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Trembley JH, Kren BT, Afzal M, Scaria GA, Klein MA, Ahmed K. Protein kinase CK2 – diverse roles in cancer cell biology and therapeutic promise. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 478:899-926. [PMID: 36114992 PMCID: PMC9483426 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04558-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The association of protein kinase CK2 (formerly casein kinase II or 2) with cell growth and proliferation in cells was apparent at early stages of its investigation. A cancer-specific role for CK2 remained unclear until it was determined that CK2 was also a potent suppressor of cell death (apoptosis); the latter characteristic differentiated its function in normal versus malignant cells because dysregulation of both cell growth and cell death is a universal feature of cancer cells. Over time, it became evident that CK2 exerts its influence on a diverse range of cell functions in normal as well as in transformed cells. As such, CK2 and its substrates are localized in various compartments of the cell. The dysregulation of CK2 is documented in a wide range of malignancies; notably, by increased CK2 protein and activity levels with relatively moderate change in its RNA abundance. High levels of CK2 are associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancer types, and CK2 is a target for active research and testing for cancer therapy. Aspects of CK2 cellular roles and targeting in cancer are discussed in the present review, with focus on nuclear and mitochondrial functions and prostate, breast and head and neck malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeen H Trembley
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Betsy T Kren
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Biochemistry, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - George A Scaria
- Hematology/Oncology Section, Primary Care Service Line, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Mark A Klein
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Hematology/Oncology Section, Primary Care Service Line, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Khalil Ahmed
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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2
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Ye H, Fu D, Fang X, Xie Y, Zheng X, Fan W, Hu F, Li Z. Casein Kinase II exacerbates rheumatoid arthritis via promoting Th1 and Th17 cell inflammatory responses. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:1017-1024. [PMID: 34806506 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies have demonstrated that CK2 is engaged in CD4+ T cell proliferation and activation. We investigated the potential involvement of CK2 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Peripheral blood and synovial fluid mononuclear cells (PBMC and SFMC) of RA patients, as well as splenocytes of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were treated with different doses of CK2 inhibitor CX4945 in vitro. Then, the Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cell responses were analyzed. In addition, CIA mice were administrated with CX4945 via oral gavage. Accordingly, the arthritis scores, bone destruction, tissue damage, and the CD4+ T cell subsets were assessed. RESULTS The expression of CK2 was upregulated in CD4+ T cells under RA circumstance. In vitro CX4945 treatment significantly inhibited the Th1 and Th17 cell responses, while promoted the Th2 cell responses in RA patient PBMC, SFMC and CIA mouse splenocytes, dampening IFN-γ and IL-17A production. Moreover, administration of CX4945 ameliorated the severity of arthritis in CIA mice, along with decreased Th1 and Th17 cells. However, CX4945 seemed to have minimal effect on RA Treg cells. CONCLUSION CK2 serves as an important regulator of the Th1 and Th17 cell axes in RA, thus contributing to the disease aggravation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Ye
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (Bz0135), Peking, China
| | - Dongdong Fu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xinxiang Central Hospital, Xinxiang, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Xiangyu Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (Bz0135), Peking, China
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (Bz0135), Peking, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (Bz0135), Peking, China
| | - Wenqiang Fan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xinxiang Central Hospital, Xinxiang, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Fanlei Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (Bz0135), Peking, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Peking, China.,Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Peking, China
| | - Zhanguo Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital & Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (Bz0135), Peking, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Peking, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Peking, China
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3
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Targeting CK2 in cancer: a valuable strategy or a waste of time? Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:325. [PMID: 34716311 PMCID: PMC8555718 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00717-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CK2 is a protein kinase involved in several human diseases (ranging from neurological and cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and infections, including COVID-19), but its best-known implications are in cancer, where it is considered a pharmacological target. Several CK2 inhibitors are available and clinical trials are underway in different cancer types. Recently, the suitability of CK2 as a broad anticancer target has been questioned by the finding that a newly developed compound, named SGC-CK2-1, which is more selective than any other known CK2 inhibitor, is poorly effective in reducing cell growth in different cancer lines, prompting the conclusion that the anticancer efficacy of CX-4945, the commonly used clinical-grade CK2 inhibitor, is to be attributed to its off-target effects. Here we perform a detailed scrutiny of published studies on CK2 targeting and a more in-depth analysis of the available data on SGC-CK2-1 vs. CX-4945 efficacy, providing a different perspective about the actual reliance of cancer cells on CK2. Collectively taken, our arguments would indicate that the pretended dispensability of CK2 in cancer is far from having been proved and warn against premature conclusions, which could discourage ongoing investigations on a potentially valuable drug target.
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4
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CX-4945 and siRNA-Mediated Knockdown of CK2 Improves Cisplatin Response in HPV(+) and HPV(-) HNSCC Cell Lines. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050571. [PMID: 34070147 PMCID: PMC8158385 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can be categorized into human papillomavirus (HPV) positive or negative disease. Elevated protein kinase CK2 level and activity have been historically observed in HNSCC cells. Previous studies on CK2 in HNSCC did not generally include consideration of HPV(+) and HPV(−) status. Here, we investigated the response of HPV(+) and HPV(−) HNSCC cells to CK2 targeting using CX-4945 or siRNA downregulation combined with cisplatin treatment. HNSCC cell lines were examined for CK2 expression levels and activity and response to CX-4945, with and without cisplatin. CK2 levels and NFκB p65-related activity were high in HPV(+) HNSCC cells relative to HPV(−) HNSCC cells. Treatment with CX-4945 decreased viability and cisplatin IC50 in all cell lines. Targeting of CK2 increased tumor suppressor protein levels for p21 and PDCD4 in most instances. Further study is needed to understand the role of CK2 in HPV(+) and HPV(−) HNSCC and to determine how incorporation of the CK2-targeted inhibitor CX-4945 could improve cisplatin response in HNSCC.
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5
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Dominguez I, Cruz-Gamero JM, Corasolla V, Dacher N, Rangasamy S, Urbani A, Narayanan V, Rebholz H. Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome-linked CK2α variants have reduced kinase activity. Hum Genet 2021; 140:1077-1096. [PMID: 33944995 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome, or OCNDS, is a newly discovered rare neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, behavioral problems (hyperactivity, repetitive movements and social interaction deficits), hypotonia, epilepsy and language/verbalization deficits. OCNDS is linked to de novo mutations in CSNK2A1, that lead to missense or deletion/truncating variants in the encoded protein, the protein kinase CK2α. Eighteen different missense CK2α mutations have been identified to date; however, no biochemical or cell biological studies have yet been performed to clarify the functional impact of such mutations. Here, we show that 15 different missense CK2α mutations lead to varying degrees of loss of kinase activity as recombinant purified proteins and when mutants are ectopically expressed in mammalian cells. We further detect changes in the phosphoproteome of three patient-derived fibroblast lines and show that the subcellular localization of CK2α is altered for some of the OCNDS-linked variants and in patient-derived fibroblasts. Our data argue that reduced kinase activity and abnormal localization of CK2α may underlie the OCNDS phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Dominguez
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - J M Cruz-Gamero
- Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris (IPNP), UMR S1266, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - V Corasolla
- Laboratorio di Proteomica e Metabonomica, CERC-Fondazione S.Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Roma, Italy
| | - N Dacher
- Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris (IPNP), UMR S1266, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - S Rangasamy
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - A Urbani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - V Narayanan
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - H Rebholz
- Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris (IPNP), UMR S1266, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France. .,Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy. .,GHU Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Paris, France. .,Center of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Medicine, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria.
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6
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Husain K, Williamson TT, Nelson N, Ghansah T. Protein kinase 2 (CK2): a potential regulator of immune cell development and function in cancer. Immunol Med 2020; 44:159-174. [PMID: 33164702 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2020.1843267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2, formally known as casein kinase II, is ubiquitously expressed and highly conserved serine/threonine or tyrosine kinase enzyme that regulates diverse signaling pathways responsible for cellular processes (i.e., cell proliferation and apoptosis) via interactions with over 500 known substrates. The enzyme's physiological interactions and cellular functions have been widely studied, most notably in the blood and solid malignancies. CK2 has intrinsic role in carcinogenesis as overexpression of CK2 subunits (α, α`, and β) and deregulation of its activity have been linked to various forms of cancers. CK2 also has extrinsic role in cancer stroma or in the tumor microenvironment (TME) including the immune cells. However, very few research studies have focused on extrinsic role of CK2 in regulating immune responses as a therapeutic alternative for cancer. The following review discusses CK2's regulation of key signaling events [Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α), Cyclooygenase-2 (COX-2), Extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK), Notch, Protein kinase B/AKT, Ikaros and Wnt] that can influence the development and function of immune cells in cancer. Potential clinical trials using potent CK2 inhibitors will facilitate and improve the treatment of human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazim Husain
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tanika T Williamson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Nadine Nelson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tomar Ghansah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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7
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Small molecule modulators targeting protein kinase CK1 and CK2. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 181:111581. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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8
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CK2 Pro-Survival Role in Prostate Cancer Is Mediated via Maintenance and Promotion of Androgen Receptor and NFκB p65 Expression. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12020089. [PMID: 31197122 PMCID: PMC6631211 DOI: 10.3390/ph12020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prosurvival protein kinase CK2, androgen receptor (AR), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) interact in the function of prostate cells, and there is evidence of crosstalk between these signals in the pathobiology of prostate cancer (PCa). As CK2 is elevated in PCa, and AR and NFκB are involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer, we investigated their interaction in benign and malignant prostate cells in the presence of altered CK2 expression. Our results show that elevation of CK2 levels caused increased levels of AR and NFκB p65 in prostate cells of different phenotypes. Analysis of TCGA PCa data indicated that AR and CK2α RNA expression are strongly correlated. Small molecule inhibition or molecular down-regulation of CK2 caused reduction in AR mRNA expression and protein levels in PCa cells and in orthotopic xenograft tumors by various pathways. Among these, regulation of AR protein stability plays a unifying role in CK2 maintenance of AR protein levels. Our results show induction of various endoplasmic reticulum stress signals after CK2 inhibition, which may play a role in the PCa cell death response. Of note, CK2 inhibition caused loss of cell viability in both parental and enzalutamide-resistant castrate-resistant PCa cells. The present work elucidates the specific link of CK2 to the pathogenesis of PCa in association with AR and NFκB expression; further, the observation that inhibition of CK2 can exert a growth inhibitory effect on therapy-resistant PCa cells emphasizes the potential utility of CK2 inhibition in patients who are on enzalutamide treatment for advanced cancer.
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9
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Lian H, Su M, Zhu Y, Zhou Y, Soomro SH, Fu H. Protein Kinase CK2, a Potential Therapeutic Target in Carcinoma Management. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:23-32. [PMID: 30677865 PMCID: PMC6485562 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.1.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Protein kinase CK2 (formerly known as casein kinase 2) is a highly conserved serine/ threonine kinase
overexpressed in various human carcinomas and its high expression often correlates with poor prognosis. CK2 protein
is localized in the nucleus of many tumor cells and correlates with clinical features in many cases. Increased expression
of CK2 in mice results in the development of various types of carcinomas (both solids and blood related tumors, such
as (breast carcinoma, lymphoma, etc), which reveals its carcinogenic properties. CK2 plays essential roles in many key
biological processes related to carcinoma, including cell apoptosis, DNA damage responses and cell cycle regulation.
CK2 has become a potential anti-carcinoma target. Various CK2 inhibitors have been developed with anti-neoplastic
properties against a variety of carcinomas. Some CK2 inhibitors have showed good results in in vitro and pre-clinical
models, and have even entered in clinical trials. This article will review effects of CK2 and its inhibitors on common
carcinomas in in vitro and pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwei Lian
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R, China.
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10
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Cannon CM, Trembley JH, Kren BT, Unger GM, O'Sullivan MG, Cornax I, Modiano JF, Ahmed K. Therapeutic Targeting of Protein Kinase CK2 Gene Expression in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Naturally Occurring Large-Animal Model of Head and Neck Cancer. HUM GENE THER CL DEV 2017; 28:80-86. [PMID: 28335614 DOI: 10.1089/humc.2017.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is a highly promising target for cancer therapy, and anti-CK2 gene expression therapy has shown effectiveness in rodent models of human head and neck cancer (HNC). To date, there has been no large-animal model of cancer in which to further explore anti-CK2 therapies. Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) has been proposed as a large-animal model for human HNC, and we have previously shown that CK2 is a rational target in FOSCC. Here we have tested the hypothesis that a novel tenfibgen-coated tumor-specific nanocapsule carrying RNA interference (RNAi) oligonucleotides targeting feline CK2α and CK2α' (TBG-RNAi-fCK2αα') would be safe in cats with FOSCC; assessment of target inhibition and tumor response were secondary aims. Nine cats were enrolled and treated at two dose levels in a 3+3 escalation. Cats received a total of six treatments with TBG-RNAi-fCK2αα'. Pre- and posttreatment, tumor and normal oral mucosa biopsies were collected to assess CK2 expression, using immunohistochemistry (IHC) preparations evaluated by light microscopy. Toxicity and tumor response were assessed on the basis of standard criteria. The most common adverse events were grade 1 or 2 weight loss and anorexia. Grade 3 tissue necrosis was seen in association with tumor response in one cat, asymptomatic grade 4 elevations in aspartate transaminase and creatine phosphokinase in one cat, and asymptomatic grade 3 hypokalemia in one cat. Of six cats with evaluable biopsies, two had a reduction in CK2 IHC score in tumors after treatment. Four cats had progressive disease during the study period, three had stable disease, one had partial response, and response could not be evaluated in one cat. We conclude that the drug appeared safe and that there is some evidence of efficacy in FOSCC. Further investigation regarding dosing, schedule, target modulation, toxicity, and efficacy in a larger group of cats is warranted and may inform future clinical studies in human head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Cannon
- 1 Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota , St. Paul, Minnesota.,2 Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota , St. Paul, Minnesota.,3 Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Janeen H Trembley
- 4 Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,5 Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,6 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Betsy T Kren
- 5 Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,6 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Gretchen M Unger
- 5 Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,7 GeneSegues Inc. , Minnetonka, Minnesota
| | - M Gerard O'Sullivan
- 2 Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota , St. Paul, Minnesota.,6 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,8 Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota , St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - Ingrid Cornax
- 2 Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota , St. Paul, Minnesota.,6 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jaime F Modiano
- 1 Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota , St. Paul, Minnesota.,2 Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, University of Minnesota , St. Paul, Minnesota.,4 Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,6 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Khalil Ahmed
- 4 Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,5 Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System , Minneapolis, Minnesota.,6 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Trembley JH, Kren BT, Abedin MJ, Vogel RI, Cannon CM, Unger GM, Ahmed K. CK2 Molecular Targeting-Tumor Cell-Specific Delivery of RNAi in Various Models of Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:E25. [PMID: 28230733 PMCID: PMC5374429 DOI: 10.3390/ph10010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 demonstrates increased protein expression relative to non-transformed cells in the majority of cancers that have been examined. The elevated levels of CK2 are involved in promoting not only continued proliferation of cancer cells but also their resistance to cell death; thus, CK2 has emerged as a plausible target for cancer therapy. Our focus has been to target CK2 catalytic subunits at the molecular level using RNA interference (RNAi) strategies to achieve their downregulation. The delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutic agents warrants that they are protected and are delivered specifically to cancer cells. The latter is particularly important since CK2 is a ubiquitous signal that is essential for survival. To achieve these goals, we have developed a nanocapsule that has the properties of delivering an anti-CK2 RNAi therapeutic cargo, in a protected manner, specifically to cancer cells. Tenfibgen (TBG) is used as the ligand to target tenascin-C receptors, which are elevated in cancer cells. This strategy is effective for inhibiting growth and inducing death in several types of xenograft tumors, and the nanocapsule elicits no safety concerns in animals. Further investigation of this therapeutic approach for its translation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeen H Trembley
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Betsy T Kren
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Md Joynal Abedin
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Claire M Cannon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | | | - Khalil Ahmed
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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12
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Chua MMJ, Ortega CE, Sheikh A, Lee M, Abdul-Rassoul H, Hartshorn KL, Dominguez I. CK2 in Cancer: Cellular and Biochemical Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Target. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:E18. [PMID: 28134850 PMCID: PMC5374422 DOI: 10.3390/ph10010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CK2 genes are overexpressed in many human cancers, and most often overexpression is associated with worse prognosis. Site-specific expression in mice leads to cancer development (e.g., breast, lymphoma) indicating the oncogenic nature of CK2. CK2 is involved in many key aspects of cancer including inhibition of apoptosis, modulation of signaling pathways, DNA damage response, and cell cycle regulation. A number of CK2 inhibitors are now available and have been shown to have activity against various cancers in vitro and in pre-clinical models. Some of these inhibitors are now undergoing exploration in clinical trials as well. In this review, we will examine some of the major cancers in which CK2 inhibition has promise based on in vitro and pre-clinical studies, the proposed cellular and signaling mechanisms of anti-cancer activity by CK2 inhibitors, and the current or recent clinical trials using CK2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M J Chua
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Charina E Ortega
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Ayesha Sheikh
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Migi Lee
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Hussein Abdul-Rassoul
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Kevan L Hartshorn
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Isabel Dominguez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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13
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CK2-An Emerging Target for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:ph10010007. [PMID: 28067771 PMCID: PMC5374411 DOI: 10.3390/ph10010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 has received a surge of attention in recent years due to the evidence of its overexpression in a variety of solid tumors and multiple myelomas as well as its participation in cell survival pathways. CK2 is also upregulated in the most prevalent and aggressive cancer of brain tissue, glioblastoma multiforme, and in preclinical models, pharmacological inhibition of the kinase has proven successful in reducing tumor size and animal mortality. CK2 is highly expressed in the mammalian brain and has many bona fide substrates that are crucial in neuronal or glial homeostasis and signaling processes across synapses. Full and conditional CK2 knockout mice have further elucidated the importance of CK2 in brain development, neuronal activity, and behavior. This review will discuss recent advances in the field that point to CK2 as a regulator of neuronal functions and as a potential novel target to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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