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Zhang Y, Shan L, Tang W, Ge Y, Li C, Zhang J. Recent Discovery and Development of Inhibitors that Target CDK9 and Their Therapeutic Indications. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5185-5215. [PMID: 38564299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
CDK9 is a cyclin-dependent kinase that plays pivotal roles in multiple cellular functions including gene transcription, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, and cellular differentiation. Targeting CDK9 is considered an attractive strategy for antitumor therapy, especially for leukemia and lymphoma. Several potent small molecule inhibitors, exemplified by TG02 (4), have progressed to clinical trials. However, many of them face challenges such as low clinical efficacy and multiple adverse reactions and may necessitate the exploration of novel strategies to lead to success in the clinic. In this perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of the structural characteristics, biological functions, and preclinical status of CDK9 inhibitors. Our focus extends to various types of inhibitors, including pan-inhibitors, selective inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, degraders, PPI inhibitors, and natural products. The discussion encompasses chemical structures, structure-activity relationships (SARs), biological activities, selectivity, and therapeutic potential, providing detailed insight into the diverse landscape of CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
- West China College of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 Sichuan, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Yating Ge
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - ChengXian Li
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
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Wu T, Wu X, Xu Y, Chen R, Wang J, Li Z, Bian J. A patent review of selective CDK9 inhibitors in treating cancer. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:309-322. [PMID: 37128897 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2208747] [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: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The dysregulation of CDK9 protein is greatly related to the proliferation and differentiation of various cancers due to its key role in the regulation of RNA transcription. Moreover, CDK9 inhibition can markedly downregulate the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 which is essential for the survival of tumors. Thus, targeting CDK9 is considered to be a promising strategy for antitumor drug development, and the development of selective CDK9 inhibitors has gained increasing attention. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the development of selective CDK9 inhibitors reported in patent publications during the period 2020-2022, which were searched from SciFinder and Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence. EXPERT OPINION Given that pan-CDK9 inhibitors may lead to serious side effects due to poor selectivity, the investigation of selective CDK9 inhibitors has attracted widespread attention. CDK9 inhibitors make some advance in treating solid tumors and possess the therapeutic potential in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. CDK9 inhibitors with short half-life and intravenous administration might result in transient target engagement and contribute to a better safety profile in vivo. However, more efforts are urgently needed to accelerate the development of CDK9 inhibitors, including the research on new binding modes between ligand and receptor or new protein binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tizhi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jubo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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MYC Promotes LDHA Expression through MicroRNA-122-5p to Potentiate Glycolysis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:1435173. [PMID: 36033372 PMCID: PMC9410951 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1435173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC is a notorious oncogene in a vast network of malignancies, whereas liver-specific microRNA- (miR-) 122-5p is downregulated in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Here, we studied the possible correlation between these two and their involvement in glycolysis in HCC. MYC was overexpressed in HCC tissues and cells compared to normal liver tissues and normal hepatocytes NHC, which predicted a poor survival of HCC sufferers. Functional assays demonstrated that silencing of MYC inhibited the glycolysis in HCC cells, as evidenced by significantly weaker glucose consumption, lactate production, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and downregulated HK1 and HK2 protein expression. Moreover, MYC bound to the miR-122-5p promoter and repressed the miR-122-5p expression. Rescue experiments showed that miR-122-5p inhibitor rescued the diminished glycolysis after MYC silencing. In addition, lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) was identified as a downstream target of miR-122-5p. The overexpression of LDHA mitigated the effects of si-MYC and miR-122-5p mimic on glycolysis of HCC cells, respectively. In conclusion, the MYC/miR-122-5p/LDHA axis modulates glycolysis in HCC cells and possibly affects HCC progression.
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Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 in cancer therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1633-1645. [PMID: 34811514 PMCID: PMC9253122 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 9 associates mainly with cyclin T1 and forms the positive transcription elongation factor b (p-TEFb) complex responsible for transcriptional regulation. It has been shown that CDK9 modulates the expression and activity of oncogenes, such as MYC and murine double minute 4 (MDM4), and it also plays an important role in development and/or maintenance of the malignant cell phenotype. Malfunction of CDK9 is frequently observed in numerous cancers. Recent studies have highlighted the function of CDK9 through a variety of mechanisms in cancers, including the formation of new complexes and epigenetic alterations. Due to the importance of CDK9 activation in cancer cells, CDK9 inhibitors have emerged as promising candidates for cancer therapy. Natural product-derived and chemically synthesized CDK9 inhibitors are being examined in preclinical and clinical research. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of CDK9 in transcriptional regulation, epigenetic regulation, and different cellular factor interactions, focusing on new advances. We show the importance of CDK9 in mediating tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Then, we provide an overview of some CDK9 inhibitors supported by multiple oncologic preclinical and clinical investigations. Finally, we discuss the perspective and challenge of CDK9 modulation in cancer.
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Gondane A, Poulose N, Walker S, Mills IG, Itkonen HM. O-GlcNAc transferase maintains metabolic homeostasis in response to CDK9 inhibition. Glycobiology 2022; 32:751-759. [PMID: 35708495 PMCID: PMC9387508 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwac038] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-targeting of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and the transcriptional kinase CDK9 is toxic to prostate cancer cells. As OGT is an essential glycosyltransferase, identifying an alternative target showing similar effects is of great interest. Here, we used a multiomics approach (transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics) to better understand the mechanistic basis of the combinatorial lethality between OGT and CDK9 inhibition. CDK9 inhibition preferentially affected transcription. In contrast, depletion of OGT activity predominantly remodeled the metabolome. Using an unbiased systems biology approach (weighted gene correlation network analysis), we discovered that CDK9 inhibition alters mitochondrial activity / flux, and high OGT activity is essential to maintain mitochondrial respiration when CDK9 activity is depleted. Our metabolite profiling data revealed that pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is the metabolite that is most robustly induced by both OGT and OGT+CDK9 inhibitor treatments, but not by CDK9 inhibition alone. Finally, supplementing prostate cancer cell lines with vitamin B5 in the presence of CDK9 inhibitor mimics the effects of co-targeting OGT and CDK9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Gondane
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ninu Poulose
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK, BT9 7AE.,Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX3 9DU
| | - Suzanne Walker
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Ian G Mills
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK, BT9 7AE.,Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX3 9DU
| | - Harri M Itkonen
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Zhang C, Liu N. Noncoding RNAs in the Glycolysis of Ovarian Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:855488. [PMID: 35431949 PMCID: PMC9005897 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.855488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy metabolism reprogramming is the characteristic feature of tumors. The tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance of ovarian cancer (OC) is dependent on energy metabolism. Even under adequate oxygen conditions, OC cells tend to convert glucose to lactate, and glycolysis can rapidly produce ATP to meet their metabolic energy needs. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) interact directly with DNA, RNA, and proteins to function as an essential regulatory in gene expression and tumor pathology. Studies have shown that ncRNAs regulate the process of glycolysis by interacting with the predominant glycolysis enzyme and cellular signaling pathway, participating in tumorigenesis and progression. This review summarizes the mechanism of ncRNAs regulation in glycolysis in OC and investigates potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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San Martín A, Arce-Molina R, Aburto C, Baeza-Lehnert F, Barros LF, Contreras-Baeza Y, Pinilla A, Ruminot I, Rauseo D, Sandoval PY. Visualizing physiological parameters in cells and tissues using genetically encoded indicators for metabolites. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 182:34-58. [PMID: 35183660 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The study of metabolism is undergoing a renaissance. Since the year 2002, over 50 genetically-encoded fluorescent indicators (GEFIs) have been introduced, capable of monitoring metabolites with high spatial/temporal resolution using fluorescence microscopy. Indicators are fusion proteins that change their fluorescence upon binding a specific metabolite. There are indicators for sugars, monocarboxylates, Krebs cycle intermediates, amino acids, cofactors, and energy nucleotides. They permit monitoring relative levels, concentrations, and fluxes in living systems. At a minimum they report relative levels and, in some cases, absolute concentrations may be obtained by performing ad hoc calibration protocols. Proper data collection, processing, and interpretation are critical to take full advantage of these new tools. This review offers a survey of the metabolic indicators that have been validated in mammalian systems. Minimally invasive, these indicators have been instrumental for the purposes of confirmation, rebuttal and discovery. We envision that this powerful technology will foster metabolic physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A San Martín
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile.
| | - R Arce-Molina
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
| | - C Aburto
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile; Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - L F Barros
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
| | - Y Contreras-Baeza
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile; Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - A Pinilla
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile; Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - I Ruminot
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
| | - D Rauseo
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile; Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - P Y Sandoval
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
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Li L, Han C, Yu X, Shen J, Cao Y. Targeting AraC-Resistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Dual Inhibition of CDK9 and Bcl-2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:2842066. [PMID: 35126914 PMCID: PMC8808115 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2842066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to determine the influence of targeting araC-resistant acute myeloid leukemia by dual inhibition cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK9) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). METHOD The c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4 and the CDK9 inhibitor AZD4573 were used to determine the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RESULTS 10058-F4 reduces c-Myc protein levels and suppresses HepG2 cell proliferation, possibly by upregulating cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, p21WAF1, and reducing intracellular alpha-fetal protein (AFP) levels. CONCLUSION The combination of AZD4573 and 10058-F4 has a synergistic anti-araC-resistant AML activity, providing a solid database for the aforementioned scientific hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzhang Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chengwu Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xueying Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongtong Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Kalushkova A, Nylund P, Párraga AA, Lennartsson A, Jernberg-Wiklund H. One Omics Approach Does Not Rule Them All: The Metabolome and the Epigenome Join Forces in Haematological Malignancies. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5040022. [PMID: 34968247 PMCID: PMC8715477 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5040022] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation, dysregulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes, and microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in haematological malignancies. These epimutations, with an impact on chromatin accessibility and transcriptional output, are often associated with genomic instability and the emergence of drug resistance, disease progression, and poor survival. In order to exert their functions, epigenetic enzymes utilize cellular metabolites as co-factors and are highly dependent on their availability. By affecting the expression of metabolic enzymes, epigenetic modifiers may aid the generation of metabolite signatures that could be utilized as targets and biomarkers in cancer. This interdependency remains often neglected and poorly represented in studies, despite well-established methods to study the cellular metabolome. This review critically summarizes the current knowledge in the field to provide an integral picture of the interplay between epigenomic alterations and the cellular metabolome in haematological malignancies. Our recent findings defining a distinct metabolic signature upon response to enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibition in multiple myeloma (MM) highlight how a shift of preferred metabolic pathways may potentiate novel treatments. The suggested link between the epigenome and the metabolome in haematopoietic tumours holds promise for the use of metabolic signatures as possible biomarkers of response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Kalushkova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.N.); (A.A.P.); (H.J.-W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrick Nylund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.N.); (A.A.P.); (H.J.-W.)
| | - Alba Atienza Párraga
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.N.); (A.A.P.); (H.J.-W.)
| | - Andreas Lennartsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, NEO, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden;
| | - Helena Jernberg-Wiklund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.N.); (A.A.P.); (H.J.-W.)
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Ginsenoside Rh2 Inhibits Glycolysis through the STAT3/c-MYC Axis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9715154. [PMID: 34608390 PMCID: PMC8487371 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9715154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) is one of the pharmacologically active components of ginseng with an antitumor effect. However, its effect on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially on aerobic glycolysis, which plays a crucial role in the proliferation and progression of tumor cells, has not been characterized. Here, we demonstrated that Rh2 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells by promoting apoptosis and suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, respectively. Notably, Rh2 exerted a glycolysis inhibition effect through regulating GLUT1, PKM2, and LDHA, which are key enzymes of the glycolysis process. Furthermore, the metabolic shift function of Rh2 was dependent on the STAT3/c-Myc axis in NSCLC. This novel regulatory role of Rh2 provides a new perspective for NSCLC treatment and highlights the potentiality of Rh2 to be used as a tumor energy blocker. The combination of Rh2 with an STAT3 or c-Myc inhibitor revealed a promising therapeutic approach for patients with NSCLC.
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Inhibitors Targeting CDK9 Show High Efficacy against Osimertinib and AMG510 Resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153906. [PMID: 34359807 PMCID: PMC8345430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 80% of all lung cancer cases. While a subset of non-small cell lung cancer patients respond to immunotherapy, those who are treated with chemotherapy or targeted therapy develop resistance to the drugs. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies are needed to combat this disease. Here we show that inhibitors of the cyclin-dependent kinase 9 are highly effective in preventing the growth of a variety of lung cancer cell lines and lung cancer organoids with high potency. These inhibitors suppressed the expression of several genes like Sox2, Sox9, and Mcl1 that promote tumor growth, facilitating growth arrest. Since inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 are undergoing clinical trials for hematological malignancies, our studies suggest that these inhibitors would be attractive candidates to combat non-small cell lung cancer. Abstract Non-small cell lung cancer has a 5-year survival rate of less than 12–15%, calling for the development of additional therapeutic strategies to combat this disease. Here we tested the efficacy of inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) on lung cancer cell lines with K-Ras and EGFR mutations and on lung cancer organoids. Three different CDK9 inhibitors reduced the viability and anchorage-independent growth of lung cancer cell lines at very low nanomolar to micromolar concentrations. CDK9 inhibition suppressed the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, Mcl1, as well as the embryonic stem cell transcription factors, Sox2 and Sox9, which are pro-tumorigenic. In contrast, treatment with CDK9 inhibitors increased the levels of WT p53 and its downstream target p21 in K-Ras mutant cell lines. Furthermore, the CDK9 inhibitors could markedly reduce the viability of Osimertinib-resistant PC9 and AMG510-resistant H23 and H358 cells with comparable efficacy as the parental cells. CDK9 inhibitors could also significantly reduce the growth and viability of lung cancer organoids with high potency. Taken together, the data presented here strongly suggest that CDK9 inhibitors would be efficacious against K-Ras mutant and EGFR mutant NSCLCs, including those that develop resistance to targeted therapies.
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