1
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Sada Del Real K, Rubio A. Discovering the mechanism of action of drugs with a sparse explainable network. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104767. [PMID: 37633093 PMCID: PMC10474372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Deep Neural Networks (DDNs) have been successful in predicting the efficacy of cancer drugs, the lack of explainability in their decision-making process is a significant challenge. Previous research proposed mimicking the Gene Ontology structure to allow for interpretation of each neuron in the network. However, these previous approaches require huge amount of GPU resources and hinder its extension to genome-wide models. METHODS We developed SparseGO, a sparse and interpretable neural network, for predicting drug response in cancer cell lines and their Mechanism of Action (MoA). To ensure model generalization, we trained it on multiple datasets and evaluated its performance using three cross-validation schemes. Its efficiency allows it to be used with gene expression. In addition, SparseGO integrates an eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) technique, DeepLIFT, with Support Vector Machines to computationally discover the MoA of drugs. FINDINGS SparseGO's sparse implementation significantly reduced GPU memory usage and training speed compared to other methods, allowing it to process gene expression instead of mutations as input data. SparseGO using expression improved the accuracy and enabled its use on drug repositioning. Furthermore, gene expression allows the prediction of MoA using 265 drugs to train it. It was validated on understudied drugs such as parbendazole and PD153035. INTERPRETATION SparseGO is an effective XAI method for predicting, but more importantly, understanding drug response. FUNDING The Accelerator Award Programme funded by Cancer Research UK [C355/A26819], Fundación Científica de la AECC and Fondazione AIRC, Project PIBA_2020_1_0055 funded by the Basque Government and the Synlethal Project (RETOS Investigacion, Spanish Government).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katyna Sada Del Real
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica y Ciencias, TECNUN, Universidad de Navarra, San Sebastián 20018, Spain
| | - Angel Rubio
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica y Ciencias, TECNUN, Universidad de Navarra, San Sebastián 20018, Spain; Instituto de Ciencia de Datos e Inteligencia Artificial (DATAI), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona 31080, Spain.
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2
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Chapagai D, Merhej G, McInnes C, Wyatt MD. Structural Basis for Variations in Polo-like Kinase 1 Conformation and Intracellular Stability Induced by ATP-Competitive and Novel Noncompetitive Abbapolin Inhibitors. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1642-1652. [PMID: 37433100 PMCID: PMC11295584 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is an essential protein kinase with multiple roles in mitotic progression. PLK1 consists of a kinase domain (KD) and a phosphopeptide-binding polobox domain (PBD), which is responsible for substrate recognition and subcellular localization. The regulation of PLK1 involves an autoinhibitory conformation in which KD and PBD interact. Our previous work identified PBD-binding molecules termed abbapolins that inhibit the cellular phosphorylation of a PLK1 substrate and induce the loss of intracellular PLK1. Here, we describe a comparison of the abbapolin activity with that of KD inhibitors to gain insight into conformational features of PLK1. As measured by a cellular thermal shift assay, abbapolins produce ligand-induced thermal stabilization of PLK1. In contrast, KD inhibitors decreased the soluble PLK1, suggesting that catalytic-site binding causes a less thermally stable PLK1 conformation. Binding measurements with full-length PLK1 and a KD inhibitor also demonstrated a conformational change. Interestingly, the cellular consequences of KD versus PBD engagement contrast as KD binding causes the accumulation of intracellular PLK1, whereas PBD binding produces a striking loss of nuclear PLK1. These data are consistent with the relief of autoinhibited PLK1 by KD binders; an explanation for these observations is presented using structures for the catalytic domain and full-length PLK1 predicted by AlphaFold. Collectively, the results highlight an underappreciated aspect of targeting PLK1, namely, conformational perturbations induced by KD versus PBD binding. In addition to their significance for PBD-binding ligands, these observations have implications for the development of ATP-competitive PLK1 inhibitors because catalytic inhibitors may conversely promote PLK1 noncatalytic functions, which may explain their lack of clinical efficacy to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Merhej
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208
| | - Michael D. Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208
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3
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Park JE, Lee H, Oliva P, Kirsch K, Kim B, Ahn JI, Alverez CN, Gaikwad S, Krausz KW, O’Connor R, Rai G, Simeonov A, Mock BA, Gonzalez FJ, Lee KS, Jacobson KA. Structural Optimization and Anticancer Activity of Polo-like Kinase 1 (Plk1) Polo-Box Domain (PBD) Inhibitors and Their Prodrugs. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:422-446. [PMID: 36926457 PMCID: PMC10012257 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00250] [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: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a mitotic kinase whose activity is widely upregulated in various human cancers, is considered an attractive target for anticancer drug discovery. Aside from the kinase domain, the C-terminal noncatalytic polo-box domain (PBD), which mediates the interaction with the enzyme's binding targets or substrates, has emerged as an alternative target for developing a new class of inhibitors. Various reported small molecule PBD inhibitors exhibit poor cellular efficacy and/or selectivity. Here, we report structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on triazoloquinazolinone-derived inhibitors, such as 43 (a 1-thioxo-2,4-dihydrothieno[2,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one) that effectively block Plk1, but not Plk2 and Plk3 PBDs, with improved affinity and drug-like properties. The range of prodrug moieties needed for thiol group masking of the active drugs has been expanded to increase cell permeability and mechanism-based cancer cell (L363 and HeLa) death. For example, a 5-thio-1-methyl-4-nitroimidazolyl prodrug 80, derived from 43, showed an improved cellular potency (GI50 4.1 μM). As expected, 80 effectively blocked Plk1 from localizing to centrosomes and kinetochores and consequently induced potent mitotic block and apoptotic cell death. Another prodrug 78 containing 9-fluorophenyl in place of the thiophene-containing heterocycle in 80 also induced a comparable degree of anti-Plk1 PBD effect. However, orally administered 78 was rapidly converted in the bloodstream to parent drug 15, which was shown be relatively stable toward in vivo oxidation due to its 9-fluorophenyl group in comparison to unsubstituted phenyl. Further derivatization of these inhibitors, particularly to improve the systemic prodrug stability, could lead to a new class of therapeutics against Plk1-addicted cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Hobin Lee
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Paola Oliva
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Klara Kirsch
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Bora Kim
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Jong Il Ahn
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Celeste N. Alverez
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Division
of Preclinical Innovation, National Center
for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Snehal Gaikwad
- Laboratory
of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kristopher W. Krausz
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Robert O’Connor
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Division
of Preclinical Innovation, National Center
for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Anton Simeonov
- Division
of Preclinical Innovation, National Center
for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Beverly A. Mock
- Laboratory
of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Frank J. Gonzalez
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kyung S. Lee
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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4
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Nahacka Z, Novak J, Zobalova R, Neuzil J. Miro proteins and their role in mitochondrial transfer in cancer and beyond. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:937753. [PMID: 35959487 PMCID: PMC9358137 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.937753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles essential for tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Although their main cellular function, generation of energy in the form of ATP is dispensable for cancer cells, their capability to drive their adaptation to stress originating from tumor microenvironment makes them a plausible therapeutic target. Recent research has revealed that cancer cells with damaged oxidative phosphorylation import healthy (functional) mitochondria from surrounding stromal cells to drive pyrimidine synthesis and cell proliferation. Furthermore, it has been shown that energetically competent mitochondria are fundamental for tumor cell migration, invasion and metastasis. The spatial positioning and transport of mitochondria involves Miro proteins from a subfamily of small GTPases, localized in outer mitochondrial membrane. Miro proteins are involved in the structure of the MICOS complex, connecting outer and inner-mitochondrial membrane; in mitochondria-ER communication; Ca2+ metabolism; and in the recycling of damaged organelles via mitophagy. The most important role of Miro is regulation of mitochondrial movement and distribution within (and between) cells, acting as an adaptor linking organelles to cytoskeleton-associated motor proteins. In this review, we discuss the function of Miro proteins in various modes of intercellular mitochondrial transfer, emphasizing the structure and dynamics of tunneling nanotubes, the most common transfer modality. We summarize the evidence for and propose possible roles of Miro proteins in nanotube-mediated transfer as well as in cancer cell migration and metastasis, both processes being tightly connected to cytoskeleton-driven mitochondrial movement and positioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Nahacka
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Zuzana Nahacka, ; Jiri Neuzil,
| | - Jaromir Novak
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Renata Zobalova
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Zuzana Nahacka, ; Jiri Neuzil,
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5
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Li Y, Wang H, Zhang Z, Tang C, Zhou X, Mohan C, Wu T. Identification of polo-like kinase 1 as a therapeutic target in murine lupus. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1362. [PMID: 35024139 PMCID: PMC8733964 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1362] [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: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The signalling cascades that contribute to lupus pathogenesis are incompletely understood. We address this by using an unbiased activity‐based kinome screen of murine lupus. Methods An unbiased activity‐based kinome screen (ABKS) of 196 kinases was applied to two genetically different murine lupus strains. Systemic and renal lupus were evaluated following in vivo PLK1blockade. The upstream regulators and downstream targets of PLK1 were also interrogated. Results Multiple signalling cascades were noted to be more active in murine lupus spleens, including PLK1. In vivo administration of a PLK1‐specific inhibitor ameliorated splenomegaly, anti‐dsDNA antibody production, proteinuria, BUN and renal pathology in MRL.lpr mice (P < 0.05). Serum IL‐6, IL‐17 and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM‐1) were significantly decreased after PLK1 inhibition. PLK1 inhibition reduced germinal centre and marginal zone B cells in the spleen, but changes in T cells were not significant. In vitro, splenocytes were treated with anti‐mouse CD40 Ab or F(ab’)2 fragment anti‐mouse IgM. After 24‐h stimulation, IL‐6 secretion was significantly reduced upon PLK1 blockade, whereas IL‐10 production was significantly increased. The phosphorylation of mTOR was assessed in splenocyte subsets, which revealed a significant change in myeloid cells. PLK1 blockade reduced phosphorylation associated with mTOR signalling, while Aurora‐A emerged as a potential upstream regulator of PLK1. Conclusion The Aurora‐A → PLK1 → mTOR signalling axis may be central in lupus pathogenesis, and emerges as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX USA
| | - Hongting Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX USA
| | - Zijing Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX USA.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences Zhengzhou Henan China
| | - Chenling Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX USA
| | - Xinjin Zhou
- Department of Pathology Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas Dallas TX USA
| | - Chandra Mohan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX USA
| | - Tianfu Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX USA
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6
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Craig SN, Baxter M, Chapagai D, Stafford JM, Nurmemmedov E, Altomare D, Wyatt MD, McInnes C. Structure-activity and mechanistic studies of non-peptidic inhibitors of the PLK1 polo box domain identified through REPLACE. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113926. [PMID: 34735919 PMCID: PMC9137042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase involved in cell cycle regulation and mitotic progression. Studies have shown that PLK1 is upregulated in many tumors and high levels are adversely related to a poor prognosis. Knocking down or inhibiting PLK1 results in synthetic lethality in PTEN deficient prostate tumors and Kras mutant colorectal tumors, further validating PLK1 as an oncotarget. Substrate recognition by PLK1 occurs through the Polo-Box Domain (PBD), which is a phospho-peptide binding site also responsible for subcellular localization. Much effort has been directed to target this kinase therapeutically through the ATP-binding site, and a few such inhibitors have advanced to clinical trials however with limited clinical efficacy. Moreover, it has been shown that a point mutation in PLK1 (C67V) confers dramatic cellular resistance to catalytic site inhibitors. An alternative approach to target PLK1 potently and selectively is through the PBD to block its protein-protein interactions. Through the REPLACE strategy, for converting peptide inhibitors into more drug-like non peptidic compounds, a PBD targeting compound series ("ABBAs"), has been identified and the key determinants of potency and selectivity elucidated through structure-activity relationship studies. In cellular experiments, the ABBAs were shown to lead to profound effects on the cell cycle, to inhibit tumor proliferation and overcome resistance of cells expressing the PLK1 C67V mutant to ATP-based inhibitors. These non-ATP competitive inhibitors of PLK1 were also used chemical biology probes to investigate the gene regulatory effects of PLK1, known to act on transcription factors such as p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra N Craig
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Merissa Baxter
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Danda Chapagai
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Jessy M Stafford
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Elmar Nurmemmedov
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Diego Altomare
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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7
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Cheuka PM. Drug Discovery and Target Identification against Schistosomiasis: a Reality Check on Progress and Future Prospects. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 22:1595-1610. [PMID: 34565320 DOI: 10.2174/1568026621666210924101805] [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] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis ranks among the most important infectious diseases, with over 200 million people currently being infected and > 280,000 deaths reported annually. Chemotherapeutic treatment has relied on one drug, praziquantel, for four decades, while other drugs, such as oxamniquine and metrifonate, are no longer preferred for clinical use due to their narrow spectrum of activity - these are only active against S. mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively. Despite being cheap, safe, and effective against all schistosome species, praziquantel is ineffective against immature worms, which may lead to reinfections and treatment failure in endemic areas; a situation that necessitates repeated administration besides other limitations. Therefore, novel drugs are urgently needed to overcome this situation. In this paper, an up to date review of drug targets identified and validated against schistosomiasis while also encompassing promising clinical and preclinical candidate drugs is presented. While there are considerable efforts aimed at identifying and validating drug targets, the pipeline for new antischistosomals is dry. Moreover, the majority of compounds evaluated preclinically are not really advanced because most of them were evaluated in very small preclinical species such as mice alone. Overall, it appears that although a lot of research is going on at discovery phases, unfortunately, it does not translate to advanced preclinical and clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mubanga Cheuka
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka. Zambia
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8
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Chapagai D, Ramamoorthy G, Varghese J, Nurmemmedov E, McInnes C, Wyatt MD. Nonpeptidic, Polo-Box Domain-Targeted Inhibitors of PLK1 Block Kinase Activity, Induce Its Degradation and Target-Resistant Cells. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9916-9925. [PMID: 34210138 PMCID: PMC10451095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PLK1, polo-like kinase 1, is a central player regulating mitosis. Inhibition of the subcellular localization and kinase activity of PLK1 through the PBD, polo-box domain, is a viable alternative to ATP-competitive inhibitors, for which the development of resistance and inhibition of related PLK family members are concerns. We describe novel nonpeptidic PBD-binding inhibitors, termed abbapolins, identified through successful application of the REPLACE strategy and demonstrate their potent antiproliferative activity in prostate tumors and other cell lines. Furthermore, abbapolins show PLK1-specific binding and inhibitory activity, as measured by a cellular thermal shift assay and an ability to block phosphorylation of TCTP, a validated target of PLK1-mediated kinase activity. Additional evidence for engagement of PLK1 was obtained through the unique observation that abbapolins induce PLK1 degradation in a manner that closely matches antiproliferative activity. Moreover, abbapolins demonstrate antiproliferative activity in cells that are dramatically resistant to ATP-competitive PLK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danda Chapagai
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Gurusankar Ramamoorthy
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Jessy Varghese
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Elmar Nurmemmedov
- John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California 90404-2312, United States
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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9
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Nahacka Z, Zobalova R, Dubisova M, Rohlena J, Neuzil J. Miro proteins connect mitochondrial function and intercellular transport. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 56:401-425. [PMID: 34139898 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.1925216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles present in most eukaryotic cells, where they play major and multifaceted roles. The classical notion of the main mitochondrial function as the powerhouse of the cell per se has been complemented by recent discoveries pointing to mitochondria as organelles affecting a number of other auxiliary processes. They go beyond the classical energy provision via acting as a relay point of many catabolic and anabolic processes, to signaling pathways critically affecting cell growth by their implication in de novo pyrimidine synthesis. These additional roles further underscore the importance of mitochondrial homeostasis in various tissues, where its deregulation promotes a number of pathologies. While it has long been known that mitochondria can move within a cell to sites where they are needed, recent research has uncovered that mitochondria can also move between cells. While this intriguing field of research is only emerging, it is clear that mobilization of mitochondria requires a complex apparatus that critically involves mitochondrial proteins of the Miro family, whose role goes beyond the mitochondrial transfer, as will be covered in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Nahacka
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague-West, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Zobalova
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague-West, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Dubisova
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague-West, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Rohlena
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague-West, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague-West, Czech Republic.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
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10
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Raab CA, Raab M, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Non-mitotic functions of polo-like kinases in cancer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188467. [PMID: 33171265 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of mitotic protein kinases are currently being developed as non-neurotoxic alternatives of microtubule-targeting agents (taxanes, vinca alkaloids) which provide a substantial survival benefit for patients afflicted with different types of solid tumors. Among the mitotic kinases, the cyclin-dependent kinases, the Aurora kinases, the kinesin spindle protein and Polo-like kinases (PLKs) have emerged as attractive targets of cancer therapeutics. The functions of mammalian PLK1-5 are traditionally linked to the regulation of the cell cycle and to the stress response. Especially the key role of PLK1 and PLK4 in cellular growth and proliferation, their overexpression in multiple types of human cancer and their druggability, make them appealing targets for cancer therapy. Inhibitors for PLK1 and PLK4 are currently being tested in multiple cancer trials. The clinical success of microtubule-targeting agents is attributed not solely to the induction of a mitotic arrest in cancer cells, but also to non-mitotic effects like targeting intracellular trafficking on microtubules. This raises the question whether new cancer targets like PLK1 and PLK4 regulate critical non-mitotic functions in tumor cells. In this article we summarize the important roles of PLK1-5 for the regulation of non-mitotic signaling. Due to these functions it is conceivable that inhibitors for PLK1 or PLK4 can target interphase cells, which underscores their attractive potential as cancer drug targets. Moreover, we also describe the contribution of the tumor-suppressors PLK2, PLK3 and PLK5 to cancer cell signaling outside of mitosis. These observations highlight the urgent need to develop highly specific ATP-competitive inhibitors for PLK4 and for PLK1 like the 3rd generation PLK-inhibitor Onvansertib to prevent the inhibition of tumor-suppressor PLKs in- and outside of mitosis. The remarkable feature of PLKs to encompass a unique druggable domain, the polo-box-domain (PBD) that can be found only in PLKs offers the opportunity for the development of inhibitors that target PLKs exclusively. Beyond the development of mono-specific ATP-competitive PLK inhibitors, the PBD as drug target will support the design of new drugs that eradicate cancer cells based on the mitotic and non-mitotic function of PLK1 and PLK4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany.
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11
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Baxter M, Chapagai D, Craig S, Hurtado C, Varghese J, Nurmemmedov E, Wyatt MD, McInnes C. Peptidomimetic Polo-Box-Targeted Inhibitors that Engage PLK1 in Tumor Cells and Are Selective against the PLK3 Tumor Suppressor. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1058-1066. [PMID: 32232973 PMCID: PMC7703809 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The polo-box domain (PBD) of PLK1 determines mitotic substrate recognition and subcellular localization. Compounds that target PLK1 selectively are required due to the tumor-suppressor roles of PLK3. A structure-activity analysis of the PBD phosphopeptide binding motif has identified potent peptides that delineate the determinants required for mimicry by nonpeptidic inhibitors and provide insights into the structural basis for the selectivity of inhibitors for the PLK1 PBD. Fragment-ligated inhibitory peptides (FLIPs) obtained through REPLACE have been optimized to enhance in vitro binding and a systematic analysis of selectivity for PLK1 vs PLK3 has been carried out for peptides and peptidomimetics. Furthermore, these more drug-like non-ATP-competitive inhibitors had on-target engagement in a cellular context, as evidenced by stabilization of PLK1 in a thermal-shift assay and by inhibition of the phosphorylation of TCTP, a target of PLK1. Investigation in cells expressing a mutant PLK1 showed that these cells are sensitive to PBD inhibitors but dramatically resistant to clinically investigated ATP-competitive compounds. These results further validate targeting the PBD binding site in the move towards PLK1 inhibitors that are active against tumors resistant to ATP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merissa Baxter
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: NCI Shady Grove, Rockville, MD 20850-9702, USA
| | - Danda Chapagai
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Sandra Craig
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - Cecilia Hurtado
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Jessy Varghese
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Elmar Nurmemmedov
- John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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12
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Guo W, Xu B, Wang X, Zheng B, Du J, Liu S. The Analysis of the Anti-Tumor Mechanism of Ursolic Acid Using Connectively Map Approach in Breast Cancer Cells Line MCF-7. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:3469-3476. [PMID: 32523377 PMCID: PMC7237111 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s241957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid (UA), a primary bioactive triterpenoid, was reported as an anti-cancer agent. However, the current knowledge of UA and its potential anti-cancer mechanisms and targets in breast cancer cells are limited. In this study, we aimed to illustrate the potential mechanisms and targets of UA in breast cancer cells MCF-7. METHODS The effect of UA on cell growth was determined in MCF-7 cells by MTT assay. The anti-tumor mechanism of UA was evaluated by microarray, CAMP, and Western blot. Moreover, the molecular docking between UA and potential receptors were predicted by iGEMDOCK software. RESULTS The result of MTT assay demonstrated that UA could inhibit MCF-7 cell growth with IC50 values of 20 μM. Microarray and CMAP analysis, validated by Western blot, indicated that UA significantly modulated IKK/NF-κB, RAF/ERK pathways, and down-regulated the phosphorylation level of PLK1 in MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that the anti-tumor effects of UA are due to the inhibited RAF/ERK pathway and IKK/NF-κB pathway. It could also be explained by the reduced phosphorylation of PLK1 in MCF-7 cells. This study provides a new insight for deep understanding of the new anti-cancer mechanisms of UA in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Guo
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Zheng
- School of Chemistry, Biology and Material Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Du
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
| | - Songbai Liu
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Medical Biotechnology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou215009, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Ren X, Liu J, Hu L, Liu Q, Wang D, Ning X. Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Inhibits the Proliferation of HEp2 Cells by Regulating Stat3/Plk1 Pathway and Inducing S Phase Arrest. Biol Pharm Bull 2019; 42:1689-1693. [PMID: 31366853 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active polyphenolic component of honeybee propolis, has been demonstrated to have many medicinal properties. However, the antitumor effect and mechanism of CAPE on laryngeal carcinoma cells have not been examined. In this study, we treated HEp2 cells with various concentration of CAPE, and the results showed that CAPE can reduce the viability of HEp2 cells with IC50 values of 23.8 ± 0.7 µM for 72 h. Meanwhile, CAPE significantly inhibited activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)3 in a concentration dependent manner in HEp2 cells and regulated the expression and transcription of Plk1. AG490, a specific Stat3 inhibitor, not only inhibited the activation and expression of Stat3, but also inhibited the expression of Plk1 in HEp2 cells, so Stat3 was probably involved in the regulation of Plk1 in HEp2 cells. In addition, treatment of CAPE leaded to a blockage of cell cycle in S phase in HEp2 cells. Therefore, CAPE inhibited the proliferation of HEp2 Cells probably by regulating Stat3/Plk1 pathway and inducing S phase arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiabin Ren
- Department of Otolaryngology, Dahua Hospital
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Li Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Quan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Dehui Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Xianhui Ning
- Department of Otolaryngology, ZhongShan Hospital, Fudan University
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14
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Mo H, He J, Yuan Z, Wu Z, Liu B, Lin X, Guan J. PLK1 contributes to autophagy by regulating MYC stabilization in osteosarcoma cells. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:7527-7536. [PMID: 31571905 PMCID: PMC6750617 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s210575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background PLK1, a typical PLK protein, is the main driver of cancer cell growth and proliferation. It is an inhibitor of the protein kinases that is currently being investigated in clinical studies. It is often used as a tumor marker, as high PLK1 expression correlates with poor prognosis in cancer. Overexpression of MYC is a hallmark of many human cancers. MYC modulates the transcription of thousands of genes that required to coordinate a series of cellular processes, including those essential for growth, proliferation, differentiation, self-renewal and apoptosis. To date, functions of PLK1 and MYC on tumor are mostly studied in separate researches, and studies on their mutual crosstalk are lacking. Purpose To investigate the mechanism of PLK1 and MYC in regulating progress of osteosarcoma. Methods Protein level was examined using Western blot. Animal experiments were performed with female FOX CHASE severe combined immunodeficient mice. Mice were randomly divided into experimental or control groups. Results PLK1 or MYC promoted the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells through the autophagy pathway. PLK1 contributed to MYC protein stabilization. PLK1 inhibition enhanced MYC degradation in osteosarcoma cells. PLK1 inhibition led to a marked decline in MYC protein abundance. The representative MYC target genes were deregulated by PLK1 inhibitors. BI2536 treatment caused a significant delay in xenograft tumor growth in mice injected with U-2 OS cells subcutaneously, with lower mean tumor weight compared to the control group. Conclusion PLK1 is crucial for MYC stabilization. It promotes cell proliferation by autophagy pathway in osteosarcoma cells. Data validate PLK1 as a potential therapeutic target in osteosarcoma caused by MYC-amplified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Mo
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Juliang He
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenchao Yuan
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenjie Wu
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Guan
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
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15
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Lind J, Czernilofsky F, Vallet S, Podar K. Emerging protein kinase inhibitors for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2019; 24:133-152. [PMID: 31327278 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2019.1647165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Significant advances have been made during the last two decades in terms of new therapeutic options but also of innovative approaches to diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma (MM). While patient survival has been significantly prolonged, most patients relapse. Including the milestone approval of the first kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate for CML in 2001, 48 small molecule protein kinase (PK) inhibitors have entered clinical practice until now. However, no PK inhibitor has been approved for MM therapy yet. Areas covered: This review article summarizes up-to-date knowledge on the pathophysiologic role of PKs in MM. Derived small molecules targeting receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the Ras/Raf/MEK/MAPK- pathway, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR- pathway as well as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), Aurora kinases (AURK), and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are most promising. Preclinical as well as early clinical data focusing on these molecules will be presented and critically reviewed. Expert opinion: Current MM therapy is directed against general vulnerabilities. Novel therapeutic strategies, inhibition of PKs in particular, are directed to target tumor-specific driver aberrations such as genetic abnormalities and microenvironment-driven deregulations. Results of ongoing Precision Medicine trials with PK inhibitors alone or in combination with other agents are eagerly awaited and hold the promise of once more improving MM patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Lind
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Krems, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences , Krems an der Donau , Austria
| | - Felix Czernilofsky
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Krems, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences , Krems an der Donau , Austria
| | - Sonia Vallet
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Krems, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences , Krems an der Donau , Austria
| | - Klaus Podar
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Krems, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences , Krems an der Donau , Austria
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16
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Singh R, Peng S, Viswanath P, Sambandam V, Shen L, Rao X, Fang B, Wang J, Johnson FM. Non-canonical cMet regulation by vimentin mediates Plk1 inhibitor-induced apoptosis. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:e9960. [PMID: 31040125 PMCID: PMC6505578 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To address the need for improved systemic therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we previously demonstrated that mesenchymal NSCLC was sensitive to polo-like kinase (Plk1) inhibitors, but the mechanisms of resistance in epithelial NSCLC remain unknown. Here, we show that cMet was differentially regulated in isogenic pairs of epithelial and mesenchymal cell lines. Plk1 inhibition inhibits cMet phosphorylation only in mesenchymal cells. Constitutively active cMet abrogates Plk1 inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Likewise, cMet silencing or inhibition enhances Plk1 inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Cells with acquired resistance to Plk1 inhibitors are more epithelial than their parental cells and maintain cMet activation after Plk1 inhibition. In four animal NSCLC models, mesenchymal tumors were more sensitive to Plk1 inhibition alone than were epithelial tumors. The combination of cMet and Plk1 inhibition led to regression of tumors that did not regrow when drug treatment was stopped. Plk1 inhibition did not affect HGF levels but did decrease vimentin phosphorylation, which regulates cMet phosphorylation via β1-integrin. This research defines a heretofore unknown mechanism of ligand-independent activation of cMet downstream of Plk1 and an effective combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaohua Peng
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pavitra Viswanath
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sambandam
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiayu Rao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bingliang Fang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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17
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Pearson RJ, Blake DG, Mezna M, Fischer PM, Westwood NJ, McInnes C. The Meisenheimer Complex as a Paradigm in Drug Discovery: Reversible Covalent Inhibition through C67 of the ATP Binding Site of PLK1. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 25:1107-1116.e4. [PMID: 30017915 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The polo kinase family are important oncology targets that act in regulating entry into and progression through mitosis. Structure-guided discovery of a new class of inhibitors of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) catalytic activity that interact with Cys67 of the ATP binding site is described. Compounds containing the benzothiazole N-oxide scaffold not only bind covalently to this residue, but are reversible inhibitors through the formation of Meisenheimer complexes. This mechanism of kinase inhibition results in compounds that can target PLK1 with high selectivity, while avoiding issues with irreversible covalent binding and interaction with other thiol-containing molecules in the cell. Due to renewed interest in covalent drugs and the plethora of potential drug targets, these represent prototypes for the design of kinase inhibitory compounds that achieve high specificity through covalent interaction and yet still bind reversibly to the ATP cleft, a strategy that could be applied to avoid issues with conventional covalent binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell J Pearson
- School of Pharmacy, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - David G Blake
- Cyclacel Ltd., James Lindsay Place, Dundee DD1 5JJ, UK
| | - Mokdad Mezna
- Cyclacel Ltd., James Lindsay Place, Dundee DD1 5JJ, UK
| | - Peter M Fischer
- School of Pharmacy and Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Campbell McInnes
- Cyclacel Ltd., James Lindsay Place, Dundee DD1 5JJ, UK; Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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18
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A practical chromatography-free synthesis of a 5,6-dihydroimidazolo[1,5-f]pteridine derivative as a polo-like kinase-1 inhibitor. Tetrahedron 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2018.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Singh R, Beasley R, Long T, Caffrey CR. Algorithmic Mapping and Characterization of the Drug-Induced Phenotypic-Response Space of Parasites Causing Schistosomiasis. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2018; 15:469-481. [PMID: 27071187 PMCID: PMC5915339 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2016.2550444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases, especially those caused by helminths, constitute some of the most common infections of the world's poorest people. Amongst these, schistosomiasis (bilharzia or 'snail fever'), caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, ranks second only to malaria in terms of human impact: two hundred million people are infected and close to 800 million are at risk of infection. Drug screening against helminths poses unique challenges: the parasite cannot be cloned and is difficult to target using gene knockouts or RNAi. Consequently, both lead identification and validation involve phenotypic screening, where parasites are exposed to compounds whose effects are determined through the analysis of the ensuing phenotypic responses. The efficacy of leads thus identified derives from one or more or even unknown molecular mechanisms of action. The two most immediate and significant challenges that confront the state-of-the-art in this area are: the development of automated and quantitative phenotypic screening techniques and the mapping and quantitative characterization of the totality of phenotypic responses of the parasite. In this paper, we investigate and propose solutions for the latter problem in terms of the following: (1) mathematical formulation and algorithms that allow rigorous representation of the phenotypic response space of the parasite, (2) application of graph-theoretic and network analysis techniques for quantitative modeling and characterization of the phenotypic space, and (3) application of the aforementioned methodology to analyze the phenotypic space of S. mansoni - one of the etiological agents of schistosomiasis, induced by compounds that target its polo-like kinase 1 (PLK 1) gene - a recently validated drug target. In our approach, first, bio-image analysis algorithms are used to quantify the phenotypic responses of different drugs. Next, these responses are linearly mapped into a low- dimensional space using Principle Component Analysis (PCA). The phenotype space is modeled using neighborhood graphs which are used to represent the similarity amongst the phenotypes. These graphs are characterized and explored using network analysis algorithms. We present a number of results related to both the nature of the phenotypic space of the S. mansoni parasite as well as algorithmic issues encountered in constructing and analyzing the phenotypic-response space. In particular, the phenotype distribution of the parasite was found to have a distinct shape and topology. We have also quantitatively characterized the phenotypic space by varying critical model parameters. Finally, these maps of the phenotype space allows visualization and reasoning about complex relationships between putative drugs and their system-wide effects and can serve as a highly efficient paradigm for assimilating and unifying information from phenotypic screens both during lead identification and lead optimization.
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20
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Abramson HN. Kinase inhibitors as potential agents in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:81926-81968. [PMID: 27655636 PMCID: PMC5348443 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of therapeutic options available for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) - from immunomodulating agents to proteasome inhibitors to histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and, most recently, monoclonal antibodies. Used in conjunction with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, these modalities have nearly doubled the disease's five-year survival rate over the last three decades to about 50%. In spite of these advances, MM still is considered incurable as resistance and relapse are common. While small molecule protein kinase inhibitors have made inroads in the therapy of a number of cancers, to date their application to MM has been less than successful. Focusing on MM, this review examines the roles played by a number of kinases in driving the malignant state and the rationale for target development in the design of a number of kinase inhibitors that have demonstrated anti-myeloma activity in both in vitro and in vivo xenograph models, as well as those that have entered clinical trials. Among the targets and their inhibitors examined are receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases, cell cycle control kinases, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway kinases, protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase, casein kinase, integrin-linked kinase, sphingosine kinase, and kinases involved in the unfolded protein response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanley N Abramson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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21
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Klauck PJ, Bagby SM, Capasso A, Bradshaw-Pierce EL, Selby HM, Spreafico A, Tentler JJ, Tan AC, Kim J, Arcaroli JJ, Purkey A, Messersmith WA, Kuida K, Gail Eckhardt S, Pitts TM. Antitumor activity of the polo-like kinase inhibitor, TAK-960, against preclinical models of colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:136. [PMID: 29402316 PMCID: PMC5800287 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4036-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a serine/threonine kinase that is a key regulator of multiple stages of mitotic progression. Plk1 is upregulated in many tumor types including colorectal cancer (CRC) and portends a poor prognosis. TAK-960 is an ATP-competitive Plk1 inhibitor that has demonstrated efficacy across a broad range of cancer cell lines, including CRC. In this study, we investigated the activity of TAK-960 against a large collection of CRC models including 55 cell lines and 18 patient-derived xenografts. METHODS Fifty-five CRC cell lines and 18 PDX models were exposed to TAK-960 and evaluated for proliferation (IC50) and Tumor Growth Inhibition Index, respectively. Additionally, 2 KRAS wild type and 2 KRAS mutant PDX models were treated with TAK-960 as single agent or in combination with cetuximab or irinotecan. TAK-960 mechanism of action was elucidated through immunoblotting and cell cycle analysis. RESULTS CRC cell lines demonstrated a variable anti-proliferative response to TAK-960 with IC50 values ranging from 0.001 to > 0.75 μmol/L. Anti-proliferative effects were sustained after removal of drug. Following TAK-960 treatment a highly variable accumulation of mitotic (indicating cell cycle arrest) and apoptotic markers was observed. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that TAK-960 treatment induced G2/M arrest and polyploidy. Six out of the eighteen PDX models responded to single agent TAK-960 therapy (TGII< 20). The addition of TAK-960 to standard of care chemotherapy resulted in largely additive antitumor effects. CONCLUSION TAK-960 is an active anti-proliferative agent against CRC cell lines and PDX models. Collectively, these data suggest that TAK-960 may be of therapeutic benefit alone or in combination with other agents, although future work should focus on the development of predictive biomarkers and hypothesis-driven rational combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Klauck
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Stacey M. Bagby
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Anna Capasso
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Erica L. Bradshaw-Pierce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- Takeda California, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Heather M. Selby
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - John J. Tentler
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Aik Choon Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Jihye Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - John J. Arcaroli
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Alicia Purkey
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Wells A. Messersmith
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Keisuke Kuida
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - S. Gail Eckhardt
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Todd M. Pitts
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
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Zhang M, Singh R, Peng S, Mazumdar T, Sambandam V, Shen L, Tong P, Li L, Kalu NN, Pickering CR, Frederick M, Myers JN, Wang J, Johnson FM. Mutations of the LIM protein AJUBA mediate sensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to treatment with cell-cycle inhibitors. Cancer Lett 2017; 392:71-82. [PMID: 28126323 PMCID: PMC5404895 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The genomic alterations identified in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors have not resulted in any changes in clinical care, making the development of biomarker-driven targeted therapy for HNSCC a major translational gap in knowledge. To fill this gap, we used 59 molecularly characterized HNSCC cell lines and found that mutations of AJUBA, SMAD4 and RAS predicted sensitivity and resistance to treatment with inhibitors of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), checkpoint kinases 1 and 2, and WEE1. Inhibition or knockdown of PLK1 led to cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M transition and apoptosis in sensitive cell lines and decreased tumor growth in an orthotopic AJUBA-mutant HNSCC mouse model. AJUBA protein expression was undetectable in most AJUBA-mutant HNSCC cell lines, and total PLK1 and Bora protein expression were decreased. Exogenous expression of wild-type AJUBA in an AJUBA-mutant cell line partially rescued the phenotype of PLK1 inhibitor-induced apoptosis and decreased PLK1 substrate inhibition, suggesting a threshold effect in which higher drug doses are required to affect PLK1 substrate inhibition. PLK1 inhibition was an effective therapy for HNSCC in vitro and in vivo. However, biomarkers to guide such therapy are lacking. We identified AJUBA, SMAD4 and RAS mutations as potential candidate biomarkers of response of HNSCC to treatment with these mitotic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shaohua Peng
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tuhina Mazumdar
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sambandam
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pan Tong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lerong Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nene N Kalu
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Curtis R Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mitchell Frederick
- Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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23
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Carbajales C, Sawada JI, Marzaro G, Sotelo E, Escalante L, Sánchez-Díaz Marta A, García-Mera X, Asai A, Coelho A. Multicomponent Assembly of the Kinesin Spindle Protein Inhibitor CPUYJ039 and Analogues as Antimitotic Agents. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2017; 19:153-160. [PMID: 28135059 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.6b00166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The potent kinesin spindle protein inhibitor CPUYJ039 and a set of analogues were prepared by a target-oriented approach based on a Ugi reaction that uses 2-nitrophenyl isocyanides as key building blocks. The herein documented strategy provides straightforward and atom economical access to potent benzimidazole-based antimitotic agents by exploring the versatility and exploratory power of the Ugi reaction. The results of docking studies and biological activity evaluations of the benzimidazole compounds are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Carbajales
- Center
for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Campus
Vida, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Jun-ichi Sawada
- Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department
of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Eddy Sotelo
- Center
for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Campus
Vida, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias, s/n, Campus sur, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Luz Escalante
- Center
for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Campus
Vida, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Antonio Sánchez-Díaz Marta
- Center
for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Campus
Vida, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Xerardo García-Mera
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias, s/n, Campus sur, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - Akira Asai
- Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Alberto Coelho
- Center
for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials, University of Santiago de Compostela, Jenaro de la Fuente s/n, Campus
Vida, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias, s/n, Campus sur, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
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24
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Ruf S, Heberle AM, Langelaar-Makkinje M, Gelino S, Wilkinson D, Gerbeth C, Schwarz JJ, Holzwarth B, Warscheid B, Meisinger C, van Vugt MATM, Baumeister R, Hansen M, Thedieck K. PLK1 (polo like kinase 1) inhibits MTOR complex 1 and promotes autophagy. Autophagy 2017; 13:486-505. [PMID: 28102733 PMCID: PMC5361591 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2016.1263781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (MTORC1) and polo like kinase 1 (PLK1) are major drivers of cancer cell growth and proliferation, and inhibitors of both protein kinases are currently being investigated in clinical studies. To date, MTORC1's and PLK1's functions are mostly studied separately, and reports on their mutual crosstalk are scarce. Here, we identify PLK1 as a physical MTORC1 interactor in human cancer cells. PLK1 inhibition enhances MTORC1 activity under nutrient sufficiency and in starved cells, and PLK1 directly phosphorylates the MTORC1 component RPTOR/RAPTOR in vitro. PLK1 and MTORC1 reside together at lysosomes, the subcellular site where MTORC1 is active. Consistent with an inhibitory role of PLK1 toward MTORC1, PLK1 overexpression inhibits lysosomal association of the PLK1-MTORC1 complex, whereas PLK1 inhibition promotes lysosomal localization of MTOR. PLK1-MTORC1 binding is enhanced by amino acid starvation, a condition known to increase autophagy. MTORC1 inhibition is an important step in autophagy activation. Consistently, PLK1 inhibition mitigates autophagy in cancer cells both under nutrient starvation and sufficiency, and a role of PLK1 in autophagy is also observed in the invertebrate model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. In summary, PLK1 inhibits MTORC1 and thereby positively contributes to autophagy. Since autophagy is increasingly recognized to contribute to tumor cell survival and growth, we propose that cautious monitoring of MTORC1 and autophagy readouts in clinical trials with PLK1 inhibitors is needed to develop strategies for optimized (combinatorial) cancer therapies targeting MTORC1, PLK1, and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Ruf
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Research Training Group (RTG) 1104, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Martin Heberle
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Langelaar-Makkinje
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Gelino
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Deepti Wilkinson
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carolin Gerbeth
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- ZBMZ Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Research (Faculty of Medicine), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Faculty of Medicine), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Jasmin Schwarz
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Holzwarth
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Warscheid
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chris Meisinger
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- ZBMZ Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Research (Faculty of Medicine), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Faculty of Medicine), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marcel A. T. M. van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ralf Baumeister
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Research Training Group (RTG) 1104, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- ZBMZ Centre for Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Research (Faculty of Medicine), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Malene Hansen
- Program of Development, Aging and Regeneration, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kathrin Thedieck
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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25
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Lohse I, Mason J, Cao PM, Pintilie M, Bray M, Hedley DW. Activity of the novel polo-like kinase 4 inhibitor CFI-400945 in pancreatic cancer patient-derived xenografts. Oncotarget 2017; 8:3064-3071. [PMID: 27902970 PMCID: PMC5356865 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) plays a key role in centriole replication. Hence PLK4 inhibition disrupts mitosis, and offers a novel approach to treating chromosomally unstable cancers, including pancreatic cancer. CFI-400945 is a first in class small molecule PLK4 inhibitor, currently undergoing early phase clinical trials. RESULTS Treatment with CFI-400945 significantly reduced tumor growth and increased survival in four out of the six models tested. Consistent with PLK4 inhibition, we observed reduced expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67 associated with an increase in nuclear diameter during treatment with CFI-400945. Additionally, treatment with CFI-400945 resulted in a significant reduction of tumor-initiating cells. DISCUSSION These results support the further investigation of PLK4 as a drug target in pancreatic cancer. METHODS Sensitivity to CFI-400945 was tested in a series of six patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenografts, selected to represent the range of growth characteristics, genetic features, and hypoxia found in pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Lohse
- Ontario Cancer Institute and Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Mason
- Ontario Cancer Institute and Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pinjiang Mary Cao
- Ontario Cancer Institute and Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melania Pintilie
- Ontario Cancer Institute and Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Bray
- Ontario Cancer Institute and Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David W Hedley
- Ontario Cancer Institute and Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Yun T, Qin T, Liu Y, Lai L. Identification of acylthiourea derivatives as potent Plk1 PBD inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 124:229-236. [PMID: 27592392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Thiourea derivatives have drawn much attention for their latent capacities of biological activities. In this study, we designed acylthiourea compounds as polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) polo-box domain (PBD) inhibitors. A series of acylthiourea derivatives without pan assay interference structure (PAINS) were synthesized. Four compounds with halogen substituents exhibited binding affinities to Plk1 PBD in low micromole range. The most potent compound (3v) showed selectivity over other subtypes of Plk PBDs and inhibited the kinase activity of full-length Plk1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taikangxiang Yun
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tan Qin
- BNLMS, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; BNLMS, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Luhua Lai
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; BNLMS, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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27
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Wang Y, Singh R, Wang L, Nilsson M, Goonatilake R, Tong P, Li L, Giri U, Villalobos P, Mino B, Rodriguez-Canales J, Wistuba I, Wang J, Heymach JV, Johnson FM. Polo-like kinase 1 inhibition diminishes acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer with T790M mutations. Oncotarget 2016; 7:47998-48010. [PMID: 27384992 PMCID: PMC5216995 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating EGFR mutations, but resistance is inevitable. Mechanisms of acquired resistance include T790M mutations and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). One potential strategy for overcoming this resistance is the inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) based on our previous studies showing that mesenchymal NSCLC cell lines are more sensitive to PLK1 inhibition than epithelial cell lines. To determine the extent to which PLK1 inhibition overcomes EGFR TKI resistance we measured the effects of the PLK1 inhibitor volasertib alone and in combination with the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib in vitro and in vivo in EGFR mutant NSCLC cell lines with acquired resistance to erlotinib. Two erlotinib-resistant cell lines that underwent EMT had higher sensitivity to volasertib, which caused G2/M arrest and apoptosis, than their parental cells. In all NSCLC cell lines with T790M mutations, volasertib markedly reduced erlotinib resistance. All erlotinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines with T790M mutations had higher sensitivity to erlotinib plus volasertib than to erlotinib alone, and the combination treatment caused G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Compared with either agent alone, the combination treatment also caused significantly more DNA damage and greater reductions in tumor size. Our results suggest that PLK1 inhibition is clinically effective against NSCLC that becomes resistant to EGFR inhibition through EMT or the acquisition of a T790M mutation. These results uncover new functions of PLK1 inhibition in the treatment of NSCLC with acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Liguang Wang
- Institute of Oncology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Monique Nilsson
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruchitha Goonatilake
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pan Tong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lerong Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Uma Giri
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pamela Villalobos
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Barbara Mino
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jaime Rodriguez-Canales
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ignacio Wistuba
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John V. Heymach
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Faye M. Johnson
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
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28
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Lee S, Lee KS, Huh S, Liu S, Lee DY, Hong SH, Yu K, Lu B. Polo Kinase Phosphorylates Miro to Control ER-Mitochondria Contact Sites and Mitochondrial Ca(2+) Homeostasis in Neural Stem Cell Development. Dev Cell 2016; 37:174-189. [PMID: 27093086 PMCID: PMC4839004 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria play central roles in buffering intracellular Ca²⁺ transients. While basal mitochondrial Ca²⁺ (Ca²⁺ mito) is needed to maintain organellar physiology, Ca²⁺ mito overload can lead to cell death. How Ca²⁺ mito homeostasis is regulated is not well understood. Here we show that Miro, a known component of the mitochondrial transport machinery, regulates Drosophila neural stem cell (NSC) development through Ca²⁺ mito homeostasis control, independent of its role in mitochondrial transport. Miro interacts with Ca²⁺ transporters at the ER-mitochondria contact site (ERMCS). Its inactivation causes Ca²⁺ mito depletion and metabolic impairment, whereas its overexpression results in Ca²⁺ mito overload, mitochondrial morphology change, and apoptotic response. Both conditions impaired NSC lineage progression. Ca²⁺ mito homeostasis is influenced by Polo-mediated phosphorylation of a conserved residue in Miro, which positively regulates Miro localization to, and the integrity of, ERMCS. Our results elucidate a regulatory mechanism underlying Ca²⁺ mito homeostasis and how its dysregulation may affect NSC metabolism/development and contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongsoo Lee
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Biotechnology and Bioscience, Daejeon, 305-806, Korea
| | - Kyu-Sun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Biotechnology and Bioscience, Daejeon, 305-806, Korea
| | - Sungun Huh
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Do-Yeon Lee
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Seung Hyun Hong
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Biotechnology and Bioscience, Daejeon, 305-806, Korea
| | - Kweon Yu
- BioNanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Biotechnology and Bioscience, Daejeon, 305-806, Korea
| | - Bingwei Lu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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29
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Weiß LM, Hugle M, Romero S, Fulda S. Synergistic induction of apoptosis by a polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor and microtubule-interfering drugs in Ewing sarcoma cells. Int J Cancer 2016; 138:497-506. [PMID: 26260582 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is highly expressed in Ewing sarcoma (ES), we evaluated the therapeutic potential of the PLK1 inhibitor BI 6727. Here, we identify a synergistic induction of apoptosis by BI 6727 and several microtubule-interfering drugs in ES cells, including vincristine (VCR), vinblastine (VBL), vinorelbine (VNR) and eribulin. Synergistic drug interaction is confirmed by calculation of combination index (CI). Also, BI 6727 and VCR act in concert to reduce long-term clonogenic survival. Mechanistically, BI 6727/VCR co-treatment cooperates to trigger mitotic arrest, phosphorylation of BCL-2 and BCL-XL and downregulation of MCL-1. This inactivation of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in turn promotes activation of BAX and BAK, activation of caspase-9 and -3 and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Overexpression of BCL-2 or simultaneous knockdown of BAX and BAK significantly rescue BI 6727/VCR-induced apoptosis, indicating that engagement of the mitochondrial pathway is critical for BI 6727/VCR-mediated apoptosis. The clinical relevance of PLK1 inhibitor-based combination therapies is underscored by the fact that BI 6727 is currently evaluated in phase I clinical trials in childhood cancer. In conclusion, PLK1 inhibitors such as BI 6727 may provide a new strategy to chemosensitize ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilly Magdalena Weiß
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, 60528, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuela Hugle
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, 60528, Germany
| | - Sarah Romero
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, 60528, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, 60528, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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30
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Helmke C, Becker S, Strebhardt K. The role of Plk3 in oncogenesis. Oncogene 2016; 35:135-47. [PMID: 25915845 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The polo-like kinases (Plks) encompass a family of five serine/threonine protein kinases that play essential roles in many cellular processes involved in the control of the cell cycle, including entry into mitosis, DNA replication and the response to different types of stress. Plk1, which has been validated as a cancer target, came into the focus of many pharmaceutical companies for the development of small-molecule inhibitors as anticancer agents. Recently, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has granted a breakthrough therapy designation to the Plk inhibitor BI 6727 (volasertib), which provided a survival benefit for patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia. However, the various ATP-competitive inhibitors of Plk1 that are currently in clinical development also inhibit the activities of Plk2 and Plk3, which are considered as tumor suppressors. Plk3 contributes to the control and progression of the cell cycle while acting as a mediator of apoptosis and various types of cellular stress. The aberrant expression of Plk3 was found in different types of tumors. Recent progress has improved our understanding of Plk3 in regulating stress signaling and tumorigenesis. When using ATP-competitive Plk1 inhibitors, the biological roles of Plk1-related family members like Plk3 in cancer cells need to be considered carefully to improve treatment strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Helmke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - S Becker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - K Strebhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
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31
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Long T, Neitz RJ, Beasley R, Kalyanaraman C, Suzuki BM, Jacobson MP, Dissous C, McKerrow JH, Drewry DH, Zuercher WJ, Singh R, Caffrey CR. Structure-Bioactivity Relationship for Benzimidazole Thiophene Inhibitors of Polo-Like Kinase 1 (PLK1), a Potential Drug Target in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004356. [PMID: 26751972 PMCID: PMC4709140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma flatworm parasites cause schistosomiasis, a chronic and debilitating disease of poverty in developing countries. Praziquantel is employed for treatment and disease control. However, its efficacy spectrum is incomplete (less active or inactive against immature stages of the parasite) and there is a concern of drug resistance. Thus, there is a need to identify new drugs and drug targets. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show that RNA interference (RNAi) of the Schistosoma mansoni ortholog of human polo-like kinase (huPLK)1 elicits a deleterious phenotypic alteration in post-infective larvae (schistosomula or somules). Phenotypic screening and analysis of schistosomula and adult S. mansoni with small molecule inhibitors of huPLK1 identified a number of potent anti-schistosomals. Among these was a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) benzimidazole thiophene inhibitor that has completed Phase I clinical trials for treatment of solid tumor malignancies. We then obtained GSKs Published Kinase Inhibitor Sets (PKIS) 1 and 2, and phenotypically screened an expanded series of 38 benzimidazole thiophene PLK1 inhibitors. Computational analysis of controls and PLK1 inhibitor-treated populations of somules demonstrated a distinctive phenotype distribution. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the phenotypes exhibited by these populations were mapped, visualized and analyzed through projection to a low-dimensional space. The phenotype distribution was found to have a distinct shape and topology, which could be elicited using cluster analysis. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) was identified for the benzimidazole thiophenes that held for both somules and adult parasites. The most potent inhibitors produced marked phenotypic alterations at 1-2 μM within 1 h. Among these were compounds previously characterized as potent inhibitors of huPLK1 in cell assays. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The reverse genetic and chemical SAR data support a continued investigation of SmPLK1 as a possible drug target and/or the prosecution of the benzimidazole thiophene chemotype as a source of novel anti-schistosomals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thavy Long
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - R. Jeffrey Neitz
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Small Molecule Discovery Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rachel Beasley
- Department of Computer Science, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chakrapani Kalyanaraman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Jacobson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Colette Dissous
- Center of Infection and Immunity of Lille, Université Lille Nord de France, Inserm U1019, CNRS-UMR 8204, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - David H. Drewry
- Department of Chemical Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - William J. Zuercher
- Department of Chemical Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rahul Singh
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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32
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Trakala M, Partida D, Salazar-Roa M, Maroto M, Wachowicz P, de Cárcer G, Malumbres M. Activation of the endomitotic spindle assembly checkpoint and thrombocytopenia in Plk1-deficient mice. Blood 2015; 126:1707-14. [PMID: 26185128 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-03-634402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyploidization in megakaryocytes is achieved by endomitosis, a specialized cell cycle in which DNA replication is followed by aberrant mitosis. Typical mitotic regulators such as Aurora kinases or Cdk1 are dispensable for megakaryocyte maturation, and inhibition of mitotic kinases may in fact promote megakaryocyte maturation. However, we show here that Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is required for endomitosis, and ablation of the Plk1 gene in megakaryocytes results in defective polyploidization accompanied by mitotic arrest and cell death. Lack of Plk1 results in defective centrosome maturation and aberrant spindle pole formation, thus impairing the formation of multiple poles typically found in megakaryocytes. In these conditions, megakaryocytes arrest for a long time in mitosis and frequently die. Mitotic arrest in wild-type megakaryocytes treated with Plk1 inhibitors or Plk1-null cells is triggered by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), and can be rescued in the presence of SAC inhibitors. These data suggest that, despite the dispensability of proper chromosome segregation in megakaryocytes, an endomitotic SAC is activated in these cells upon Plk1 inhibition. SAC activation results in defective maturation of megakaryocytes and cell death, thus raising a note of caution in the use of Plk1 inhibitors in therapeutic strategies based on polyploidization regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Trakala
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Partida
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Salazar-Roa
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Maroto
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paulina Wachowicz
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo de Cárcer
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Malumbres
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
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Duan L, Rai G, Roggero C, Zhang QJ, Wei Q, Ma SH, Zhou Y, Santoyo J, Martinez ED, Xiao G, Raj GV, Jadhav A, Simeonov A, Maloney DJ, Rizo J, Hsieh JT, Liu ZP. KDM4/JMJD2 Histone Demethylase Inhibitors Block Prostate Tumor Growth by Suppressing the Expression of AR and BMYB-Regulated Genes. CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY 2015; 22:1185-96. [PMID: 26364928 PMCID: PMC4578295 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine demethylase KDM4/JMJD2s are overexpressed in many human tumors including prostate cancer (PCa). KDM4s are co-activators of androgen receptor (AR) and are thus potential therapeutic targets. Yet to date few KDM4 inhibitors that have anti-prostate tumor activity in vivo have been developed. Here, we report the anti-tumor growth effect and molecular mechanisms of three novel KDM4 inhibitors (A1, I9, and B3). These inhibitors repressed the transcription of both AR and BMYB-regulated genes. Compound B3 is highly selective for a variety of cancer cell lines including PC3 cells that lack AR. B3 inhibited the in vivo growth of tumors derived from PC3 cells and ex vivo human PCa explants. We identified a novel mechanism by which KDM4B activates the transcription of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). B3 blocked the binding of KDM4B to the PLK1 promoter. Our studies suggest a potential mechanism-based therapeutic strategy for PCa and tumors with elevated KDM4B/PLK1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Duan
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ganesha Rai
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Carlos Roggero
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qing-Jun Zhang
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qun Wei
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shi Hong Ma
- Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yunyun Zhou
- Department of Clinical Science, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John Santoyo
- Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Elisabeth D Martinez
- Department of pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Guanghua Xiao
- Department of Clinical Science, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ganesh V Raj
- Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ajit Jadhav
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - David J Maloney
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Josep Rizo
- Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jer-Tsong Hsieh
- Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhi-Ping Liu
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Archambault V, Lépine G, Kachaner D. Understanding the Polo Kinase machine. Oncogene 2015; 34:4799-807. [PMID: 25619835 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Polo Kinase is a central regulator of cell division required for several events of mitosis and cytokinesis. In addition to a kinase domain (KD), Polo-like kinases (Plks) comprise a Polo-Box domain (PBD), which mediates protein interactions with targets and regulators of Plks. In all organisms that contain Plks, one Plk family member fulfills several essential functions in the regulation of cell division, and here we refer to this conserved protein as Polo Kinase (Plk1 in humans). The PBD and the KD are capable of both cooperation and mutual inhibition in their functions. Crystal structures of the PBD, the KD and, recently, a PBD-KD complex have helped understanding the inner workings of the Polo Kinase. In parallel, an impressive array of molecular mechanisms has been found to mediate the regulation of the protein. Moreover, the targeting of Polo Kinase in the development of anti-cancer drugs has yielded several molecules with which to chemically modulate Polo Kinase to study its biological functions. Here we review our current understanding of the protein function and regulation of Polo Kinase as a fascinating molecular device in control of cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Archambault
- Institut de recherche en immunologie et en cancérologie, Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - G Lépine
- Institut de recherche en immunologie et en cancérologie, Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - D Kachaner
- Institut de recherche en immunologie et en cancérologie, Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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35
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Zuco V, De Cesare M, Zaffaroni N, Lanzi C, Cassinelli G. PLK1 is a critical determinant of tumor cell sensitivity to CPT11 and its inhibition enhances the drug antitumor efficacy in squamous cell carcinoma models sensitive and resistant to camptothecins. Oncotarget 2015; 6:8736-49. [PMID: 25826089 PMCID: PMC4496180 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic and acquired tumor drug resistance limits the therapeutic efficacy of camptothecins (CPTs). Downregulation of the mitotic kinase PLK1 was found associated with apoptosis induced by SN38 (CPT11 active metabolite). We investigated the role of PLK1 in the cell response to CPTs in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and pediatric sarcoma cell lines and explored the therapeutic potential of the combination of CPT11 and the PLK1 inhibitor BI2536 in CPT-sensitive and -resistant tumor models. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments established a direct role for PLK1 in counteracting SN38 antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. The ability to activate an efficient G2/M cell cycle checkpoint allowing PLK1 ubiquitination and degradation was found associated with SN38-induced apoptosis in SCC cells. However, the synergistic interaction between SN38 and BI2536 enhanced apoptosis in cell lines both sensitive and resistant to SN38-induced apoptotic cell death. A well-tolerated CPT11/BI2536 cotreatment resulted in improved antitumor effect against SCC xenografts in mice compared to single agent treatments. The increased apoptosis induction was reflected in a high rate of complete responses and cures in mice harboring SCC, including tumors with intrinsic or acquired resistance to CPTs. PLK1 inhibition represents a promising strategy to improve the antitumor efficacy of CPT11-based regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Zuco
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michelandrea De Cesare
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lanzi
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cassinelli
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) plays a number of important roles in the passage of cells through mitosis. It is expressed at high levels in a variety of malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Inhibition of Plk1 results in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and has anti-tumor effects in pre-clinical models. A number of Plk1 inhibitors have been developed, some of which have entered clinical trials. Of these, volasertib (BI6727) has been most extensively studied clinically in AML. Volasertib has demonstrated antileukemic activity in AML, both as a single agent and when combined with low-dose cytarabine. It is well tolerated, with the major toxicity being reversible myelosuppression. A recently completed phase III clinical trial in older AML patients will address the question of whether adding this agent to low-dose cytarabine is associated with a survival advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Brandwein
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 4-112 Clinical Sciences Building, 11350-83 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2G3
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