the delivery of TE small interfering RNA (siRNA) containing liposomes including PEGylation, topical treatment with nitroglycerin (NG) to increase permeability and retention, and three different PEG modifications: folate, RGD cyclic peptide, and a bFGF fibroblast growth factor receptor-targeting peptide. The efficacy of the optimized TE siRNA liposome in combination with docetaxel was then evaluated in vivo with or without topical NG in vivo using a VCaP xenograft model. TE fusion protein knockdown in residual tumors was assessed using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In vivo therapeutic targeting of TE fusion gene by systemic delivery of RGD-peptide-coated liposomal siRNA nanovectors led to sustained target silencing, suppressed tumor growth in xenograft models and enhanced the efficacy of docetaxel chemotherapy. Simultaneous application of the vasodilator NG to the skin further increased tissue the delivery of siRNA and enhanced target knockdown. CONCLUSION TE-targeted gene silencing therapy using liposomal nanovectors is a potential therapeutic strategy as a monotherapy and to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients with advanced PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjiang Shao
- Dept. of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston,Texas 77030
| | - Ge Yan
- Dept. of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jianghua Wang
- Dept. of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston,Texas 77030
| | - Michael Ittmann
- Dept. of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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Wang RX, Xu XE, Huang L, Chen S, Shao ZM. eEF2 kinase mediated autophagy as a potential therapeutic target for paclitaxel-resistant triple-negative breast cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:783. [PMID: 32042799 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.11.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are initially responsive to chemotherapy, but most recurrent TNBCs develop resistance. Autophagy is believed to play dual roles in cancer and might contribute to chemoresistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of autophagy and its regulator, eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), in determining the biological nature of TNBC. Methods We used in vitro models of TNBC, namely, paclitaxel-resistant cell lines derived from sensitive cell lines. Various approaches to measuring autophagy flux were applied. We assessed the effects of inhibiting autophagy and silencing eEF2K on cell viability, tumor formation and invasion. We also collected residual tumor samples from 222 breast cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and measured eEF2K and LC3 expression levels by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Multivariate survival analysis was used to determine prognostic variables. Results Compared to the parental lines, the chemoresistant lines exhibited enhanced starvation-stimulated autophagy and showed significant decreases in cell viability, growth and invasion upon treatment with autophagy inhibitors. eEF2K silencing also resulted in the suppression of autophagic activity and in aggressive biological behavior. In the survival analysis, residual tumor LC3 (P=0.001) and eEF2K (P=0.027) expression levels were independent prognostic factors for patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, especially in those with TNBC. Conclusions Our study indicated that eEF2K and autophagy play key roles in the maintenance of aggressive tumor behavior and chemoresistance in resistant TNBC. eEF2K silencing may be a novel strategy for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Xi Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-En Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center/Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Asik E, Akpinar Y, Caner A, Kahraman N, Guray T, Volkan M, Albarracin C, Pataer A, Arun B, Ozpolat B. EF2-kinase targeted cobalt-ferrite siRNA-nanotherapy suppresses BRCA1-mutated breast cancer. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:2315-2338. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2019-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the role of EF2K in BRCA1-mutated breast cancer. Materials & methods: We developed silica coated cobalt-ferrite (CoFe) nanoparticles for in vivo delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into BRCA1-mutated breast cancer. Results: Expression of EF2K is highly upregulated in the majority (78.5%) of BRCA1-mutated patients and significantly associated with poor patient survival and metastasis. Silencing of EF2K reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion of the cancer cells. In vivo therapeutic targeting of EF2K by CoFe-siRNA-nanoparticles leads to sustained EF2K gene knockdown and suppressed tumor growth in orthotopic xenograft models of BRCA1-mutated breast cancer. Conclusion: EF2K is a potential novel molecular target in BRCA1-mutated tumors and CoFe-based siRNA nanotherapy may be used as a novel approach to target EF2K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Asik
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Yeliz Akpinar
- Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Department of Chemistry, Kırsehir Ahi Evran University, Kırsehir 40100, Turkey
| | - Ayse Caner
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Tulin Guray
- Department of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Murvet Volkan
- Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Constance Albarracin
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathology/Lab Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Apar Pataer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Banu Arun
- Departments of Breast Medical Oncology & Breast Cancer Genetics, The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Center for RNA Interference & Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
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39
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What is the impact of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase on cancer: A systematic review. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 857:172470. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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40
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Phang CW, Gandah NA, Abd Malek SN, Karsani SA. Proteomic analysis of flavokawain C-induced cell death in HCT 116 colon carcinoma cell line. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 853:388-399. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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FOXM1 plays a role in autophagy by transcriptionally regulating Beclin-1 and LC3 genes in human triple-negative breast cancer cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:491-508. [PMID: 30729279 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01750-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with poor prognosis owing to its aggressive and heterogeneous nature, and the lack of therapeutic targets. Although Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) is one of the most important oncogenes contributing to tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance in TNBC, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Emerging evidence indicates that autophagy plays a critical role in cell survival and protective mechanism in TNBC. However, signaling pathways that are involved in the regulation of autophagy remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined the role of FOXM1 in regulating autophagy in TNBC cells and found that FOXM1 is upregulated during induction of autophagy. We found that inhibition of FOXM1 suppressed starvation and rapamycin-induced autophagy and expression of the major autophagy regulators, LC3 and Beclin-1. Further studies demonstrated that FOXM1 directly binds to the promotors of LC3 and Beclin-1 genes and transcriptionally regulates their expression by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase gene reporter assays. In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence about the role of FOXM1 in regulating expression of LC3 and Beclin-1 and autophagy in TNBC cells. Our findings provide novel insight into the role of FOXM1 regulation of the autophagic survival pathway and potential molecular target for treating TNBC. KEY MESSAGES: • FOXM1 promotes tumorigenesis and progression of TNBC. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which FOXM1 promotes TNBC tumorigenesis is unclear. The goal of our study was to determine the role of FOXM1 in the regulation of autophagy that plays a role in TNBC progression. Our findings show that FOXM1 binds to promoters of the genes encoding the major autophagy proteins, Beclin and LC3, and provide new insights into the regulation of autophagy, which is being targeted in many clinical trials.
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Ye WL, Zhang LX, Guan YD, Xue WW, Chen AF, Cao Q, Cheng Y, Cao DS. Virtual screening and experimental validation of eEF2K inhibitors by combining homology modeling, QSAR and molecular docking from FDA approved drugs. NEW J CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c9nj02600b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2K), a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, is a potential target for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ling Ye
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Liu-Xia Zhang
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Yi-Di Guan
- Department of Pharmacy
- The Second Xiangya Hospital
- Central South University
- Changsha
- China
| | - Wei-Wei Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Drug Research
- Chongqing University
- Chongqing 401331
- China
| | - Alex F Chen
- Center for Vascular Disease and Translational Medicine
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
| | - Qian Cao
- Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University
- Beijing 100001
- People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
- Department of Pharmacy
| | - Dong-Sheng Cao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China
- Center for Vascular Disease and Translational Medicine
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43
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Tekin S, Beytur A, Erden Y, Beytur A, Cigremis Y, Vardi N, Turkoz Y, Tekedereli I, Sandal S. Effects of intracerebroventricular administration of irisin on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis in male rats. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:8815-8824. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suat Tekin
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University Malatya Turkey
| | - Ali Beytur
- Department of Urology Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University Malatya Turkey
| | - Yavuz Erden
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Faculty of Science, Bartin University Bartin Turkey
| | - Asiye Beytur
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University Malatya Turkey
| | - Yilmaz Cigremis
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University Malatya Turkey
| | - Nigar Vardi
- Department of Histology and Embryology Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University Malatya Turkey
| | - Yusuf Turkoz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University Malatya Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Tekedereli
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University Malatya Turkey
| | - Suleyman Sandal
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University Malatya Turkey
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Bircan HA, Gurbuz N, Pataer A, Caner A, Kahraman N, Bayraktar E, Bayraktar R, Erdogan MA, Kabil N, Ozpolat B. Elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF-2K) expression is associated with poor patient survival and promotes proliferation, invasion and tumor growth of lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2018; 124:31-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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45
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Liong S, Lappas M. Markers of protein synthesis are increased in fetal membranes and myometrium after human labour and delivery. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:313-329. [PMID: 28701259 DOI: 10.1071/rd17081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of neonatal death. Inflammation and maternal infection are two of the leading aetiological factors for preterm birth. Labour is associated with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and prolabour mediators in human gestational tissues. In non-gestational tissues, synthesis of proinflammatory and prolabour mediators is regulated by components of the protein synthesis machinery. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effect of human labour on the expression of three protein synthesis markers, namely eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (EEF2K), mitogen-activated protein kinase interacting protein kinase 1 (MKNK1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E), and their role in regulating inflammation in human gestational tissues. In fetal membranes and myometrium, EEF2K expression was significantly lower, whereas MKNK1 expression was significantly higher withterm and preterm labourcompared to term nolabour. In contrast, EIF4E expression did not change in fetal membranes or myometrium with labour. In primary myometrial cells, loss-of-function studies using specific chemical inhibitors of EEF2K (A484954) and MKNK1 (CGP57380) demonstrated that MKNK1, but not EEF2K, was required for polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C); a viral double-stranded RNA mimetic) and interleukin (IL)-1β-induced production of IL6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and prostaglandin F2α. In conclusion, spontaneous term and preterm labour is associated with decreased EEF2K and increased MKNK1 expression in fetal membranes and myometrium. Moreover, MKNK1 is involved in the genesis of proinflammatory and prolabour mediators that is mediated by inflammation or infection. However, further studies are required to elucidate the role of EEF2K in human labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Liong
- Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, 4th Floor, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia
| | - Martha Lappas
- Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, 4th Floor, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia
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46
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Kabil N, Bayraktar R, Kahraman N, Mokhlis HA, Calin GA, Lopez-Berestein G, Ozpolat B. Thymoquinone inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating the elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K) signaling axis in triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2018; 171:593-605. [PMID: 29971628 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-018-4847-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and chemoresistant subtype of breast cancer. Therefore, new molecular targets and treatments need to be developed to improve poor patient prognosis and survival. We have previously shown that eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K) is highly expressed in TNBC cells, is associated with poor patient survival and prognosis, and promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo targeting of eEF-2K significantly reduces the tumor growth of orthotopic TNBC xenograft mouse models, suggesting that eEF-2K may serve as a potential novel therapeutic target. METHODS/RESULTS In the current study, we identified thymoquinone (TQ), an active ingredient of Nigella sativa, as a potential safe and effective eEF-2K inhibitor in TNBC. We demonstrated for the first time that TQ inhibits the protein and mRNA expression of eEF-2K, as well as the clinically relevant downstream targets, including Src/FAK and Akt, and induces the tumor suppressor miR-603, in response to NF-kB inhibition. This effect was associated with a significant decrease in the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells. Furthermore, systemic in vivo injection of TQ (20 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors and inhibited the eEF-2K expression in an orthotopic tumor model in mice. CONCLUSION Our study provides first evidence that TQ treatment inhibits cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and tumor growth, in part through the inhibition of eEF-2K signaling in TNBC. Thus, our findings suggest that systemic TQ treatment may be used as a targeted therapeutic strategy for the inhibition of eEF-2K in TNBC tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashwa Kabil
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Recep Bayraktar
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hamada A Mokhlis
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 422, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Diamantopoulos MA, Tsiakanikas P, Scorilas A. Non-coding RNAs: the riddle of the transcriptome and their perspectives in cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:241. [PMID: 30069443 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.06.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a heterogeneous group of RNA molecules in terms of biogenesis, biological function as well as length and structure. These biological molecules have gained attention recently as a potentially crucial layer of tumor cell progression or regulation. ncRNAs are expressed in a broad spectrum of tumors, and they play an important role not only in maintaining but also in promoting cancer development and progression. Recent discoveries have revealed that ncRNAs may act as key signal transduction mediators in tumor signaling pathways by interacting with RNA or proteins. These results reinforce the hypothesis, that ncRNAs constitute therapeutic targets, and point out their clinical potential as stratification markers. The major purpose of this review is to mention the emergence of the importance of ncRNAs, as molecules which are correlated with cancer, and to discuss their clinical implicit as prognostic diagnostic indicators, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios A Diamantopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Tsiakanikas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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48
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Bayraktar R, Ivan C, Bayraktar E, Kanlikilicer P, Kabil NN, Kahraman N, Mokhlis HA, Karakas D, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Arslan A, Sheng J, Wong S, Lopez-Berestein G, Calin GA, Ozpolat B. Dual Suppressive Effect of miR-34a on the FOXM1/eEF2-Kinase Axis Regulates Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Growth and Invasion. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:4225-4241. [PMID: 29748184 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Recent studies indicated that dysregulation of noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) such as miRNAs is involved in pathogenesis of various human cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying miR-34a are not fully understood in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).Experimental Design: We performed in vitro functional assays on TNBC cell lines to investigate the role of miR-34a in FOXM1/eEF2K signaling axis. TNBC tumor xenograft models were used for in vivo therapeutic delivery of miR-34a.Results: In this study, we investigated the role of p53-driven ncRNA miR-34a and found that miR-34a is associated with significantly longer patient survival in TNBC and inversely correlated with levels of proto-oncogenic eEF2K, which was associated with significantly shorter overall patient survival. We showed that miR-34a directly binds to the 3'-untranslated region of eEF2K and FOXM1 mRNAs and suppresses their expression, leading to inhibition of TNBC cell proliferation, motility, and invasion. Notably, restoring miR-34a expression recapitulated the effects of inhibition of eEF2K and FOXM1, the transcription factor for eEF2K and the direct target of p53, in TNBC cell lines, whereas overexpression of eEF2K and FOXM1 rescued the effects and signaling pathways mediated by miR-34a. Moreover, in vivo therapeutic delivery of miR-34a nanoparticles by systemic intravenous administration delayed tumor growth of two different orthotopic TNBC tumor xenograft models by inhibiting eEF2K and FOXM1, intratumoral proliferation and angiogenesis, and inducing apoptosis.Conclusions: Overall, our findings provide new insights into the tumor suppressor role of miR-34a by dual-targeting of FOXM1/eEF2K signaling axis and suggest that miR-34a-based gene therapy may be a potential therapeutic strategy in TNBC. Clin Cancer Res; 24(17); 4225-41. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Recep Bayraktar
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Cristina Ivan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Emine Bayraktar
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pinar Kanlikilicer
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nashwa N Kabil
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nermin Kahraman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hamada A Mokhlis
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Didem Karakas
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ahmet Arslan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Jianting Sheng
- Department of Systems Medicine & Bioengineering, Methodist, Houston, Institute for Academic Medicine Research Institute Houston Methodist Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephen Wong
- Department of Systems Medicine & Bioengineering, Methodist, Houston, Institute for Academic Medicine Research Institute Houston Methodist Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, Texas
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. .,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Tekin S, Erden Y, Ozyalin F, Onalan EE, Cigremis Y, Colak C, Tekedereli I, Sandal S. Central irisin administration suppresses thyroid hormone production but increases energy consumption in rats. Neurosci Lett 2018; 674:136-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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50
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Lin C, Yang L. Long Noncoding RNA in Cancer: Wiring Signaling Circuitry. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 28:287-301. [PMID: 29274663 PMCID: PMC5869122 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are encoded by a vast less explored region of the human genome, may hold missing drivers of cancer and have gained attention recently as a potentially crucial layer of cancer cell regulation. lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in a broad spectrum of cancers, and they play key roles in promoting and maintaining tumor initiation and progression, demonstrating their clinical potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Recent discoveries have revealed that lncRNAs act as key signal transduction mediators in cancer signaling pathways by interacting with proteins, RNA, and lipids. Here, we review the mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate cellular responses to extracellular signals and discuss their clinical potential as diagnostic indicators, stratification markers, and therapeutic targets of combinatorial treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunru Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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