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Kaczorowski M, Ylaya K, Chłopek M, Taniyama D, Pommier Y, Lasota J, Miettinen M. Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) Expression in Cancer in the Search of Biomarker-Informed Treatment Targets: A Study of 127 Entities Represented by 6658 Tumors. Am J Surg Pathol 2024:00000478-990000000-00409. [PMID: 39185596 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000002299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a DNA/RNA helicase, acts as a regulator of cellular response to replicative stress and irreversibly triggers replication block and cell death. Several preclinical in vitro studies and clinical trials established that SLFN11 expression predicts outcomes in patients with advanced cancer treated with DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics and more recently with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. SLFN11 expression status remains unknown in many cancer types, especially in mesenchymal tumors. This study evaluated a cohort of well characterized 3808 epithelial and 2850 mesenchymal and neuroectodermal tumors for SLFN11 expression using immunohistochemistry. Nuclear SLFN11 expression was rare in some of the most common carcinomas, for example, hepatocellular (1%), prostatic (2%), colorectal (5%), or breast (16%) cancers. In contrast, other epithelial tumors including mesotheliomas (92%), clear cell renal cell carcinomas (79%), small cell lung cancers (76%), squamous cell carcinomas of the tonsil (89%) and larynx (71%), or ovarian serous carcinomas (69%) were mostly SLFN11-positive. Compared with epithelial malignancies, SLFN11 expression was overall higher in neuroectodermal and mesenchymal tumors. Most positive entities included desmoplastic small round cell tumor (100%), Ewing sarcoma (92%), undifferentiated sarcoma (92%), solitary fibrous tumor (91%), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (89%), synovial sarcoma (86%), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (85%). Also, this study identifies tumors with potentially worse response to DNA-damaging drugs including antibody drug conjugates due to the absence of SLFN11 expression. Such entities may benefit from alternative treatments or strategies to overcome SLFN11 deficiency-related drug resistance. Our approach and results should serve as a foundation for future biomarker-associated clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Kaczorowski
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kris Ylaya
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Daiki Taniyama
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jerzy Lasota
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Markku Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
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2
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Onji H, Tate S, Sakaue T, Fujiwara K, Nakano S, Kawaida M, Onishi N, Matsumoto T, Yamagami W, Sugiyama T, Higashiyama S, Pommier Y, Kobayashi Y, Murai J. Schlafen 11 further sensitizes BRCA-deficient cells to PARP inhibitors through single-strand DNA gap accumulation behind replication forks. Oncogene 2024; 43:2475-2489. [PMID: 38961202 PMCID: PMC11315672 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The preferential response to PARP inhibitors (PARPis) in BRCA-deficient and Schlafen 11 (SLFN11)-expressing ovarian cancers has been documented, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. As the accumulation of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) gaps behind replication forks is key for the lethality effect of PARPis, we investigated the combined effects of SLFN11 expression and BRCA deficiency on PARPi sensitivity and ssDNA gap formation in human cancer cells. PARPis increased chromatin-bound RPA2 and ssDNA gaps in SLFN11-expressing cells and even more in cells with BRCA1 or BRCA2 deficiency. SLFN11 was co-localized with chromatin-bound RPA2 under PARPis treatment, with enhanced recruitment in BRCA2-deficient cells. Notably, the chromatin-bound SLFN11 under PARPis did not block replication, contrary to its function under replication stress. SLFN11 recruitment was attenuated by the inactivation of MRE11. Hence, under PARPi treatment, MRE11 expression and BRCA deficiency lead to ssDNA gaps behind replication forks, where SLFN11 binds and increases their accumulation. As ovarian cancer patients who responded (progression-free survival >2 years) to olaparib maintenance therapy had a significantly higher SLFN11-positivity than short-responders (<6 months), our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of the favorable responses to PARPis in SLFN11-expressing and BRCA-deficient tumors. It highlight the clinical implications of SLFN11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Onji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Sota Tate
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Sakaue
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kohei Fujiwara
- Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shiho Nakano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Miho Kawaida
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University Hospital, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Onishi
- Department of Clinical Diagnostic Oncology, Clinical Research Institute for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Wataru Yamagami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shigeki Higashiyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan
- Department of Oncogenesis and Tumor Regulation, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Junko Murai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Division of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center (PROS), Toon, Ehime, Japan.
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.
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3
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Jo U, Arakawa Y, Zimmermann A, Taniyama D, Mizunuma M, Jenkins LM, Maity T, Kumar S, Zenke FT, Takebe N, Pommier Y. The Novel ATR Inhibitor M1774 Induces Replication Protein Overexpression and Broad Synergy with DNA-targeted Anticancer Drugs. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:911-923. [PMID: 38466804 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) checkpoint kinase inhibitors are in clinical trials. Here we explored the molecular pharmacology and therapeutic combination strategies of the oral ATR inhibitor M1774 (Tuvusertib) with DNA-damaging agents (DDA). As single agent, M1774 suppressed cancer cell viability at nanomolar concentrations, showing greater activity than ceralasertib and berzosertib, but less potency than gartisertib and elimusertib in the small cell lung cancer H146, H82, and DMS114 cell lines. M1774 also efficiently blocked the activation of the ATR-CHK1 checkpoint pathway caused by replication stress induced by TOP1 inhibitors. Combination with non-toxic dose of M1774 enhanced TOP1 inhibitor-induced cancer cell death by enabling unscheduled replication upon replicative damage, thereby increasing genome instability. Tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics uncovered that M1774, in the presence of DDA, forces the expression of proteins activating replication (CDC45) and G2-M progression (PLK1 and CCNB1). In particular, the fork protection complex proteins (TIMELESS and TIPIN) were enriched. Low dose of M1774 was found highly synergistic with a broad spectrum of clinical DDAs including TOP1 inhibitors (SN-38/irinotecan, topotecan, exatecan, and exatecan), the TOP2 inhibitor etoposide, cisplatin, the RNA polymerase II inhibitor lurbinectedin, and the PARP inhibitor talazoparib in various models including cancer cell lines, patient-derived organoids, and mouse xenograft models. Furthermore, we demonstrate that M1774 reverses chemoresistance to anticancer DDAs in cancer cells lacking SLFN11 expression, suggesting that SLFN11 can be utilized for patient selection in upcoming clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yasuhiro Arakawa
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Daiki Taniyama
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Makito Mizunuma
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lisa M Jenkins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tapan Maity
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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Scattolin D, Maso AD, Ferro A, Frega S, Bonanno L, Guarneri V, Pasello G. The emerging role of Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) in predicting response to anticancer treatments: Focus on small cell lung cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 128:102768. [PMID: 38797062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102768] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a dismal prognosis. Many efforts have been made so far for identifying novel biomarkers for a personalized treatment for SCLC patients. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is a protein differently expressed in many cancers and recently emerged as a new potential biomarker. Lower expression of SLFN11 correlates with a worse prognosis in SCLC and other tumors. SLFN11 has a role in tumorigenesis, inducing replication arrest in the presence of DNA damage through the block of the replication fork. SLFN11 interacts also with chromatin accessibility, proteotoxic stress and mammalian target of rapamycin signalling pathway. The expression of SLFN11 is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, including promoter methylation, histone deacetylation, and the histone methylation. The downregulation of SLFN11 correlates with a worse response to topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, alkylating agents, and poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors in different cancer types. Some studies exploring strategies for overcoming drug resistance in tumors with low levels of SLFN11 showed promising results. One of these strategies includes the interaction with the Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related pathway, constitutively activated and leading to cell survival and tumor growth in the presence of low levels of SLFN11. Furthermore, the expression of SLFN11 is dynamic through time and different anticancer therapy and liquid biopsy seems to be an attractive tool for catching SLFN11 different expressions. Despite this, further investigations exploring SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker, its longitudinal changes, and new strategies to overcome drug resistances are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Scattolin
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Ferro
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Frega
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Bonanno
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarneri
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Medical Oncology 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy; Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Perez RE, Eckerdt F, Platanias LC. Schlafens: Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1805. [PMID: 38791884 PMCID: PMC11119473 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The interferon (IFN) family of immunomodulatory cytokines has been a focus of cancer research for over 50 years with direct and indirect implications in cancer therapy due to their properties to inhibit malignant cell proliferation and modulate immune responses. Among the transcriptional targets of the IFNs is a family of genes referred to as Schlafens. The products of these genes, Schlafen proteins, exert important roles in modulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, immune responses, viral replication, and chemosensitivity of malignant cells. Studies have demonstrated that abnormal expression of various Schlafens contributes to the pathophysiology of various cancers. Schlafens are now emerging as promising biomarkers and potentially attractive targets for drug development in cancer research. Here, we highlight research suggesting the use of Schlafens as cancer biomarkers and the rationale for the development of specific drugs targeting Schlafen proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo E. Perez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (R.E.P.); (F.E.)
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (R.E.P.); (F.E.)
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (R.E.P.); (F.E.)
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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6
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Ngoi NYL, Pilié PG, McGrail DJ, Zimmermann M, Schlacher K, Yap TA. Targeting ATR in patients with cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:278-293. [PMID: 38378898 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00863-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein serine/threonine kinase (ATR; also known as FRAP-related protein (FRP1)) has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment that exploits synthetic lethal interactions with proteins involved in DNA damage repair, overcomes resistance to other therapies and enhances antitumour immunity. Multiple novel, potent ATR inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials using biomarker-directed approaches and involving patients across a broad range of solid cancer types; some of these inhibitors have now entered phase III trials. Further insight into the complex interactions of ATR with other DNA replication stress response pathway components and with the immune system is necessary in order to optimally harness the potential of ATR inhibitors in the clinic and achieve hypomorphic targeting of the various ATR functions. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the diverse range of predictive biomarkers of response to ATR inhibitors and of the intraclass differences between these agents could help to refine trial design and patient selection strategies. Key challenges that remain in the clinical development of ATR inhibitors include the optimization of their therapeutic index and the development of rational combinations with these agents. In this Review, we detail the molecular mechanisms regulated by ATR and their clinical relevance, and discuss the challenges that must be addressed to extend the benefit of ATR inhibitors to a broad population of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Y L Ngoi
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patrick G Pilié
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J McGrail
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Katharina Schlacher
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Timothy A Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Therapeutics Discovery Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Arakawa Y, Jo U, Kumar S, Sun NY, Elloumi F, Thomas A, Roper N, Varghese DG, Takebe N, Zhang X, Ceribelli M, Holland DO, Beck E, Itkin Z, McKnight C, Wilson KM, Travers J, Klumpp-Thomas C, Thomas CJ, Hoang CD, Hernandez JM, Del Rivero J, Pommier Y. Activity of the Ubiquitin-activating Enzyme Inhibitor TAK-243 in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, Patient-derived Organoids, and Murine Xenografts. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:834-848. [PMID: 38451783 PMCID: PMC10949913 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Current treatment options for metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) have limited efficacy, despite the common use of mitotane and cytotoxic agents. This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic options for ACC. An extensive drug screen was conducted to identify compounds with potential activity against ACC cell lines. We further investigated the mechanism of action of the identified compound, TAK-243, its synergistic effects with current ACC therapeutics, and its efficacy in ACC models including patient-derived organoids and mouse xenografts. TAK-243, a clinical ubiquitin-activating enzyme (UAE) inhibitor, showed potent activity in ACC cell lines. TAK-243 inhibited protein ubiquitination in ACC cells, leading to the accumulation of free ubiquitin, activation of the unfolded protein response, and induction of apoptosis. TAK-243 was found to be effluxed out of cells by MDR1, a drug efflux pump, and did not require Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) expression for its activity. Combination of TAK-243 with current ACC therapies (e.g., mitotane, etoposide, cisplatin) produced synergistic or additive effects. In addition, TAK-243 was highly synergistic with BCL2 inhibitors (Navitoclax and Venetoclax) in preclinical ACC models including patient-derived organoids. The tumor suppressive effects of TAK-243 and its synergistic effects with Venetoclax were further confirmed in a mouse xenograft model. These findings provide preclinical evidence to support the initiation of a clinical trial of TAK-243 in patients with advanced-stage ACC. TAK-243 is a promising potential treatment option for ACC, either as monotherapy or in combination with existing therapies or BCL2 inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE ACC is a rare endocrine cancer with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. We report that TAK-243 is active alone and in combination with currently used therapies and with BCL2 and mTOR inhibitors in ACC preclinical models. Our results suggest implementation of TAK-243 in clinical trials for patients with advanced and metastatic ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Arakawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ukhyun Jo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nai-Yun Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Fathi Elloumi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Anish Thomas
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nitin Roper
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Diana Grace Varghese
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michele Ceribelli
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David O. Holland
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Erin Beck
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zina Itkin
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Crystal McKnight
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kelli M. Wilson
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jameson Travers
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Craig J. Thomas
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Chuong D. Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yves Pommier
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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Hirai S, Yamada T, Katayama Y, Ishida M, Kawachi H, Matsui Y, Nakamura R, Morimoto K, Horinaka M, Sakai T, Sekido Y, Tokuda S, Takayama K. Effects of Combined Therapeutic Targeting of AXL and ATR on Pleural Mesothelioma Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:212-222. [PMID: 37802502 PMCID: PMC10831449 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Few treatment options exist for pleural mesothelioma (PM), which is a progressive malignant tumor. However, the efficacy of molecular-targeted monotherapy is limited, and further therapeutic strategies are warranted to treat PM. Recently, the cancer cell-cycle checkpoint inhibitors have attracted attention because they disrupt cell-cycle regulation. Here, we aimed to establish a novel combinational therapeutic strategy to inhibit the cell-cycle checkpoint kinase, ATR in PM cells. The siRNA screening assay showed that anexelekto (AXL) knockdown enhanced cell growth inhibition when exposed to ATR inhibitors, demonstrating the synergistic effects of the ATR and AXL combination in some PM cells. The AXL and ATR inhibitor combination increased cell apoptosis via the Bim protein and suppressed cell migration when compared with each monotherapy. The combined therapeutic targeting of AXL and ATR significantly delayed regrowth compared with monotherapy. Thus, optimal AXL and ATR inhibition may potentially improve the PM outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichi Hirai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Yamada
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Katayama
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Ishida
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hayato Kawachi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yohei Matsui
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakamura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Morimoto
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mano Horinaka
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Sakai
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Sekido
- Division of Cancer Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinsaku Tokuda
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Takayama
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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9
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Viktorsson K, Rieckmann T, Fleischmann M, Diefenhardt M, Hehlgans S, Rödel F. Advances in molecular targeted therapies to increase efficacy of (chemo)radiation therapy. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:1091-1109. [PMID: 37041372 PMCID: PMC10673805 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding the tumor's biology in line with a constantly growing number of innovative technologies have prompted characterization of patients' individual malignancies and may display a prerequisite to treat cancer at its patient individual tumor vulnerability. In recent decades, radiation- induced signaling and tumor promoting local events for radiation sensitization were explored in detail, resulting the development of novel molecular targets. A multitude of pharmacological, genetic, and immunological principles, including small molecule- and antibody-based targeted strategies, have been developed that are suitable for combined concepts with radiation (RT) or chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Despite a plethora of promising experimental and preclinical findings, however, so far, only a very limited number of clinical trials have demonstrated a better outcome and/or patient benefit when RT or CRT are combined with targeted agents. The current review aims to summarize recent progress in molecular therapies targeting oncogenic drivers, DNA damage and cell cycle response, apoptosis signaling pathways, cell adhesion molecules, hypoxia, and the tumor microenvironment to impact therapy refractoriness and to boost radiation response. In addition, we will discuss recent advances in nanotechnology, e.g., RNA technologies and protein-degrading proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that may open new and innovative ways to benefit from molecular-targeted therapy approaches with improved efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Viktorsson
- Department of Oncology/Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Visionsgatan 4, 17164, Solna, Sweden
| | - Thorsten Rieckmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Fleischmann
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Markus Diefenhardt
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hehlgans
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franz Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University of Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site: Frankfurt, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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10
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Agarwal S, Fang L, McGowen K, Yin J, Bowman J, Ku AT, Alilin AN, Corey E, Roudier MP, True LD, Dumpit R, Coleman I, Lee JK, Nelson PS, Capaldo BJ, Mariani A, Hoover C, Senatorov IS, Beshiri M, Sowalsky AG, Hurt EM, Kelly K. Tumor-derived biomarkers predict efficacy of B7H3 antibody-drug conjugate treatment in metastatic prostate cancer models. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e162148. [PMID: 37725435 PMCID: PMC10645377 DOI: 10.1172/jci162148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a promising targeted cancer therapy; however, patient selection based solely on target antigen expression without consideration for cytotoxic payload vulnerabilities has plateaued clinical benefits. Biomarkers to capture patients who might benefit from specific ADCs have not been systematically determined for any cancer. We present a comprehensive therapeutic and biomarker analysis of a B7H3-ADC with pyrrolobenzodiazepine(PBD) payload in 26 treatment-resistant, metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) models. B7H3 is a tumor-specific surface protein widely expressed in mPC, and PBD is a DNA cross-linking agent. B7H3 expression was necessary but not sufficient for B7H3-PBD-ADC responsiveness. RB1 deficiency and/or replication stress, characteristics of poor prognosis, and conferred sensitivity were associated with complete tumor regression in both neuroendocrine (NEPC) and androgen receptor positive (ARPC) prostate cancer models, even with low B7H3 levels. Non-ARPC models, which are currently lacking efficacious treatment, demonstrated the highest replication stress and were most sensitive to treatment. In RB1 WT ARPC tumors, SLFN11 expression or select DNA repair mutations in SLFN11 nonexpressors governed response. Importantly, WT TP53 predicted nonresponsiveness (7 of 8 models). Overall, biomarker-focused selection of models led to high efficacy of in vivo treatment. These data enable a paradigm shift to biomarker-driven trial designs for maximizing clinical benefit of ADC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supreet Agarwal
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lei Fang
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kerry McGowen
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - JuanJuan Yin
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joel Bowman
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anson T. Ku
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aian Neil Alilin
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Lawrence D. True
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruth Dumpit
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ilsa Coleman
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John K. Lee
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peter S. Nelson
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brian J. Capaldo
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Ilya S. Senatorov
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Beshiri
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam G. Sowalsky
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Kathleen Kelly
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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11
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Cheng Y, Shen Y, Fang Q, Duan S, Wang Y, Dai X, Chen Y. Identification of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma using bioinformatics and lab experiments. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11970-11984. [PMID: 37910672 PMCID: PMC10683598 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205159] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma accounts for approximately 40% of lung cancer cases and poses a serious threat to human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify central biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS We first identified the EMT-associated genes in LUAD based on the TCGA cohort. Then we screened these 90 EMT-associated genes using univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis to develop a prognostic gene signature in the training set. The predictive performance of the gene signature was assessed in the validation set and multiple external test sets using the ROC cure, C index and log-rank tests. RT-PCR, western blot, wound healing assays, and siRNA methods were further used to investigate the role of PLEK2 in tumor behaviors. RESULTS Eight genes (CCNB1, PLEK2, DERL3, C1QTNF6, DLGAP5, HMMR, GJB3, and SPOCK1) were eventually selected to develop an eight-gene signature. The 5-year AUC of the gene signature has a robust predictive ability both for predicting overall survival (0.774, 0.756, and 0.669 in the external test sets, respectively), and for progression free survival (0.774, 0.746, and 0.755 in the external test sets, respectively). C-index of the gene signature was 0.961 ± 0.005, 0.916 ± 0.011, and 0.868 ± 0.234 in the external test sets, respectively. Four genes (C1QTNF6, DLGAP5, HMMR, and PLEK2) were identified as key genes in LUAD progression, which were upregulated in the cancerous tissue compared with in the normal tissue (P < 0.001), and correlated with an unwanted prognosis in lung cancer (P < 0.05). PLEK2 was used as an example to explore its effect on LUAD progression in vitro using RT-PCR, western blot, CCK8, si-RNA and wound healing assay. Silencing of PLEK2 was shown to reduce proliferative and migrated ability of lung cancer cells via prohibition of autophagy. CONCLUSIONS This study developed a novel EMT-related gene signature benefiting precision medicine, and identified four pivotal genes which can serve as therapeutic targets in LUAD. Four key genes can serve as molecular targets for patients with LUAD; silencing of PLEK2 was shown to reduce proliferative and migrated ability of lung cancer cells via prohibition of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, People’s Hospital of Chizhou, Chizhou, China
| | - Yumei Shen
- Department of Operation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qianru Fang
- Department of Obstetrics, People’s Hospital of Chizhou, Chizhou, China
| | - Shanzhou Duan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Dai
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongbing Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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12
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Murai J, Ceribelli M, Fu H, Redon CE, Jo U, Murai Y, Aladjem MI, Thomas CJ, Pommier Y. Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) Kills Cancer Cells Undergoing Unscheduled Re-replication. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:985-995. [PMID: 37216280 PMCID: PMC10524552 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is an increasingly prominent predictive biomarker and a molecular sensor for a wide range of clinical drugs: topoisomerases, PARP and replication inhibitors, and platinum derivatives. To expand the spectrum of drugs and pathways targeting SLFN11, we ran a high-throughput screen with 1,978 mechanistically annotated, oncology-focused compounds in two isogenic pairs of SLFN11-proficient and -deficient cells (CCRF-CEM and K562). We identified 29 hit compounds that selectively kill SLFN11-proficient cells, including not only previously known DNA-targeting agents, but also the neddylation inhibitor pevonedistat (MLN-4924) and the DNA polymerase α inhibitor AHPN/CD437, which both induced SLFN11 chromatin recruitment. By inactivating cullin-ring E3 ligases, pevonedistat acts as an anticancer agent partly by inducing unscheduled re-replication through supraphysiologic accumulation of CDT1, an essential factor for replication initiation. Unlike the known DNA-targeting agents and AHPN/CD437 that recruit SLFN11 onto chromatin in 4 hours, pevonedistat recruited SLFN11 at late time points (24 hours). While pevonedistat induced unscheduled re-replication in SLFN11-deficient cells after 24 hours, the re-replication was largely blocked in SLFN11-proficient cells. The positive correlation between sensitivity to pevonedistat and SLFN11 expression was also observed in non-isogenic cancer cells in three independent cancer cell databases (NCI-60, CTRP: Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal and GDSC: Genomic of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer). The present study reveals that SLFN11 not only detects stressed replication but also inhibits unscheduled re-replication induced by pevonedistat, thereby enhancing its anticancer efficacy. It also suggests SLFN11 as a potential predictive biomarker for pevonedistat in ongoing and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
- Department of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Haiqing Fu
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christophe E. Redon
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhisa Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mirit I. Aladjem
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Craig J. Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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13
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Reinhold WC, Wilson K, Elloumi F, Bradwell KR, Ceribelli M, Varma S, Wang Y, Duveau D, Menon N, Trepel J, Zhang X, Klumpp-Thomas C, Micheal S, Shinn P, Luna A, Thomas C, Pommier Y. CellMinerCDB: NCATS Is a Web-Based Portal Integrating Public Cancer Cell Line Databases for Pharmacogenomic Explorations. Cancer Res 2023; 83:1941-1952. [PMID: 37140427 PMCID: PMC10330642 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Major advances have been made in the field of precision medicine for treating cancer. However, many open questions remain that need to be answered to realize the goal of matching every patient with cancer to the most efficacious therapy. To facilitate these efforts, we have developed CellMinerCDB: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS; https://discover.nci.nih.gov/rsconnect/cellminercdb_ncats/), which makes available activity information for 2,675 drugs and compounds, including multiple nononcology drugs and 1,866 drugs and compounds unique to the NCATS. CellMinerCDB: NCATS comprises 183 cancer cell lines, with 72 unique to NCATS, including some from previously understudied tissues of origin. Multiple forms of data from different institutes are integrated, including single and combination drug activity, DNA copy number, methylation and mutation, transcriptome, protein levels, histone acetylation and methylation, metabolites, CRISPR, and miscellaneous signatures. Curation of cell lines and drug names enables cross-database (CDB) analyses. Comparison of the datasets is made possible by the overlap between cell lines and drugs across databases. Multiple univariate and multivariate analysis tools are built-in, including linear regression and LASSO. Examples have been presented here for the clinical topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors topotecan and irinotecan/SN-38. This web application provides both substantial new data and significant pharmacogenomic integration, allowing exploration of interrelationships. SIGNIFICANCE CellMinerCDB: NCATS provides activity information for 2,675 drugs in 183 cancer cell lines and analysis tools to facilitate pharmacogenomic research and to identify determinants of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C. Reinhold
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kelli Wilson
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fathi Elloumi
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Michele Ceribelli
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sudhir Varma
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- HiThru Analytics LLC, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Yanghsin Wang
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- ICF International Inc., Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
| | - Damien Duveau
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nikhil Menon
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jane Trepel
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Samuel Micheal
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Paul Shinn
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Augustin Luna
- cBio Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Craig Thomas
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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14
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Nakata S, Murai J, Okada M, Takahashi H, Findlay TH, Malebranche K, Parthasarathy A, Miyashita S, Gabdulkhaev R, Benkimoun I, Druillennec S, Chabi S, Hawkins E, Miyahara H, Tateishi K, Yamashita S, Yamada S, Saito T, On J, Watanabe J, Tsukamoto Y, Yoshimura J, Oishi M, Nakano T, Imamura M, Imai C, Yamamoto T, Takeshima H, Sasaki AT, Rodriguez FJ, Nobusawa S, Varlet P, Pouponnot C, Osuka S, Pommier Y, Kakita A, Fujii Y, Raabe EH, Eberhart CG, Natsumeda M. Epigenetic upregulation of Schlafen11 renders
WNT- and SHH-activated medulloblastomas sensitive to cisplatin. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:899-912. [PMID: 36273330 PMCID: PMC10158119 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive chemotherapeutic regimens with craniospinal irradiation have greatly improved survival in medulloblastoma patients. However, survival markedly differs among molecular subgroups and their biomarkers are unknown. Through unbiased screening, we found Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11), which is known to improve response to DNA damaging agents in various cancers, to be one of the top prognostic markers in medulloblastomas. Hence, we explored the expression and functions of SLFN11 in medulloblastoma. METHODS SLFN11 expression for each subgroup was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 98 medulloblastoma patient samples and by analyzing transcriptomic databases. We genetically or epigenetically modulated SLFN11 expression in medulloblastoma cell lines and determined cytotoxic response to the DNA damaging agents cisplatin and topoisomerase I inhibitor SN-38 in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS High SLFN11 expressing cases exhibited significantly longer survival than low expressing cases. SLFN11 was highly expressed in the WNT-activated subgroup and in a proportion of the SHH-activated subgroup. While WNT activation was not a direct cause of the high expression of SLFN11, a specific hypomethylation locus on the SLFN11 promoter was significantly correlated with high SLFN11 expression. Overexpression or deletion of SLFN11 made medulloblastoma cells sensitive and resistant to cisplatin and SN-38, respectively. Pharmacological upregulation of SLFN11 by the brain-penetrant histone deacetylase-inhibitor RG2833 markedly increased sensitivity to cisplatin and SN-38 in SLFN11-negative medulloblastoma cells. Intracranial xenograft studies also showed marked sensitivity to cisplatin by SLFN11-overexpression in medulloblastoma cells. CONCLUSIONS High SLFN11 expression is one factor which renders favorable outcomes in WNT-activated and a subset of SHH-activated medulloblastoma possibly through enhancing response to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Nakata
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
| | - Masayasu Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Takahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tyler H Findlay
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen Malebranche
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Akhila Parthasarathy
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Satoshi Miyashita
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ramil Gabdulkhaev
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ilan Benkimoun
- Department of Neuropathology, GHU Paris-Psychiatrie Et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sabine Druillennec
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, F-91405, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - Sara Chabi
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, F-91405, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - Eleanor Hawkins
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, F-91405, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - Hiroaki Miyahara
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kensuke Tateishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shinji Yamashita
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Shiori Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Taiki Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jotaro On
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Junichi Yoshimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Makoto Oishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toshimichi Nakano
- Department of Radiology and Radiation Oncology Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masaru Imamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Chihaya Imai
- Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yamamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hideo Takeshima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Atsuo T Sasaki
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Fausto J Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Center at UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Pascale Varlet
- Department of Neuropathology, GHU Paris-Psychiatrie Et Neurosciences, Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Celio Pouponnot
- Institut Curie, Centre de Recherche, F-91405, Orsay, France
- INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 3347, Centre Universitaire, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405, Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-91405, Orsay, France
| | - Satoru Osuka
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Eric H Raabe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Manabu Natsumeda
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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15
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Salguero C, Valladolid C, Robinson HMR, Smith GCM, Yap TA. Targeting ATR in Cancer Medicine. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 186:239-283. [PMID: 37978140 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30065-3_14] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
As a key component of the DNA Damage Response, the Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) protein is a promising druggable target that is currently widely evaluated in phase I-II-III clinical trials as monotherapy and in combinations with other rational antitumor agents, including immunotherapy, DNA repair inhibitors, chemo- and radiotherapy. Ongoing clinical studies for this drug class must address the optimization of the therapeutic window to limit overlapping toxicities and refine the target population that will most likely benefit from ATR inhibition. With advances in the development of personalized treatment strategies for patients with advanced solid tumors, many ongoing ATR inhibitor trials have been recruiting patients based on their germline and somatic molecular alterations, rather than relying solely on specific tumor subtypes. Although a spectrum of molecular alterations have already been identified as potential predictive biomarkers of response that may sensitize to ATR inhibition, these biomarkers must be analytically validated and feasible to measure robustly to allow for successful integration into the clinic. While several ATR inhibitors in development are poised to address a clinically unmet need, no ATR inhibitor has yet received FDA-approval. This chapter details the underlying rationale for targeting ATR and summarizes the current preclinical and clinical landscape of ATR inhibitors currently in evaluation, as their regulatory approval potentially lies close in sight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Salguero
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christian Valladolid
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Helen M R Robinson
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Graeme C M Smith
- Artios Pharma, The Glenn Berge Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Timothy A Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- The Institute for Applied Cancer Science, and Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, TX, 77030, Houston, USA.
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16
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Pongor LS, Tlemsani C, Elloumi F, Arakawa Y, Jo U, Gross JM, Mosavarpour S, Varma S, Kollipara RK, Roper N, Teicher BA, Aladjem MI, Reinhold W, Thomas A, Minna JD, Johnson JE, Pommier Y. Integrative epigenomic analyses of small cell lung cancer cells demonstrates the clinical translational relevance of gene body methylation. iScience 2022; 25:105338. [DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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17
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Zhang J, Chan DW, Lin SY. Exploiting DNA Replication Stress as a Therapeutic Strategy for Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2775. [PMID: 36359297 PMCID: PMC9687274 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferating cells rely on DNA replication to ensure accurate genome duplication. Cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, exhibit elevated replication stress (RS) due to the uncontrolled oncogenic activation, loss of key tumor suppressors, and defects in the DNA repair machinery. This intrinsic vulnerability provides a great opportunity for therapeutic exploitation. An increasing number of drug candidates targeting RS in breast cancer are demonstrating promising efficacy in preclinical and early clinical trials. However, unresolved challenges lie in balancing the toxicity of these drugs while maintaining clinical efficacy. Furthermore, biomarkers of RS are urgently required to guide patient selection. In this review, we introduce the concept of targeting RS, detail the current therapies that target RS, and highlight the integration of RS with immunotherapies for breast cancer treatment. Additionally, we discuss the potential biomarkers to optimizing the efficacy of these therapies. Together, the continuous advances in our knowledge of targeting RS would benefit more patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Shiaw-Yih Lin
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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18
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Fischietti M, Eckerdt F, Perez RE, Guillen Magaña JN, Mazewski C, Ho S, Gonzalez C, Streich LD, Beauchamp EM, Heimberger AB, Baran AH, Yue F, James CD, Platanias LC. SLFN11 Negatively Regulates Noncanonical NFκB Signaling to Promote Glioblastoma Progression. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:966-978. [PMID: 36382088 PMCID: PMC9648417 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and incurable brain tumor in nearly all instances, whose disease progression is driven in part by the glioma stem cell (GSC) subpopulation. Here, we explored the effects of Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11) in the molecular, cellular, and tumor biology of GBM. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of SLFN11 inhibited GBM cell proliferation and neurosphere growth and was associated with reduced expression of progenitor/stem cell marker genes, such as NES, SOX2, and CD44. Loss of SLFN11 stimulated expression of NFκB target genes, consistent with a negative regulatory role for SLFN11 on the NFκB pathway. Furthermore, our studies identify p21 as a direct transcriptional target of NFκB2 in GBM whose expression was stimulated by loss of SLFN11. Genetic disruption of SLFN11 blocked GBM growth and significantly extended survival in an orthotopic patient-derived xenograft model. Together, our results identify SLFN11 as a novel component of signaling pathways that contribute to GBM and GSC with implications for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Significance:
We identify a negative regulatory role for SLFN11 in noncanonical NFκB signaling that results in suppression of the cell-cycle inhibitor p21. We provide evidence that SLFN11 contributes to regulation of stem cell markers in GBM, promoting the malignant phenotype. In addition, SLFN11 targeting triggers p21 expression and antitumor responses. Our studies define a highly novel function for SLFN11 and identify it as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafausta Fischietti
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Frank Eckerdt
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ricardo E. Perez
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Candice Mazewski
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sang Ho
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christopher Gonzalez
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lukas D. Streich
- 4Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elspeth M. Beauchamp
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amy B. Heimberger
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aneta H. Baran
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Feng Yue
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 6Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - C. David James
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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19
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Jo U, Murai Y, Agama KK, Sun Y, Saha LK, Yang X, Arakawa Y, Gayle S, Jones K, Paralkar V, Sundaram RK, Doorn JV, Vasquez JC, Bindra RS, Choi WS, Pommier Y. TOP1-DNA Trapping by Exatecan and Combination Therapy with ATR Inhibitor. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1090-1102. [PMID: 35439320 PMCID: PMC9256811 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-1000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Exatecan and deruxtecan are antineoplastic camptothecin derivatives in development as tumor-targeted-delivery warheads in various formulations including peptides, liposomes, polyethylene glycol nanoparticles, and antibody-drug conjugates. Here, we report the molecular pharmacology of exatecan compared with the clinically approved topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors and preclinical models for validating biomarkers and the combination of exatecan with ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase (ATR) inhibitors. Modeling exatecan binding at the interface of a TOP1 cleavage complex suggests two novel molecular interactions with the flanking DNA base and the TOP1 residue N352, in addition to the three known interactions of camptothecins with the TOP1 residues R364, D533, and N722. Accordingly, exatecan showed much stronger TOP1 trapping, higher DNA damage, and apoptotic cell death than the classical TOP1 inhibitors used clinically. We demonstrate the value of SLFN11 expression and homologous recombination (HR) deficiency (HRD) as predictive biomarkers of response to exatecan. We also show that exatecan kills cancer cells synergistically with the clinical ATR inhibitor ceralasertib (AZD6738). To establish the translational potential of this combination, we tested CBX-12, a clinically developed pH-sensitive peptide-exatecan conjugate that selectively targets cancer cells and is currently in clinical trials. The combination of CBX-12 with ceralasertib significantly suppressed tumor growth in mouse xenografts. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potency of exatecan as a TOP1 inhibitor and its clinical potential in combination with ATR inhibitors, using SLFN11 and HRD as predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhisa Murai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hematology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Keli K. Agama
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yilun Sun
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Liton Kumar Saha
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xi Yang
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Arakawa
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Kelli Jones
- Cybrexa Therapeutics, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | | | - Ranjini K. Sundaram
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jinny Van Doorn
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Juan C. Vasquez
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Ranjit S. Bindra
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Woo Suk Choi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch and Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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20
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Onji H, Murai J. Reconsidering the mechanisms of action of PARP inhibitors based on clinical outcomes. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:2943-2951. [PMID: 35766436 PMCID: PMC9459283 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PARP inhibitors (PARPis) were initially developed as DNA repair inhibitors that inhibit the catalytic activity of PARP1 and PARP2 and are expected to induce synthetic lethality in BRCA‐ or homologous recombination (HR)‐deficient tumors. However, the clinical indications for PARPis are not necessarily limited to BRCA mutations or HR deficiency; BRCA wild‐type and HR‐proficient cancers can also derive some benefit from PARPis. These facts are interpretable by an additional primary antitumor mechanism of PARPis named PARP trapping, resulting from the stabilization of PARP‐DNA complexes. Favorable response to platinum derivatives (cisplatin and carboplatin) in preceding treatment is used as a clinical biomarker for some PARPis, implying that sensitivity factors for platinum derivatives and PARPis are mainly common. Such common sensitivity factors include not only HR defects (HRD) but also additional factors. One of them is Schlafen 11 (SLFN11), a putative DNA/RNA helicase, that sensitizes cancer cells to a broad type of DNA‐damaging agents, including platinum and topoisomerase inhibitors. Mechanistically, SLFN11 induces a lethal replication block in response to replication stress (ie, DNA damage). As SLFN11 acts upon replication stress, trapping PARPis can activate SLFN11. Preclinical models show the importance of SLFN11 in PARPi sensitivity. However, the relevance of SLFN11 in PARPi response is less evident in clinical data compared with the significance of SLFN11 for platinum sensitivity. In this review, we consider the reasons for variable indications of PARPis resulting from clinical outcomes and review the mechanisms of action for PARPis as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Onji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Japan
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21
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Structural, molecular, and functional insights into Schlafen proteins. EXPERIMENTAL & MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 54:730-738. [PMID: 35768579 PMCID: PMC9256597 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schlafen (SLFN) genes belong to a vertebrate gene family encoding proteins with high sequence homology. However, each SLFN is functionally divergent and differentially expressed in various tissues and species, showing a wide range of expression in cancer and normal cells. SLFNs are involved in various cellular and tissue-specific processes, including DNA replication, proliferation, immune and interferon responses, viral infections, and sensitivity to DNA-targeted anticancer agents. The fundamental molecular characteristics of SLFNs and their structures are beginning to be elucidated. Here, we review recent structural insights into the N-terminal, middle and C-terminal domains (N-, M-, and C-domains, respectively) of human SLFNs and discuss the current understanding of their biological roles. We review the distinct molecular activities of SLFN11, SLFN5, and SLFN12 and the relevance of SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker in oncology. The diverse roles that Schlafen family proteins play in cell proliferation, immune modulation, and other biological processes make them promising targets for treating and tracking diseases, especially cancer. Ukhyun Jo and Yves Pommier from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, USA, review the molecular characteristics and structural features of Schlafen proteins. These proteins take their name from the German word for “sleep”, as the first described Schlafen proteins caused cells to stop dividing, although later reports found that related members of the same protein family serve myriad cellular functions, including in the regulation of DNA replication. A better understanding of Schlafen proteins could open up new avenues in cancer management, for instance, diagnostics that monitor activity levels of one such protein, SLFN11, could help oncologists predict how well patients might respond to anti-cancer therapies.
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22
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Can Schlafen 11 Help to Stratify Ovarian Cancer Patients Treated with DNA-Damaging Agents? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102353. [PMID: 35625957 PMCID: PMC9139752 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102353] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Platinum-based chemotherapy has been the cornerstone of systemic treatment in ovarian cancer. Since no validated molecular predictive markers have been identified yet, the response to platinum-based chemotherapy has been evaluated clinically, based on platinum-free interval. The new promising marker Schlafen 11 seems to correlate with sensitivity or resistance to DNA-damaging agents, including platinum compounds or PARP inhibitors in various types of cancer. We provide background information about the function of Schlafen 11, its evaluation in tumor tissue, and its prevalence in ovarian cancer. We discuss the current evidence of the correlation of Schlafen 11 expression in ovarian cancer with treatment outcomes and the potential use of Schlafen 11 as the key predictive and prognostic marker that could help to better stratify ovarian cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy or PARP inhibitors. We also provide perspectives on future directions in the research on this promising marker.
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23
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Hu S, Hui Z, Duan J, Garrido C, Xie T, Ye XY. Discovery of small-molecule ATR inhibitors for potential cancer treatment: a patent review from 2014 to present. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:401-421. [PMID: 35001778 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2027911] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3-related kinase (ATR) is one of the key PIKKs family members important for DNA damage response and repair pathways. Targeting ATR kinase for potential cancer therapy has attracted a great deal of attention to both pharmaceutical industries and academic community. AREA COVERED This article surveys the patents published since 2014 aiming to analyze the structural features of scaffolds and the patent space. It also discusses the recent clinical developments and provides perspectives on the challenges and the future directions. EXPERT OPINION ATR kinase appears to be a viable drug target for anticancer therapy. Similar to DNA-PK inhibitors, the clinical investigation of an ATRi employs both monotherapy and combination strategy. In the combination strategy, an ATRi is typically combined with a radiation or a targeted drug such as chemotherapy agent poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, etc. Diverse structures comprising different scaffolds from mono-heteroaryl to bicyclic heteroaryl to tricyclic heteroaryl to macrocycle are capable to achieve good ATR inhibitory activity and good ATR selectivity over other closely related enzymes. There are eight ATR inhibitors currently being evaluated in clinics, with the hope to get approval in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwen Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province.,Hangzhou Huadong Medicine Group Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co. Ltd., Hanzhou City, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, 607 Charles E Young Dr E, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Zi Hui
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province
| | - Jilong Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM Unit U1231, Label LIPSTIC, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, I-SITE, 7, Bvd Jeanne d'Arc, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province
| | - Xiang-Yang Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province.,Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicines from Zhejiang Province
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