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Krkoška M, Paruch K, Šošolíková T, Vázquez-Gómez G, Herůdková J, Novotný J, Ovesná P, Sova P, Hyršlová Vaculová A. Inhibition of Chk1 stimulates cytotoxic action of platinum-based drugs and TRAIL combination in human prostate cancer cells. Biol Chem 2024; 405:395-406. [PMID: 38452398 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) plays an important role in regulation of the cell cycle, DNA damage response and cell death, and represents an attractive target in anticancer therapy. Small-molecule inhibitors of Chk1 have been intensively investigated either as single agents or in combination with various chemotherapeutic drugs and they can enhance the chemosensitivity of numerous tumor types. Here we newly demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of Chk1 using potent and selective inhibitor SCH900776, currently profiled in phase II clinical trials, significantly enhances cytotoxic effects of the combination of platinum-based drugs (cisplatin or LA-12) and TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand) in human prostate cancer cells. The specific role of Chk1 in the drug combination-induced cytotoxicity was confirmed by siRNA-mediated silencing of this kinase. Using RNAi-based methods we also showed the importance of Bak-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in the combined anticancer action of SCH900776, cisplatin and TRAIL. The triple drug combination-induced cytotoxicity was partially enhanced by siRNA-mediated Mcl-1 silencing. Our findings suggest that targeting Chk1 may be used as an efficient strategy for sensitization of prostate cancer cells to killing action of platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs and TRAIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Krkoška
- Department of Cytokinetics, 86853 Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, 117204 Masaryk University , Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Paruch
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekařská 53, CZ-602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CaZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Šošolíková
- Department of Cytokinetics, 86853 Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, 117204 Masaryk University , Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gerardo Vázquez-Gómez
- Department of Cytokinetics, 86853 Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Herůdková
- Department of Cytokinetics, 86853 Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Novotný
- Department of Cytokinetics, 86853 Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, 117204 Masaryk University , Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Ovesná
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, 117204 Masaryk University , Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Sova
- Platinum Pharmaceuticals, a.s., CZ Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Hyršlová Vaculová
- Department of Cytokinetics, 86853 Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135, CZ-612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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2
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Morrison L, Loibl S, Turner NC. The CDK4/6 inhibitor revolution - a game-changing era for breast cancer treatment. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:89-105. [PMID: 38082107 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00840-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibition in combination with endocrine therapy is the standard-of-care treatment for patients with advanced-stage hormone receptor-positive, HER2 non-amplified (HR+HER2-) breast cancer. These agents can also be administered as adjuvant therapy to patients with higher-risk early stage disease. Nonetheless, the clinical success of these agents has created several challenges, such as how to address acquired resistance, identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from therapy prior to treatment, and understanding the optimal timing of administration and sequencing of these agents. In this Review, we describe the rationale for targeting CDK4/6 in patients with breast cancer, including a summary of updated clinical evidence and how this should inform clinical practice. We also discuss ongoing research efforts that are attempting to address the various challenges created by the widespread implementation of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Morrison
- Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Breast Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sibylle Loibl
- German Breast Group, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nicholas C Turner
- Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Breast Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
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3
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Abd El-Hafeez T, Shams MY, Elshaier YAMM, Farghaly HM, Hassanien AE. Harnessing machine learning to find synergistic combinations for FDA-approved cancer drugs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2428. [PMID: 38287066 PMCID: PMC10825182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52814-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Combination therapy is a fundamental strategy in cancer chemotherapy. It involves administering two or more anti-cancer agents to increase efficacy and overcome multidrug resistance compared to monotherapy. However, drug combinations can exhibit synergy, additivity, or antagonism. This study presents a machine learning framework to classify and predict cancer drug combinations. The framework utilizes several key steps including data collection and annotation from the O'Neil drug interaction dataset, data preprocessing, stratified splitting into training and test sets, construction and evaluation of classification models to categorize combinations as synergistic, additive, or antagonistic, application of regression models to predict combination sensitivity scores for enhanced predictions compared to prior work, and the last step is examination of drug features and mechanisms of action to understand synergy behaviors for optimal combinations. The models identified combination pairs most likely to synergize against different cancers. Kinase inhibitors combined with mTOR inhibitors, DNA damage-inducing drugs or HDAC inhibitors showed benefit, particularly for ovarian, melanoma, prostate, lung and colorectal carcinomas. Analysis highlighted Gemcitabine, MK-8776 and AZD1775 as frequently synergizing across cancer types. This machine learning framework provides a valuable approach to uncover more effective multi-drug regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Abd El-Hafeez
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
- Computer Science Unit, Deraya University, El-Minia, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud Y Shams
- Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
- Scientific Research Group in Egypt (SRGE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yaseen A M M Elshaier
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Heba Mamdouh Farghaly
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt
| | - Aboul Ella Hassanien
- Faculty of Computers and Artificial Intelligence, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
- Scientific Research Group in Egypt (SRGE), Cairo, Egypt.
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4
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Ma J, Chan JJ, Toh CH, Yap YS. Emerging systemic therapy options beyond CDK4/6 inhibitors for hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2023; 9:74. [PMID: 37684290 PMCID: PMC10491615 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET) with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) is currently the standard first-line treatment for most patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) negative advanced breast cancer. However, resistance to ET and CDK4/6i inevitably ensues. The optimal post-progression treatment regimens and their sequencing continue to evolve in the rapidly changing treatment landscape. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of resistance to ET and CDK4/6i, which can be broadly classified as alterations affecting cell cycle mediators and activation of alternative signaling pathways. Recent clinical trials have been directed at the targets and pathways implicated, including estrogen and androgen receptors, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways, tyrosine kinase receptors such as FGFR and HER2, homologous recombination repair pathway, other components of the cell cycle and cell death. We describe the findings from these clinical trials using small molecule inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy, providing insights into how these novel strategies may circumvent treatment resistance, and discuss how some have not translated into clinical benefit. The challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity, adaptive rewiring of signaling pathways and dose-limiting toxicities underscore the need to elucidate the latest tumor biology in each patient, and develop treatments with improved therapeutic index in the era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Jack Junjie Chan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Oncology Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Ching Han Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Yoon-Sim Yap
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore.
- Oncology Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
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5
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Sakach E, Keskinkilic M, Wood S, Canning M, Kalinsky K. CDK4/6 Inhibition in the Metastatic Setting: Where Are We Headed? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1103-1119. [PMID: 37314645 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER-2-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is the most common subtype of breast cancer. Due to therapeutic advances with molecularly targeted therapies, the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease has improved significantly. The advent of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) has changed the treatment paradigm for patients with HR+HER2-MBC. CDK4/6i allowed for marked improvement in overall survival, delaying the time to chemotherapy initiation, and improved quality of life for our patients. Efforts are now focused on the best approach(es) for patients after progression on CDK4/6i. Can we further harness the benefit of CDK4/6i in novel combinations at the time of progression? Should we continue CDK4/6i or proceed other novel agents or endocrine therapies? As we advance our treatment strategies for HR+HER2-MBC, there is no longer a one-size-fits-all model, but instead a multifaceted and personalized approach lending to improved outcomes for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Sakach
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Merve Keskinkilic
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sarah Wood
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Madison Canning
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kevin Kalinsky
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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6
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Franza M, Albanesi J, Mancini B, Pennisi R, Leone S, Acconcia F, Bianchi F, di Masi A. The clinically relevant CHK1 inhibitor MK-8776 induces the degradation of the oncogenic protein PML-RARα and overcomes ATRA resistance in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115675. [PMID: 37406967 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematological disease characterized by the expression of the oncogenic fusion protein PML-RARα. The current treatment approach for APL involves differentiation therapy using all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). However, the development of resistance to therapy, occurrence of differentiation syndrome, and relapses necessitate the exploration of new treatment options that induce differentiation of leukemic blasts with low toxicity. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular effects of MK-8776, a specific inhibitor of CHK1, in ATRA-resistant APL cells. Treatment of APL cells with MK-8776 resulted in a decrease in PML-RARα levels, increased expression of CD11b, and increased granulocytic activity consistent with differentiation. Interestingly, we showed that the MK-8776-induced differentiating effect resulted synergic with ATO. We found that the reduction of PML-RARα by MK-8776 was dependent on both proteasome and caspases. Specifically, both caspase-1 and caspase-3 were activated by CHK1 inhibition, with caspase-3 acting upstream of caspase-1. Activation of caspase-3 was necessary to activate caspase-1 and promote PML-RARα degradation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant modulation of pathways and upstream regulators involved in the inflammatory response and cell cycle control upon MK-8776 treatment. Overall, the ability of MK-8776 to induce PML-RARα degradation and stimulate differentiation of immature APL cancer cells into more mature forms recapitulates the concept of differentiation therapy. Considering the in vivo tolerability of MK-8776, it will be relevant to evaluate its potential clinical benefit in APL patients resistant to standard ATRA/ATO therapy, as well as in patients with other forms of acute leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Franza
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Jacopo Albanesi
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mancini
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Rosa Pennisi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Unit of Cancer Biomarkers, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Alessandra di Masi
- Department of Sciences, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy.
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7
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Gupta N, Huang TT, Nair JR, An D, Zurcher G, Lampert EJ, McCoy A, Cimino-Mathews A, Swisher EM, Radke MR, Lockwood CM, Reichel JB, Chiang CY, Wilson KM, Chih-Chien Cheng K, Nousome D, Lee JM. BLM overexpression as a predictive biomarker for CHK1 inhibitor response in PARP inhibitor-resistant BRCA-mutant ovarian cancer. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadd7872. [PMID: 37343085 PMCID: PMC10758289 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.add7872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) have changed the treatment paradigm in breast cancer gene (BRCA)-mutant high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC). However, most patients eventually develop resistance to PARPis, highlighting an unmet need for improved therapeutic strategies. Using high-throughput drug screens, we identified ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related protein/checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) pathway inhibitors as cytotoxic and further validated the activity of the CHK1 inhibitor (CHK1i) prexasertib in PARPi-sensitive and -resistant BRCA-mutant HGSC cells and xenograft mouse models. CHK1i monotherapy induced DNA damage, apoptosis, and tumor size reduction. We then conducted a phase 2 study (NCT02203513) of prexasertib in patients with BRCA-mutant HGSC. The treatment was well tolerated but yielded an objective response rate of 6% (1 of 17; one partial response) in patients with previous PARPi treatment. Exploratory biomarker analyses revealed that replication stress and fork stabilization were associated with clinical benefit to CHK1i. In particular, overexpression of Bloom syndrome RecQ helicase (BLM) and cyclin E1 (CCNE1) overexpression or copy number gain/amplification were seen in patients who derived durable benefit from CHK1i. BRCA reversion mutation in previously PARPi-treated BRCA-mutant patients was not associated with resistance to CHK1i. Our findings suggest that replication fork-related genes should be further evaluated as biomarkers for CHK1i sensitivity in patients with BRCA-mutant HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitasha Gupta
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tzu-Ting Huang
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jayakumar R. Nair
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel An
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Grant Zurcher
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Erika J. Lampert
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ann McCoy
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ashley Cimino-Mathews
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Swisher
- Brotman Baty Institute of Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marc R. Radke
- Brotman Baty Institute of Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Christina M. Lockwood
- Brotman Baty Institute of Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jonathan B. Reichel
- Brotman Baty Institute of Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Chih-Yuan Chiang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kelli M. Wilson
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ken Chih-Chien Cheng
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Darryl Nousome
- Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jung-Min Lee
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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8
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Sundararajan V, Tan TZ, Lim D, Peng Y, Wengner AM, Ngoi NYL, Jeyasekharan AD, Tan DSP. Nuclear pCHK1 as a potential biomarker of increased sensitivity to ATR inhibition. J Pathol 2023; 259:194-204. [PMID: 36373784 PMCID: PMC10107453 DOI: 10.1002/path.6032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Excessive genomic instability coupled with abnormalities in DNA repair pathways induces high levels of 'replication stress' when cancer cells propagate. Rather than hampering cancer cell proliferation, novel treatment strategies are turning their attention towards targeting cell cycle checkpoint kinases (such as ATR, CHK1, WEE1, and others) along the DNA damage response and replicative stress response pathways, thereby allowing unrepaired DNA damage to be carried forward towards mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis. The selective ATR kinase inhibitor elimusertib (BAY 1895344) has demonstrated preclinical and clinical monotherapy activity; however, reliable predictive biomarkers of treatment benefit are still lacking. In this study, using gene expression profiling of 24 cell lines from different cancer types and in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines, we found that nuclear-specific enrichment of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) correlated with increased sensitivity to elimusertib. Using an advanced multispectral imaging system in subsequent cell line-derived xenograft specimens, we showed a trend between nuclear phosphorylated CHK1 (pCHK1) staining and increased sensitivity to the ATR inhibitor elimusertib, indicating the potential value of pCHK1 expression as a predictive biomarker of ATR inhibitor sensitivity. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Sundararajan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tuan Zea Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Genomics and Data Analytics Core (GeDaC), Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Diana Lim
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yanfen Peng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Natalie Yan Li Ngoi
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anand D Jeyasekharan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Shao Peng Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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9
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Patra D, Bhavya K, Ramprasad P, Kalia M, Pal D. Anti-cancer drug molecules targeting cancer cell cycle and proliferation. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 135:343-395. [PMID: 37061337 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer, a vicious clinical burden that potentiates maximum fatality for humankind, arises due to unregulated excessive cell division and proliferation through an eccentric expression of cell cycle regulator proteins. A set of evolutionarily conserved machinery controls the cell cycle in an extremely precise manner so that a cell that went through the cycle can produce a genetically identical copy. To achieve perfection, several checkpoints were placed in the cycle for surveillance; so, errors during the division were rectified by the repair strategies. However, irreparable damage leads to exit from the cell cycle and induces programmed cell death. In comparison to a normal cell, cancer cells facilitate the constitutive activation of many dormant proteins and impede negative regulators of the checkpoint. Extensive studies in the last few decades on cell division and proliferation of cancer cells elucidate the molecular mechanism of the cell-cycle regulators that are often targeted for the development of anti-cancer therapy. Each phase of the cell cycle has been regulated by a unique set of proteins including master regulators Cyclins, and CDKs, along with the accessory proteins such as CKI, Cdc25, error-responsive proteins, and various kinase proteins mainly WEE1 kinases, Polo-like kinases, and Aurora kinases that control cell division. Here in this chapter, we have analytically discussed the role of cell cycle regulators and proliferation factors in cancer progression and the rationale of using various cell cycle-targeting drug molecules as anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarun Patra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Kumari Bhavya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Palla Ramprasad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Moyna Kalia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Durba Pal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India.
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10
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Hunter JE, Campbell AE, Kerridge S, Fraser C, Hannaway NL, Luli S, Ivanova I, Brownridge PJ, Coxhead J, Taylor L, Leary P, Hasoon MSR, Eyers CE, Perkins ND. Up-regulation of the PI3K/AKT and RHO/RAC/PAK signalling pathways in CHK1 inhibitor resistant Eµ-Myc lymphoma cells. Biochem J 2022; 479:2131-2151. [PMID: 36240067 PMCID: PMC9704644 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The development of resistance and the activation of bypass pathway signalling represents a major problem for the clinical application of protein kinase inhibitors. While investigating the effect of either a c-Rel deletion or RelAT505A phosphosite knockin on the Eµ-Myc mouse model of B-cell lymphoma, we discovered that both NF-κB subunit mutations resulted in CHK1 inhibitor resistance, arising from either loss or alteration of CHK1 activity, respectively. However, since Eµ-Myc lymphomas depend on CHK1 activity to cope with high levels of DNA replication stress and consequent genomic instability, it was not clear how these mutant NF-κB subunit lymphomas were able to survive. To understand these survival mechanisms and to identify potential compensatory bypass signalling pathways in these lymphomas, we applied a multi-omics strategy. With c-Rel-/- Eµ-Myc lymphomas we observed high levels of Phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT pathway activation. Moreover, treatment with the PI3K inhibitor Pictilisib (GDC-0941) selectively inhibited the growth of reimplanted c-Rel-/- and RelAT505A, but not wild type (WT) Eµ-Myc lymphomas. We also observed up-regulation of a RHO/RAC pathway gene expression signature in both Eµ-Myc NF-κB subunit mutation models. Further investigation demonstrated activation of the RHO/RAC effector p21-activated kinase (PAK) 2. Here, the PAK inhibitor, PF-3758309 successfully overcame resistance of RelAT505A but not WT lymphomas. These findings demonstrate that up-regulation of multiple bypass pathways occurs in CHK1 inhibitor resistant Eµ-Myc lymphomas. Consequently, drugs targeting these pathways could potentially be used as either second line or combinatorial therapies to aid the successful clinical application of CHK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E. Hunter
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Level 6, Herschel Building, Brewery Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Amy E. Campbell
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Scott Kerridge
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Level 6, Herschel Building, Brewery Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Callum Fraser
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Level 6, Herschel Building, Brewery Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Nicola L. Hannaway
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Level 6, Herschel Building, Brewery Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Saimir Luli
- Newcastle University Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Preclinical In Vivo Imaging (PIVI), Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Iglika Ivanova
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Level 6, Herschel Building, Brewery Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Philip J. Brownridge
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Jonathan Coxhead
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Level 6, Herschel Building, Brewery Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Leigh Taylor
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Level 6, Herschel Building, Brewery Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Peter Leary
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Megan S. R. Hasoon
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Claire E. Eyers
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Neil D. Perkins
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Level 6, Herschel Building, Brewery Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
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11
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Hunter JE, Campbell AE, Hannaway NL, Kerridge S, Luli S, Butterworth JA, Sellier H, Mukherjee R, Dhillon N, Sudhindar PD, Shukla R, Brownridge PJ, Bell HL, Coxhead J, Taylor L, Leary P, Hasoon MS, Collins I, Garrett MD, Eyers CE, Perkins ND. Regulation of CHK1 inhibitor resistance by a c-Rel and USP1 dependent pathway. Biochem J 2022; 479:2063-2086. [PMID: 36240066 PMCID: PMC9704646 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we discovered that deletion of c-Rel in the Eµ-Myc mouse model of lymphoma results in earlier onset of disease, a finding that contrasted with the expected function of this NF-κB subunit in B-cell malignancies. Here we report that Eµ-Myc/cRel-/- cells have an unexpected and major defect in the CHK1 pathway. Total and phospho proteomic analysis revealed that Eµ-Myc/cRel-/- lymphomas highly resemble wild-type (WT) Eµ-Myc lymphomas treated with an acute dose of the CHK1 inhibitor (CHK1i) CCT244747. Further analysis demonstrated that this is a consequence of Eµ-Myc/cRel-/- lymphomas having lost expression of CHK1 protein itself, an effect that also results in resistance to CCT244747 treatment in vivo. Similar down-regulation of CHK1 protein levels was also seen in CHK1i resistant U2OS osteosarcoma and Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Further investigation revealed that the deubiquitinase USP1 regulates CHK1 proteolytic degradation and that its down-regulation in our model systems is responsible, at least in part, for these effects. We demonstrate that treating WT Eµ-Myc lymphoma cells with the USP1 inhibitor ML323 was highly effective at reducing tumour burden in vivo. Targeting USP1 activity may thus be an alternative therapeutic strategy in MYC-driven tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E. Hunter
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Amy E. Campbell
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Nicola L. Hannaway
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Scott Kerridge
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Saimir Luli
- Newcastle University Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Preclinical In Vivo Imaging (PIVI), Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Jacqueline A. Butterworth
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Helene Sellier
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Reshmi Mukherjee
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Nikita Dhillon
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Praveen D. Sudhindar
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Ruchi Shukla
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Philip J. Brownridge
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Hayden L. Bell
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Jonathan Coxhead
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Leigh Taylor
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Peter Leary
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Megan S.R. Hasoon
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
| | - Ian Collins
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton SM2 5NG, U.K
| | - Michelle D. Garrett
- School of Biosciences, Stacey Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, U.K
| | - Claire E. Eyers
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Neil D. Perkins
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
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12
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Mechanisms of Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Hormone Receptor-Positive (HR +) Breast Cancer: Spotlight on Convergent CDK6 Upregulation and Immune Signaling. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-022-00461-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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13
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Kelly RL, Huehls AM, Venkatachalam A, Huntoon CJ, Machida YJ, Karnitz LM. Intra-S phase checkpoint kinase Chk1 dissociates replication proteins Treslin and TopBP1 through multiple mechanisms during replication stress. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101777. [PMID: 35231445 PMCID: PMC8965152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Replication stress impedes DNA polymerase progression causing activation of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related signaling pathway, which promotes the intra-S phase checkpoint activity through phosphorylation of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1). Chk1 suppresses replication origin firing, in part, by disrupting the interaction between the preinitiation complex components Treslin and TopBP1, an interaction that is mediated by TopBP1 BRCT domain-binding to two cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) phosphorylation sites, T968 and S1000, in Treslin. Two nonexclusive models for how Chk1 regulates the Treslin–TopBP1 interaction have been proposed in the literature: in one model, these proteins dissociate due to a Chk1-induced decrease in CDK activity that reduces phosphorylation of the Treslin sites that bind TopBP1 and in the second model, Chk1 directly phosphorylates Treslin, resulting in dissociation of TopBP1. However, these models have not been formally examined. We show here that Treslin T968 phosphorylation was decreased in a Chk1-dependent manner, while Treslin S1000 phosphorylation was unchanged, demonstrating that T968 and S1000 are differentially regulated. However, CDK2-mediated phosphorylation alone did not fully account for Chk1 regulation of the Treslin–TopBP1 interaction. We also identified additional Chk1 phosphorylation sites on Treslin that contributed to disruption of the Treslin–TopBP1 interaction, including S1114. Finally, we showed that both of the proposed mechanisms regulate origin firing in cancer cell line models undergoing replication stress, with the relative roles of each mechanism varying among cell lines. This study demonstrates that Chk1 regulates Treslin through multiple mechanisms to promote efficient dissociation of Treslin and TopBP1 and furthers our understanding of Treslin regulation during the intra-S phase checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelly
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Amelia M Huehls
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Annapoorna Venkatachalam
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Yuichi J Machida
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Larry M Karnitz
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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14
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Elbæk CR, Petrosius V, Benada J, Erichsen L, Damgaard RB, Sørensen CS. WEE1 kinase protects the stability of stalled DNA replication forks by limiting CDK2 activity. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110261. [PMID: 35045293 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular feedback systems ensure genome maintenance during DNA replication. When replication forks stall, newly replicated DNA is protected by pathways that limit excessive DNA nuclease attacks. Here we show that WEE1 activity guards against nascent DNA degradation at stalled forks. Furthermore, we identify WEE1-dependent suppression of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) as a major activity counteracting fork degradation. We establish DNA2 as the nuclease responsible for excessive fork degradation in WEE1-inhibited cells. In addition, WEE1 appears to be unique among CDK activity suppressors in S phase because neither CHK1 nor p21 promote fork protection as WEE1 does. Our results identify a key role of WEE1 in protecting stalled forks, which is separate from its established role in safeguarding DNA replication initiation. Our findings highlight how WEE1 inhibition evokes massive genome challenges during DNA replication, and this knowledge may improve therapeutic strategies to specifically eradicate cancer cells that frequently harbor elevated DNA replication stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Reiter Elbæk
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløesvej 5, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Valdemaras Petrosius
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløesvej 5, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
| | - Jan Benada
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløesvej 5, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
| | - Louisa Erichsen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløesvej 5, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark
| | - Rune Busk Damgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Claus Storgaard Sørensen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløesvej 5, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark.
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15
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Lloyd MR, Spring LM, Bardia A, Wander SA. Mechanisms of Resistance to CDK4/6 Blockade in Advanced Hormone Receptor-positive, HER2-negative Breast Cancer and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:821-830. [PMID: 34725098 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have become the standard of care, in combination with antiestrogen therapy, for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Various preclinical and translational research efforts have begun to shed light on the genomic and molecular landscape of resistance to these agents. Drivers of resistance to CDK4/6i therapy can be broadly subdivided into alterations impacting cell-cycle mediators and activation of oncogenic signal transduction pathways. The resistance drivers with the best translational evidence supporting their putative role have been identified via next-generation sequencing of resistant tumor biopsies in the clinic and validated in laboratory models of HR+ breast cancer. Despite the diverse landscape of resistance, several common, therapeutically actionable resistance nodes have been identified, including the mitotic spindle regulator Aurora Kinase A, as well as the AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Based upon these insights, precision-guided therapeutic strategies are under active clinical development. This review will highlight the emerging evidence, in the clinic and in the laboratory, implicating this diverse spectrum of molecular resistance drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell R Lloyd
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura M Spring
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aditya Bardia
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Seth A Wander
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. .,Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Hinds JW, Ditano JP, Eastman A. Inhibition of Protein Synthesis Induced by CHK1 Inhibitors Discriminates Sensitive from Resistant Cancer Cells. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1449-1461. [PMID: 34423276 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The DNA-damage-activated checkpoint protein CHK1 is required to prevent replication or mitosis in the presence of unrepaired DNA damage. Inhibitors of CHK1 (CHK1i) circumvent this checkpoint and enhance cell killing by DNA-damaging drugs. CHK1i also elicit single-agent cytotoxicity in a small subset of cell lines. Resolving the mechanisms underlying the single-agent activity may permit patient stratification and targeted therapy against sensitive tumors. Our recent comparison of three CHK1i demonstrated that they all inhibited protein synthesis only in sensitive cells. LY2606368, the most selective of these CHK1i, was used in the current study. Comparison across a panel of cell lines demonstrated that sensitive cells died upon incubation with LY2606368, whereas resistant cells underwent growth inhibition and/or cytostasis but failed to die. Sensitive cells exhibited inhibition of protein synthesis, elevated DNA damage, impaired DNA repair, and subsequently death. The consequence of CHK1 inhibition involved activation of cyclin A/CDK2 and MUS81, resulting in DNA damage. This damage led to activation of AMPK, dephosphorylation of 4E-BP1, and inhibition of protein synthesis. Inhibition of MUS81 prevented activation of AMPK, while inhibition of AMPK enhanced DNA repair and cell survival. The activation of AMPK may involve a combination of LKB1 and CaMKKβ. This study raises questions concerning the potential importance of the inhibition of protein synthesis in response to other drugs, alone or in combination with CHK1i. It also highlights the importance of clearly discriminating among growth inhibition, cytostasis, and cell death, as only the latter is likely to result in tumor regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Hinds
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, United States
| | - Jennifer P Ditano
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, United States
| | - Alan Eastman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, United States
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17
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Ditano JP, Sakurikar N, Eastman A. Activation of CDC25A phosphatase is limited by CDK2/cyclin A-mediated feedback inhibition. Cell Cycle 2021; 20:1308-1319. [PMID: 34156324 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2021.1938813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 1 complexed with cyclin B is a driver of mitosis, while CDK2 drives S phase entry and replicon initiation. CDK2 activity increases as cells progress through S phase, and its cyclin partner switches from cyclin E to cyclin A. Activation of CDK2 requires dephosphorylation of tyrosine-15 by CDC25A. DNA damage activates the checkpoint protein CHK1, which phosphorylates and degrades CDC25A to prevent activation of CDK2 and protect from cell cycle progression before damage is repaired. CHK1 inhibitors were developed to circumvent this arrest and enhance the efficacy of many cancer chemotherapeutic agents. CHK1 inhibition results in the accumulation of CDC25A and activation of CDK2. We demonstrate that inhibition of CDK2 or suppression of cyclin A also results in accumulation of CDC25A suggesting a feedback loop that prevents over activation of this pathway. The feedback inhibition of CDC25A targets phosphorylation of S88-CDC25A, which resides within a CDK consensus sequence. In contrast, it appears that CDK complexes with cyclin B (and possibly cyclin E) stabilize CDC25A in a feed-forward activation loop. While CDK2/cyclin A would normally be active at late S/G2, we propose that this feedback inhibitory loop prevents over activation of CDK2 in early S phase, while still leaving CDK2/cyclin E to catalyze replicon initiation. One importance of this observation is that a subset of cancer cell lines are very sensitive to CHK1 inhibition, which is mediated by CDK2/cyclin A activity in S phase cells. Hence, dysregulation of this feedback loop might facilitate sensitivity of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer P Ditano
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Nandini Sakurikar
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Alan Eastman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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18
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Etman AM, Abdel Mageed SS, Ali MA, El Hassab MAEM. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase as a Novel Therapeutic Target: An Endless Story. CURRENT CHEMICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 15:139-162. [DOI: 10.2174/2212796814999201123194016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs) are a family of enzymes that, along with their Cyclin
partners, play a crucial role in cell cycle regulation at many biological functions such as proliferation,
differentiation, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Thus, they are tightly regulated by a number of inhibitory
and activating enzymes. Deregulation of these kinases’ activity either by amplification,
overexpression or mutation of CDKs or Cyclins leads to uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells.
Hyperactivity of these kinases has been reported in a wide variety of human cancers. Hence, CDKs
have been established as one of the most attractive pharmacological targets in the development of
promising anticancer drugs. The elucidated structural features and the well-characterized molecular
mechanisms of CDKs have been the guide in designing inhibitors to these kinases. Yet, they remain
a challenging therapeutic class as they share conserved structure similarity in their active site.
Several inhibitors have been discovered from natural sources or identified through high throughput
screening and rational drug design approaches. Most of these inhibitors target the ATP binding
pocket, therefore, they suffer from a number of limitations. Here, a growing number of ATP noncompetitive
peptides and small molecules has been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Etman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, 31111,Egypt
| | - Sherif Sabry Abdel Mageed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr city, Cairo, 11829,Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ahmed Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr city, Cairo, 11829,Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abd El Monem El Hassab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr city, Cairo, 11829,Egypt
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19
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Sensitivity of cells to ATR and CHK1 inhibitors requires hyperactivation of CDK2 rather than endogenous replication stress or ATM dysfunction. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7077. [PMID: 33782497 PMCID: PMC8007816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage activates cell cycle checkpoint proteins ATR and CHK1 to arrest cell cycle progression, providing time for repair and recovery. Consequently, inhibitors of ATR (ATRi) and CHK1 (CHK1i) enhance damage-induced cell death. Intriguingly, both CHK1i and ATRi alone elicit cytotoxicity in some cell lines. Sensitivity has been attributed to endogenous replications stress, but many more cell lines are sensitive to ATRi than CHK1i. Endogenous activation of the DNA damage response also did not correlate with drug sensitivity. Sensitivity correlated with the appearance of γH2AX, a marker of DNA damage, but without phosphorylation of mitotic markers, contradicting suggestions that the damage is due to premature mitosis. Sensitivity to ATRi has been associated with ATM mutations, but dysfunction in ATM signaling did not correlate with sensitivity. CHK1i and ATRi circumvent replication stress by reactivating stalled replicons, a process requiring a low threshold activity of CDK2. In contrast, γH2AX induced by single agent ATRi and CHK1i requires a high threshold activity CDK2. Hence, phosphorylation of different CDK2 substrates is required for cytotoxicity induced by replication stress plus ATRi/CHK1i as compared to their single agent activity. In summary, sensitivity to ATRi and CHK1i as single agents is elicited by premature hyper-activation of CDK2.
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20
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Ditano JP, Eastman A. Comparative Activity and Off-Target Effects in Cells of the CHK1 Inhibitors MK-8776, SRA737, and LY2606368. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:730-743. [PMID: 33860197 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
DNA damage activates the checkpoint protein CHK1 to arrest cell cycle progression, providing time for repair and recovery. Consequently, inhibitors of CHK1 (CHK1i) enhance damage-induced cell death. Additionally, CHK1i elicits single agent cytotoxicity in some cell lines. We compared three CHK1i that have undergone clinical trials and exhibited different toxicities. Each CHK1i inhibits other targets at higher concentrations, and whether these contribute to the toxicity is unknown. We compared their sensitivity in a panel of cell lines, their efficacy at inhibiting CHK1 and CHK2, and their ability to induce DNA damage and abrogate damage-induced S phase arrest. Published in vitro kinase analyses were a poor predictor of selectivity and potency in cells. LY2606368 was far more potent at inhibiting CHK1 and inducing growth arrest, while all three CHK1i inhibited CHK2 at concentrations 10- (MK-8776 and SRA737) to 100- (LY2606368) fold higher. MK-8776 and SRA737 exhibited similar off-target effects: higher concentrations demonstrated transient protection from growth inhibition, circumvented DNA damage, and prevented checkpoint abrogation, possibly due to inhibition of CDK2. Acquired resistance to LY2606368 resulted in limited cross-resistance to other CHK1i. LY2606368-resistant cells still abrogated DNA damage-induced S phase arrest, which requires low CDK2 activity, whereas inappropriately high CDK2 activity is responsible for sensitivity to CHK1i alone. All three CHK1i inhibited protein synthesis in a sensitive cell line correlating with cell death, whereas resistant cells failed to inhibit protein synthesis and underwent transient cytostasis. LY2606368 appears to be the most selective CHK1i, suggesting that further clinical development of this drug is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer P Ditano
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, United States
| | - Alan Eastman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, United States
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21
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Zhao X, Kim IK, Kallakury B, Chahine JJ, Iwama E, Pierobon M, Petricoin E, McCutcheon JN, Zhang YW, Umemura S, Chen V, Wang C, Giaccone G. Acquired small cell lung cancer resistance to Chk1 inhibitors involves Wee1 up-regulation. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:1130-1145. [PMID: 33320980 PMCID: PMC8024728 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum‐based chemotherapy has been the cornerstone treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) for decades, but no major progress has been made in the past 20 years with regard to overcoming chemoresistance. As the cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) plays a key role in DNA damage response to chemotherapeutic drugs, we explored the mechanisms of acquired drug resistance to the Chk1 inhibitor prexasertib in SCLC. We established prexasertib resistance in two SCLC cell lines and found that DNA copy number, messengerRNA (mRNA) and protein levels of the cell cycle regulator Wee1 significantly correlate with the level of acquired resistance. Wee1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or Wee1 inhibitor reversed prexasertib resistance, whereas Wee1 transfection induced prexasertib resistance in parental cells. Reverse phase protein microarray identified up‐regulated proteins in the resistant cell lines that are involved in apoptosis, cell proliferation and cell cycle. Down‐regulation of CDK1 and CDC25C kinases promoted acquired resistance in parental cells, whereas down‐regulation of p38MAPK reversed the resistance. High Wee1 expression was significantly correlated with better prognosis of resected SCLC patients. Our results indicate that Wee1 overexpression plays an important role in acquired resistance to Chk1 inhibition. We also show that bypass activation of the p38MAPK signaling pathway may contribute to acquired resistance to Chk1 inhibition. The combination of Chk1 and Wee1 inhibitors may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Zhao
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, China
| | - In-Kyu Kim
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Surgery, Open NBI Convergence Technology Research Laboratory, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bhaskar Kallakury
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joeffrey J Chahine
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eiji Iwama
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Justine N McCutcheon
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yu-Wen Zhang
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shigeki Umemura
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vincent Chen
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Changli Wang
- Department of Lung Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, China
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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22
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Ding H, Vincelette ND, McGehee CD, Kohorst MA, Koh BD, Venkatachalam A, Meng XW, Schneider PA, Flatten KS, Peterson KL, Correia C, Lee SH, Patnaik M, Webster JA, Ghiaur G, Smith BD, Karp JE, Pratz KW, Li H, Karnitz LM, Kaufmann SH. CDK2-Mediated Upregulation of TNFα as a Mechanism of Selective Cytotoxicity in Acute Leukemia. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2666-2678. [PMID: 33414171 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although inhibitors of the kinases CHK1, ATR, and WEE1 are undergoing clinical testing, it remains unclear how these three classes of agents kill susceptible cells and whether they utilize the same cytotoxic mechanism. Here we observed that CHK1 inhibition induces apoptosis in a subset of acute leukemia cell lines in vitro, including TP53-null acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and BCR/ABL-positive acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and inhibits leukemic colony formation in clinical AML samples ex vivo. In further studies, downregulation or inhibition of CHK1 triggered signaling in sensitive human acute leukemia cell lines that involved CDK2 activation followed by AP1-dependent TNF transactivation, TNFα production, and engagement of a TNFR1- and BID-dependent apoptotic pathway. AML lines that were intrinsically resistant to CHK1 inhibition exhibited high CHK1 expression and were sensitized by CHK1 downregulation. Signaling through this same CDK2-AP1-TNF cytotoxic pathway was also initiated by ATR or WEE1 inhibitors in vitro and during CHK1 inhibitor treatment of AML xenografts in vivo. Collectively, these observations not only identify new contributors to the antileukemic cell action of CHK1, ATR, and WEE1 inhibitors, but also delineate a previously undescribed pathway leading from aberrant CDK2 activation to death ligand-induced killing that can potentially be exploited for acute leukemia treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that replication checkpoint inhibitors can kill AML cells through a pathway involving AP1-mediated TNF gene activation and subsequent TP53-independent, TNFα-induced apoptosis, which can potentially be exploited clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husheng Ding
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. .,Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Nicole D Vincelette
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Cordelia D McGehee
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mira A Kohorst
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Brian D Koh
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Annapoorna Venkatachalam
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - X Wei Meng
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Karen S Flatten
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Kevin L Peterson
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Cristina Correia
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Sun-Hee Lee
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mrinal Patnaik
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Gabriel Ghiaur
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - B Douglas Smith
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Judith E Karp
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Keith W Pratz
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Larry M Karnitz
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. .,Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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23
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Calzetta NL, González Besteiro MA, Gottifredi V. Mus81-Eme1-dependent aberrant processing of DNA replication intermediates in mitosis impairs genome integrity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/50/eabc8257. [PMID: 33298441 PMCID: PMC7725468 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc8257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chromosome instability (CIN) underpins cancer evolution and is associated with drug resistance and poor prognosis. Understanding the mechanistic basis of CIN is thus a priority. The structure-specific endonuclease Mus81-Eme1 is known to prevent CIN. Intriguingly, however, here we show that the aberrant processing of late replication intermediates by Mus81-Eme1 is a source of CIN. Upon depletion of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1), Mus81-Eme1 cleaves under-replicated DNA engaged in mitotic DNA synthesis, leading to chromosome segregation defects. Supplementing cells with nucleosides allows the completion of mitotic DNA synthesis, restraining Mus81-Eme1-dependent DNA damage in mitosis and the ensuing CIN. We found no correlation between CIN arising from nucleotide shortage in mitosis and cell death, which were selectively linked to DNA damage load in mitosis and S phase, respectively. Our findings imply the possibility of optimizing Chk1-directed therapies by inducing cell death while curtailing CIN, a common side effect of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Luis Calzetta
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Alejandra González Besteiro
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Vanesa Gottifredi
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Avenida Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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24
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Pharmacological Inhibition of WEE1 Potentiates the Antitumoral Effect of the dl922-947 Oncolytic Virus in Malignant Mesothelioma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197333. [PMID: 33020398 PMCID: PMC7582744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive asbestos-related cancer, for which no therapy proves to be effective. We have recently shown that the oncolytic adenovirus dl922-947 had antitumor effects in MM cell lines and murine xenografts. Previous studies demonstrated that dl922-947-induced host cell cycle checkpoint deregulation and consequent DNA lesions associated with the virus efficacy. However, the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) can counteract this virus action. Therefore, we assessed whether AZD1775, an inhibitor of the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint kinase WEE1, could enhance MM cell sensitivity to dl922-947. Through cell viability assays, we found that AZD1775 synergized with dl922-947 selectively in MM cell lines and increased dl922-947-induced cell death, which showed hallmarks of apoptosis (annexinV-positivity, caspase-dependency, BCL-XL decrease, chromatin condensation). Predictably, dl922-947 and/or AZD1775 activated the DDR, as indicated by increased levels of three main DDR players: phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX), phospho-replication protein A (RPA)32, phospho-checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1). Dl922-947 also increased inactive Tyr-15-phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key WEE1 substrate, which is indicative of G2/M checkpoint activation. This increase in phospho-CDK1 was effectively suppressed by AZD1775, thus suggesting that this compound could, indeed, abrogate the dl922-947-induced DNA damage checkpoint in MM cells. Overall, our data suggest that the dl922-947-AZD1775 combination could be a feasible strategy against MM.
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25
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Wander SA, Cohen O, Gong X, Johnson GN, Buendia-Buendia JE, Lloyd MR, Kim D, Luo F, Mao P, Helvie K, Kowalski KJ, Nayar U, Waks AG, Parsons SH, Martinez R, Litchfield LM, Ye XS, Yu C, Jansen VM, Stille JR, Smith PS, Oakley GJ, Chu QS, Batist G, Hughes ME, Kremer JD, Garraway LA, Winer EP, Tolaney SM, Lin NU, Buchanan SG, Wagle N. The Genomic Landscape of Intrinsic and Acquired Resistance to Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors in Patients with Hormone Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:1174-1193. [PMID: 32404308 PMCID: PMC8815415 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-1390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms driving resistance to cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer have not been clearly defined. Whole-exome sequencing of 59 tumors with CDK4/6i exposure revealed multiple candidate resistance mechanisms including RB1 loss, activating alterations in AKT1, RAS, AURKA, CCNE2, ERBB2, and FGFR2, and loss of estrogen receptor expression. In vitro experiments confirmed that these alterations conferred CDK4/6i resistance. Cancer cells cultured to resistance with CDK4/6i also acquired RB1, KRAS, AURKA, or CCNE2 alterations, which conferred sensitivity to AURKA, ERK, or CHEK1 inhibition. Three of these activating alterations-in AKT1, RAS, and AURKA-have not, to our knowledge, been previously demonstrated as mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6i in breast cancer preclinically or in patient samples. Together, these eight mechanisms were present in 66% of resistant tumors profiled and may define therapeutic opportunities in patients. SIGNIFICANCE: We identified eight distinct mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6i present in 66% of resistant tumors profiled. Most of these have a therapeutic strategy to overcome or prevent resistance in these tumors. Taken together, these findings have critical implications related to the potential utility of precision-based approaches to overcome resistance in many patients with HR+ metastatic breast cancer.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1079.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A. Wander
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Ofir Cohen
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Gabriela N. Johnson
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Jorge E. Buendia-Buendia
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Maxwell R. Lloyd
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Dewey Kim
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Flora Luo
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Pingping Mao
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Karla Helvie
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Kailey J. Kowalski
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Utthara Nayar
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Adrienne G. Waks
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gerald Batist
- Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Melissa E. Hughes
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Levi A. Garraway
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA,Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis, IN
| | - Eric P. Winer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sara M. Tolaney
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nancy U. Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Nikhil Wagle
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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26
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WEE1 kinase limits CDK activities to safeguard DNA replication and mitotic entry. Mutat Res 2020; 819-820:111694. [PMID: 32120135 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2020.111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Precise execution of the cell division cycle is vital for all organisms. The Cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) are the main cell cycle drivers, however, their activities must be precisely fine-tuned to ensure orderly cell cycle progression. A major regulatory axis is guarded by WEE1 kinase, which directly phosphorylates and inhibits CDK1 and CDK2. The role of WEE1 in the G2/M cell-cycle phase has been thoroughly investigated, and it is a focal point of multiple clinical trials targeting a variety of cancers in combination with DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agents. However, the emerging role of WEE1 in S phase has so far largely been neglected. Here, we review how WEE1 regulates cell-cycle progression highlighting the importance of this kinase for proper S phase. We discuss how its function is modulated throughout different cell-cycle stages and provide an overview of how WEE1 levels are regulated. Furthermore, we outline recent clinical trials targeting WEE1 and elaborate on the mechanisms behind the anticancer efficacy of WEE1 inhibition. Finally, we consider novel biomarkers that may benefit WEE1-inhibition approaches in the clinic.
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27
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Warren NJH, Eastman A. Comparison of the different mechanisms of cytotoxicity induced by checkpoint kinase I inhibitors when used as single agents or in combination with DNA damage. Oncogene 2020; 39:1389-1401. [PMID: 31659257 PMCID: PMC7023985 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1079-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the DNA damage response is an emerging strategy to treat cancer. Understanding how DNA damage response inhibitors cause cytotoxicity in cancer cells is crucial to their further clinical development. This review focuses on three different mechanisms of cell killing by checkpoint kinase I inhibitors (CHK1i). DNA damage induced by chemotherapy drugs, such as topoisomerase I inhibitors, results in S and G2 phase arrest. Addition of CHK1i promotes cell cycle progression before repair is completed resulting in mitotic catastrophe. Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors such as gemcitabine also arrest cells in S phase by preventing dNTP synthesis. Addition of CHK1i re-activates the DNA helicase to unwind DNA, but in the absence of dNTPs, this leads to excessive single-strand DNA that exceeds the protective capacity of the single-strand-binding protein RPA. Unprotected DNA is subjected to nuclease cleavage, resulting in replication catastrophe. CHK1i alone also kills a subset of cell lines through MRE11 and MUS81-mediated DNA cleavage in S phase cells. The choice of mechanism depends on the activation state of CDK2. Low level activation of CDK2 mediates helicase activation, cell cycle progression, and both replication and mitotic catastrophe. In contrast, high CDK2 activity is required for sensitivity to CHK1i as monotherapy. This high CDK2 activity threshold usually occurs late in the cell cycle to prepare for mitosis, but in CHK1i-sensitive cells, high activity can be attained in early S phase, resulting in DNA cleavage and cell death. This sensitivity to CHK1i has previously been associated with endogenous replication stress, but the dependence on high CDK2 activity, as well as MRE11, contradicts this hypothesis. The major unresolved question is why some cell lines fail to restrain their high CDK2 activity and hence succumb to CHK1i in S phase. Resolving this question will facilitate stratification of patients for treatment with CHK1i as monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J H Warren
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
| | - Alan Eastman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA.
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA.
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28
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Nojima H, Homma H, Onozato Y, Kaida A, Harada H, Miura M. Differential properties of mitosis-associated events following CHK1 and WEE1 inhibitor treatments in human tongue carcinoma cells. Exp Cell Res 2020; 386:111720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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29
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Koppenhafer SL, Goss KL, Terry WW, Gordon DJ. Inhibition of the ATR-CHK1 Pathway in Ewing Sarcoma Cells Causes DNA Damage and Apoptosis via the CDK2-Mediated Degradation of RRM2. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:91-104. [PMID: 31649026 PMCID: PMC6942212 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides, causes DNA replication stress and activates the ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related protein (ATR)-checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) pathway. Notably, a number of different cancers, including Ewing sarcoma tumors, are sensitive to the combination of RNR and ATR-CHK1 inhibitors. However, multiple, overlapping mechanisms are reported to underlie the toxicity of ATR-CHK1 inhibitors, both as single agents and in combination with RNR inhibitors, toward cancer cells. Here, we identified a feedback loop in Ewing sarcoma cells in which inhibition of the ATR-CHK1 pathway depletes RRM2, the small subunit of RNR, and exacerbates the DNA replication stress and DNA damage caused by RNR inhibitors. Mechanistically, we identified that the inhibition of ATR-CHK1 activates CDK2, which targets RRM2 for degradation via the proteasome. Similarly, activation of CDK2 by inhibition or knockdown of the WEE1 kinase also depletes RRM2 and causes DNA damage and apoptosis. Moreover, we show that the concurrent inhibition of ATR and WEE1 has a synergistic effect in Ewing sarcoma cells. Overall, our results provide novel insight into the response to DNA replication stress, as well as a rationale for targeting the ATR, CHK1, and WEE1 pathways, in Ewing sarcoma tumors. IMPLICATIONS: Targeting the ATR, CHK1, and WEE1 kinases in Ewing sarcoma cells activates CDK2 and increases DNA replication stress by promoting the proteasome-mediated degradation of RRM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacia L Koppenhafer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kelli L Goss
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - William W Terry
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David J Gordon
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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30
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Homma H, Nojima H, Kaida A, Miura M. Induction of endomitosis-like event in HeLa cells following CHK1 inhibitor treatment. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 520:492-497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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31
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Hwang JS, Jeong EJ, Choi J, Lee YJ, Jung E, Kim SK, Min JK, Han TS, Kim JS. MicroRNA-1258 Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells through Suppressing CKS1B Expression. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10110912. [PMID: 31717435 PMCID: PMC6896137 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase regulatory subunit 1B (CKS1B) is associated with the pathogenesis of many human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the expression of CKS1B in CRC are not completely understood. Here, we investigate the role played by microRNAs in the expression of CKS1B and carcinogenesis in CRC. Among the six microRNAs predicted to target CKS1B gene expression, only miR-1258 was revealed to downregulate CKS1B expression through binding to its 3’-UTR region, as ectopic miR-1258 expression suppressed CKS1B expression and vice versa. In CRC, miR-1258 expression also decreased cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, similar to cells with silenced CKS1B expression. Considering the highly increased levels of CKS1B and decreased expression of miR-1258 in tumors from CRC patients, these findings suggest that miR-1258 may play tumor-suppressive roles by targeting CKS1B expression in CRC. However, the therapeutic significance of these findings should be evaluated in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Seong Hwang
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-S.H.); (E.-J.J.); (J.C.); (Y.-J.L.); (E.J.); (J.-K.M.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Eun-Jeong Jeong
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-S.H.); (E.-J.J.); (J.C.); (Y.-J.L.); (E.J.); (J.-K.M.)
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-450, Korea
| | - Jinhyeon Choi
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-S.H.); (E.-J.J.); (J.C.); (Y.-J.L.); (E.J.); (J.-K.M.)
| | - Yeo-Jin Lee
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-S.H.); (E.-J.J.); (J.C.); (Y.-J.L.); (E.J.); (J.-K.M.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Eunsun Jung
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-S.H.); (E.-J.J.); (J.C.); (Y.-J.L.); (E.J.); (J.-K.M.)
| | - Seon-Kyu Kim
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea;
| | - Jeong-Ki Min
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-S.H.); (E.-J.J.); (J.C.); (Y.-J.L.); (E.J.); (J.-K.M.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Tae-Su Han
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-S.H.); (E.-J.J.); (J.C.); (Y.-J.L.); (E.J.); (J.-K.M.)
- Correspondence: (T.-S.H.); (J.-S.K.)
| | - Jang-Seong Kim
- Biotherapeutics Translational Research Center, Division of Biomedical Science, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-S.H.); (E.-J.J.); (J.C.); (Y.-J.L.); (E.J.); (J.-K.M.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Correspondence: (T.-S.H.); (J.-S.K.)
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32
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Liu Q, Gao J, Zhao C, Guo Y, Wang S, Shen F, Xing X, Luo Y. To control or to be controlled? Dual roles of CDK2 in DNA damage and DNA damage response. DNA Repair (Amst) 2019; 85:102702. [PMID: 31731257 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2019.102702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CDK2 (cyclin-dependent kinase 2), a member of the CDK family, has been shown to play a role in many cellular activities including cell cycle progression, apoptosis and senescence. Recently, accumulating evidence indicates that CDK2 is involved in DNA damage and DNA repair response (DDR). When DNA is damaged by internal or external genotoxic stresses, CDK2 activity is required for proper DNA repair in vivo and in vitro, whereas inactivation of CDK2 by siRNA techniques or by inhibitors could result in DNA damage and stimulate DDR. Hence, CDK2 seems to play dual roles in DNA damage and DDR. On one aspect, it is activated and stimulates DDR to repair DNA damage when DNA damage occurs; on the other hand, its inactivation directly leads to DNA damage and evokes DDR. Here, we describe the roles of CDK2 in DNA damage and DDR, and discuss the potential application of CDK2 inhibitors as anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Jinlan Gao
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Yingying Guo
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Shiquan Wang
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Fei Shen
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Xuesha Xing
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China
| | - Yang Luo
- The Research Center for Medical Genomics, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
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Everything in Moderation: Lessons Learned by Exploiting Moderate Replication Stress in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091320. [PMID: 31500184 PMCID: PMC6769680 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor selectivity of standard cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens causes severe side-effects in patients and reduces the quality of life during treatment. Targeting cancer-specific vulnerabilities can improve response rates, increase overall survival and limit toxic side effects in patients. Oncogene-induced replication stress serves as a tumour specific vulnerability and rationale for the clinical development of inhibitors targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) kinases (CHK1, ATR, ATM and WEE1). CHK1 inhibitors (CHK1i) have served as the pilot compounds in this class and their efficacy in clinical trials as single agents has been disappointing. Initial attempts to combine CHK1i with chemotherapies agents that enhance replication stress (such as gemcitabine) were reported to be excessively toxic. More recently, it has emerged that combining CHK1i with subclinical doses of replication stress inducers is more effective, better tolerated and more compatible with immunotherapies. Here we focus on the lessons learned during the clinical development of CHK1i with the goal of improving the design of future clinical trials utilizing DDR inhibitors to target replication stress in cancer.
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Parvathaneni S, Sharma S. The DNA repair helicase RECQ1 has a checkpoint-dependent role in mediating DNA damage responses induced by gemcitabine. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:15330-15345. [PMID: 31444271 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.008420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The response of cancer cells to therapeutic drugs that cause DNA damage depends on genes playing a role in DNA repair. RecQ-like helicase 1 (RECQ1), a DNA repair helicase, is critical for genome stability, and loss-of-function mutations in the RECQ1 gene are associated with increased susceptibility to breast cancer. In this study, using a CRISPR/Cas9-edited cell-based model, we show that the genetic or functional loss of RECQ1 sensitizes MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells to gemcitabine, a nucleoside analog used in chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer. RECQ1 loss led to defective ATR Ser/Thr kinase (ATR)/checkpoint kinase 1 (ChK1) activation and greater DNA damage accumulation in response to gemcitabine treatment. Dual deficiency of MUS81 structure-specific endonuclease subunit (MUS81) and RECQ1 increased gemcitabine-induced, replication-associated DNA double-stranded breaks. Consistent with defective checkpoint activation, a ChK1 inhibitor further sensitized RECQ1-deficient cells to gemcitabine and increased cell death. Our results reveal an important role for RECQ1 in controlling cell cycle checkpoint activation in response to gemcitabine-induced replication stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Parvathaneni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D. C. 20059
| | - Sudha Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D. C. 20059 .,National Human Genome Center, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D. C. 20059
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35
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González Besteiro MA, Calzetta NL, Loureiro SM, Habif M, Bétous R, Pillaire MJ, Maffia A, Sabbioneda S, Hoffmann JS, Gottifredi V. Chk1 loss creates replication barriers that compromise cell survival independently of excess origin firing. EMBO J 2019; 38:e101284. [PMID: 31294866 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2018101284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitors at killing cancer cells is considered to be fully dependent on their effect on DNA replication initiation. Chk1 inhibition boosts origin firing, presumably limiting the availability of nucleotides and in turn provoking the slowdown and subsequent collapse of forks, thus decreasing cell viability. Here we show that slow fork progression in Chk1-inhibited cells is not an indirect effect of excess new origin firing. Instead, fork slowdown results from the accumulation of replication barriers, whose bypass is impeded by CDK-dependent phosphorylation of the specialized DNA polymerase eta (Polη). Also in contrast to the linear model, the accumulation of DNA damage in Chk1-deficient cells depends on origin density but is largely independent of fork speed. Notwithstanding this, origin dysregulation contributes only mildly to the poor proliferation rates of Chk1-depleted cells. Moreover, elimination of replication barriers by downregulation of helicase components, but not their bypass by Polη, improves cell survival. Our results thus shed light on the molecular basis of the sensitivity of tumors to Chk1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A González Besteiro
- Fundación Instituto Leloir - Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás L Calzetta
- Fundación Instituto Leloir - Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sofía M Loureiro
- Fundación Instituto Leloir - Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Habif
- Fundación Instituto Leloir - Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rémy Bétous
- Equipe «Labellisée LA LIGUE CONTRE LE CANCER», Laboratoire d'Excellence Toulouse Cancer LABEX TOUCAN - Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS ERL5294, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Jeanne Pillaire
- Equipe «Labellisée LA LIGUE CONTRE LE CANCER», Laboratoire d'Excellence Toulouse Cancer LABEX TOUCAN - Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS ERL5294, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Antonio Maffia
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" - CNR, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Sabbioneda
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" - CNR, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jean-Sébastien Hoffmann
- Equipe «Labellisée LA LIGUE CONTRE LE CANCER», Laboratoire d'Excellence Toulouse Cancer LABEX TOUCAN - Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS ERL5294, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Vanesa Gottifredi
- Fundación Instituto Leloir - Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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36
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Oo ZY, Proctor M, Stevenson AJ, Nazareth D, Fernando M, Daignault SM, Lanagan C, Walpole S, Bonazzi V, Škalamera D, Snell C, Haass NK, Larsen JE, Gabrielli B. Combined use of subclinical hydroxyurea and CHK1 inhibitor effectively controls melanoma and lung cancer progression, with reduced normal tissue toxicity compared to gemcitabine. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:1503-1518. [PMID: 31044505 PMCID: PMC6599846 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs such as gemcitabine that increase replication stress are effective chemotherapeutics in a range of cancer settings. These drugs effectively block replication and promote DNA damage, triggering a cell cycle checkpoint response through the ATR–CHK1 pathway. Inhibiting this signalling pathway sensitises cells to killing by replication stress‐inducing drugs. Here, we investigated the effect of low‐level replication stress induced by low concentrations (> 0.2 mm) of the reversible ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU), which slows S‐phase progression but has little effect on cell viability or proliferation. We demonstrate that HU effectively synergises with CHK1, but not ATR inhibition, in > 70% of melanoma and non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells assessed, resulting in apoptosis and complete loss of proliferative potential in vitro and in vivo. Normal fibroblasts and haemopoietic cells retain viability and proliferative potential following exposure to CHK1 inhibitor plus low doses of HU, but normal cells exposed to CHK1 inhibitor combined with submicromolar concentrations of gemcitabine exhibited complete loss of proliferative potential. The effects of gemcitabine on normal tissue correlate with irreversible ATR–CHK1 pathway activation, whereas low doses of HU reversibly activate CHK1 independently of ATR. The combined use of CHK1 inhibitor and subclinical HU also triggered an inflammatory response involving the recruitment of macrophages in vivo. These data indicate that combining CHK1 inhibitor with subclinical HU is superior to combination with gemcitabine, as it provides equal anticancer efficacy but with reduced normal tissue toxicity. These data suggest a significant proportion of melanoma and lung cancer patients could benefit from treatment with this drug combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zay Yar Oo
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland-Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Martina Proctor
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alexander J Stevenson
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Deborah Nazareth
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Madushan Fernando
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sheena M Daignault
- Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland-Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine Lanagan
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sebastian Walpole
- Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland-Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Vanessa Bonazzi
- Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland-Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dubravka Škalamera
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cameron Snell
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Mater Pathology, Mater Adults Hospital, Mater Misericordiae Limited, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland-Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jill E Larsen
- QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brian Gabrielli
- Smiling for Smiddy Research Group, Translational Research Institute, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland-Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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37
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Warren NJH, Donahue KL, Eastman A. Differential Sensitivity to CDK2 Inhibition Discriminates the Molecular Mechanisms of CHK1 Inhibitors as Monotherapy or in Combination with the Topoisomerase I Inhibitor SN38. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 2:168-182. [PMID: 32259055 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA damage activates checkpoints to arrest cell cycle progression in S and G2 phases, thereby providing time for repair and recovery. The combination of DNA-damaging agents and inhibitors of CHK1 (CHK1i) is an emerging strategy for sensitizing cancer cells. CHK1i induce replication on damaged DNA and mitosis before repair is complete, and this occurs in a majority of cell lines. However, ∼15% of cancer cell lines are hypersensitive to single-agent CHK1i. As both abrogation of S phase arrest and single-agent activity depend on CDK2, this study resolved how activation of CDK2 can be essential for both replication and cytotoxicity. S phase arrest was induced with the topoisomerase I inhibitor SN38; the addition of CHK1i rapidly activated CDK2, inducing S phase progression that was inhibited by the CDK2 inhibitor CVT-313. In contrast, DNA damage and cytotoxicity induced by single-agent CHK1i in hypersensitive cell lines were also inhibited by CVT-313 but at 20-fold lower concentrations. The differential sensitivity to CVT-313 is explained by different activity thresholds required for phosphorylation of CDK2 substrates. While the critical CDK2 substrates are not yet defined, we conclude that hypersensitivity to single-agent CHK1i depends on phosphorylation of substrates that require high CDK2 activity levels. Surprisingly, CHK1i did not increase SN38-mediated cytotoxicity. In contrast, while inhibition of WEE1 also abrogated S phase arrest, it more directly activated CDK1, induced premature mitosis, and enhanced cytotoxicity. Hence, while high activity of CDK2 is critical for cytotoxicity of single-agent CHK1i, CDK1 is additionally required for sensitivity to the drug combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J H Warren
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, United States
| | - Katelyn L Donahue
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, United States
| | - Alan Eastman
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, United States
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38
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Warren NJH, Eastman A. Inhibition of checkpoint kinase 1 following gemcitabine-mediated S phase arrest results in CDC7- and CDK2-dependent replication catastrophe. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:1763-1778. [PMID: 30573684 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining DNA-damaging drugs with DNA checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging strategy to manage cancer. Checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitors (CHK1is) sensitize most cancer cell lines to DNA-damaging drugs and also elicit single-agent cytotoxicity in 15% of cell lines. Consequently, combination therapy may be effective in a broader patient population. Here, we characterized the molecular mechanism of sensitization to gemcitabine by the CHK1i MK8776. Brief gemcitabine incubation irreversibly inhibited ribonucleotide reductase, depleting dNTPs, resulting in durable S phase arrest. Addition of CHK1i 18 h after gemcitabine elicited cell division cycle 7 (CDC7)- and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2)-dependent reactivation of the replicative helicase, but did not reinitiate DNA synthesis due to continued lack of dNTPs. Helicase reactivation generated extensive single-strand (ss)DNA that exceeded the protective capacity of the ssDNA-binding protein, replication protein A. The subsequent cleavage of unprotected ssDNA has been termed replication catastrophe. This mechanism did not occur with concurrent CHK1i plus gemcitabine treatment, providing support for delayed administration of CHK1i in patients. Alternative mechanisms of CHK1i-mediated sensitization to gemcitabine have been proposed, but their role was ruled out; these mechanisms include premature mitosis, inhibition of homologous recombination, and activation of double-strand break repair nuclease (MRE11). In contrast, single-agent activity of CHK1i was MRE11-dependent and was prevented by lower concentrations of a CDK2 inhibitor. Hence, both pathways require CDK2 but appear to depend on different CDK2 substrates. We conclude that a small-molecule inhibitor of CHK1 can elicit at least two distinct, context-dependent mechanisms of cytotoxicity in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J H Warren
- From the Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756
| | - Alan Eastman
- From the Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756
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39
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Lowery CD, Dowless M, Renschler M, Blosser W, VanWye AB, Stephens JR, Iversen PW, Lin AB, Beckmann RP, Krytska K, Cole KA, Maris JM, Hawkins DS, Rubin BP, Kurmasheva RT, Houghton PJ, Gorlick R, Kolb EA, Kang MH, Reynolds CP, Erickson SW, Teicher BA, Smith MA, Stancato LF. Broad Spectrum Activity of the Checkpoint Kinase 1 Inhibitor Prexasertib as a Single Agent or Chemopotentiator Across a Range of Preclinical Pediatric Tumor Models. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:2278-2289. [PMID: 30563935 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-2728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) inhibitors potentiate the DNA-damaging effects of cytotoxic therapies and/or promote elevated levels of replication stress, leading to tumor cell death. Prexasertib (LY2606368) is a CHK1 small-molecule inhibitor under clinical evaluation in multiple adult and pediatric cancers. In this study, prexasertib was tested in a large panel of preclinical models of pediatric solid malignancies alone or in combination with chemotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN DNA damage and changes in cell signaling following in vitro prexasertib treatment in pediatric sarcoma cell lines were analyzed by Western blot and high content imaging. Antitumor activity of prexasertib as a single agent or in combination with different chemotherapies was explored in cell line-derived (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models representing nine different pediatric cancer histologies. RESULTS Pediatric sarcoma cell lines were highly sensitive to prexasertib treatment in vitro, resulting in activation of the DNA damage response. Two PDX models of desmoplastic small round cell tumor and one malignant rhabdoid tumor CDX model responded to prexasertib with complete regression. Prexasertib monotherapy also elicited robust responses in mouse models of rhabdomyosarcoma. Concurrent administration with chemotherapy was sufficient to overcome innate resistance or prevent acquired resistance to prexasertib in preclinical models of neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma, or alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Prexasertib has significant antitumor effects as a monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy in multiple preclinical models of pediatric cancer. These findings support further investigation of prexasertib in pediatric malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin D Lowery
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Michele Dowless
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Matthew Renschler
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Wayne Blosser
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Alle B VanWye
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Philip W Iversen
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Aimee Bence Lin
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Kateryna Krytska
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristina A Cole
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John M Maris
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Brian P Rubin
- Departments of Pathology and Cancer Biology, Robert J Tomsich Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute and Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Peter J Houghton
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - E Anders Kolb
- Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Min H Kang
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | - Louis F Stancato
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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40
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Fu S, Wang Y, Keyomarsi K, Meric-Bernstein F. Strategic development of AZD1775, a Wee1 kinase inhibitor, for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 27:741-751. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2018.1511700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Fu
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yudong Wang
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Khandan Keyomarsi
- Department of Experimental Radiation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstein
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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41
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Parsels LA, Parsels JD, Tanska DM, Maybaum J, Lawrence TS, Morgan MA. The contribution of DNA replication stress marked by high-intensity, pan-nuclear γH2AX staining to chemosensitization by CHK1 and WEE1 inhibitors. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1076-1086. [PMID: 29895190 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1475827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors of the checkpoint proteins CHK1 and WEE1 are currently in clinical development in combination with the antimetabolite gemcitabine. It is unclear, however, if there is a therapeutic advantage to CHK1 vs. WEE1 inhibition for chemosensitization. The goals of this study were to directly compare the relative efficacies of the CHK1 inhibitor MK8776 and the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 to sensitize pancreatic cancer cell lines to gemcitabine and to identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers predictive of chemosensitization. Cells treated with gemcitabine and either MK8776 or AZD1775 were first assessed for clonogenic survival. With the exception of the homologous recombination-defective Capan1 cells, which were relatively insensitive to MK8776, we found that these cell lines were similarly sensitized to gemcitabine by CHK1 or WEE1 inhibition. The abilities of either the CDK1/2 inhibitor roscovitine or exogenous nucleosides to prevent MK8776 or AZD1775-mediated chemosensitization, however, were both inhibitor-dependent and variable among cell lines. Given the importance of DNA replication stress to gemcitabine chemosensitization, we next assessed high-intensity, pan-nuclear γH2AX staining as a pharmacodynamic marker for sensitization. In contrast to total γH2AX, aberrant mitotic entry or sub-G1 DNA content, high-intensity γH2AX staining correlated with chemosensitization by either MK8776 or AZD1775 (R2 0.83 - 0.53). In summary, we found that MK8776 and AZD1775 sensitize to gemcitabine with similar efficacy. Furthermore, our results suggest that the effects of CHK1 and WEE1 inhibition on gemcitabine-mediated replication stress best predict chemosensitization and support the use of high-intensity or pan-nuclear γH2AX staining as a marker for therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Parsels
- a Department of Radiation Oncology , University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Joshua D Parsels
- a Department of Radiation Oncology , University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Daria M Tanska
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Jonathan Maybaum
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Theodore S Lawrence
- a Department of Radiation Oncology , University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Meredith A Morgan
- a Department of Radiation Oncology , University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
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42
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Yang Y, Gao Y, Zlatanou A, Tateishi S, Yurchenko V, Rogozin IB, Vaziri C. Diverse roles of RAD18 and Y-family DNA polymerases in tumorigenesis. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:833-843. [PMID: 29683380 PMCID: PMC6056224 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1456296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutagenesis is a hallmark and enabling characteristic of cancer cells. The E3 ubiquitin ligase RAD18 and its downstream effectors, the ‘Y-family’ Trans-Lesion Synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases, confer DNA damage tolerance at the expense of DNA replication fidelity. Thus, RAD18 and TLS polymerases are attractive candidate mediators of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. The skin cancer-propensity disorder xeroderma pigmentosum-variant (XPV) is caused by defects in the Y-family DNA polymerase Pol eta (Polη). However it is unknown whether TLS dysfunction contributes more generally to other human cancers. Recent analyses of cancer genomes suggest that TLS polymerases generate many of the mutational signatures present in diverse cancers. Moreover biochemical studies suggest that the TLS pathway is often reprogrammed in cancer cells and that TLS facilitates tolerance of oncogene-induced DNA damage. Here we review recent evidence supporting widespread participation of RAD18 and the Y-family DNA polymerases in the different phases of multi-step carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill , NC , USA
| | - Yanzhe Gao
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill , NC , USA
| | - Anastasia Zlatanou
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill , NC , USA
| | - Satoshi Tateishi
- b Division of Cell Maintenance , Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG) , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- c Life Science Research Center , University of Ostrava , Ostrava , Czech Republic
| | - Igor B Rogozin
- d National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Cyrus Vaziri
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill , NC , USA
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43
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Cen C, Li J, Liu J, Yang M, Zhang T, Zuo Y, Lin C, Li X. Long noncoding RNA LINC01510 promotes the growth of colorectal cancer cells by modulating MET expression. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:45. [PMID: 29581707 PMCID: PMC5861636 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0503-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormal expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) often facilitates unrestricted growth of cancer cells. Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1510, an enhancer lncRNA (LINC01510), a lncRNA enhancer is upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC), and its expression might relate to MET as revealed by lncRNA microarray data. However, the potential biological role of LINC01510 and its regulatory mechanism in CRC remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of LINC01510 in the proliferation of CRC cells. Methods Microarray analysis, In situ hybridization, colony formation assay, MTT assay, Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR and flow cytometry were applied. The two-tailed Student’s t test and analysis of variance or general linear model of single factor variable was used for statistical analyse. Results In the present study, we found that LINC01510 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. The LINC01510 expression level were associated with the clinicopathological grade and stage. Meanwhile, gain- and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that LINC01510 overexpression increased CRC cell proliferation, and promoted cell cycle progression from the G1 phase to the S phase. Further study indicated that LINC01510 was positively correlated with the expression of MET, and its effects were most likely at the transcriptional level. Conclusions Taken together, our findings suggested that upregulation of LINC01510 contributes to the proliferation of CRC cells, at least in part, through the regulation of MET protein. LINC01510 could be a candidate prognostic biomarker and a target for new therapies in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Cen
- 1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China.,2Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Li
- 3Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- 2Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China
| | - Mingshi Yang
- 2Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- 2Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zuo
- 2Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China
| | - Changwei Lin
- 1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- 1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China
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Oo ZY, Stevenson AJ, Proctor M, Daignault SM, Walpole S, Lanagan C, Chen J, Škalamera D, Spoerri L, Ainger SA, Sturm RA, Haass NK, Gabrielli B. Endogenous Replication Stress Marks Melanomas Sensitive to CHEK1 Inhibitors In Vivo. Clin Cancer Res 2018. [PMID: 29535131 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitors (CHEK1i) have single-agent activity in vitro and in vivo Here, we have investigated the molecular basis of this activity.Experimental Design: We have assessed a panel of melanoma cell lines for their sensitivity to the CHEK1i GNE-323 and GDC-0575 in vitro and in vivo The effects of these compounds on responses to DNA replication stress were analyzed in the hypersensitive cell lines.Results: A subset of melanoma cell lines is hypersensitive to CHEK1i-induced cell death in vitro, and the drug effectively inhibits tumor growth in vivo In the hypersensitive cell lines, GNE-323 triggers cell death without cells entering mitosis. CHEK1i treatment triggers strong RPA2 hyperphosphorylation and increased DNA damage in only hypersensitive cells. The increased replication stress was associated with a defective S-phase cell-cycle checkpoint. The number and intensity of pRPA2 Ser4/8 foci in untreated tumors appeared to be a marker of elevated replication stress correlated with sensitivity to CHEK1i.Conclusions: CHEK1i have single-agent activity in a subset of melanomas with elevated endogenous replication stress. CHEK1i treatment strongly increased this replication stress and DNA damage, and this correlated with increased cell death. The level of endogenous replication is marked by the pRPA2Ser4/8 foci in the untreated tumors, and may be a useful marker of replication stress in vivoClin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2901-12. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zay Yar Oo
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
| | - Alexander J Stevenson
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Martina Proctor
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sheena M Daignault
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
| | - Sebastian Walpole
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
| | - Catherine Lanagan
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James Chen
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
| | - Dubravka Škalamera
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Loredana Spoerri
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
| | - Stephen A Ainger
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
| | - Richard A Sturm
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
| | - Brian Gabrielli
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. .,The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland. Australia
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45
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Whittaker SR, Barlow C, Martin MP, Mancusi C, Wagner S, Self A, Barrie E, Te Poele R, Sharp S, Brown N, Wilson S, Jackson W, Fischer PM, Clarke PA, Walton MI, McDonald E, Blagg J, Noble M, Garrett MD, Workman P. Molecular profiling and combinatorial activity of CCT068127: a potent CDK2 and CDK9 inhibitor. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:287-304. [PMID: 29063678 PMCID: PMC5830651 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple cancer types. Consequently, CDKs have garnered intense interest as therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. We describe herein the molecular and cellular effects of CCT068127, a novel inhibitor of CDK2 and CDK9. Optimized from the purine template of seliciclib, CCT068127 exhibits greater potency and selectivity against purified CDK2 and CDK9 and superior antiproliferative activity against human colon cancer and melanoma cell lines. X-ray crystallography studies reveal that hydrogen bonding with the DFG motif of CDK2 is the likely mechanism of greater enzymatic potency. Commensurate with inhibition of CDK activity, CCT068127 treatment results in decreased retinoblastoma protein (RB) phosphorylation, reduced phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II, and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The transcriptional signature of CCT068127 shows greatest similarity to other small-molecule CDK and also HDAC inhibitors. CCT068127 caused a dramatic loss in expression of DUSP6 phosphatase, alongside elevated ERK phosphorylation and activation of MAPK pathway target genes. MCL1 protein levels are rapidly decreased by CCT068127 treatment and this associates with synergistic antiproliferative activity after combined treatment with CCT068127 and ABT263, a BCL2 family inhibitor. These findings support the rational combination of this series of CDK2/9 inhibitors and BCL2 family inhibitors for the treatment of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R. Whittaker
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Clare Barlow
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Mathew P. Martin
- Northern Institute for Cancer ResearchUniversity of Newcastle upon TyneMedical SchoolNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Caterina Mancusi
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Steve Wagner
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Annette Self
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Elaine Barrie
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Robert Te Poele
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Swee Sharp
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Nathan Brown
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Stuart Wilson
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Wayne Jackson
- Cyclacel Ltd.DundeeUK
- Present address:
Samuel Lister AcademyBingleyWest YorkshireBD16 1TZUK
| | - Peter M. Fischer
- Cyclacel Ltd.DundeeUK
- Present address:
School of Pharmacy and Centre for Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of Nottingham, University ParkNottinghamNG7 2RDUK
| | - Paul A. Clarke
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Michael I. Walton
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Edward McDonald
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Julian Blagg
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Martin Noble
- Northern Institute for Cancer ResearchUniversity of Newcastle upon TyneMedical SchoolNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Michelle D. Garrett
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Present address:
School of BiosciencesUniversity of KentCanterburyKentCT2 7NJUK
| | - Paul Workman
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics UnitDivision of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
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46
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Wayne J, Brooks T, Massey AJ. Inhibition of Chk1 with the small molecule inhibitor V158411 induces DNA damage and cell death in an unperturbed S-phase. Oncotarget 2018; 7:85033-85048. [PMID: 27829224 PMCID: PMC5356717 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chk1 kinase is a critical component of the DNA damage response checkpoint and Chk1 inhibitors are currently under clinical investigation. Chk1 suppresses oncogene-induced replication stress with Chk1 inhibitors demonstrating activity as a monotherapy in numerous cancer types. Understanding the mechanism by which Chk1 inhibitors induce DNA damage and cancer cell death is essential for their future clinical development. Here we characterize the mechanism by which the novel Chk1 inhibitor (V158411) increased DNA damage and cell death in models of human cancer. V158411 induced a time- and concentration-dependent increase in γH2AX-positive nuclei that was restricted to cells actively undergoing DNA synthesis. γH2AX induction was an early event and correlated with activation of the ATR/ATM/DNA-PKcs DNA damage response pathways. The appearance of γH2AX positive nuclei preceded ssDNA appearance and RPA exhaustion. Complete and sustained inhibition of Chk1 kinase was necessary to activate a robust γH2AX induction and growth inhibition. Chk1 inhibitor cytotoxicity correlated with induction of DNA damage with cells undergoing apoptosis, mitotic slippage and DNA damage-induced permanent cell cycle arrest. We identified two distinct classes of Chk1 inhibitors: those that induced a strong increase in γH2AX, pChk1 (S317) and pRPA32 (S4/S8) (including V158411, LY2603618 and ARRY-1A) and those that did not (including MK-8776 and GNE-900). Tumor cell death, induced through increased DNA damage, coupled with abrogation of cell cycle checkpoints makes selective inhibitors of Chk1 a potentially useful therapeutic treatment for multiple human cancers.
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47
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Eastman A. Improving anticancer drug development begins with cell culture: misinformation perpetrated by the misuse of cytotoxicity assays. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8854-8866. [PMID: 27750219 PMCID: PMC5352448 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The high failure rate of anticancer drug discovery and development has consumed billions of dollars annually. While many explanations have been provided, I believe that misinformation arising from inappropriate cell-based screens has been completely over-looked. Most cell culture experiments are irrelevant to how drugs are subsequently administered to patients. Usually, drug development focuses on growth inhibition rather than cell killing. Drugs are selected based on continuous incubation of cells, then frequently administered to the patient as a bolus. Target identification and validation is often performed by gene suppression that inevitably mimics continuous target inhibition. Drug concentrations in vitro frequently far exceed in vivo concentrations. Studies of drug synergy are performed at sub-optimal concentrations. And the focus on a limited number of cell lines can misrepresent the potential efficacy in a patient population. The intent of this review is to encourage more appropriate experimental design and data interpretation, and to improve drug development in the area of cell-based assays. Application of these principles should greatly enhance the successful translation of novel drugs to the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Eastman
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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48
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Gadhikar MA, Zhang J, Shen L, Rao X, Wang J, Zhao M, Kalu NN, Johnson FM, Byers LA, Heymach J, Hittelman WN, Udayakumar D, Pandita RK, Pandita TK, Pickering CR, Redwood AB, Piwnica-Worms H, Schlacher K, Frederick MJ, Myers JN. CDKN2A/p16 Deletion in Head and Neck Cancer Cells Is Associated with CDK2 Activation, Replication Stress, and Vulnerability to CHK1 Inhibition. Cancer Res 2017; 78:781-797. [PMID: 29229598 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint kinase inhibitors (CHKi) exhibit striking single-agent activity in certain tumors, but the mechanisms accounting for hypersensitivity are poorly understood. We screened a panel of 49 established human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and report that nearly 20% are hypersensitive to CHKi monotherapy. Hypersensitive cells underwent early S-phase arrest at drug doses sufficient to inhibit greater than 90% of CHK1 activity. Reduced rate of DNA replication fork progression and chromosomal shattering were also observed, suggesting replication stress as a root causative factor in CHKi hypersensitivity. To explore genomic underpinnings of CHKi hypersensitivity, comparative genomic analysis was performed between hypersensitive cells and cells categorized as least sensitive because they showed drug IC50 value greater than the cell panel median and lacked early S-phase arrest. Novel association between CDKN2A/p16 copy number loss, CDK2 activation, replication stress, and hypersensitivity of HNSCC cells to CHKi monotherapy was found. Restoring p16 in cell lines harboring CDKN2A/p16 genomic deletions alleviated CDK2 activation and replication stress, attenuating CHKi hypersensitivity. Taken together, our results suggest a biomarker-driven strategy for selecting HNSCC patients who may benefit the most from CHKi therapy.Significance: These results suggest a biomarker-driven strategy for selecting HNSCC patients who may benefit the most from therapy with CHK inhibitors. Cancer Res; 78(3); 781-97. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur A Gadhikar
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jiexin Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiayu Rao
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nene N Kalu
- Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lauren A Byers
- Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - John Heymach
- Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Walter N Hittelman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Durga Udayakumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas
| | - Raj K Pandita
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas
| | - Tej K Pandita
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas
| | - Curtis R Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Abena B Redwood
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Helen Piwnica-Worms
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Katharina Schlacher
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mitchell J Frederick
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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49
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Brandsma I, Fleuren ED, Williamson CT, Lord CJ. Directing the use of DDR kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1341-1355. [PMID: 28984489 PMCID: PMC6157710 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1389895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Defects in the DNA damage response (DDR) drive the development of cancer by fostering DNA mutation but also provide cancer-specific vulnerabilities that can be exploited therapeutically. The recent approval of three different PARP inhibitors for the treatment of ovarian cancer provides the impetus for further developing targeted inhibitors of many of the kinases involved in the DDR, including inhibitors of ATR, ATM, CHEK1, CHEK2, DNAPK and WEE1. Areas covered: We summarise the current stage of development of these novel DDR kinase inhibitors, and describe which predictive biomarkers might be exploited to direct their clinical use. Expert opinion: Novel DDR inhibitors present promising candidates in cancer treatment and have the potential to elicit synthetic lethal effects. In order to fully exploit their potential and maximize their utility, identifying highly penetrant predictive biomarkers of single agent and combinatorial DDR inhibitor sensitivity are critical. Identifying the optimal drug combination regimens that could used with DDR inhibitors is also a key objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Brandsma
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Emmy D.G. Fleuren
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Chris T. Williamson
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Christopher J. Lord
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
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50
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Yang Y, Gao Y, Mutter-Rottmayer L, Zlatanou A, Durando M, Ding W, Wyatt D, Ramsden D, Tanoue Y, Tateishi S, Vaziri C. DNA repair factor RAD18 and DNA polymerase Polκ confer tolerance of oncogenic DNA replication stress. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:3097-3115. [PMID: 28835467 PMCID: PMC5626543 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201702006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The elevated CDK2 activity of oncogene-expressing cells induces DNA replication stress. Yang et al. show that the DNA repair protein RAD18 facilitates damage-tolerant DNA synthesis via the DNA polymerase κ in cells with aberrantly high CDK2 activity, suggesting an important new role for RAD18 in sustaining neoplastic cell survival. The mechanisms by which neoplastic cells tolerate oncogene-induced DNA replication stress are poorly understood. Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a major mediator of oncogenic DNA replication stress. In this study, we show that CDK2-inducing stimuli (including Cyclin E overexpression, oncogenic RAS, and WEE1 inhibition) activate the DNA repair protein RAD18. CDK2-induced RAD18 activation required initiation of DNA synthesis and was repressed by p53. RAD18 and its effector, DNA polymerase κ (Polκ), sustained ongoing DNA synthesis in cells harboring elevated CDK2 activity. RAD18-deficient cells aberrantly accumulated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) after CDK2 activation. In RAD18-depleted cells, the G2/M checkpoint was necessary to prevent mitotic entry with persistent ssDNA. Rad18−/− and Polκ−/− cells were highly sensitive to the WEE1 inhibitor MK-1775 (which simultaneously activates CDK2 and abrogates the G2/M checkpoint). Collectively, our results show that the RAD18–Polκ signaling axis allows tolerance of CDK2-mediated oncogenic stress and may allow neoplastic cells to breach tumorigenic barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Yanzhe Gao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Liz Mutter-Rottmayer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Anastasia Zlatanou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Michael Durando
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Weimin Ding
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.,Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Wyatt
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Curriculumin Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Dale Ramsden
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Curriculumin Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Yuki Tanoue
- Division of Cell Maintenance, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tateishi
- Division of Cell Maintenance, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Cyrus Vaziri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Curriculumin Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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