1
|
Liu D, Li H, Ouyang J. Roles of DEPDC1 in various types of cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 28:518. [PMID: 39296974 PMCID: PMC11409430 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Dishevelled, EGL-10 and pleckstrin domain-containing 1 (DEPDC1) has been identified as a crucial factor in the development and progression of various types of cancer. This protein, which is largely undetectable in normal tissues but is highly expressed in numerous tumor types, serves a significant role in cell mitosis, proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, autophagy and apoptosis. Furthermore, DEPDC1 is implicated in several key signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo pathways, which are essential for cell proliferation and survival. The expression of DEPDC1 has been linked to poor prognosis and survival rates in multiple types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Notably, DEPDC1 has been suggested to have potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker, as well as a therapeutic target. Its involvement in critical signaling pathways suggests that targeting DEPDC1 could inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, thereby improving patient outcomes. In addition, clinical trials have shown promising results for DEPDC1-derived peptide vaccines, indicating their safety and potential efficacy in cancer treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review addressing the role of DEPDC1 in cancer. Through a critical analysis of existing studies, the present review aimed to consolidate existing knowledge and highlight gaps in understanding, paving the way for future research to elucidate the complex interactions of DEPDC1 in the context of cancer biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danqi Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Haima Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
| | - Jia Ouyang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao Y, Liu B, Guo X, Nie J, Zou H, Wen S, Yu W, Liang H. Interferon regulatory factor 4 deletion protects against kidney inflammation and fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone acetate/salt hypertension. J Hypertens 2023; 41:794-810. [PMID: 36883469 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation and renal interstitial fibrosis are the main pathological features of hypertensive nephropathy. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4) has an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. However, its role in hypertension-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis remains unexplored. METHOD AND RESULTS We showed that deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt resulted in an elevation of blood pressure and that there was no difference between wild-type and IRF-4 knockout mice. IRF-4 -/- mice presented less severe renal dysfunction, albuminuria, and fibrotic response after DOCA-salt stress compared with wild-type mice. Loss of IRF-4 inhibited extracellular matrix protein deposition and suppressed fibroblasts activation in the kidneys of mice subjected to DOCA-salt treatment. IRF-4 disruption impaired bone marrow-derived fibroblasts activation and macrophages to myofibroblasts transition in the kidneys in response to DOCA-salt treatment. IRF-4 deletion impeded the infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreased the production of proinflammatory molecules in injured kidneys. IRF-4 deficiency activated phosphatase and tensin homolog and weakened phosphoinositide-3 kinase/AKT signaling pathway in vivo or in vitro . In cultured monocytes, TGFβ1 also induced expression of fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin and stimulated the transition of macrophages to myofibroblasts, which was blocked in the absence of IRF-4. Finally, macrophages depletion blunted macrophages to myofibroblasts transition, inhibited myofibroblasts accumulation, and ameliorated kidney injury and fibrosis. CONCLUSION Collectively, IRF-4 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of kidney inflammation and fibrosis in DOCA-salt hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan
| | - Benquan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan
| | | | - Jiayi Nie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan
| | - Hao Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Foshan Women and Children Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan
| | - Shihong Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqiang Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan
| | - Hua Liang
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Foshan Women and Children Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang BF, Yan RC, Wang SW, Zeng ZC, Du SS. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase in tumor cell and tumor microenvironment: Emerging player and promising therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2023; 560:216126. [PMID: 36933780 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a member of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) protein family, which is widely and highly expressed in multiple cancer types. Through direct and indirect interactions with other proteins, it mediates various cascades of signal transduction processes and plays an important role in regulating tumor cell survival, growth, invasion and migration and other biological functions. Interestingly, MELK also plays an important role in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment, which can not only predict the responsiveness of immunotherapy, but also affect the function of immune cells to regulate tumor progression. In addition, more and more small molecule inhibitors have been developed for the target of MELK, which exert important anti-tumor effects and have achieved excellent results in a number of clinical trials. In this review, we outline the structural features, molecular biological functions, potential regulatory mechanisms and important roles of MELK in tumors and tumor microenvironment, as well as substances targeting MELK. Although many molecular mechanisms of MELK in the process of tumor regulation are still unknown, it is worth affirming that MELK is a potential tumor molecular therapeutic target, and its unique superiority and important role provide clues and confidence for subsequent basic research and scientific transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bu-Fu Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruo-Chen Yan
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si-Wei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Chong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Suo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Fenglin Road 188, 200030, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qiu J, Tang Y, Liu L, Yu J, Chen Z, Chen H, Yuan R. FOXM1 is regulated by DEPDC1 to facilitate development and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:815998. [PMID: 36072787 PMCID: PMC9443502 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.815998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Disheveled, EGL-10, Pleckstrin domain containing 1 (DEPDC1) is a new oncogene that has recently been described. The mechanisms and functions of its expression are yet to be determined in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present study, the impact of DEPDC1 on the growth and development of OSCC was investigated using animal models, cell lines and human tissue samples. Elevated DEPDC1 expression within cancer cell lines and human OSCC has been identified. Mechanistic examination showed that restored DEPDC1 expression in vivo and in vitro stimulated OSCC tumour development. In addition, FOXM1 interacts with DEPDC1 as indicated by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence testing. Functionally, DEPDC1 facilitated Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction and β-catenin protein nuclear expression. In summary, the DEPDC1, interacting with FOXM1 via Wnt/β-catenin signaling, the closely regulated OSCC pathogenesis, suggesting that targeting the novel DEPDC1/FOXM1/β-catenin complex is an essential OSCC therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qiu
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yongping Tang
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jiangbo Yu
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenggang Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
- Research Institute of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Rongtao Yuan, ; Hao Chen,
| | - Rongtao Yuan
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Rongtao Yuan, ; Hao Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Feng S, Lou K, Zou X, Zou J, Zhang G. The Potential Role of Exosomal Proteins in Prostate Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:873296. [PMID: 35747825 PMCID: PMC9209716 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.873296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor in men across developed countries. Traditional diagnostic and therapeutic methods for this tumor have become increasingly difficult to adapt to today’s medical philosophy, thus compromising early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Prospecting for new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets has become a hot topic in today’s research. Notably, exosomes, small vesicles characterized by a phospholipid bilayer structure released by cells that is capable of delivering different types of cargo that target specific cells to regulate biological properties, have been extensively studied. Exosomes composition, coupled with their interactions with cells make them multifaceted regulators in cancer development. Numerous studies have described the role of prostate cancer-derived exosomal proteins in diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. However, so far, there is no relevant literature to systematically summarize its role in tumors, which brings obstacles to the later research of related proteins. In this review, we summarize exosomal proteins derived from prostate cancer from different sources and summarize their roles in tumor development and drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shangzhi Feng
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Kecheng Lou
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ganna Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junrong Zou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ganna Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Junrong Zou, ; Guoxi Zhang,
| | - Guoxi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ganna Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Junrong Zou, ; Guoxi Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alaterre E, Vikova V, Kassambara A, Bruyer A, Robert N, Requirand G, Bret C, Herbaux C, Vincent L, Cartron G, Elemento O, Moreaux J. RNA-Sequencing-Based Transcriptomic Score with Prognostic and Theranostic Values in Multiple Myeloma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11100988. [PMID: 34683129 PMCID: PMC8541503 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11100988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most frequent hematological cancer and is characterized by the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells. Genome-wide expression profiling (GEP) analysis with DNA microarrays has emerged as a powerful tool for biomedical research, generating a huge amount of data. Microarray analyses have improved our understanding of MM disease and have led to important clinical applications. In MM, GEP has been used to stratify patients, define risk, identify therapeutic targets, predict treatment response, and understand drug resistance. In this study, we built a gene risk score for 267 genes using RNA-seq data that demonstrated a prognostic value in two independent cohorts (n = 674 and n = 76) of newly diagnosed MM patients treated with high-dose Melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation. High-risk patients were associated with the expression of genes involved in several major pathways implicated in MM pathophysiology, including interferon response, cell proliferation, hypoxia, IL-6 signaling pathway, stem cell genes, MYC, and epigenetic deregulation. The RNA-seq-based risk score was correlated with specific MM somatic mutation profiles and responses to targeted treatment including EZH2, MELK, TOPK/PBK, and Aurora kinase inhibitors, outlining potential utility for precision medicine strategies in MM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina Alaterre
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34395 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (V.V.); (A.K.); (A.B.); (C.B.); (C.H.)
| | - Veronika Vikova
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34395 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (V.V.); (A.K.); (A.B.); (C.B.); (C.H.)
| | - Alboukadel Kassambara
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34395 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (V.V.); (A.K.); (A.B.); (C.B.); (C.H.)
- Diag2Tec, 34395 Montpellier, France
| | - Angélique Bruyer
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34395 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (V.V.); (A.K.); (A.B.); (C.B.); (C.H.)
- Diag2Tec, 34395 Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Robert
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France; (N.R.); (G.R.)
| | - Guilhem Requirand
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France; (N.R.); (G.R.)
| | - Caroline Bret
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34395 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (V.V.); (A.K.); (A.B.); (C.B.); (C.H.)
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France; (N.R.); (G.R.)
- UFR de Médecine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France;
| | - Charles Herbaux
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34395 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (V.V.); (A.K.); (A.B.); (C.B.); (C.H.)
- UFR de Médecine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France;
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France;
| | - Laure Vincent
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France;
| | - Guillaume Cartron
- UFR de Médecine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France;
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France;
- IGMM, UMR CNRS-UM 5535, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Jérôme Moreaux
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-UM, 34395 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (V.V.); (A.K.); (A.B.); (C.B.); (C.H.)
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, 34395 Montpellier, France; (N.R.); (G.R.)
- UFR de Médecine, University of Montpellier, 34003 Montpellier, France;
- IUF, Institut Universitaire de France, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)4-67-33-79-03
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu F, Gong C, Gai Y, Jiang D, Liu Q, Wang S, Hu M, Pi R, Shu H, Hu J, Lan X. [ 18F]F-ET-OTSSP167 Targets Maternal Embryo Leucine Zipper Kinase for PET Imaging of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3544-3552. [PMID: 34482695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00454] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Maternal embryo leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a serine/threonine kinase and is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aimed to develop a 18F-radiolabeled tracer based on the structure of a small-molecule MELK inhibitor OTSSP167 and evaluate its application for PET imaging of MELK expression in TNBC. OTSSP167 was modified with ethylene glycol to adjust its pharmacokinetics and was then radiolabeled with 18F to obtain [18F]F-ET-OTSSP167 at a labeling yield of 7.14 ± 2.19% and a molar activity of 16.23 ± 1.13 MBq/nmol. In vitro binding assays showed differentiated binding affinities of [18F]F-ET-OTSSP167 in different breast cancer cell lines, with high uptake in MDA-MB-231 (mild MELK expression) and low uptake in MCF-7 (negative MELK expression). PET imaging revealed that MDA-MB-231 tumors could be clearly delineated in vivo, while low tracer uptake was observed in MCF-7 tumors. These findings were confirmed by ex vivo biodistribution studies and were consistent with the immunohistochemistry and tissue staining results. Tracer accumulation in MDA-MB-231 tumors was significantly inhibited by excess amounts of OTSSP167, indicating high specificity of the tracer. In summary, [18F]F-ET-OTSSP167, an easily-prepared probe, can be used to visualize MELK positive tumors, demonstrating its promising clinical potential in selecting patients for MELK inhibitor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chengpeng Gong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yongkang Gai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Dawei Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Qingyao Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Mengmeng Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Rundong Pi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Hua Shu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaoli Lan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sasaki K, Terker AS, Pan Y, Li Z, Cao S, Wang Y, Niu A, Wang S, Fan X, Zhang MZ, Harris RC. Deletion of Myeloid Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (Irf4) in Mouse Model Protects against Kidney Fibrosis after Ischemic Injury by Decreased Macrophage Recruitment and Activation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:1037-1052. [PMID: 33619052 PMCID: PMC8259665 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020071010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AKI is characterized by abrupt and reversible kidney dysfunction, and incomplete recovery leads to chronic kidney injury. Previous studies by us and others have indicated that macrophage infiltration and polarization play key roles in recovery from AKI. The role in AKI recovery played by IFN regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), a mediator of polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype, is unclear. METHODS We used mice with myeloid or macrophage cell-specific deletion of Irf4 (MΦ Irf4-/- ) to evaluate Irf4's role in renal macrophage polarization and development of fibrosis after severe AKI. RESULTS Surprisingly, although macrophage Irf4 deletion had a minimal effect on early renal functional recovery from AKI, it resulted in decreased renal fibrosis 4 weeks after severe AKI, in association with less-activated macrophages. Macrophage Irf4 deletion also protected against renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction. Bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs) from MΦ Irf4-/- mice had diminished chemotactic responses to macrophage chemoattractants, with decreased activation of AKT and PI3 kinase and increased PTEN expression. PI3K and AKT inhibitors markedly decreased chemotaxis in wild-type BMDMs, and in a cultured macrophage cell line. There was significant inhibition of homing of labeled Irf4-/- BMDMs to postischemic kidneys. Renal macrophage infiltration in response to AKI was markedly decreased in MΦ Irf4-/- mice or in wild-type mice with inhibition of AKT activity. CONCLUSIONS Deletion of Irf4 from myeloid cells protected against development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis after severe ischemic renal injury in mice, due primarily to inhibition of AKT-mediated monocyte recruitment to the injured kidney and reduced activation and subsequent polarization into a profibrotic M2 phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Sasaki
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Andrew S. Terker
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Zhilian Li
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shirong Cao
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yinqiu Wang
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Aolei Niu
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Suwan Wang
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Xiaofeng Fan
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ming-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Raymond C. Harris
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Center for Kidney Disease, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
OTS167 blocks FLT3 translation and synergizes with FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3 mutant acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11:48. [PMID: 33658483 PMCID: PMC7930094 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00433-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal tandem duplication (-ITD) mutations of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) provide growth and pro-survival signals in the context of established driver mutations in FLT3 mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is an aberrantly expressed gene identified as a target in AML. The MELK inhibitor OTS167 induces cell death in AML including cells with FLT3 mutations, yet the role of MELK and mechanisms of OTS167 function are not understood. OTS167 alone or in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were used to investigate the effect of OTS167 on FLT3 signaling and expression in human FLT3 mutant AML cell lines and primary cells. We describe a mechanism whereby OTS167 blocks FLT3 expression by blocking FLT3 translation and inhibiting phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E–binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (eIF4B). OTS167 in combination with TKIs results in synergistic induction of FLT3 mutant cell death in FLT3 mutant cell lines and prolonged survival in a FLT3 mutant AML xenograft mouse model. Our findings suggest signaling through MELK is necessary for the translation and expression of FLT3-ITD, and blocking MELK with OTS167 represents a viable therapeutic strategy for patients with FLT3 mutant AML.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ikeda Y, Sato S, Yabuno A, Shintani D, Ogasawara A, Miwa M, Zewde M, Miyamoto T, Fujiwara K, Nakamura Y, Hasegawa K. High expression of maternal embryonic leucine-zipper kinase (MELK) impacts clinical outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer and its inhibition suppresses ovarian cancer cells growth ex vivo. J Gynecol Oncol 2020; 31:e93. [PMID: 33078598 PMCID: PMC7593222 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2020.31.e93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is receiving an attention as a therapeutic target in various types of cancers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of MELK expression in ovarian cancer using clinical samples, and assessed the efficacy of a small molecule MELK inhibitor, OTS167, using patient-derived ovarian cancer cells as well as cell lines. Methods Expression levels of MELK in 11 ovarian cancer cell lines were confirmed by western blotting. Inhibitory concentration of OTS167 was determined by colorimetric assay. MELK messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was evaluated in 228 ovarian cancer patients by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Growth inhibition of OTS167 was also evaluated using freshly-isolated primary ovarian cancer cells including spheroid formation condition. Results MELK mRNA expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer than in normal ovaries (p<0.001), and high MELK mRNA expression was observed in patients with advanced stage, positive ascites cytology and residual tumor size. Patients with high MELK mRNA expression showed shorter progression-free survival (p=0.001). Expression of MELK was also confirmed in 10 of 11 ovarian cancer cell lines tested, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration of MELK inhibitor, OTS167, ranged from 9.3 to 60 nM. Additionally, OTS167 showed significant growth inhibitory effect against patient-derived ovarian cancer cells, regardless of their tumor locations, histologic subtypes and stages. Conclusions We demonstrated MELK as both a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer using clinical ovarian cancer samples. MELK inhibition by OTS167 may be an effective approach to treat ovarian cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Ikeda
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan.,Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sho Sato
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Akira Yabuno
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shintani
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Aiko Ogasawara
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Maiko Miwa
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Makda Zewde
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Keiichi Fujiwara
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakamura
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosei Hasegawa
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Thangaraj K, Ponnusamy L, Natarajan SR, Manoharan R. MELK/MPK38 in cancer: from mechanistic aspects to therapeutic strategies. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2161-2173. [PMID: 33010478 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK)/Murine protein serine-threonine kinase 38 (MPK38) is a member of the AMP-related serine-threonine kinase family, which has been reported to be involved in the regulation of many cellular events, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism, partly by phosphorylation and regulation of several signaling molecules. The abnormal expression of MELK has been associated with tumorigenesis and malignant progression in various types of cancer. Currently, several small-molecule inhibitors of MELK are under investigation although only OTS167 has entered clinical trials. In this review, we elaborate on the relative contributions of MELK pathways in the physiological process, their oncogenic role in carcinogenesis, and targeted agents under development for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Thangaraj
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Lavanya Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Sathan Raj Natarajan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Ravi Manoharan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
McDonald IM, Graves LM. Enigmatic MELK: The controversy surrounding its complex role in cancer. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:8195-8203. [PMID: 32350113 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.013433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ser/Thr protein kinase MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase) has been considered an attractive therapeutic target for managing cancer since 2005. Studies using expression analysis have indicated that MELK expression is higher in numerous cancer cells and tissues than in their normal, nonneoplastic counterparts. Further, RNAi-mediated MELK depletion impairs proliferation of multiple cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and these growth defects can be rescued with exogenous WT MELK, but not kinase-dead MELK complementation. Pharmacological MELK inhibition with OTS167 (alternatively called OTSSP167) and NVS-MELK8a, among other small molecules, also impairs cancer cell growth. These collective results led to MELK being classified as essential for cancer proliferation. More recently, in 2017, the proliferation of TNBC and other cancer cell lines was reported to be unaffected by genetic CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MELK deletion, calling into question the essentiality of this kinase in cancer. To date, the requirement of MELK in cancer remains controversial, and mechanisms underlying the disparate growth effects observed with RNAi, pharmacological inhibition, and CRISPR remain unclear. Our objective with this review is to highlight the evidence on both sides of this controversy, to provide commentary on the purported requirement of MELK in cancer, and to emphasize the need for continued elucidation of the functions of MELK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian M McDonald
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lee M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bolomsky A, Muller J, Stangelberger K, Lejeune M, Duray E, Breid H, Vrancken L, Pfeiffer C, Hübl W, Willheim M, Weetall M, Branstrom A, Zojer N, Caers J, Ludwig H. The anti-mitotic agents PTC-028 and PTC596 display potent activity in pre-clinical models of multiple myeloma but challenge the role of BMI-1 as an essential tumour gene. Br J Haematol 2020; 190:877-890. [PMID: 32232850 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Future progress in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) requires both the characterisation of key drivers of the disease and novel, innovative approaches to tackle these vulnerabilities. The present study focussed on the pre-clinical evaluation of a novel drug class, BMI-1 modulators, in MM. We demonstrate potent activity of PTC-028 and PTC596 in a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo models, including models of drug resistance and stromal support. Treatment of MM cells with PTC-028 and PTC596 downregulated BMI-1 protein levels, which was found to correlate with drug activity. Surprisingly, BMI-1 was dispensable for the activity of BMI-1 modulators and MM cell growth. Our data rather point to mitotic arrest accompanied by myeloid cell leukaemia-1 (MCL-1) loss as key anti-MM mechanisms and reveal impaired MYC and AKT signalling activity due to BMI-1 modulator treatment. Moreover, we observed a complete eradication of MM after PTC596 treatment in the 5TGM.1 in vivo model and define epigenetic compounds and B cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2 homology domain 3 (BH3) mimetics as promising combination partners. These results bring into question the postulated role of BMI-1 as an essential MM gene and confirm BMI-1 modulators as potent anti-mitotic agents with encouraging pre-clinical activity that supports their rapid translation into clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Bolomsky
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joséphine Muller
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kathrin Stangelberger
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margaux Lejeune
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Elodie Duray
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Helene Breid
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Louise Vrancken
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christina Pfeiffer
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Hübl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Willheim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Niklas Zojer
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jo Caers
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Heinz Ludwig
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu Q, Ge Q, Zhou Y, Yang B, Yang Q, Jiang S, Jiang R, Ai Z, Zhang Z, Teng Y. MELK promotes Endometrial carcinoma progression via activating mTOR signaling pathway. EBioMedicine 2020; 51:102609. [PMID: 31915116 PMCID: PMC7000338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.102609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies among women. Maternal embryonic leucine Zipper Kinase (MELK) is upregulated in a variety of human tumors, where it contributes to malignant phenotype and correlates with a poor prognosis. However, the biological function of MELK in EC progression remains largely unknown. Methods We explored the MELK expression in EC using TCGA and GEO databases and verified it using clinical samples by IHC methods. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, cell cycle assay, wound healing assay and subcutaneous xenograft mouse model were generated to estimate the functions of MELK and its inhibitor OTSSP167. qRT-PCR, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay were performed to uncover the underlying mechanism concerning MELK during the progression of EC. Findings MELK was significantly elevated in patients with EC, and high expression of MELK was associated with serous EC, high histological grade, advanced clinical stage and reduced overall survival and disease-free survival. MELK knockdown decreased the ability of cell proliferation and migration in vitro and subcutaneous tumorigenesis in vivo. In addition, high expression of MELK could be regulated by transcription factor E2F1. Moreover, we found that MELK had a direct interaction with MLST8 and then activated mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling pathway for EC progression. Furthermore, OTSSP167, an effective inhibitor, could inhibit cell proliferation driven by MELK in vivo and vitro assays. Interpretation We have explored the crucial role of the E2F1/MELK/mTORC1/2 axis in the progression of EC, which could be served as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of EC. Funding This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No:81672565), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (Grant NO:17ZR1421400 to Dr. Zhihong Ai) and the fundamental research funds for central universities (No: 22120180595).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinyang Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Qiulin Ge
- Centre of assisted reproduction, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Bikang Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Qin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Shuheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Rongzhen Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Zhihong Ai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
| | - Yincheng Teng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, No.600 Yishan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cigliano A, Pilo MG, Mela M, Ribback S, Dombrowski F, Pes GM, Cossu A, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Utpatel K. Inhibition of MELK Protooncogene as an Innovative Treatment for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 56:E1. [PMID: 31861475 PMCID: PMC7023300 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a pernicious tumor characterized by a dismal outcome and scarce therapeutic options. To substantially improve the prognosis of iCCA patients, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for development and progression of this disease is imperative. In the present study, we aimed at elucidating the role of the maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) protooncogene in iCCA. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the expression of MELK and two putative targets, Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) and Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), in a collection of human iCCA by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects on iCCA growth of both the multi-kinase inhibitor OTSSP167 and specific small-interfering RNA (siRNA) against MELK were investigated in iCCA cell lines. Results: Expression of MELK was significantly higher in tumors than in corresponding non-neoplastic liver counterparts, with highest levels of MELK being associated with patients' shorter survival length. In vitro, OTSSP167 suppressed the growth of iCCA cell lines in a dose-dependent manner by reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. These effects were amplified when OTSSP167 administration was coupled to the DNA-damaging agent doxorubicin. Similar results, but less remarkable, were obtained when MELK was silenced by specific siRNA in the same cells. At the molecular level, siRNA against MELK triggered downregulation of MELK and its targets. Finally, we found that MELK is a downstream target of the E2F1 transcription factor. Conclusion: Our results indicate that MELK is ubiquitously overexpressed in iCCA, where it may represent a prognostic indicator and a therapeutic target. In particular, the combination of OTSSP167 (or other, more specific MELK inhibitors) with DNA-damaging agents might be a potentially effective therapy for human iCCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cigliano
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (M.E.); (D.F.C.); (K.U.)
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Maria Giulia Pilo
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Marta Mela
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Frank Dombrowski
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Giovanni Mario Pes
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonio Cossu
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.M.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (M.E.); (D.F.C.); (K.U.)
| | - Diego Francesco Calvisi
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (M.E.); (D.F.C.); (K.U.)
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (M.G.P.); (M.M.); (S.R.); (F.D.)
| | - Kirsten Utpatel
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (M.E.); (D.F.C.); (K.U.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen S, Zhou Q, Guo Z, Wang Y, Wang L, Liu X, Lu M, Ju L, Xiao Y, Wang X. Inhibition of MELK produces potential anti-tumour effects in bladder cancer by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest via the ATM/CHK2/p53 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:1804-1821. [PMID: 31821699 PMCID: PMC6991658 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the biological function of MELK and the therapeutic potential of OTSSP167 in human bladder cancer (BCa). First, we observed overexpression of MELK in BCa cell lines and tissues and found that it was associated with higher tumour stage and tumour grade, which was consistent with transcriptome analysis. High expression of MELK was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in BCa patients, and MELK was found to have a role in the cell cycle, the G1/S transition in mitosis, and DNA repair and replication. Furthermore, BCa cells presented significantly decreased proliferation capacity following silencing of MELK or treatment with OTSSP167 in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, reduction in MELK or treatment of cells with OTSSP167 could induce cell cycle arrest and could suppress migration. In addition, these treatments could activate phosphorylation of ATM and CHK2, which would be accompanied by down‐regulated MDMX, cyclin D1, CDK2 and E2F1; however, p53 and p21 would be activated. Opposite results were observed when MELK expression was induced. Overall, MELK was found to be a novel oncogene in BCa that induces cell cycle arrest via the ATM/CHK2/p53 pathway. OTSSP167 displays potent anti‐tumour activities, which may provide a new molecule‐based strategy for BCa treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zicheng Guo
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Urology, Enshi Clinical College of Wuhan University, Enshi, China
| | - Yejinpeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Urology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mengxin Lu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.,Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Maes A, Maes K, Vlummens P, De Raeve H, Devin J, Szablewski V, De Veirman K, Menu E, Moreaux J, Vanderkerken K, De Bruyne E. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase is a novel target for diffuse large B cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Blood Cancer J 2019; 9:87. [PMID: 31740676 PMCID: PMC6861269 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-019-0249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are among the most aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) plays a role in cancer cell cycle progression and is associated with poor prognosis in several cancer cell types. In this study, the role of MELK in DLBCL and MCL and the therapeutic potential of MELK targeting is evaluated. MELK is highly expressed in DLBCL and MCL patient samples, correlating with a worse clinical outcome in DLBCL. Targeting MELK, using the small molecule OTSSP167, impaired cell growth and survival and induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in the lymphoma cells. Western blot analysis revealed that MELK targeting decreased the phosphorylation of FOXM1 and the protein levels of EZH2 and several mitotic regulators, such as Cdc25B, cyclin B1, Plk-1, and Aurora kinases. In addition, OTSSP167 also sensitized the lymphoma cells to the clinically relevant Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax by strongly reducing Mcl1 levels. Finally, OTSSP167 treatment of A20-inoculated mice resulted in a significant prolonged survival. In conclusion, targeting MELK with OTSSP167 induced strong anti-lymphoma activity both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that MELK could be a potential new target in these aggressive B cell malignancies.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Cycle/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/metabolism
- Mice
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Naphthyridines/pharmacology
- Naphthyridines/therapeutic use
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip Vlummens
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hendrik De Raeve
- Department of Pathology, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Devin
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Kim De Veirman
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
de Boussac H, Bruyer A, Jourdan M, Maes A, Robert N, Gourzones C, Vincent L, Seckinger A, Cartron G, Hose D, De Bruyne E, Kassambara A, Pasero P, Moreaux J. Kinome expression profiling to target new therapeutic avenues in multiple myeloma. Haematologica 2019; 105:784-795. [PMID: 31289205 PMCID: PMC7049359 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.208306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) account for approximately 10% of hematological malignancies and is the second most common hematological disorder. Kinases inhibitors are widely used and their efficiency for the treatment of cancers has been demonstrated. Here, in order to identify kinases of potential therapeutic interest for the treatment of MM, we investigated the prognostic impact of the kinome expression profile in large cohorts of patients. We identified 36 kinome-related genes significantly linked with a prognostic value to MM, and built a kinome index based on their expression. The Kinome Index (KI) is linked to prognosis, proliferation, differentiation, and relapse in MM. We then tested inhibitors targeting seven of the identified protein kinas-es (PBK, SRPK1, CDC7-DBF4, MELK, CHK1, PLK4, MPS1/TTK) in human myeloma cell lines. All tested inhibitors significantly reduced the viability of myeloma cell lines, and we confirmed the potential clinical interest of three of them on primary myeloma cells from patients. In addition, we demonstrated their ability to potentialize the toxicity of conventional treatments, including Melphalan and Lenalidomide. This highlights their potential beneficial effect in myeloma therapy. Three kinases inhibitors (CHK1i, MELKi and PBKi) overcome resistance to Lenalidomide, while CHK1, PBK and DBF4 inhibitors re-sensitize Melphalan resistant cell line to this conventional therapeutic agent. Altogether, we demonstrate that kinase inhibitors could be of therapeutic interest especially in high-risk myeloma patients defined by the KI. CHEK1, MELK, PLK4, SRPK1, CDC7-DBF4, MPS1/TTK and PBK inhibitors could represent new treatment options either alone or in combination with Melphalan or IMiD for refractory/relapsing myeloma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Jourdan
- IGH, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anke Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Robert
- CHU Montpellier, Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Laure Vincent
- CHU Montpellier, Department of Clinical Hematology, Montpellier, France
| | - Anja Seckinger
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen, Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Guillaume Cartron
- CHU Montpellier, Department of Clinical Hematology, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, UMR CNRS 5235, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
| | - Dirk Hose
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen, Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Jérôme Moreaux
- IGH, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France .,CHU Montpellier, Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Department of Biological Hematology, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, UFR de Médecine, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhao H, Yu M, Sui L, Gong B, Zhou B, Chen J, Gong Z, Hao C. High Expression of DEPDC1 Promotes Malignant Phenotypes of Breast Cancer Cells and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients With Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:262. [PMID: 31032225 PMCID: PMC6473048 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DEP domain containing 1 (DEPDC1) is a novel tumor-associated gene, which is aberrantly expressed in multiple types of cancer and involves in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Here, we examined the functional involvement and underlying mechanism of DEPDC1 in breast cancer. In this study, the immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that DEPDC1 was high-expressed in breast cancer tissues compared with the paired adjacent normal breast tissues, and its tendency at protein level was consistent with mRNA level from TCGA data. Moreover, DEPDC1 mRNA level revealed the strongest association with poor prognosis and development in breast cancer. In vitro assays showed that DEPDC1 overexpression resulted in significant promotion of proliferation by regulating cell cycle in MCF-7 cells, whilst an opposite effect was found in the MDA-MB-231 cells with DEPDC1 deletion. Notably, further investigation indicated DEPDC1's ability of promoting breast cancer cells migration and invasion. In addition, we discovered that DEPDC1 caused hyper-activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in breast cancer cells. Therefore, the increased DEPDC1 expression in breast cancer is correlated with disease progression and poor survival, which suggested that DEPDC1 might be a potential therapeutic target against this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huishan Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Mingwei Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Laijian Sui
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Benjiao Gong
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Special Education, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China.,Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhaohua Gong
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Cuifang Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang J, Wang Y, Shen F, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Zou X, Zhou J, Chen Y. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase: A novel biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of cervical cancer. Cancer Med 2018; 7:5665-5678. [PMID: 30334367 PMCID: PMC6246930 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal embryo leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is highly expressed in a variety of malignant tumors and involved in cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor formation etc However, the biological effects of MELK in cervical cancer are still uninvestigated. This study aimed to explore the expression of MELK in cervical cancer, as well as its effects on the proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage repair on cervical cancer cell line in vitro and to provide novel ideas for further improving the clinical efficacy of cervical cancer. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, RT‐qPCR, CCK8, and immunofluorescence techniques were used to detect the expression of MELK in cervical cancer tissues, paracancerous tissues, and cervical cancer cell lines. Several cervical cancer cell lines were treated with MELK knockdown by siRNA and MELK selective inhibitor OTSSP167. The effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation capacity, and tumor cell DNA damage repair‐related factor were detected in cell lines. Our data showed that the high expression rate of MELK in cervical cancer patients was 56.92%. MELK expression in cervical cancer samples was significantly higher than that in paraneoplastic tissues. Highly expressed MELK correlated with the cervical histopathological grading and greatly increased with the cervical histopathological grading, from normal cervix and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia to cervical cancer. Moreover, the abnormal expression of MELK was related to cervical cancer metastasis at early stage. The knockdown of MELK with siRNA and OTSSP167 had strong inhibition effects on the proliferation, apoptosis, and colony formation of cervical cancer cells. MELK knockdown could also aggravate the DNA damage of cervical cancer cells possibly by homologous recombination repair pathway. Therefore, MELK may be a predicting marker of poor prognosis of cervical cancer and may also be a new therapeutic target for cervical cancer, providing ideas for improving the therapeutic effect of cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital Affiliated Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yamei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital Affiliated Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fangrong Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital Affiliated Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanting Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital Affiliated Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital Affiliated Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinwei Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital Affiliated Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinhua Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital Affiliated Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Youguo Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital Affiliated Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Inhibition of maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase with OTSSP167 displays potent anti-leukemic effects in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Oncogene 2018; 37:5520-5533. [PMID: 29895969 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
TP53 pathway defects contributed to therapy resistance and adverse clinical outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which represents an unmet clinical need with few therapeutic options. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a novel oncogene, which plays crucial roles in mitotic progression and stem cell maintenance. OTSSP167, an orally administrated inhibitor targeting MELK, is currently in a phase I/II clinical trial in patients with advanced breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. Yet, no investigation has been elucidated to date regarding the oncogenic role of MELK and effects of OTSSP167 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Previous studies confirmed MELK inhibition abrogated cancer cell survival via p53 signaling pathway. Thus, we aimed to determine the biological function of MELK and therapeutic potential of OTSSP167 in CLL. Herein, MELK over-expression was observed in CLL cells, and correlated with higher WBC count, advanced stage, elevated LDH, increased β2-MG level, unmutated IGHV, positive ZAP-70, deletion of 17p13 and inferior prognosis of CLL patients. In accordance with functional enrichment analyses in gene expression profiling, CLL cells with depletion or inhibition of MELK exhibited impaired cell proliferation, enhanced fast-onset apoptosis, induced G2/M arrest, attenuated cell chemotaxis and promoted sensitivity to fludarabine and ibrutinib. However, gain-of-function assay showed increased cell proliferation and cell chemotaxis. In addition, OTSSP167 treatment reduced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2. It decreased FoxM1 phosphorylation, expression of FoxM1, cyclin B1 and CDK1, while up-regulating p53 and p21 expression. Taken together, MELK served as a candidate of therapeutic target in CLL. OTSSP167 exhibits potent anti-tumor activities in CLL cells, highlighting a novel molecule-based strategy for leukemic interventions.
Collapse
|
22
|
Muller J, Bolomsky A, Dubois S, Duray E, Stangelberger K, Plougonven E, Lejeune M, Léonard A, Marty C, Hempel U, Baron F, Beguin Y, Cohen-Solal M, Ludwig H, Heusschen R, Caers J. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase inhibitor OTSSP167 has preclinical activity in multiple myeloma bone disease. Haematologica 2018; 103:1359-1368. [PMID: 29748441 PMCID: PMC6068043 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2017.185397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma bone disease is characterized by an uncoupling of bone remodeling in the multiple myeloma microenvironment, resulting in the development of lytic bone lesions. Most myeloma patients suffer from these bone lesions, which not only cause morbidity but also negatively impact survival. The development of novel therapies, ideally with a combined anti-resorptive and bone-anabolic effect, is of great interest because lesions persist with the current standard of care, even in patients in complete remission. We have previously shown that MELK plays a central role in proliferation-associated high-risk multiple myeloma and its inhibition with OTSSP167 resulted in decreased tumor load. MELK inhibition in bone cells has not yet been explored, although some reports suggest that factors downstream of MELK stimulate osteoclast activity and inhibit osteoblast activity, which makes MELK inhibition a promising therapeutic approach. Therefore, we assessed the effect of OTSSP167 on bone cell activity and the development of myeloma-induced bone disease. OTSSP167 inhibited osteoclast activity in vitro by decreasing progenitor viability as well as via a direct anti-resorptive effect on mature osteoclasts. In addition, OTSSP167 stimulated matrix deposition and mineralization by osteoblasts in vitro. This combined anti-resorptive and osteoblast-stimulating effect of OTSSP167 resulted in the complete prevention of lytic lesions and bone loss in myeloma-bearing mice. Immunohistomorphometric analyses corroborated our in vitro findings. In conclusion, we show that OTSSP167 has a direct effect on myeloma-induced bone disease in addition to its anti-multiple myeloma effect, which warrants further clinical development of MELK inhibition in multiple myeloma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arnold Bolomsky
- Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Dubois
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Elodie Duray
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Kathrin Stangelberger
- Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwan Plougonven
- PEPs (Products, Environments, Processes), Chemical Engineering, Liège, Belgium
| | - Margaux Lejeune
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Angélique Léonard
- PEPs (Products, Environments, Processes), Chemical Engineering, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Ute Hempel
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Frédéric Baron
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, CHU de Liège, Belgium
| | - Yves Beguin
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Belgium.,Department of Hematology, CHU de Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Heinz Ludwig
- Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminenspital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roy Heusschen
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Jo Caers
- Laboratory of Hematology, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Belgium .,Department of Hematology, CHU de Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Settleman J, Sawyers CL, Hunter T. Challenges in validating candidate therapeutic targets in cancer. eLife 2018; 7:e32402. [PMID: 29417929 PMCID: PMC5805407 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 30 published articles have suggested that a protein kinase called MELK is an attractive therapeutic target in human cancer, but three recent reports describe compelling evidence that it is not. These reports highlight the caveats associated with some of the research tools that are commonly used to validate candidate therapeutic targets in cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tony Hunter
- Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|