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Mo C, Wei N, Li T, Ahmed Bhat M, Mohammadi M, Kuang C. CDK9 inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumors. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116470. [PMID: 39127153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116470] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) regulates mRNA transcription by promoting RNA Pol II elongation. CDK9 is now emerging as a potential therapeutic target for cancer, since its overexpression has been found to correlate with cancer development and worse clinical outcomes. While much work on CDK9 inhibition has focused on hematologic malignancies, the role of this cancer driver in solid tumors is starting to come into focus. Many solid cancers also overexpress CDK9 and depend on its activity to promote downstream oncogenic signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge of CDK9 biology in solid tumors and the studies of small molecule CDK9 inhibitors. We discuss the results of the latest clinical trials of CDK9 inhibitors in solid tumors, with a focus on key issues to consider for improving the therapeutic impact of this drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Mo
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Terence Li
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Muzaffer Ahmed Bhat
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mahshid Mohammadi
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Chaoyuan Kuang
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA; Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Montefiore Einstein, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Biersack B, Höpfner M. Emerging role of MYB transcription factors in cancer drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:15. [PMID: 38835346 PMCID: PMC11149108 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Decades ago, the viral myeloblastosis oncogene v-myb was identified as a gene responsible for the development of avian leukemia. However, the relevance of MYB proteins for human cancer diseases, in particular for solid tumors, remained basically unrecognized for a very long time. The human family of MYB transcription factors comprises MYB (c-MYB), MYBL2 (b-MYB), and MYBL1 (a-MYB), which are overexpressed in several cancers and are associated with cancer progression and resistance to anticancer drugs. In addition to overexpression, the presence of activated MYB-fusion proteins as tumor drivers was described in certain cancers. The identification of anticancer drug resistance mediated by MYB proteins and their underlying mechanisms are of great importance in understanding failures of current therapies and establishing new and more efficient therapy regimens. In addition, new drug candidates targeting MYB transcription factor activity and signaling have emerged as a promising class of potential anticancer therapeutics that could tackle MYB-dependent drug-resistant cancers in a more selective way. This review describes the correlation of MYB transcription factors with the formation and persistence of cancer resistance to various approved and investigational anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Michael Höpfner
- Institute for Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
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3
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Soosainathan A, Iravani M, El-Botty R, Alexander J, Sourd L, Morisset L, Painsec P, Orha R, Nikitorowicz-Buniak J, Pancholi S, Haider S, Dowsett M, Marangoni E, Martin LA, Isacke CM. Targeting Transcriptional Regulation with a CDK9 Inhibitor Suppresses Growth of Endocrine- and Palbociclib-Resistant ER+ Breast Cancers. Cancer Res 2024; 84:17-25. [PMID: 37801608 PMCID: PMC10758688 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0650] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The combination of endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors such as palbociclib is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, yet many patients relapse with therapy-resistant disease. Determining the mechanisms underlying endocrine therapy resistance is limited by the lack of ability to fully recapitulate inter- and intratumor heterogeneity in vitro and of availability of tumor samples from women with disease progression or relapse. In this study, multiple cell line models of resistant disease were used for both two-dimensional (2D)- and three-dimensional (3D)-based inhibitor screening. The screens confirmed the previously reported role of pro-proliferative pathways, such as PI3K-AKT-mTOR, in endocrine therapy resistance and additionally identified the transcription-associated cyclin-dependent kinase CDK9 as a common hit in ER+ cell lines and patient-derived organoids modeling endocrine therapy-resistant disease in both the palbociclib-sensitive and palbociclib-resistant settings. The CDK9 inhibitor, AZD4573, currently in clinical trials for hematologic malignancies, acted synergistically with palbociclib in these ER+in vitro 2D and 3D models. In addition, in two independent endocrine- and palbociclib-resistance patient-derived xenografts, treatment with AZD4573 in combination with palbociclib and fulvestrant resulted in tumor regression. Tumor transcriptional profiling identified a set of transcriptional and cell-cycle regulators differentially downregulated only in combination-treated tumors. Together, these findings identify a clinically tractable combination strategy for overcoming resistance to endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer and provide insight into the potential mechanism of drug efficacy in targeting treatment-resistant disease. SIGNIFICANCE Targeting transcription-associated CDK9 synergizes with CDK4/6 inhibitor to drive tumor regression in multiple models of endocrine- and palbociclib-resistant ER+ breast cancer, which could address the challenge of overcoming resistance in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arany Soosainathan
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marjan Iravani
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rania El-Botty
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - John Alexander
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Sourd
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Pierre Painsec
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Rebecca Orha
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Nikitorowicz-Buniak
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sunil Pancholi
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Haider
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitch Dowsett
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lesley-Ann Martin
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clare M. Isacke
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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Eskandrani R, Al-Rasheed LS, Ansari SA, Bakheit AH, Almehizia AA, Almutairi M, Alkahtani HM. Targeting Transcriptional CDKs 7, 8, and 9 with Anilinopyrimidine Derivatives as Anticancer Agents: Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Studies. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114271. [PMID: 37298748 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are promising targets in chemotherapy. In this study, we report a series of 2-anilinopyrimidine derivatives with CDK inhibitory activity. Twenty-one compounds were synthesized and their CDK inhibitory and cytotoxic activities were evaluated. The representative compounds demonstrate potent antiproliferative activities toward different solid cancer cell lines and provide a promising strategy for the treatment of malignant tumors. Compound 5f was the most potent CDK7 inhibitor (IC50 = 0.479 µM), compound 5d was the most potent CDK8 inhibitor (IC50 = 0.716 µM), and compound 5b was the most potent CDK9 inhibitor (IC50 = 0.059 µM). All the compounds satisfied the Lipinski's rule of five (molecular weight < 500 Da, number of hydrogen bond acceptors <10, and octanol-water partition coefficient and hydrogen bond donor values below 5). Compound 5j is a good candidate for lead optimization because it has a non-hydrogen atom (N) of 23, an acceptable ligand efficiency value of 0.38673, and an acceptable ligand lipophilic efficiency value of 5.5526. The synthesized anilinopyrimidine derivatives have potential as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Eskandrani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamees S Al-Rasheed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Siddique Akber Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed H Bakheit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman A Almehizia
- Drug Exploration and Development (DEDC), Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Almutairi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad M Alkahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Tejera Nevado P, Tešan Tomić T, Atefyekta A, Fehr A, Stenman G, Andersson MK. Synthetic oleanane triterpenoids suppress MYB oncogene activity and sensitize T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells to chemotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1126354. [PMID: 37077825 PMCID: PMC10106619 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1126354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with poor prognosis. The MYB oncogene encodes a master transcription factor that is activated in the majority of human T-ALLs. In the present study, we have performed a large-scale screening with small-molecule drugs to find clinically useful inhibitors of MYB gene expression in T-ALL. We identified several pharmacological agents that potentially could be used to treat MYB-driven malignancies. In particular, treatment with the synthetic oleanane triterpenoids (OTs) bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone decreased MYB gene activity and expression of MYB downstream target genes in T-ALL cells with constitutive MYB gene activation. Notably, treatment with bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone led to a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and induction of apoptosis at low nanomolar concentrations. In contrast, normal bone marrow-derived cells were unaffected at these concentrations. Bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone treatment downregulated the expression of DNA repair genes and sensitized T-ALL cells to doxorubicin, a drug that is part of the standard therapy of T-ALL. OT treatment may thus potentiate DNA-damaging chemotherapy through attenuation of DNA repair. Taken together, our results indicate that synthetic OTs may be useful in the treatment of T-ALL and potentially also in other MYB-driven malignancies.
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Musa A, Ihmaid SK, Hughes DL, Said MA, Abulkhair HS, El-Ghorab AH, Abdelgawad MA, Shalaby K, Shaker ME, Alharbi KS, Alotaibi NH, Kays DL, Taylor LJ, Parambi DGT, Alzarea SI, Al-Karmalawy AA, Ahmed HEA, El-Agrody AM. The anticancer and EGFR-TK/CDK-9 dual inhibitory potentials of new synthetic pyranopyrazole and pyrazolone derivatives: X-ray crystallography, in vitro, and in silico mechanistic investigations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:12411-12425. [PMID: 36661285 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2167000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Treatment options for the management of breast cancer are still inadequate. This inadequacy is attributed to the lack of effective targeted medications, often resulting in the recurrence of metastatic disorders. Cumulative evidence suggests that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR-TK) and cyclin-dependent kinases-9 (CDK-9) overexpression correlates with worse overall survival in breast cancer patients. Pyranopyrazole and pyrazolone are privileged options for the development of anticancer agents. Inspired by this proven scientific fact, we report here the synthesis of two new series of suggested anticancer molecules incorporating both heterocycles together with their characterization by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 13C NMR-DEPT, and X-ray diffraction methods. An attempt to get the pyranopyrazole-gold complexes was conducted but unexpectedly yielded benzylidene-2,4-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one instead. This unexpected result was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. All newly synthesized compounds were assessed for their anti-proliferative activity against two different human breast cancer cells, and the obtained results were compared with the reference drug Staurosporine. The target compounds revealed variable cytotoxicity with IC50 at a low micromolar range with superior selectivity indices. Target enzyme EGFR-TK and CDK-9 assays showed that compounds 22 and 23 effectively inhibited both biological targets with IC50 values of 0.143 and 0.121 µM, respectively. Molecular docking experiments and molecular dynamics simulation were also conducted to further rationalize the in vitro obtained results.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arafa Musa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh K Ihmaid
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jadara University, Irbid, Jordon
| | - David L Hughes
- School of Chemistry, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Musa A Said
- Chemistry Department, College of Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamada S Abulkhair
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, International Coastal Road, New Damietta, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H El-Ghorab
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jouf university, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf university, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Shalaby
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed E Shaker
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Saad Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser Hadal Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deborah L Kays
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laurence J Taylor
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Della Grace Thomas Parambi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf university, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A Al-Karmalawy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hany E A Ahmed
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El-Agrody
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Synthesis, Cytotoxic Evaluation, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Substituted Quinazolinones as Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 Inhibitors. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010120. [PMID: 36615314 PMCID: PMC9822073 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) plays a critical role in transcriptional elongation, through which short-lived antiapoptotic proteins are overexpressed and make cancer cells resistant to apoptosis. Therefore, CDK9 inhibition depletes antiapoptotic proteins, which in turn leads to the reinstatement of apoptosis in cancer cells. Twenty-seven compounds were synthesized, and their CDK9 inhibitory and cytotoxic activities were evaluated. Compounds 7, 9, and 25 were the most potent CDK9 inhibitors, with IC50 values of 0.115, 0.131, and 0.142 μM, respectively. The binding modes of these molecules were studied via molecular docking, which shows that they occupy the adenosine triphosphate binding site of CDK9. Of these three molecules, compound 25 shows good drug-like properties, as it does not violate Lipinski's rule of five. In addition, this molecule shows promising ligand and lipophilic efficiency values and is an ideal candidate for further optimization.
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Nature-Derived Compounds as Potential Bioactive Leads against CDK9-Induced Cancer: Computational and Network Pharmacology Approaches. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10122512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the importance of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in the maintenance of cell development, gene transcription, and other essential biological operations, CDK blockers have been generated to manage a variety of disorders resulting from CDK irregularities. Furthermore, CDK9 has a crucial role in transcription by regulating short-lived anti-apoptotic genes necessary for cancer cell persistence. Addressing CDK9 with blockers has consequently emerged as a promising treatment for cancer. This study scrutinizes the effectiveness of nature-derived compounds (geniposidic acid, quercetin, geniposide, curcumin, and withanolide C) against CDK9 through computational approaches. A molecular docking study was performed after preparing the protein and the ligands. The selected blockers of the CDK9 exerted reliable binding affinities (−8.114 kcal/mol to −13.908 kcal/mol) against the selected protein, resulting in promising candidates compared to the co-crystallized ligand (LCI). The binding affinity of geniposidic acid (−13.908 kcal/mol) to CDK9 is higher than quercetin (−10.775 kcal/mol), geniposide (−9.969 kcal/mol), curcumin (−9.898 kcal/mol), withanolide C (−8.114 kcal/mol), and the co-crystallized ligand LCI (−11.425 kcal/mol). Therefore, geniposidic acid is a promising inhibitor of CDK9. Moreover, the molecular dynamics studies assessed the structure–function relationships and protein–ligand interactions. The network pharmacology study for the selected ligands demonstrated the auspicious compound–target–pathway signaling pathways vital in developing tumor, tumor cell growth, differentiation, and promoting tumor cell progression. Moreover, this study concluded by analyzing the computational approaches the natural-derived compounds that have potential interacting activities against CDK9 and, therefore, can be considered promising candidates for CKD9-induced cancer. To substantiate this study’s outcomes, in vivo research is recommended.
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Zhang P, Brinton LT, Gharghabi M, Sher S, Williams K, Cannon M, Walker JS, Canfield D, Beaver L, Cempre CB, Phillips H, Chen X, Yan P, Lehman A, Scherle P, Wang M, Vaddi K, Baiocchi R, Wang R, Sampath D, Alinari L, Blachly JS, Lapalombella R. Targeting OXPHOS de novo purine synthesis as the nexus of FLT3 inhibitor-mediated synergistic antileukemic actions. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabp9005. [PMID: 36112677 PMCID: PMC9481139 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abp9005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identified CDK9, DHODH, and PRMT5 as synthetic lethal partners with gilteritinib treatment in fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-internal tandem duplication (ITD) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and genetically and pharmacologically validated their roles in gilteritinib sensitivity. The presence of FLT3-ITD is associated with an increase in anaerobic glycolysis, rendering leukemia cells highly sensitive to inhibition of glycolysis. Supportive of this, our data show the enrichment of single guide RNAs targeting 28 glycolysis-related genes upon gilteritinib treatment, suggesting that switching from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) may represent a metabolic adaption of AML in gilteritinib resistance. CDK9i/FLT3i, DHODHi/FLT3i, and PRMT5i/FLT3i pairs mechanistically converge on OXPHOS and purine biosynthesis blockade, implying that targeting the metabolic functions of these three genes and/or proteins may represent attractive strategies to sensitize AML to gilteritinib treatment. Our findings provide the basis for maximizing therapeutic impact of FLT3-ITD inhibitors and a rationale for a clinical trial of these novel combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lindsey T. Brinton
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mehdi Gharghabi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Outcomes and Translational Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Steven Sher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Katie Williams
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Cannon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janek S. Walker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Canfield
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Larry Beaver
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Casey B. Cempre
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hannah Phillips
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xuyong Chen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Hematology/Oncology and BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy Lehman
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Min Wang
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Kris Vaddi
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Robert Baiocchi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ruoning Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Hematology/Oncology and BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Deepa Sampath
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lapo Alinari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James S. Blachly
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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10
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Guo X, Chen H, Zhou Y, Shen L, Wu S, Chen Y. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibition and its intersection with immunotherapy in breast cancer: more than CDK4/6 inhibition. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:933-944. [PMID: 35786092 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2097067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have had clinical success in treating hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Notably, CDK4/6i have expanded to the neoadjuvant setting for early breast cancer and other cancer types and potently synergize with immunotherapy. Other CDKs, including CDK7, CDK9, and CDK12/13, mainly function in transcriptional processes as well as cell cycle regulation, RNA splicing, and DNA damage response. Inhibiting these CDKs aids in suppressing tumors, reversing drug resistance, increasing drug sensitivity, and enhancing anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the applications of CDK4/6i, CDK7i, CDK9i and CDK12/13i for various breast cancer subtypes and their potentials for combination with immunotherapy. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted in April 2022. EXPERT OPINION The use of CDK4/6i represents a major milestone in breast cancer treatment. Moreover, transcription-related CDKs play critical roles in tumor development and are promising therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Some relevant clinical studies are underway. More specific and efficient CDKis will undoubtedly be developed and clinically tested. Characterization of their immune-priming effects will promote the development of combination therapies consisting of CDKi and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianan Guo
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huihui Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shijie Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiding Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Noblejas-López MDM, Gandullo-Sánchez L, Galán-Moya EM, López-Rosa R, Tébar-García D, Nieto-Jiménez C, Gómez-Juárez M, Burgos M, Pandiella A, Ocaña A. Antitumoral Activity of a CDK9 PROTAC Compound in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5476. [PMID: 35628286 PMCID: PMC9146359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105476] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a broad family of proteins involved in the cell cycle and transcriptional regulation. In this article, we explore the antitumoral activity of a novel proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) compound against CDK9. Breast cancer cell lines from different subtypes were used. Transcriptomic mapping of CDKs in breast cancer demonstrated that the expression of CDK9 predicted a detrimental outcome in basal-like tumors (HR = 1.51, CI = 1.08-2.11, p = 0.015) and, particularly, in the luminal B subtype with HER2+ expression (HR = 1.82, CI = 1.17-2.82, p = 0.0069). The novel CDK9 PROTAC, THAL-SNS-032, displayed a profound inhibitory activity in MCF7, T47D, and BT474 cells, with less effect in SKBR3, HCC1569, HCC1954, MDA-MB-231, HS578T, and BT549 cells. The three cell lines with HER2 overexpression and no presence of ER, SKBR3, HCC1569, and HCC1954 displayed an EC50 three times higher compared to ER-positive and dual ER/HER2-positive cell lines. BT474-derived trastuzumab-resistant cell lines displayed a particular sensitivity to THAL-SNS-032. Western blot analyses showed that THAL-SNS-032 caused a decrease in CDK9 levels in BT474, BT474-RH, and BT474-TDM1R cells, and a significant increase in apoptosis. Experiments in animals demonstrated an inverse therapeutic index of THAL-SNS-032, with doses in the nontherapeutic and toxic range. The identified toxicity was mainly due to an on-target off-tumor effect of the compound in the gastrointestinal epithelium. In summary, the potent and efficient antitumoral properties of the CDK9 PROTAC THAL-SNS-032 opens the possibility of using this type of compound in breast cancer only if specifically delivered to cancer cells, particularly in ER/HER2-positive and HER2-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Mar Noblejas-López
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Lucía Gandullo-Sánchez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC, IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-S.); (A.P.)
| | - Eva M. Galán-Moya
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing, Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel López-Rosa
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - David Tébar-García
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Cristina Nieto-Jiménez
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Mónica Gómez-Juárez
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC, IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.G.-S.); (A.P.)
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Translational Research Unit, Albacete University Hospital, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (M.d.M.N.-L.); (E.M.G.-M.); (R.L.-R.); (D.T.-G.); (M.G.-J.); (M.B.)
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Castilla-La Mancha University (UCLM), 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Experimental Therapeutics Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (HCSC), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IdISSC) and CIBERONC, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
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12
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Alsfouk A. Small molecule inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 for cancer therapy. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:693-706. [PMID: 33632038 PMCID: PMC7919902 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1890726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) plays a vital role in transcription through regulation of short-lived anti-apoptotic genes required for cancer cell survival. Therefore, targeting CDK9 with small molecule inhibitors has emerged as a potential cancer therapy. This article reviews the most recent CDK9 patent literature (2012-2020) related to small molecule inhibitors in cancer along with their selectivity profile and biological results in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Zhang X, Wang Q, Luo Y, Song M, Zhou Z, Zeng L, Hu M, Yang C. Cyclin-dependent kinase 15 upregulation is correlated with poor prognosis for patients with breast cancer. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:300060521999552. [PMID: 34162268 PMCID: PMC8236788 DOI: 10.1177/0300060521999552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical significance of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 15 in breast cancer. Methods This prospective observational study enrolled 154 patients with breast cancer. Tumor tissues and paired paracancerous normal tissues were collected. Additionally, 85 samples of benign breast lesions were obtained from patients with mammary gland hyperplasia. Patient characteristics were recorded, and CDK15, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Ki67 immunohistochemical expression were determined. Results The rate of strong CDK15 expression was 63.6% (98/154) in breast cancer tissues, which was remarkably higher than that in benign breast lesions (34.1%, 29/85). Similarly, the ratio of strong CDK15 expression was markedly higher in tumor tissues (63.6%, 98/15) than in paracancerous normal tissues (27.3%, 42/154). Pearson’s analysis showed that the CDK15 expression score was positively correlated with HER2 and Ki67. Patients with high CDK15 expression showed markedly higher ratios of TNM stage III to IV, lymph node metastasis, and increased tumor diameters but a significantly lower rate of ductal carcinoma in situ. The median survival time of these patients was significantly shorter. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed that low CDK15 expression predicted longer survival times. Conclusion Upregulated CDK15 predicted poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiquan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yijun Luo
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meijiao Song
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meng Hu
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chuyan Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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14
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Anshabo AT, Milne R, Wang S, Albrecht H. CDK9: A Comprehensive Review of Its Biology, and Its Role as a Potential Target for Anti-Cancer Agents. Front Oncol 2021; 11:678559. [PMID: 34041038 PMCID: PMC8143439 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.678559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are proteins pivotal to a wide range of cellular functions, most importantly cell division and transcription, and their dysregulations have been implicated as prominent drivers of tumorigenesis. Besides the well-established role of cell cycle CDKs in cancer, the involvement of transcriptional CDKs has been confirmed more recently. Most cancers overtly employ CDKs that serve as key regulators of transcription (e.g., CDK9) for a continuous production of short-lived gene products that maintain their survival. As such, dysregulation of the CDK9 pathway has been observed in various hematological and solid malignancies, making it a valuable anticancer target. This therapeutic potential has been utilized for the discovery of CDK9 inhibitors, some of which have entered human clinical trials. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the structure and biology of CDK9, its role in solid and hematological cancers, and an updated review of the available inhibitors currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Tesfaye Anshabo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert Milne
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hugo Albrecht
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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15
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MYB oncoproteins: emerging players and potential therapeutic targets in human cancer. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:19. [PMID: 33637673 PMCID: PMC7910556 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
MYB transcription factors are highly conserved from plants to vertebrates, indicating that their functions embrace fundamental mechanisms in the biology of cells and organisms. In humans, the MYB gene family is composed of three members: MYB, MYBL1 and MYBL2, encoding the transcription factors MYB, MYBL1, and MYBL2 (also known as c-MYB, A-MYB, and B-MYB), respectively. A truncated version of MYB, the prototype member of the MYB family, was originally identified as the product of the retroviral oncogene v-myb, which causes leukaemia in birds. This led to the hypothesis that aberrant activation of vertebrate MYB could also cause cancer. Despite more than three decades have elapsed since the isolation of v-myb, only recently investigators were able to detect MYB genes rearrangements and mutations, smoking gun evidence of the involvement of MYB family members in human cancer. In this review, we will highlight studies linking the activity of MYB family members to human malignancies and experimental therapeutic interventions tailored for MYB-expressing cancers.
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16
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Mitra P. Targeting transcription factors in cancer drug discovery. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2020; 1:401-412. [PMID: 36046384 PMCID: PMC9402400 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2020.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer drug discovery is currently dominated by clinical trials or clinical research. Several potential drug candidates have been brought into the pipeline of drug discovery after showing very promising results at the pre-clinical level and are waiting to be tested in human clinical trials. Interestingly, among the potential drug candidates, a few of them have targeted transcription factors highlighting the fundamental undruggable nature of these molecules. However, using advanced technologies, researchers were recently successful in partly unlocking this undruggable nature, which was considered as a ‘grey area’ in the early days of drug discovery, and as a result, several potential candidates have emerged recently. The purpose of the review is to highlight some of the recently reported studies of targeting transcription factors in cancer and their promising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Mitra
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4059, Australia
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17
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Richters A, Doyle SK, Freeman DB, Lee C, Leifer BS, Jagannathan S, Kabinger F, Koren JV, Struntz NB, Urgiles J, Stagg RA, Curtin BH, Chatterjee D, Mathea S, Mikochik PJ, Hopkins TD, Gao H, Branch JR, Xin H, Westover L, Bignan GC, Rupnow BA, Karlin KL, Olson CM, Westbrook TF, Vacca J, Wilfong CM, Trotter BW, Saffran DC, Bischofberger N, Knapp S, Russo JW, Hickson I, Bischoff JR, Gottardis MM, Balk SP, Lin CY, Pop MS, Koehler AN. Modulating Androgen Receptor-Driven Transcription in Prostate Cancer with Selective CDK9 Inhibitors. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 28:134-147.e14. [PMID: 33086052 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPCs) lose sensitivity to androgen-deprivation therapies but frequently remain dependent on oncogenic transcription driven by the androgen receptor (AR) and its splice variants. To discover modulators of AR-variant activity, we used a lysate-based small-molecule microarray assay and identified KI-ARv-03 as an AR-variant complex binder that reduces AR-driven transcription and proliferation in prostate cancer cells. We deduced KI-ARv-03 to be a potent, selective inhibitor of CDK9, an important cofactor for AR, MYC, and other oncogenic transcription factors. Further optimization resulted in KB-0742, an orally bioavailable, selective CDK9 inhibitor with potent anti-tumor activity in CRPC models. In 22Rv1 cells, KB-0742 rapidly downregulates nascent transcription, preferentially depleting short half-life transcripts and AR-driven oncogenic programs. In vivo, oral administration of KB-0742 significantly reduced tumor growth in CRPC, supporting CDK9 inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy to target AR dependence in CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Richters
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Shelby K Doyle
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Becky S Leifer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sajjeev Jagannathan
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Florian Kabinger
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jošt Vrabič Koren
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas B Struntz
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Julie Urgiles
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ryan A Stagg
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Brice H Curtin
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Deep Chatterjee
- Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Hua Gao
- Kronos Bio, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Hong Xin
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Lori Westover
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | | | - Brent A Rupnow
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Kristen L Karlin
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Calla M Olson
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas F Westbrook
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Knapp
- Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joshua W Russo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ian Hickson
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA; Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | | | - Steven P Balk
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Charles Y Lin
- Kronos Bio, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Therapeutic Innovation Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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18
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He S, Fang X, Xia X, Hou T, Zhang T. Targeting CDK9: A novel biomarker in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1929-1938. [PMID: 32901849 PMCID: PMC7551504 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. Although cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) has a definitive pathogenic role in various types of cancer, little is known concerning its function in endometrial cancer. Our study was conducted to evaluate the expression and therapeutic potential of CDK9 in endometrial cancer. CDK9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in endometrial cancer tissues constructed with paired primary, metastatic, and recurrent tumor tissues from 32 endometrial cancer patients. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and inhibitors of CDK9 were used to evaluate the effect of CDK9 inhibition on the anti-apoptotic activity and proliferation in endometrial cancer cells. Colony formation assay and wound-healing assays were adopted to assess clonal formation and migratory capacity. The results of the immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CDK9 was highly expressed in the human endometrial cancer cell lines; moreover, it was elevated in metastatic and recurrent endometrial tumor tissue compared when compared with that in patient-matched primary endometrial tumor tissue. Knockdown of CDK9 with siRNA and inhibition of CDK9 activity with the inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in endometrial cancer. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that CDK9 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of endometrial cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha He
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Hou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
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19
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Shen S, Dean DC, Yu Z, Hornicek F, Kan Q, Duan Z. Aberrant CDK9 expression within chordoma tissues and the therapeutic potential of a selective CDK9 inhibitor LDC000067. J Cancer 2020; 11:132-141. [PMID: 31892980 PMCID: PMC6930393 DOI: 10.7150/jca.35426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Chordomas are slow-growing malignancies that commonly affect vital neurological structures. These neoplasms are highly resistant to current chemotherapeutic regimens and often recur after surgical intervention. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify molecular targets and more robust drugs to improve chordoma patient outcomes. It is well accepted that cyclin-dependent protein kinase 9 (CDK9) has tumorigenic roles in various cancers; however, the expression and significance of CDK9 in chordoma remains unknown. Methods: Expression of CDK9 in chordoma cell lines and tumor tissues was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The correlation between CDK9 expression in patient tissues and clinical prognosis was analyzed. The functional roles of CDK9 in chordoma were investigated after the addition of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and CDK9 inhibitor (LDC000067). Cell growth and proliferation were assessed with MTT and clonogenic assays. The effect of CDK9 inhibition on chordoma cells was further evaluated with a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model which mimics the in vivo environment. Results: CDK9 was expressed in both chordoma cell lines and chordoma tissues. High- expression of CDK9 correlated with recurrence and poor outcomes for chordoma patients. CDK9 silencing with siRNA decreased growth and proliferation of chordoma cells and lowered levels of Mcl-1 and RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) phosphorylation. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK9 with the small molecular inhibitor LDC000067 reduced cell growth, supported apoptosis, suppressed cell colony formation in a clonogenic assay, and decreased spheroid growth in 3D culture. Conclusion: We demonstrate that CDK9 expression in chordoma correlates with patient outcome, and, when inhibited, chordoma cell growth and proliferation significantly decreases. Taken together, these results support CDK9 as an emerging potential target in chordoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Shen
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zujiang Yu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Francis Hornicek
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Quancheng Kan
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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20
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Cao L, Mitra P, Gonda TJ. The mechanism of MYB transcriptional regulation by MLL-AF9 oncoprotein. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20084. [PMID: 31882723 PMCID: PMC6934848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56426-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute leukaemias express high levels of MYB which are required for the initiation and maintenance of the disease. Inhibition of MYB expression or activity has been shown to suppress MLL-fusion oncoprotein-induced acute myeloid leukaemias (AML), which are among the most aggressive forms of AML, and indeed MYB transcription has been reported to be regulated by the MLL-AF9 oncoprotein. This highlights the importance of understanding the mechanism of MYB transcriptional regulation in these leukaemias. Here we have demonstrated that the MLL-AF9 fusion protein regulates MYB transcription directly at the promoter region, in part by recruiting the transcriptional regulator kinase CDK9, and CDK9 inhibition effectively suppresses MYB expression as well as cell proliferation. However, MYB regulation by MLL-AF9 does not require H3K79 methylation mediated by the methyltransferase DOT1L, which has also been shown to be a key mediator of MLL-AF9 leukemogenicity. The identification of specific, essential and druggable transcriptional regulators may enable effective targeting of MYB expression, which in turn could potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches for acute myeloid leukaemia with MLL-AF9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Cao
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Partha Mitra
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, TRI, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas J Gonda
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. .,University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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21
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Xu X, Eshima S, Kato S, Fisher DE, Sakurai H, Hayakawa Y, Yokoyama S. Rational Combination Therapy for Melanoma with Dinaciclib by Targeting BAK-Dependent Cell Death. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 19:627-636. [PMID: 31744894 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Mutation of the oncogene BRAF is among the most common genetic alterations in melanoma. BRAF inhibitors alone or in combination with MEK inhibitors fail to eradicate the tumor in most patients due to combinations of intrinsic or acquired resistance. Therefore, novel strategies are needed to improve the therapeutic efficacy of BRAF inhibition. We demonstrated that dinaciclib has potent antimelanoma effects by inducing BAK-dependent apoptosis through MCL1 reduction. Contrary to dinaciclib, the inhibitors of BRAF/MEK/CDK4/6 induced apoptosis dominantly through a BAX-dependent mechanism. Although the combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors did not exhibit additive antimelanoma effects, their combination with dinaciclib synergistically inhibited melanoma growth both in vitro and in vivo Collectively, our present findings suggest dinaciclib to be an effective complementary drug of BAX-dependent antimelanoma drugs by targeting BAK-mediated apoptosis, and other such rational drug combinations can be determined by identifying complementary drugs activating either BAK or BAX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoou Xu
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shizuka Eshima
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Kato
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
| | - David E Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
| | - Hiroaki Sakurai
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoru Yokoyama
- Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. .,Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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22
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Taibi A, Lin Z, Tsao R, Thompson LU, Comelli EM. Effects of Flaxseed and Its Components on Mammary Gland MiRNome: Identification of Potential Biomarkers to Prevent Breast Cancer Development. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11112656. [PMID: 31689992 PMCID: PMC6893416 DOI: 10.3390/nu11112656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. We previously showed that early-life exposure to flaxseed (FS) or its components, FS oil (FSO) and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), affects the mammary gland (MG) and is associated with the reduction of breast cancer risk during adulthood. However, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FS, FSO, and SDG on the MG miRNA signature at a late stage of development. Female C57BL/6 mice, 4–5 weeks of age, were randomized into four groups to receive: (i) basal AIN-93G, (ii) 10% FS, (iii) 3.67% FSO, or (iv) 0.15% SDG. After 21 days, the mice were sacrificed and MG miRNAs were profiled. Diet-specific MG miRNA signatures were identified. Deregulated miRNAs were associated with breast cancer and targeted genes involved in MG development, growth, and cancer. The study allowed for the identification of potential biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets to prevent and/or reduce the risk of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Taibi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Rong Tsao
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, West Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada.
| | - Lilian U Thompson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Elena M Comelli
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Joannah and Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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23
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Wang J, Dean DC, Hornicek FJ, Shi H, Duan Z. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target in ovarian cancer. FASEB J 2019; 33:5990-6000. [PMID: 30726104 PMCID: PMC6463912 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801789rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite surgical and chemotherapeutic advances over the past few decades, the prognosis for ovarian cancer remains very poor. Although cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 9 has an established pathogenic role in various cancers, its function in ovarian cancer remains poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of CDK9 and its therapeutic potential in ovarian cancer. CDK9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in a unique ovarian cancer tissue microarray constructed with paired primary, metastatic, and recurrent tumor tissues from 26 ovarian cancer patients. CDK9 was highly expressed in human ovarian cancer cell lines and was also elevated in metastatic and recurrent ovarian tumor tissue compared with patient-matched primary ovarian tumor tissue. In addition, increased CDK9 significantly correlated with poor patient prognosis. Inhibition of CDK9 by small interfering RNA or CDK9 inhibitor functionally suppressed RNA transcription elongation, induced apoptosis, and reduced proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Inhibition of CDK9 also suppressed ovarian cancer cell spheroid growth, clonogenicity formation, and migration activity. Our results reveal CDK9 as a novel prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for preventing metastasis and recurrence while also improving the overall clinical outcome for ovarian cancer patients.-Wang, J., Dean, D. C., Hornicek, F. J., Shi, H., Duan, Z. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China;,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dylan C. Dean
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Francis J. Hornicek
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Huirong Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China;,Correspondence: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Rd., Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China. E-mail:
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China;,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA,Correspondence: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine,University of California–Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. E-mail:
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24
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Yang RM, Nanayakkara D, Kalimutho M, Mitra P, Khanna KK, Dray E, Gonda TJ. MYB regulates the DNA damage response and components of the homology-directed repair pathway in human estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2019; 38:5239-5249. [PMID: 30971760 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0789-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over 70% of human breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), most of which express MYB. In these and other cell types, the MYB transcription factor regulates the expression of many genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenesis, and apoptosis. So far, no clear link has been established between MYB and the DNA damage response in breast cancer. Here, we found that silencing MYB in the ER+ breast cancer cell line MCF-7 led to increased DNA damage accumulation, as marked by increased γ-H2AX foci following induction of double-stranded breaks. We further found that this was likely mediated by decreased homologous recombination-mediated repair (HRR), since silencing MYB impaired the formation of RAD51 foci in response to DNA damage. Moreover, cells depleted for MYB exhibited reduced expression of several key genes involved in HRR including BRCA1, PALB2, and TOPBP1. Taken together, these data imply that MYB and its targets play an important role in the response of ER+ breast cancer cells to DNA damage, and suggest that induction of DNA damage along with inhibition of MYB activity could offer therapeutic benefits for ER+ breast cancer and possibly other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Ming Yang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Keck School of Medicine at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Campus, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Devathri Nanayakkara
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Murugan Kalimutho
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Partha Mitra
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, TRI, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Eloise Dray
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovations, QUT at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,Mater Research/UQ at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA.
| | - Thomas J Gonda
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia. .,University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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25
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Nguyen T, Parker R, Zhang Y, Hawkins E, Kmieciak M, Craun W, Grant S. Homoharringtonine interacts synergistically with bortezomib in NHL cells through MCL-1 and NOXA-dependent mechanisms. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1129. [PMID: 30445933 PMCID: PMC6240231 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5018-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interactions between the protein synthesis inhibitor homoharringtonine (HHT) and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib were investigated in DLBCL and mantle cell lymphoma cells (MCL). Methods Various DLBCL and MCL cells were exposed to HHT and bortezomib alone or together after which apoptosis and signaling pathway perturbations were monitored by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. Xenograft mouse models were used to assess tumor growth and animal survival. Results HHT and bortezomib co-administration synergistically induced apoptosis in GC-, ABC- and double-hit DLBCL cells. Similar interactions were observed in MCL cells and in primary lymphoma cells. HHT/bortezomib co-administration diminished binding of MCL-1 to both BAK and NOXA. Knock-down of NOXA significantly diminished lethality whereas MCL-1 knock-down or ectopic NOXA expression increased cell death. Notably, HHT/bortezomib lethality was dramatically reduced in BAK knockout or knockdown cells. Finally, HHT/bortezomib co-administration significantly improved survival compared to single agents in GC- and ABC- xenograft models while exhibiting little toxicity. Conclusions These findings indicate that HHT and bortezomib cooperate to kill DLBCL and MCL cells through a process involving MCL-1 down-regulation, NOXA up-regulation, and BAK activation. They also suggest that a strategy combining HHT with bortezomib warrants attention in DLBCL and MCL. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5018-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tri Nguyen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Room 229 Goodwin Research Building, 401 College Street, Richmond, VA, 23229, USA.,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca Parker
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Room 229 Goodwin Research Building, 401 College Street, Richmond, VA, 23229, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Room 229 Goodwin Research Building, 401 College Street, Richmond, VA, 23229, USA
| | - Elisa Hawkins
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Room 229 Goodwin Research Building, 401 College Street, Richmond, VA, 23229, USA
| | - Maciej Kmieciak
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - William Craun
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Room 229 Goodwin Research Building, 401 College Street, Richmond, VA, 23229, USA
| | - Steven Grant
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Room 229 Goodwin Research Building, 401 College Street, Richmond, VA, 23229, USA. .,Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA.
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26
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Mitra P. Transcription regulation of MYB: a potential and novel therapeutic target in cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:443. [PMID: 30596073 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.09.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Basal transcription factors have never been considered as a priority target in the field of drug discovery. However, their unparalleled roles in decoding the genetic information in response to the appropriate signal and their association with the disease progression are very well-established phenomena. Instead of considering transcription factors as such a target, in this review, we discuss about the potential of the regulatory mechanisms that control their gene expression. Based on our recent understanding about the critical roles of c-MYB at the cellular and molecular level in several types of cancers, we discuss here how MLL-fusion protein centred SEC in leukaemia, ligand-estrogen receptor (ER) complex in breast cancer (BC) and NF-κB and associated factors in colorectal cancer regulate the transcription of this gene. We further discuss plausible strategies, specific to each cancer type, to target those bona fide activators/co-activators, which control the regulation of this gene and therefore to shed fresh light in targeting the transcriptional regulation as a novel approach to the future drug discovery in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Mitra
- Pre-clinical Division, Vaxxas Pty. Ltd. Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia
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27
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Schlafstein AJ, Withers AE, Rudra S, Danelia D, Switchenko JM, Mister D, Harari S, Zhang H, Daddacha W, Ehdaivand S, Li X, Torres MA, Yu DS. CDK9 Expression Shows Role as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Breast Cancer Patients Who Fail to Achieve Pathologic Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. Int J Breast Cancer 2018; 2018:6945129. [PMID: 30405916 PMCID: PMC6204190 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6945129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Failure to achieve pathologic complete response is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). However, prognostic biomarkers for clinical outcome are unclear in this patient population. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is often dysregulated in breast cancer, and its deficiency results in genomic instability. We reviewed the records of 84 breast cancer patients from Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute who had undergone surgical resection after NACT and had tissue available for tissue microarray analysis (TMA). Data recorded included disease presentation, treatment, pathologic response, overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence free survival (LRRFS), distant-failure free survival (DFFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and event-free survival (EFS). Immunohistochemistry was performed on patient samples to determine CDK9 expression levels after NACT. Protein expression was linked with clinical data to determine significance. In a Cox proportional hazards model, using a time-dependent covariate to evaluate the risk of death between groups beyond 3 years, high CDK9 expression was significantly associated with an increase in OS (HR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07-0.98, p=0.046). However, Kaplan-Meier curves for OS, LRRFS, DFFS, RFS, and EFS did not reach statistical significance. The results of this study indicate that CDK9 may have a potential role as a prognostic biomarker in patients with breast cancer following NACT. However, further validation studies with increased sample sizes are needed to help elucidate the prognostic role for CDK9 in the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley J. Schlafstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Allison E. Withers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Soumon Rudra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Diana Danelia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Switchenko
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Donna Mister
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Saul Harari
- Department of Pathology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Waaqo Daddacha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shahrzad Ehdaivand
- Department of Pathology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Xiaoxian Li
- Department of Pathology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mylin A. Torres
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - David S. Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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28
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Schütz LF, Hurst RE, Schreiber NB, Spicer LJ. Transcriptome profiling of bovine ovarian theca cells treated with fibroblast growth factor 9. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2018; 63:48-58. [PMID: 29413902 PMCID: PMC5837950 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We reported previously that fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) acts as an antidifferentiation factor, stimulating proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) while suppressing hormone-induced steroidogenesis of these cells. How FGF9 acts to simultaneously suppress steroidogenesis and stimulate proliferation remains to be fully elucidated. Thus, this study was undertaken to clarify the effects of FGF9 on the TC transcriptome. Ovaries were obtained from beef heifers at a local abattoir, TCs were isolated from large antral follicles, and cultured with or without 30 ng/mL of FGF9 for 24 h in the presence of LH and IGF-1. After treatment, total RNA was extracted from TC and processed for microarray using Affymetrix GeneChip Bovine Genome Arrays (n = 4/group). Transcriptome analysis comparing FGF9-treated TC with control TC using 1.3-fold cutoff, and a P < 0.05 significance level identified 355 differentially expressed transcripts, with 164 elements upregulated and 191 elements downregulated by FGF9. The ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was used to investigate how FGF9 treatment affects molecular pathways, biological functions, and the connection between molecules in bovine TC. The IPA software identified 346 pathways in response to FGF9 in TC involved in several biological functions and unveiled interesting relationships among genes related to cell proliferation (eg, CCND1, FZD5, and MYB), antioxidation/cytoprotection (eg, HMOX1 and NQO1), and steroidogenesis (eg, CYP11A1 and STAR). Overall, genes, pathways, and networks identified in this study painted a picture of how FGF9 may regulate folliculogenesis, providing novel candidate genes for further investigation of FGF9 functions in ovarian follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Schütz
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - R E Hurst
- Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - N B Schreiber
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - L J Spicer
- Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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29
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Antitumor effects of cyclin dependent kinase 9 inhibition in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:28696-28710. [PMID: 28404924 PMCID: PMC5438684 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Role of cyclin dependent kinase 9(CDK9) as a potential target in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is unknown. We investigated CDK9 protein expression in EAC and Barrett's esophagus and role of CDK9 in oncogenic processes of EAC in vitro and in murine xenografts. The CDK9 expression was significantly higher in EAC as compared to Barrett's esophagus in patient samples. Stable shCDK9 in SKGT4 reduced proliferation by 37% at day 4, increased apoptosis at 48 hours and induced G1 cell cycle arrest at 48 hours (58.4% vs. 45.8%) compared to controls SKGT4 cells. SKGT4-shCDK9 cell-derived tumors were significantly smaller than control SKGT4-derived tumors in xenografts (72.89mm3 vs. 270mm3). Pharmaceutical inhibition of CDK9 by Flavopiridol (0.1µm for 48 hours) and CAN508 (20 and 40µm for 72 hours) induced significant reduction in proliferation and 2-fold increase in apoptosis in SKGT4, FLO1 and OE33 cells. In xenograft models, CAN508 (60 mg/kg/dayx10 days) and Flavopiridol (4mg/kg/dayx10 days) caused 50.8% and 63.1% reduction in xenograft tumors as compared to control on post-treatment day 21. Reduction of MCL-1 and phosphorylated RNA polymerase II was observed with transient shCDK9 in SKGT4 cells but not with stable shCDK9. CAN508 (20 and 40 µm) and Flavopiridol (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 µm) for 4 hours showed reduction in MCL-1 mRNA (84% and 96%) and protein. Mcl-1 overexpression conferred resistance to Flavopiridol (0.2 µm or 0.4 µm for 48 hours) and CAN 508 (20 or 40µm for 72 hours). Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated significant reduction of binding of transcriptional factor HIF-1α to MCL-1 promoter in FLO-1 cells by CDK9 inhibitors.
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30
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Tang W, Wang W, Zhao Y, Zhao Z. MicroRNA-874 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 in osteosarcoma. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:7649-7654. [PMID: 29725464 PMCID: PMC5920401 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) perform important roles in the development and progression of human malignancy. miR-874, as a tumor suppressor, is decreased in malignant tumors, including osteosarcoma. However, the potential mechanism of miR-874 in osteosarcoma remains largely unknown. In the present study, a dual-luciferase reporter system supported cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) as a direct target gene of miR-874. miR-874 mimics evidently repressed CDK9 expression in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines exhibited increased expression of CDK9, and CDK9 expression levels were inversely correlated (R=−0.725) with that of miR-874 in osteosarcoma tissues. Finally, CDK9 overexpression reversed the potential effect of miR-874 on the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Overall, the results revealed that miR-874, as a tumor suppressor, is involved in osteosarcoma progression and metastasis by targeting CDK9, indicating that the miR-874/CDK9 pathway may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Weiguang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Yuchi Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongyuan Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
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31
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Liu X, Xu Y, Han L, Yi Y. Reassessing the Potential of Myb-targeted Anti-cancer Therapy. J Cancer 2018; 9:1259-1266. [PMID: 29675107 PMCID: PMC5907674 DOI: 10.7150/jca.23992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor MYB is essential for the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers, especially leukemia, breast cancer, colon cancer, adenoid cystic carcinoma and brain cancer. Thus, MYB has been regarded as an attractive target for tumor therapy. However, pioneer studies of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against MYB, which were launched three decades ago in leukemia therapy, were discontinued because of their unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. In recent years, the roles of MYB in tumor transformation have become increasingly clear. Moreover, the regulatory mechanisms of MYB, such as the vital effects of MYB co-regulators on MYB activity and of transcriptional elongation on MYB expression, have been unveiled. These observations have underpinned novel approaches in inhibiting MYB. This review discusses the structure, function and regulation of MYB, focusing on recent insights into MYB-associated oncogenesis and how MYB-targeted therapeutics can be explored. Additionally, the main MYB-targeted therapies, including novel genetic therapy, RNA interference, microRNAs and low-molecular-weight compounds, which are especially promising inhibitors that target MYB co-regulators and transcriptional elongation, are described, and their prospects are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Liu
- Department of Hematology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yunxiao Xu
- Department of Hematology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Liping Han
- School of Life Science, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, Jilin Province, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yi
- Department of Hematology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, P.R. China
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Pharmacological perturbation of CDK9 using selective CDK9 inhibition or degradation. Nat Chem Biol 2017; 14:163-170. [PMID: 29251720 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), an important regulator of transcriptional elongation, is a promising target for cancer therapy, particularly for cancers driven by transcriptional dysregulation. We characterized NVP-2, a selective ATP-competitive CDK9 inhibitor, and THAL-SNS-032, a selective CDK9 degrader consisting of a CDK-binding SNS-032 ligand linked to a thalidomide derivative that binds the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cereblon (CRBN). To our surprise, THAL-SNS-032 induced rapid degradation of CDK9 without affecting the levels of other SNS-032 targets. Moreover, the transcriptional changes elicited by THAL-SNS-032 were more like those caused by NVP-2 than those induced by SNS-032. Notably, compound washout did not significantly reduce levels of THAL-SNS-032-induced apoptosis, suggesting that CDK9 degradation had prolonged cytotoxic effects compared with CDK9 inhibition. Thus, our findings suggest that thalidomide conjugation represents a promising strategy for converting multi-targeted inhibitors into selective degraders and reveal that kinase degradation can induce distinct pharmacological effects compared with inhibition.
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33
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Franco LC, Morales F, Boffo S, Giordano A. CDK9: A key player in cancer and other diseases. J Cell Biochem 2017; 119:1273-1284. [PMID: 28722178 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) is part of a functional diverse group of enzymes responsible for cell cycle control and progression. It associates mainly with Cyclin T1 and forms the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b (p-TEFb) complex responsible for regulation of transcription elongation and mRNA maturation. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of CDK9 in many relevant pathologic processes, like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and viral replication. Herein we provide an overview of the different pathways in which CDK9 is directly and indirectly involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Carolina Franco
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de las Americas (UDLA), Quito, Ecuador.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Pennsylvania
| | - Fátima Morales
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Pennsylvania.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Boffo
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Pennsylvania
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, PA, Pennsylvania.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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34
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Pang C, Huang G, Luo K, Dong Y, He F, Du G, Xiao M, Cai W. miR-206 inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via targeting CDK9. Cancer Med 2017; 6:2398-2409. [PMID: 28940993 PMCID: PMC5633544 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
miR‐206 plays an important role in regulating the growth of multiple cancer cells. Cyclin‐dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) stimulates the production of abundant prosurvival proteins, leading to impaired apoptosis of cancer cells. However, it is unknown whether CDK9 is involved in the miR‐206‐mediated growth suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In this study, we found that the expression level of miR‐206 was significantly lower in HCC cell lines than that in normal hepatic cell line (L02). Meanwhile, CDK9 was upregulated in HCC cell lines. Moreover, miR‐206 downregulated CDK9 in HCC cells via directly binding to its mRNA 3′ UTR, which resulted in a decrease of RNA PolII Ser2 phosphorylation and Mcl‐1 level. Additionally, miR‐206 suppressed the cell proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Similarly, silence or inhibition of CDK9 also repressed the cell proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Taken together, the results demonstrated that miR‐206 inhibited the growth of HCC cells through targeting CDK9, suggesting that the miR‐206‐CDK9 pathway may be a novel target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Pang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Kaili Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, China
| | - Yuying Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, China
| | - Fengtian He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Guankui Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, China
| | - Man Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, China
| | - Wangwei Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, 570102, China
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35
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Ness SA. Editorial: Targeting MYB Oncogene Expression in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. J Natl Cancer Inst 2017; 109:3845955. [PMID: 28954283 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djx054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Ness
- Department of Internal Medicine/Molecular Medicine and UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
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36
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Lu Y, Tang L, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Wei W. MicroRNA-613 inhibits the progression of gastric cancer by targeting CDK9. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 46:980-984. [PMID: 28701053 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1351983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development and progression of human malignancy. miR-613, as a tumour suppressor, was reported to decrease in several tumours. However, the expression levels and role of miR-613 in gastric cancer remain unknown. In this study, we found that miR-613 was evidently downregulated in gastric cancer tissue and cell. The functional analysis showed that miR-613 suppressed cell proliferation and migration in gastric cancer. Next, the dual-luciferase reporter system supported CDK9 as a direct target gene of miR-613. miR-613 mimics evidently repressed CDK9 expression in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that CDK9 in upregulated in gastric cancer and the CDK9 expression levels were inversely correlated with that of miR-613 in gastric cancer tissues. Overall, the results revealed that miR-613, as a tumour suppressor, involves in gastric cancer progression and metastasis by targeting CDK9, implying a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yebin Lu
- a Department of General Surgery , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Ling Tang
- b Department of Pharmacy , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Qi Zhang
- a Department of General Surgery , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Zhipeng Zhang
- a Department of General Surgery , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Wei Wei
- a Department of General Surgery , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
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37
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Yu X, Liu W, Fan Z, Qian F, Zhang D, Han Y, Xu L, Sun G, Qi J, Zhang S, Tang M, Li J, Chai R, Wang H. c-Myb knockdown increases the neomycin-induced damage to hair-cell-like HEI-OC1 cells in vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41094. [PMID: 28112219 PMCID: PMC5253735 DOI: 10.1038/srep41094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Myb is a transcription factor that plays a key role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. It has been reported that c-Myb is expressed within the chicken otic placode, but whether c-Myb exists in the mammalian cochlea, and how it exerts its effects, has not been explored yet. Here, we investigated the expression of c-Myb in the postnatal mouse cochlea and HEI-OC1 cells and found that c-Myb was expressed in the hair cells (HCs) of mouse cochlea as well as in cultured HEI-OC1 cells. Next, we demonstrated that c-Myb expression was decreased in response to neomycin treatment in both cochlear HCs and HEI-OC1 cells, suggesting an otoprotective role for c-Myb. We then knocked down c-Myb expression with shRNA transfection in HEI-OC1 cells and found that c-Myb knockdown decreased cell viability, increased expression of pro-apoptotic factors, and enhanced cell apoptosis after neomycin insult. Mechanistic studies revealed that c-Myb knockdown increased cellular levels of reactive oxygen species and decreased Bcl-2 expression, both of which are likely to be responsible for the increased sensitivity of c-Myb knockdown cells to neomycin. This study provides evidence that c-Myb might serve as a new target for the prevention of aminoglycoside-induced HC loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yu
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Otology, Jinan, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Otology, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaomin Fan
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fuping Qian
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Daogong Zhang
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuechen Han
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gaoying Sun
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Otology, Jinan, China
| | - Jieyu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Mingliang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Otology, Jinan, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Otology, Jinan, China
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38
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Andersson MK, Stenman G. The landscape of gene fusions and somatic mutations in salivary gland neoplasms - Implications for diagnosis and therapy. Oral Oncol 2016; 57:63-9. [PMID: 27101980 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies of the genomic landscape of salivary gland tumors have provided important insights into the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors. The most consistent alterations identified include a translocation-generated gene fusion network involving transcription factors, transcriptional coactivators, tyrosine kinase receptors, and other kinases. In addition, next-generation sequencing studies of a few subtypes of salivary neoplasms have revealed hotspot mutations in individual genes and mutations clustering to specific pathways frequently altered in cancer. Although limited, these studies have opened up new avenues for improved classification and targeted therapies of salivary gland cancers. In this review, we summarize the latest developments in this field, focusing on tumor types for which clinically important molecular data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias K Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Stenman
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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