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Rechberger JS, Toll SA, Vanbilloen WJF, Daniels DJ, Khatua S. Exploring the Molecular Complexity of Medulloblastoma: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2398. [PMID: 37510143 PMCID: PMC10378552 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Over the last few decades, significant progress has been made in revealing the key molecular underpinnings of this disease, leading to the identification of distinct molecular subgroups with different clinical outcomes. In this review, we provide an update on the molecular landscape of medulloblastoma and treatment strategies. We discuss the four main molecular subgroups (WNT-activated, SHH-activated, and non-WNT/non-SHH groups 3 and 4), highlighting the key genetic alterations and signaling pathways associated with each entity. Furthermore, we explore the emerging role of epigenetic regulation in medulloblastoma and the mechanism of resistance to therapy. We also delve into the latest developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Continuing collaborative efforts are needed to further unravel the complex molecular mechanisms and profile optimal treatment for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian S Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Wouter J F Vanbilloen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Neurology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, 5022 Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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2
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Candido MF, Medeiros M, Veronez LC, Bastos D, Oliveira KL, Pezuk JA, Valera ET, Brassesco MS. Drugging Hijacked Kinase Pathways in Pediatric Oncology: Opportunities and Current Scenario. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020664. [PMID: 36839989 PMCID: PMC9966033 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood cancer is considered rare, corresponding to ~3% of all malignant neoplasms in the human population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a universal occurrence of more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants around the globe, and despite improvements in diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, one child dies of cancer every 3 min. Consequently, more efficient, selective and affordable therapeutics are still needed in order to improve outcomes and avoid long-term sequelae. Alterations in kinases' functionality is a trademark of cancer and the concept of exploiting them as drug targets has burgeoned in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry of the 21st century. Consequently, an increasing plethora of inhibitors has emerged. In the present study, the expression patterns of a selected group of kinases (including tyrosine receptors, members of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, coordinators of cell cycle progression, and chromosome segregation) and their correlation with clinical outcomes in pediatric solid tumors were accessed through the R2: Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform and by a thorough search of published literature. To further illustrate the importance of kinase dysregulation in the pathophysiology of pediatric cancer, we analyzed the vulnerability of different cancer cell lines against their inhibition through the Cancer Dependency Map portal, and performed a search for kinase-targeted compounds with approval and clinical applicability through the CanSAR knowledgebase. Finally, we provide a detailed literature review of a considerable set of small molecules that mitigate kinase activity under experimental testing and clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric tumors, while discuss critical challenges that must be overcome before translation into clinical options, including the absence of compounds designed specifically for childhood tumors which often show differential mutational burdens, intrinsic and acquired resistance, lack of selectivity and adverse effects on a growing organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ferreira Candido
- Department of Cell Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Medeiros
- Regional Blood Center, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - David Bastos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla Laissa Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Alejandra Pezuk
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - María Sol Brassesco
- Departament of Biotechnology and Innovation, Anhanguera University of São Paulo, UNIAN/SP, São Paulo 04119-001, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-16-3315-9144; Fax: +55-16-3315-4886
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3
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Alammar H, Nassani R, Alshehri MM, Aljohani AA, Alrfaei BM. Deficiency in the Treatment Description of mTOR Inhibitor Resistance in Medulloblastoma, a Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010464. [PMID: 35008889 PMCID: PMC8745694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a common fatal pediatric brain tumor. More treatment options are required to prolong survival and decrease disability. mTOR proteins play an essential role in the disease pathogenesis, and are an essential target for therapy. Three generations of mTOR inhibitors have been developed and are clinically used for immunosuppression and chemotherapy for multiple cancers. Only a few mTOR inhibitors have been investigated for the treatment of medulloblastoma and other pediatric tumors. The first-generation mTOR, sirolimus, temsirolimus, and everolimus, went through phase I clinical trials. The second-generation mTOR, AZD8055 and sapanisertib, suppressed medulloblastoma cell growth; however, limited studies have investigated possible resistance pathways. No clinical trials have been found to treat medulloblastoma using third-generation mTOR inhibitors. This systematic review highlights the mechanisms of resistance of mTOR inhibitors in medulloblastoma and includes IDO1, T cells, Mnk2, and eIF4E, as they prolong malignant cell survival. The findings promote the importance of combination therapy in medulloblastoma due to its highly resistant nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alammar
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Rayan Nassani
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Mana M. Alshehri
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Alaa A. Aljohani
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Bahauddeen M. Alrfaei
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (H.A.); (A.A.A.)
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Cellular Therapy and Cancer Research, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia; (R.N.); (M.M.A.)
- Correspondence:
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4
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Audi ZF, Saker Z, Rizk M, Harati H, Fares Y, Bahmad HF, Nabha SM. Immunosuppression in Medulloblastoma: Insights into Cancer Immunity and Immunotherapy. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:83. [PMID: 34328587 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric brain malignancy, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of around 65%. The conventional MB treatment, comprising surgical resection followed by irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy, often leads to impairment in normal body functions and poor quality of life, especially with the increased risk of recurrence and subsequent development of secondary malignancies. The development and progression of MB are facilitated by a variety of immune-evading mechanisms such as the secretion of immunosuppressive molecules, activation of immunosuppressive cells, inhibition of immune checkpoint molecules, impairment of adhesive molecules, downregulation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, protection against apoptosis, and activation of immunosuppressive pathways. Understanding the tumor-immune relationship in MB is crucial for effective development of immune-based therapeutic strategies. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the immunological aspect of the brain, focusing on the current knowledge tackling the mechanisms of MB immune suppression and evasion. We also highlight several key immunotherapeutic approaches developed to date for the treatment of MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa F Audi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zahraa Saker
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mahdi Rizk
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hayat Harati
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
| | - Sanaa M Nabha
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
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5
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Inhibitory effects of Tomivosertib in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2021; 12:955-966. [PMID: 34012509 PMCID: PMC8121614 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The MAPK-interacting kinases 1 and 2 (MNK1/2) have generated increasing interest as therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We evaluated the therapeutic potential of the highly-selective MNK1/2 inhibitor Tomivosertib on AML cells. Tomivosertib was highly effective at blocking eIF4E phosphorylation on serine 209 in AML cells. Such inhibitory effects correlated with dose-dependent suppression of cellular viability and leukemic progenitor colony formation. Moreover, combination of Tomivosertib and Venetoclax resulted in synergistic anti-leukemic responses in AML cell lines. Mass spectrometry studies identified novel putative MNK1/2 interactors, while in parallel studies we demonstrated that MNK2 - RAPTOR - mTOR complexes are not disrupted by Tomivosertib. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Tomivosertib exhibits potent anti-leukemic properties on AML cells and support the development of clinical translational efforts involving the use of this drug, alone or in combination with other therapies for the treatment of AML.
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6
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Xie J, Shen K, Jones AT, Yang J, Tee AR, Shen MH, Yu M, Irani S, Wong D, Merrett JE, Lenchine RV, De Poi S, Jensen KB, Trim PJ, Snel MF, Kamei M, Martin SK, Fitter S, Tian S, Wang X, Butler LM, Zannettino ACW, Proud CG. Reciprocal signaling between mTORC1 and MNK2 controls cell growth and oncogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:249-270. [PMID: 32170339 PMCID: PMC11068017 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03491-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
eIF4E plays key roles in protein synthesis and tumorigenesis. It is phosphorylated by the kinases MNK1 and MNK2. Binding of MNKs to eIF4G enhances their ability to phosphorylate eIF4E. Here, we show that mTORC1, a key regulator of mRNA translation and oncogenesis, directly phosphorylates MNK2 on Ser74. This suppresses MNK2 activity and impairs binding of MNK2 to eIF4G. These effects provide a novel mechanism by which mTORC1 signaling impairs the function of MNK2 and thereby decreases eIF4E phosphorylation. MNK2[S74A] knock-in cells show enhanced phosphorylation of eIF4E and S6K1 (i.e., increased mTORC1 signaling), enlarged cell size, and increased invasive and transformative capacities. MNK2[Ser74] phosphorylation was inversely correlated with disease progression in human prostate tumors. MNK inhibition exerted anti-proliferative effects in prostate cancer cells in vitro. These findings define a novel feedback loop whereby mTORC1 represses MNK2 activity and oncogenic signaling through eIF4E phosphorylation, allowing reciprocal regulation of these two oncogenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Xie
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Kaikai Shen
- Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, Leicester, UK
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ashley T Jones
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jian Yang
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew R Tee
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ming Hong Shen
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mengyuan Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Swati Irani
- Adelaide Medical School and Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Derick Wong
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - James E Merrett
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Roman V Lenchine
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stuart De Poi
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kirk B Jensen
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Paul J Trim
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marten F Snel
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Makoto Kamei
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sally Kim Martin
- Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stephen Fitter
- Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Shuye Tian
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa M Butler
- Adelaide Medical School and Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew C W Zannettino
- Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- Myeloma Research Laboratory, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.
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7
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Eckerdt FD, Bell JB, Gonzalez C, Oh MS, Perez RE, Mazewski C, Fischietti M, Goldman S, Nakano I, Platanias LC. Combined PI3Kα-mTOR Targeting of Glioma Stem Cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21873. [PMID: 33318517 PMCID: PMC7736588 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78788-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary intrinsic tumour of the adult brain and evidence indicates disease progression is driven by glioma stem cells (GSCs). Extensive advances in the molecular characterization of GBM allowed classification into proneural, mesenchymal and classical subtypes, and have raised expectations these insights may predict response to targeted therapies. We utilized GBM neurospheres that display GSC characteristics and found activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in sphere-forming cells. The PI3Kα selective inhibitor alpelisib blocked PI3K/AKT activation and inhibited spheroid growth, suggesting an essential role for the PI3Kα catalytic isoform. p110α expression was highest in the proneural subtype and this was associated with increased phosphorylation of AKT. Further, employing the GBM BioDP, we found co-expression of PIK3CA with the neuronal stem/progenitor marker NES was associated with poor prognosis in PN GBM patients, indicating a unique role for PI3Kα in PN GSCs. Alpelisib inhibited GSC neurosphere growth and these effects were more pronounced in GSCs of the PN subtype. The antineoplastic effects of alpelisib were substantially enhanced when combined with pharmacologic mTOR inhibition. These findings identify the alpha catalytic PI3K isoform as a unique therapeutic target in proneural GBM and suggest that pharmacological mTOR inhibition may sensitize GSCs to selective PI3Kα inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank D Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Jonathan B Bell
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Christopher Gonzalez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Michael S Oh
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ricardo E Perez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Candice Mazewski
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mariafausta Fischietti
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ichiro Nakano
- Department of Neurosurgery and O'Neil Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-220, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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8
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Prabhu SA, Moussa O, Miller WH, del Rincón SV. The MNK1/2-eIF4E Axis as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4055. [PMID: 32517051 PMCID: PMC7312468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the pigment-producing cells of the body known as melanocytes. Most genetic aberrations in melanoma result in hyperactivation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. We and others have shown that a specific protein synthesis pathway known as the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis is often dysregulated in cancer. The MNK1/2-eIF4E axis is a point of convergence for these signaling pathways that are commonly constitutively activated in melanoma. In this review we consider the functional implications of aberrant mRNA translation in melanoma and other malignancies. Moreover, we discuss the consequences of inhibiting the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis on the tumor and tumor-associated cells, and we provide important avenues for the utilization of this treatment modality in combination with other targeted and immune-based therapies. The past decade has seen the increased development of selective inhibitors to block the action of the MNK1/2-eIF4E pathway, which are predicted to be an effective therapy regardless of the melanoma subtype (e.g., cutaneous, acral, and mucosal).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathyen A. Prabhu
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.A.P.); (O.M.); (W.H.M.J.)
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Omar Moussa
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.A.P.); (O.M.); (W.H.M.J.)
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Wilson H. Miller
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.A.P.); (O.M.); (W.H.M.J.)
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer (MCTRC), McGill University, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Rossy Cancer Network, McGill University, 1980 Sherbrooke Ouest, #1101, Montreal, QC H3H 1E8, Canada
| | - Sonia V. del Rincón
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (S.A.P.); (O.M.); (W.H.M.J.)
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer (MCTRC), McGill University, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
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9
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Pinto-Díez C, Ferreras-Martín R, Carrión-Marchante R, González VM, Martín ME. Deeping in the Role of the MAP-Kinases Interacting Kinases (MNKs) in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082967. [PMID: 32340135 PMCID: PMC7215568 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinases (MNKs) are involved in oncogenic transformation and can promote metastasis and tumor progression. In human cells, there are four MNKs isoforms (MNK1a/b and MNK2a/b), derived from two genes by alternative splicing. These kinases play an important role controlling the expression of specific proteins involved in cell cycle, cell survival and cell motility via eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) regulation, but also through other substrates such as heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1, polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated splicing factor and Sprouty 2. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of MNK in human cancers, describing the studies conducted to date to elucidate the mechanism involved in the action of MNKs, as well as the development of MNK inhibitors in different hematological cancers and solid tumors.
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10
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Kosciuczuk EM, Kar AK, Blyth GT, Fischietti M, Abedin S, Mina AA, Siliezar R, Rzymski T, Brzozka K, Eklund EA, Beauchamp EM, Eckerdt F, Saleiro D, Platanias LC. Inhibitory effects of SEL201 in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2019; 10:7112-7121. [PMID: 31903169 PMCID: PMC6935253 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MAPK interacting kinase (MNK), a downstream effector of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, activates eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and plays a key role in the mRNA translation of mitogenic and antiapoptotic genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. We examined the antileukemic properties of a novel MNK inhibitor, SEL201. Our studies provide evidence that SEL201 suppresses eIF4E phosphorylation on Ser209 in AML cell lines and in primary patient-derived AML cells. Such effects lead to growth inhibitory effects and leukemic cell apoptosis, as well as suppression of leukemic progenitor colony formation. Combination of SEL201 with 5'-azacytidine or rapamycin results in synergistic inhibition of AML cell growth. Collectively, these results suggest that SEL201 has significant antileukemic activity and further underscore the relevance of the MNK pathway in leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa M Kosciuczuk
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aroop K Kar
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gavin T Blyth
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mariafausta Fischietti
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sameem Abedin
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology Department of Medicine Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alain A Mina
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebekah Siliezar
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth A Eklund
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elspeth M Beauchamp
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Diana Saleiro
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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11
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Galeterone and The Next Generation Galeterone Analogs, VNPP414 and VNPP433-3β Exert Potent Therapeutic Effects in Castration-/Drug-Resistant Prostate Cancer Preclinical Models In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111637. [PMID: 31653008 PMCID: PMC6895912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
These studies compared the efficacies of our clinical agent galeterone (Gal) and the FDA-approved prostate cancer drug, enzalutamide (ENZ) with two lead next generation galeterone analogs (NGGAs), VNPP414 and VNPP433-3β, using prostate cancer (PC) in vitro and in vivo models. Antitumor activities of orally administered agents were also assessed in CWR22Rv1 tumor-bearing mice. We demonstrated that Gal and NGGAs degraded AR/AR-V7 and Mnk1/2; blocked cell cycle progression and proliferation of human PC cells; induced apoptosis; inhibited cell migration, invasion, and putative stem cell markers; and reversed the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, Gal/NGGAs (alone or in combination) also inhibited the growth of ENZ-, docetaxel-, and mitoxantrone-resistant human PC cell lines. The NGGAs exhibited improved pharmacokinetic profiles over Gal in mice. Importantly, in vivo testing showed that VNPP433-3β (at 7.53-fold lower equimolar dose than Gal) markedly suppressed (84% vs. Gal, 47%; p < 0.01) the growth of castration-resistant PC (CRPC) CWR22Rv1 xenograft tumors, with no apparent host toxicity. ENZ was ineffective in this CRPC xenograft model. In summary, our findings show that targeting AR/AR-V7 and Mnk1/2 for degradation represents an effective therapeutic strategy for PC/CRPC treatment and supports further development of VNPP433-3β towards clinical investigation.
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12
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Eckerdt F, Clymer J, Bell JB, Beauchamp EM, Blyth GT, Goldman S, Platanias LC. Pharmacological mTOR targeting enhances the antineoplastic effects of selective PI3Kα inhibition in medulloblastoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12822. [PMID: 31492956 PMCID: PMC6731286 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of medulloblastoma, patients in high-risk categories still face very poor outcomes. Evidence indicates that a subpopulation of cancer stem cells contributes to therapy resistance and tumour relapse in these patients. To prevent resistance and relapse, the development of treatment strategies tailored to target subgroup specific signalling circuits in high-risk medulloblastomas might be similarly important as targeting the cancer stem cell population. We have previously demonstrated potent antineoplastic effects for the PI3Kα selective inhibitor alpelisib in medulloblastoma. Here, we performed studies aimed to enhance the anti-medulloblastoma effects of alpelisib by simultaneous catalytic targeting of the mTOR kinase. Pharmacological mTOR inhibition potently enhanced the suppressive effects of alpelisib on cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis and additionally blocked sphere-forming ability of medulloblastoma stem-like cancer cells in vitro. We identified the HH effector GLI1 as a target for dual PI3Kα and mTOR inhibition in SHH-type medulloblastoma and confirmed these results in HH-driven Ewing sarcoma cells. Importantly, pharmacologic mTOR inhibition greatly enhanced the inhibitory effects of alpelisib on medulloblastoma tumour growth in vivo. In summary, these findings highlight a key role for PI3K/mTOR signalling in GLI1 regulation in HH-driven cancers and suggest that combined PI3Kα/mTOR inhibition may be particularly interesting for the development of effective treatment strategies in high-risk medulloblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Jessica Clymer
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Neuro Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan B Bell
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elspeth M Beauchamp
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gavin T Blyth
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Neuro Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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13
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Zhang W, Su X, Li S, Wang Y, Wang Q, Zeng H. Inhibiting MNK Selectively Targets Cervical Cancer via Suppressing eIF4E-Mediated β-Catenin Activation. Am J Med Sci 2019; 358:227-234. [PMID: 31327462 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting β-catenin has been shown to have great potential therapeutic value in cervical cancer. Because β-catenin is also essential for normal cells, strategies to specifically target cancer will require identification of druggable factors capable of distinguishing β-catenin signaling pathways between cancer and normal cells. METHODS Expression of p-eIF4E and p-β-catenin was analyzed in malignant and normal cervical tissues and cells. The effects and its underlying mechanisms of targeting MNK and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) were determined in cervical cancer and normal cells. RESULTS Inhibiting MNK/eIF4E axis selectively targets cervical cancer without affecting normal cervical cells, via suppressing eIF4E-mediated β-catenin activation. We found that eIF4E phosphorylation was upregulated in cervical cancer cells and tissues but not normal cervical counterparts, and its phosphorylation at Ser 209 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, promotes growth and migration in cervical cancer, in an MNK-dependent manner. MNK inhibition via genetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown or pharmacologic inhibitor effectively decreased phosphorylation of eIF4E and β-catenin, leading to reduced β-catenin activity and transcript levels of Wnt target genes in cervical cancer cells. Consistently, we found that MNK kinase inhibitor is effective in inhibiting proliferation and migration, and inducing apoptosis in cervical cancer but not normal cervical cells. The combination of MNK kinase inhibitor with paclitaxel achieved greater efficacy in cervical cancer cells than paclitaxel alone. CONCLUSIONS Our work identifies MNK-eIF4E axis as a specific and critical regulator of β-catenin activity in cervical cancer but not normal cervical cells, and suggests that targeting MNK is a useful therapeutic strategy in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoyan Su
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Hai Zeng
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China; Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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14
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Eckerdt F, Bell JB, Beauchamp EM, Clymer J, Blyth GT, Kosciuczuk EM, Ma Q, Chen DZ, Horbinski C, Goldman S, Munshi HG, Hashizume R, Platanias LC. Potent Antineoplastic Effects of Combined PI3Kα-MNK Inhibition in Medulloblastoma. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1305-1315. [PMID: 30842251 PMCID: PMC6548590 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant pediatric brain tumor associated with poor outcome. Developing treatments that target the cancer stem cell (CSC) population in medulloblastoma are important to prevent tumor relapse and induce long-lasting clinical responses. We utilized medulloblastoma neurospheres that display CSC characteristics and found activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in sphere-forming cells. Of all class IA PI3Ks, only the PI3Kα isoform was required for sphere formation by medulloblastoma cells. Knockdown of p110α, but not p110β or p110δ, significantly disrupted cancer stem cell frequencies as determined by extreme limiting dilution analysis (ELDA), indicating an essential role for the PI3Kα catalytic isoform in medulloblastoma CSCs. Importantly, pharmacologic inhibition of the MAPK-interacting kinase (MNK) enhanced the antineoplastic effects of targeted PI3Kα inhibition in medulloblastoma. This indicates that MNK signaling promotes survival in medulloblastoma, suggesting dual PI3Kα and MNK inhibition may provide a novel approach to target and eliminate medulloblastoma CSCs. We also observed a significant reduction in tumor formation in subcutaneous and intracranial mouse xenograft models, which further suggests that this combinatorial approach may represent an efficient therapeutic strategy for medulloblastoma. IMPLICATIONS: These findings raise the possibility of a unique therapeutic approach for medulloblastoma, involving MNK targeting to sensitize medulloblastoma CSCs to PI3Kα inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jonathan B Bell
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elspeth M Beauchamp
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jessica Clymer
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gavin T Blyth
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ewa M Kosciuczuk
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Quanhong Ma
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David Z Chen
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Craig Horbinski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Medicine Service, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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15
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Batool A, Aashaq S, Andrabi KI. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E): A recap of the cap-binding protein. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:14201-14212. [PMID: 31074051 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), a fundamental effector and rate limiting element of protein synthesis, binds the 7-methylguanosine cap at the 5' end of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) specifically as a constituent of eIF4F translation initiation complex thus facilitating the recruitment of mRNA to the ribosomes. This review focusses on the engagement of signals contributing to growth factor originated maxim and their role in the activation of eIF4E to achieve a collective influence on cellular growth, with a key focus on conjuring vital processes like protein synthesis. The review invites considerable interest in elevating the appeal of eIF4E beyond its role in regulating translation viz a viz cancer genesis, attributed to its phosphorylation state that improves the prospect for the growth of the cancerous cell. This review highlights the latest studies that have envisioned to target these pathways and ultimately the translational machinery for therapeutic intervention. The review also brings forward the prospect of eIF4E to act as a converging juncture for signaling pathways like mTOR/PI3K and Mnk/MAPK to promote tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiya Batool
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Sabreena Aashaq
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Khurshid I Andrabi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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16
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Ramalingam S, Ramamurthy VP, Gediya LK, Murigi FN, Purushottamachar P, Huang W, Choi EY, Zhang Y, Vasaitis TS, Kane MA, Lapidus RG, Njar VCO. The Novel Mnk1/2 Degrader and Apoptosis Inducer VNLG-152 Potently Inhibits TNBC Tumor Growth and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030299. [PMID: 30832411 PMCID: PMC6468747 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no effective therapies for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive and highly metastatic disease. Activation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinases 1 and 2 (Mnk1/2) play a critical role in the development, progression and metastasis of TNBC. Herein, we undertook a comprehensive study to evaluate the activity of a first-in-class Mnk1/2 protein degraders, racemic VNLG-152R and its two enantiomers (VNLG-152E1 and VNLG-152E2) in in vitro and in vivo models of TNBC. These studies enabled us to identify racemic VNLG-152R as the most efficacious Mnk1/2 degrader, superior to its pure enantiomers. By targeting Mnk1/2 protein degradation (activity), VNLG-152R potently inhibited both Mnk-eIF4E and mTORC1 signaling pathways and strongly regulated downstream factors involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines secretion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Most importantly, orally bioavailable VNLG-152R exhibited remarkable antitumor (91 to 100% growth inhibition) and antimetastatic (~80% inhibition) activities against cell line and patient-derived TNBC xenograft models, with no apparent host toxicity. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that targeting Mnk-eIF4E/mTORC1 signaling with a potent Mnk1/2 degrader, VNLG-152R, is a novel therapeutic strategy that can be developed as monotherapy for the effective treatment of patients with primary/metastatic TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilmurugan Ramalingam
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Vidya P Ramamurthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Lalji K Gediya
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Francis N Murigi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Puranik Purushottamachar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Weiliang Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201-1559, USA.
| | - Eun Yong Choi
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Yuji Zhang
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201-1559, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Tadas S Vasaitis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 207 Somerset Hall, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA.
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201-1559, USA.
| | - Rena G Lapidus
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Vincent C O Njar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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17
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Yang Y, Cui H, Wang X. Downregulation of EIF5A2 by miR-221-3p inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in medulloblastoma cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2019; 83:400-408. [PMID: 30551723 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1553604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Recently, miR-221-3p expression has been reported to be down-regulated in medulloblastoma (MB), but its functional effects remains unclear. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed significantly decreased miR-221-3p in MB cell lines. Transfection of miR-221-3p mimics reduced, or inhibitor increased cell proliferation in MB cells using MTT assay. Flow cytometry analysis indicated miR-221-3p overexpression promoted, while knockdown alleviated G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed miR-221-3p directly targets the EIF5A2 gene. Moreover, restoration of EIF5A2 in the miR-221-3p-overexpressing DAOY cells significantly alleviated the suppressive effects of miR-221-3p on cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-221-3p overexpression decreased CDK4, Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 and increased Bad expression, which was reversed by EIF5A2 overexpression. These results uncovered the tumor suppressive role of miR-221-3p in MB cell proliferation at least in part via targeting EIF5A2, suggesting that miR-221-3p might be a potential candidate target for diagnosis and therapeutics of MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- a Department of Neurosurgery , The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University , Jingzhou , Hubei Province , China
| | - Hanjiang Cui
- b Department of Neurosurgery , The Second People's Hospital of Jingzhou , Jingzhou , Hubei Province , China
| | - Xian Wang
- a Department of Neurosurgery , The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University , Jingzhou , Hubei Province , China
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18
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Xie J, Merrett JE, Jensen KB, Proud CG. The MAP kinase-interacting kinases (MNKs) as targets in oncology. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:187-199. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1571043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Xie
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - James E. Merrett
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kirk B. Jensen
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Christopher G. Proud
- Nutrition & Metabolism, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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19
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Huang XB, Yang CM, Han QM, Ye XJ, Lei W, Qian WB. MNK1 inhibitor CGP57380 overcomes mTOR inhibitor-induced activation of eIF4E: the mechanism of synergic killing of human T-ALL cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:1894-1901. [PMID: 30297804 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the treatment of adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has been significantly improved, the heterogeneous genetic landscape of the disease often causes relapse. Aberrant activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in T-ALL is responsible for treatment failure and relapse, suggesting that mTOR inhibition may represents a new therapeutic strategy. In this study, we investigated whether the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor everolimus could be used as a therapeutic agent against human T-ALL. We showed that rapamycin and its analog RAD001 (everolimus) exerted only mild inhibition on the viability of Jurkat, CEM and Molt-4 cell lines (for everolimus the maximum inhibition was <40% at 100 nM), but greatly enhanced the phosphorylation of eIF4E, a downstream substrate of MAPK-interacting kinase (MNK) that was involved in promoting cell survival. Furthermore, we demonstrated in Jurkat cells that mTOR inhibitor-induced eIF4E phosphorylation was independent of insulin-like growth factor-1/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor axis, but was secondary to mTOR inhibition. Then we examined the antileukemia effects of CGP57380, a MNK1 inhibitor, and we found that CGP57380 (4-16 μM) dose-dependently suppressed the expression of both phosphor-MNK1 and phosphor-eIF4E, thereby inhibiting downstream targets such as c-Myc and survivin in T-ALL cells. Importantly, CGP57380 produced a synergistic growth inhibitory effect with everolimus in T-ALL cells, and treatment with this targeted therapy overcame everolimus-induced eIF4E phosphorylation. In conclusion, our results suggest that dual-targeting of mTOR and MNK1/eIF4E signaling pathways may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human T-ALL.
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20
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D'Abronzo LS, Ghosh PM. eIF4E Phosphorylation in Prostate Cancer. Neoplasia 2018; 20:563-573. [PMID: 29730477 PMCID: PMC5994774 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) progression involves a shift from endocrine to paracrine and eventually autocrine control resulting from alterations in molecular mechanisms in the cells. Deregulation of RNA translation is crucial for tumor cells to grow and proliferate; therefore, overactivation of the translation machinery is often observed in cancer. The two most important signal transduction pathways regulating PCa progression are PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Ras/MAPK. These two pathways converge on the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) which binds to the protein scaffold eIF4G upon mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation and is phosphorylated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) interacting protein kinases (Mnk1/2). This review describes the role of eIF4E in mRNA translation initiation mediated by its binding to the methylated 5′ terminal structure (m7G-cap) of many mRNAs, and the ability of many tumor cells to bypass this mechanism. Hormonal therapy and chemotherapy are two of the most prevalent therapies used in patients with advanced PCa, and studies have implicated a role for eIF4E phosphorylation in promoting resistance to both these therapies. It appears that eIF4E phosphorylation enhances the rate of translation of oncogene mRNAs to increase tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro S D'Abronzo
- VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CA; Department of Urological Surgery, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Paramita M Ghosh
- VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CA; Department of Urological Surgery, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA.
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21
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Chaturvedi NK, Kling MJ, Coulter DW, McGuire TR, Ray S, Kesherwani V, Joshi SS, Sharp JG. Improved therapy for medulloblastoma: targeting hedgehog and PI3K-mTOR signaling pathways in combination with chemotherapy. Oncotarget 2018; 9:16619-16633. [PMID: 29682173 PMCID: PMC5908274 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation and interactions of hedgehog (HH) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways are frequently associated with high-risk medulloblastoma (MB). Thus, combined targeting of the HH and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways could be a viable therapeutic strategy to treat high-risk patients. Therefore, we investigated the anti-MB efficacies of combined HH inhibitor Vismodegib and PI3K-mTOR dual-inhibitor BEZ235 together or combined individually with cisplatin against high-risk MB. Using non-MYC- and MYC-amplified cell lines, and a xenograft mouse model, the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of these therapies on cell growth/survival and associated molecular mechanism(s) were investigated. Results showed that combined treatment of Vismodegib and BEZ235 together, or with cisplatin, significantly decreased MB cell growth/survival in a dose-dependent-fashion. Corresponding changes in the expression of targeted molecules following therapy were observed. Results demonstrated that inhibitors not only suppressed MB cell growth/survival when combined, but also significantly enhanced cisplatin-mediated cytotoxicity. Of these combinations, BEZ235 exhibited a significantly greater efficacy in enhancing cisplatin-mediated MB cytotoxicity. Results also demonstrated that the MYC-amplified MB lines showed a higher sensitivity to combined therapies compared to non-MYC-amplified cell lines. Therefore, we tested the efficacy of combined approaches against MYC-amplified MB growing in NSG mice. In vivo results showed that combination of Vismodegib and BEZ235 or their combination with cisplatin, significantly delayed MB tumor growth and increased survival of xenografted mice by targeting HH and mTOR pathways. Thus, our studies lay a foundation for translating these combined therapeutic strategies to the clinical setting to determine their efficacies in high-risk MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra K Chaturvedi
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Matthew J Kling
- Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Timothy R McGuire
- Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Sutapa Ray
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Varun Kesherwani
- Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Shantaram S Joshi
- Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - J Graham Sharp
- Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
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22
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Bell JB, Rink JS, Eckerdt F, Clymer J, Goldman S, Thaxton CS, Platanias LC. HDL nanoparticles targeting sonic hedgehog subtype medulloblastoma. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1211. [PMID: 29352211 PMCID: PMC5775338 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18100-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common paediatric malignant brain cancer and there is a need for new targeted therapeutic approaches to more effectively treat these malignant tumours, which can be divided into four molecular subtypes. Here, we focus on targeting sonic hedgehog (SHH) subtype medulloblastoma, which accounts for approximately 25% of all cases. The SHH subtype relies upon cholesterol signalling for tumour growth and maintenance of tumour-initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs). To target cholesterol signalling, we employed biomimetic high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles (HDL NPs) which bind to the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor type B-1 (SCARB1), depriving cells of natural HDL and their cholesterol cargo. We demonstrate uptake of HDL NPs in SCARB1 expressing medulloblastoma cells and depletion of cholesterol levels in cancer cells. HDL NPs potently blocked proliferation of medulloblastoma cells, as well as hedgehog-driven Ewing sarcoma cells. Furthermore, HDL NPs disrupted colony formation in medulloblastoma and depleted CSC populations in medulloblastoma and Ewing sarcoma. Altogether, our findings provide proof of principle for the development of a novel targeted approach for the treatment of medulloblastoma using HDL NPs. These findings present HDL-mimetic nanoparticles as a promising therapy for sonic hedgehog (SHH) subtype medulloblastoma and possibly other hedgehog-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Bell
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Lurie 3-125, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
| | - Jonathan S Rink
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Lurie 3-125, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States.,Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States.,Simpson Querrey Institute (SQI) for BioNanotechnology, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
| | - Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Lurie 3-125, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
| | - Jessica Clymer
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Lurie 3-125, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
| | - C Shad Thaxton
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Lurie 3-125, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States.,Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States.,Simpson Querrey Institute (SQI) for BioNanotechnology, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Lurie 3-125, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States. .,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States. .,Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL, 60612, United States.
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23
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Targeting of glioblastoma cell lines and glioma stem cells by combined PIM kinase and PI3K-p110α inhibition. Oncotarget 2017; 7:33192-201. [PMID: 27120806 PMCID: PMC5078085 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The PIM family of proteins encodes serine/threonine kinases with important roles in protein synthesis and cancer cell metabolism. In glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines, siRNA-mediated knockdown of PIM kinases or pharmacological inhibition of PIM kinases by SGI-1776 or AZD-1208 results in reduced phosphorylation of classic PIM effectors and also elements of the PI3K/mTOR pathway, suggesting interplay between PIM and mTOR signals in GBM cells. Combination of PIM kinase inhibitors with BYL-719, an inhibitor specific for the PI3K catalytic isoform p110α, results in enhanced antineoplastic effects in GBM cells. Additionally, pharmacologic inhibition of PIM kinases impairs growth of patient-derived glioma sphere cells, suggesting an important role for PIM kinases in cancer stem cell (CSC) function and survival. Such effects are further enhanced by concomitant inhibition of PIM kinase and p110α activities. Altogether these findings suggest that pharmacological PIM targeting in combination with PI3K inhibition may provide a unique therapeutic approach for the treatment of heterogeneous tumors containing populations of therapy-resistant CSCs in GBM.
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24
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Brown MC, Gromeier M. MNK Controls mTORC1:Substrate Association through Regulation of TELO2 Binding with mTORC1. Cell Rep 2017; 18:1444-1457. [PMID: 28178522 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) integrates numerous stimuli and coordinates the adaptive response of many cellular processes. To accomplish this, mTOR associates with distinct co-factors that determine its signaling output. While many of these co-factors are known, in many cases their function and regulation remain opaque. The MAPK-interacting kinase (MNK) contributes to rapamycin resistance in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that MNK sustains mTORC1 activity following rapamycin treatment and contributes to mTORC1 signaling following T cell activation and growth stimuli in cancer cells. We determine that MNK engages with mTORC1, promotes mTORC1 association with the phosphatidyl inositol 3' kinase-related kinase (PIKK) stabilizer, TELO2, and facilitates mTORC1:substrate binding. Moreover, our data suggest that DEPTOR, the endogenous inhibitor of mTOR, opposes mTORC1:substrate association by preventing TELO2:mTORC1 binding. Thus, MNK orchestrates counterbalancing forces that regulate mTORC1 enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Matthias Gromeier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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25
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Katsha A, Wang L, Arras J, Omar OM, Ecsedy J, Belkhiri A, El-Rifai W. Activation of EIF4E by Aurora Kinase A Depicts a Novel Druggable Axis in Everolimus-Resistant Cancer Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:3756-3768. [PMID: 28073841 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-2141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is overexpressed in several cancer types, making it an attractive druggable target in clinical trials. In this study, we investigated the role of AURKA in regulating EIF4E, cap-dependent translation, and resistance to mTOR inhibitor, RAD001 (everolimus).Experimental Design: Tumor xenografts and in vitro cell models of upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas (UGC) were used to determine the role of AURKA in the activation of EIF4E and cap-dependent translation. Overexpression, knockdown, and pharmacologic inhibition of AURKA were used in vitro and in vivoResults: Using in vitro cell models, we found that high protein levels of AURKA mediate phosphorylation of EIF4E and upregulation of c-MYC. Notably, we detected overexpression of endogenous AURKA in everolimus-resistant UGC cell models. AURKA mediated phosphorylation of EIF4E, activation of cap-dependent translation, and an increase in c-MYC protein levels. Targeting AURKA using genetic knockdown or a small-molecule inhibitor, alisertib, reversed these molecular events, leading to a decrease in cancer cell survival in acquired and intrinsic resistant cell models. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that AURKA binds to and inactivates protein phosphatase 2A, a negative regulator of EIF4E, leading to phosphorylation and activation of EIF4E in an AKT-, ERK1/2-, and mTOR-independent manner. Data from tumor xenograft mouse models confirmed that everolimus-resistant cancer cells are sensitive to alisertib.Conclusions: Our results indicate that AURKA plays an important role in the activation of EIF4E and cap-dependent translation. Targeting the AURKA-EIF4E-c-MYC axis using alisertib is a novel therapeutic strategy that can be applicable for everolimus-resistant tumors and/or subgroups of cancers that show overexpression of AURKA and activation of EIF4E and c-MYC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3756-68. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Katsha
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Science and Engineering, Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, New Jersey
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Janet Arras
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Omar M Omar
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeffrey Ecsedy
- Translational Medicine, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Abbes Belkhiri
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee. .,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
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26
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Bramham CR, Jensen KB, Proud CG. Tuning Specific Translation in Cancer Metastasis and Synaptic Memory: Control at the MNK-eIF4E Axis. Trends Biochem Sci 2016; 41:847-858. [PMID: 27527252 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E, which binds to the 5'-cap of mRNA, undergoes phosphorylation on a single conserved serine, executed by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinases (MNKs). However, the functional consequences and physiological roles of MNK signalling have remained obscure. Now, new pharmacological and genetic tools have provided unprecedented insights into the function of MNKs and eIF4E phosphorylation. The studies suggest that MNKs control the translation of specific mRNAs in cancer metastasis and neuronal synaptic plasticity by a novel mechanism involving the regulation of the translational repressor, cytoplasmic fragile-X protein-interacting protein 1 (CYFIP1). These recent breakthroughs go a long way to resolving the longstanding enigma and controversy surrounding the function of the MNK-eIF4E axis in cancer cell biology and neurobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive R Bramham
- Department of Biomedicine and KG Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Kirk B Jensen
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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27
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Bell JB, Eckerdt FD, Alley K, Magnusson LP, Hussain H, Bi Y, Arslan AD, Clymer J, Alvarez AA, Goldman S, Cheng SY, Nakano I, Horbinski C, Davuluri RV, James CD, Platanias LC. MNK Inhibition Disrupts Mesenchymal Glioma Stem Cells and Prolongs Survival in a Mouse Model of Glioblastoma. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 14:984-993. [PMID: 27364770 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme remains the deadliest malignant brain tumor, with glioma stem cells (GSC) contributing to treatment resistance and tumor recurrence. We have identified MAPK-interacting kinases (MNK) as potential targets for the GSC population in glioblastoma multiforme. Isoform-level subtyping using The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that both MNK genes (MKNK1 and MKNK2) are upregulated in mesenchymal glioblastoma multiforme as compared with other subtypes. Expression of MKNK1 is associated with increased glioma grade and correlated with the mesenchymal GSC marker, CD44, and coexpression of MKNK1 and CD44 predicts poor survival in glioblastoma multiforme. In established and patient-derived cell lines, pharmacologic MNK inhibition using LY2801653 (merestinib) inhibited phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E, a crucial effector for MNK-induced mRNA translation in cancer cells and a marker of transformation. Importantly, merestinib inhibited growth of GSCs grown as neurospheres as determined by extreme limiting dilution analysis. When the effects of merestinib were assessed in vivo using an intracranial xenograft mouse model, improved overall survival was observed in merestinib-treated mice. Taken together, these data provide strong preclinical evidence that pharmacologic MNK inhibition targets mesenchymal glioblastoma multiforme and its GSC population. IMPLICATIONS These findings raise the possibility of MNK inhibition as a viable therapeutic approach to target the mesenchymal subtype of glioblastoma multiforme. Mol Cancer Res; 14(10); 984-93. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Bell
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Frank D Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kristen Alley
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lisa P Magnusson
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hridi Hussain
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yingtao Bi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ahmet Dirim Arslan
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jessica Clymer
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Angel A Alvarez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shi-Yuan Cheng
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ichiro Nakano
- Department of Neurosurgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Craig Horbinski
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ramana V Davuluri
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - C David James
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
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28
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Hussein NA, Delaney TL, Tounsel BL, Liebl FLW. The Extracellular-Regulated Kinase Effector Lk6 is Required for Glutamate Receptor Localization at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction. J Exp Neurosci 2016; 10:77-91. [PMID: 27199570 PMCID: PMC4866800 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s32840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The proper localization and synthesis of postsynaptic glutamate receptors are essential for synaptic plasticity. Synaptic translation initiation is thought to occur via the target of rapamycin (TOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase signal-integrating kinase (Mnk) signaling pathways, which is downstream of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK). We used the model glutamatergic synapse, the Drosophila neuromuscular junction, to better understand the roles of the Mnk and TOR signaling pathways in synapse development. These synapses contain non-NMDA receptors that are most similar to AMPA receptors. Our data show that Lk6, the Drosophila homolog of Mnk1 and Mnk2, is required in either presynaptic neurons or postsynaptic muscle for the proper localization of the GluRIIA glutamate receptor subunit. Lk6 may signal through eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E to regulate the synaptic levels of GluRIIA as either interfering with eIF4E binding to eIF4G or expression of a nonphosphorylatable isoform of eIF4E resulted in a significant reduction in GluRIIA at the synapse. We also find that Lk6 and TOR may independently regulate synaptic levels of GluRIIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nizar A Hussein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Taylor L Delaney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Brittany L Tounsel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Faith L W Liebl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
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29
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Kosciuczuk EM, Saleiro D, Platanias LC. Dual targeting of eIF4E by blocking MNK and mTOR pathways in leukemia. Cytokine 2016; 89:116-121. [PMID: 27094611 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of mRNA translation leads to aberrant activation of cellular pathways that promote expansion and survival of leukemic clones. A key element of the initiation translation complex is eIF4E (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E). The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways play important roles in the regulation of eIF4E expression and downstream functional outcomes. Mitogen-activated protein kinase interacting protein kinases (Mnks) control translation by phosphorylation of eIF4E, whereas the mTOR kinase phosphorylates/de-activates the eIF4E inhibitor, 4E-BP1, to release translational repression. Both pathways are often abnormally activated in leukemia cells and promote cell survival events by controlling expression of oncogenic proteins. Targeting these pathways may provide approaches to avoid aberrant proliferation and neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa M Kosciuczuk
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Diana Saleiro
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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30
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Han W, Ding Y, Xu Y, Pfister K, Zhu S, Warne B, Doyle M, Aikawa M, Amiri P, Appleton B, Stuart DD, Fanidi A, Shafer CM. Discovery of a Selective and Potent Inhibitor of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Interacting Kinases 1 and 2 (MNK1/2) Utilizing Structure-Based Drug Design. J Med Chem 2016; 59:3034-45. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wooseok Han
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Yu Ding
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Yongjin Xu
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Keith Pfister
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Shejin Zhu
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Bob Warne
- Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Mike Doyle
- Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Mina Aikawa
- Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Payman Amiri
- Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Brent Appleton
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Darrin D. Stuart
- Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Abdallah Fanidi
- Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Cynthia M. Shafer
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4560 Horton Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
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Eckerdt F, Alvarez A, Bell J, Arvanitis C, Iqbal A, Arslan AD, Hu B, Cheng SY, Goldman S, Platanias LC. A simple, low-cost staining method for rapid-throughput analysis of tumor spheroids. Biotechniques 2016; 60:43-6. [PMID: 26757811 PMCID: PMC4772731 DOI: 10.2144/000114372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor spheroids are becoming an important tool for the investigation of cancer stem cell (CSC) function in tumors; thus, low-cost and high-throughput methods for drug screening of tumor spheroids are needed. Using neurospheres as non-adherent three-dimensional (3-D) cultures, we developed a simple, low-cost acridine orange (AO)-based method that allows for rapid analysis of live neurospheres by fluorescence microscopy in a 96-well format. This assay measures the cross-section area of a spheroid, which corresponds to cell viability. Our novel method allows rapid screening of a panel of anti-proliferative drugs to assess inhibitory effects on the growth of cancer stem cells in 3-D cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology- Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Angel Alvarez
- Department of Neurology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jonathan Bell
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology- Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Constadina Arvanitis
- Center for Advanced Microscopy and Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Asneha Iqbal
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology- Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Ahmet D. Arslan
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology- Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Neurology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Shi-Yuan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology- Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Division of Hematology- Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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A Critical Role of the mTOR/eIF2α Pathway in Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130806. [PMID: 26120832 PMCID: PMC4487252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced proliferation of pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is a key pathological component of vascular remodeling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). Mammalian targeting of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling has been shown to play a role in protein translation and participate in the progression of pulmonary hypertension. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α (eIF2α) is a key factor in regulation of cell growth and cell cycle, but its role in mTOR signaling and PASMCs proliferation remains unknown. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) rat model was established by hypoxia. Rapamycin was used to treat rats as an mTOR inhibitor. Proliferation of primarily cultured rat PASMCs was induced by hypoxia, rapamycin and siRNA of mTOR and eIF2α were used in loss-of-function studies. The expression and activation of eIF2α, mTOR and c-myc were analyzed. Results showed that mTOR/eIF2α signaling was significantly activated in pulmonary arteries from hypoxia exposed rats and PASMCs cultured under hypoxia condition. Treatment with mTOR inhibitor for 21 days attenuated vascular remodeling, suppressed mTOR and eIF2α activation, inhibited c-myc expression in HPH rats. In hypoxia-induced PASMCs, rapamycin and knockdown of mTOR and eIF2α by siRNA significantly abolished proliferation and increased c-myc expression. These results suggest a critical role of the mTOR/eIF2αpathway in hypoxic vascular remodeling and PASMCs proliferation of HPH.
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Teo T, Yu M, Yang Y, Gillam T, Lam F, Sykes MJ, Wang S. Pharmacologic co-inhibition of Mnks and mTORC1 synergistically suppresses proliferation and perturbs cell cycle progression in blast crisis-chronic myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Lett 2015; 357:612-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Eckerdt F, Goldman S, Platanias LC. New insights into malignant cell survival mechanisms in medulloblastoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1. [PMID: 26097864 DOI: 10.14800/ccm.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
mRNA translation and protein synthesis is an important determinant for cell metabolism and cell homeostasis. Perturbations in cellular homeostasis often result in activation of negative feedback loops as compensatory mechanisms. Although, these mechanisms are important for mammalian cells to adjust to environmental changes, they also pose a major challenge for targeted cancer therapy as they provide escape mechanisms for cancer cells. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial regulator of mRNA translation, protein synthesis and metabolism and represents an attractive target for anticancer therapy. We have recently reported that selective inhibition of mTORC1 by rapamycin or its analogs in medulloblastoma cells results in phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) on serine-209, an event known to be associated with induction of protein translation and cell transformation. We have also previously established that this event is mediated by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-interacting kinase 2 (Mnk2) independently of MAPKs, the conventional activators of Mnks. Here we discuss the implications for our current understanding of negative feedback regulation by mTOR and Mnk in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611 ; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Leonidas C Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611 ; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611 ; Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612
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