1
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Gries A, Santhana Kumar K, Kuttler F, Özalp Ö, Akle V, Zhang H, Grotzer MA, Neuhauss SCF, Allalou A, Baumgartner M. Aurora kinase B is required for growth and expansion of medulloblastoma cells in the tissue context. Neoplasia 2025; 59:101078. [PMID: 39514961 PMCID: PMC11584764 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101078] [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: 09/02/2024] [Revised: 10/18/2024] [Accepted: 10/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The impact of the tissue context on tumor growth and drug response in medulloblastoma (MB) is poorly understood. To gain insights into the growth and dissemination behavior of the MB tumor cells under treatment, we combined three-dimensional cell culture screening with ex vivo organotypic cerebellum slice co-culture (OCSC), which allowed the assessment of tumor cell behavior in the tissue context. To identify druggable kinase pathways involved in invasion, we screened a panel of 274 kinase inhibitors and identified aurora kinase B (AURKB) as a potential anti-invasion drug target in MB. We validated tumor suppressive activities of the AURKB inhibitor (AURKBi) Barasertib (AZD1152-HQPA) and the structurally unrelated compound GSK-1070916 in cerebellum slice culture models for SHH, and Grp3 MB. Importantly, AURKBi are tumor suppressive in the tissue context, also in MB tumor cells that are in vitro resistant to the same treatment. We confirmed the requirement of AURKB for tumor growth and expansion in the tissue context through genetic suppression of AURKB by siRNA. We revealed that the combination of AURKBi with the SRC/BCR-ABL inhibitor Dasatinib acts synergistically to repress tumor growth and expansion in the highly invasive MB cell model ONS-76, but not in Grp3 MB cells. We demonstrate that tumor growth in the tissue context is suppressed by pharmacological inhibition of AURKB, comparable to the growth reduction observed after X-ray irradiation, which was used as the positive control. Finally, we show that exposure to µM concentrations of Barasertib does not cause developmental toxicity in fish larvae. In conclusion, we demonstrate that AURKB is essential for MB tumor growth and expansion in the tissue context and the inhibition of AURKB is equally efficient as irradiation in repressing tumor cell growth. In patients younger than three years, pharmacological targeting of AURKB may thus constitute a novel means to overcome radiotherapy limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Gries
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-oncology Research, Division of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Karthiga Santhana Kumar
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-oncology Research, Division of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Fabien Kuttler
- Biomolecular screening Facility, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Özgün Özalp
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Veronica Akle
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanqing Zhang
- SciLifeLab BioImage Informatics Facility, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Information Technology, Division of Visual Information and Interaction, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael A Grotzer
- Division of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Amin Allalou
- DanioReadout, Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; SciLifeLab BioImage Informatics Facility, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Information Technology, Division of Visual Information and Interaction, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Baumgartner
- Pediatric Molecular Neuro-oncology Research, Division of Oncology, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Tasneem A, Singh M, Singh P, Dohare R. Multi-omics and in-silico approach reveals AURKA, AURKB, and RSAD2 as therapeutic biomarkers in OSCC progression. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 39639535 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2436556] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a prevalent form of head and neck cancer, poses a significant health challenge with limited improvements in patient outcomes over the years. Its development is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic alterations and environmental factors. While progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving OSCC, pinpointing critical molecular markers and potential drug candidates has proven elusive. This study uniquely endeavors to conduct a meta-analysis to unveil therapeutic genes responsible for OSCC tumorigenesis. A multi-omics approach identified 951 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with OSCC by analyzing microarray data from the NCBI GEO database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) detected a significant hub gene module comprising 805 genes, followed by the construction of protein-protein interaction network resulting in two small clusters of 7 gene-encoded proteins each. These clusters were filtered out based on top 10 significant pathways and gene ontology terms to identify six key target proteins with elevated expression levels, acting as potential therapeutic biomarkers for OSCC. Notably, RSAD2 emerged as a novel biomarker linked to OSCC progression. Furthermore, we identified potential inhibitors targeting AURKA, AURKB, and RSAD2 proteins and validated their interactions through molecular dynamics simulation studies. The simulations confirmed the stability of receptor-ligand complexes, suggesting ZINC03839281, ZINC04026167, and ZINC00718292 compounds hold promise as potential inhibitors for therapeutically targeting AURKA, AURKB, and RSAD2 as significant OSCC biomarkers. We recommend further comprehensive studies, including experimental and preclinical investigations, to validate the effectiveness of these lead compounds for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvea Tasneem
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Manish Singh
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Prithvi Singh
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravins Dohare
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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3
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Wong PY, Chan CYK, Xue HDG, Goh CC, Cheu JWS, Tse APW, Zhang MS, Zhang Y, Wong CCL. Cell cycle inhibitors activate the hypoxia-induced DDX41/STING pathway to mediate antitumor immune response in liver cancer. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e170532. [PMID: 39388278 PMCID: PMC11601891 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170532] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle inhibitors have a long history as cancer treatment. Here, we report that these inhibitors combated cancer partially via the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) signaling pathway. We demonstrated that paclitaxel (microtubule stabilizer), palbociclib (cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor), and AZD1152 and GSK1070916 (aurora kinase B inhibitors) have anticancer functions beyond arresting the cell cycle. They consistently caused cytosolic DNA accumulation and DNA damage, which inadvertently triggered the cytosolic DNA sensor DEAD-box helicase 41 (DDX41) and activated STING to secrete pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors (SASPs). Interestingly, we found that DDX41 was a transcriptional target of HIF. Hypoxia induced expression of DDX41 through HIF-1, making hypoxic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells more sensitive to the antimitotic agents in STING activation and SASP production. The SASPs triggered immune cell infiltration in tumors for cancer clearance. The treatment with cell cycle inhibitors, especially paclitaxel, extended survival by perturbing mouse HCC growth when used in combination with anti-PD-1. We observed a trend that paclitaxel suppressed Sting wild-type HCC more effectively than Sting-KO HCC, suggesting that STING might contribute to the antitumor effects of paclitaxel. Our study revealed the immune-mediated tumor-suppressing properties of cell cycle inhibitors and suggested combined treatment with immunotherapy as a potential therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po Yee Wong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Cerise Yuen Ki Chan
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Helen Do Gai Xue
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Ching Goh
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jacinth Wing Sum Cheu
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Aki Pui Wah Tse
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Misty Shuo Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Carmen Chak Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, and
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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4
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Calheiros-Lobo M, Silva JPN, Delgado L, Pinto B, Monteiro L, Lopes C, Silva PMA, Bousbaa H. Targeting the EGFR and Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Pathways in Oral Cancer: A Plausible Alliance to Enhance Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3732. [PMID: 39594688 PMCID: PMC11591835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16223732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is among the most common cancer types globally, with its incidence expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the predominant subtype, exhibits significant heterogeneity and resistance to treatment. Current therapies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often result in poor outcomes for advanced stages. Cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, is widely used but faces limitations. This study explores the combined inhibition of EGFR and mitotic proteins to enhance treatment efficacy. Methods: We analyzed the effects of co-treating OSCC cells with small molecules targeting MPS-1 (BAY1217389), Aurora-B (Barasertib), or KSP (Ispinesib), alongside Cetuximab. The rationale is based on targeting EGFR-mediated survival pathways and the mitotic checkpoint, addressing multiple cell cycle phases and reducing resistance. Results: Our findings indicate that inhibiting MPS-1, Aurora-B, or KSP enhances Cetuximab's therapeutic potential, promoting increased cancer cell death. Additionally, we examined EGFR, MPS-1, Aurora-B, and KSP expression in OSCC patient samples, revealing their clinicopathologic significance. Conclusions: This combinatorial approach suggests a promising strategy to improve treatment outcomes in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Calheiros-Lobo
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (M.C.-L.); (J.P.N.S.); (L.D.); (B.P.); (L.M.); (C.L.)
| | - João P. N. Silva
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (M.C.-L.); (J.P.N.S.); (L.D.); (B.P.); (L.M.); (C.L.)
| | - Leonor Delgado
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (M.C.-L.); (J.P.N.S.); (L.D.); (B.P.); (L.M.); (C.L.)
- Pathology Department, INNO Serviços Especializados em Veterinária, 4710-503 Braga, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Pinto
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (M.C.-L.); (J.P.N.S.); (L.D.); (B.P.); (L.M.); (C.L.)
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luís Monteiro
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (M.C.-L.); (J.P.N.S.); (L.D.); (B.P.); (L.M.); (C.L.)
- Medicine and Oral Surgery Department, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU (IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Lopes
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (M.C.-L.); (J.P.N.S.); (L.D.); (B.P.); (L.M.); (C.L.)
| | - Patrícia M. A. Silva
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (M.C.-L.); (J.P.N.S.); (L.D.); (B.P.); (L.M.); (C.L.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Hassan Bousbaa
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (M.C.-L.); (J.P.N.S.); (L.D.); (B.P.); (L.M.); (C.L.)
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5
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Ivanovna Gabrilchak A, Anatolievna Gusyakova O, Aleksandrovich Antipov V, Alekseevna Medvedeva E, Leonidovna Tukshumskaya L. A modern overview of the process of platelet formation (thrombocytopoiesis) and its dependence on several factors. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2024; 34:030503. [PMID: 39435166 PMCID: PMC11493462 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2024.030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Structural and functional alterations in platelets are an actual problem that requires more attention. The treatment of these illnesses proves challenging, inefficient and heavily relies on platelet donations. A difficult task confronting science is producing platelets in vitro, which calls for meticulous examination of factors affecting platelet generation. It is known that megakaryocytes produce platelets in vitro and in vivo differently: in the laboratory we can get a smaller number of platelets compared to the human body. This review primarily examines the stages of megakaryocyte maturation and the processes involved in platelet formation. The article reflects the results of both fundamental research on the problem and the new results obtained over the past decade. Currently, most scientists accept the pro-platelets theory of platelet formation. This review aims to explore in detail each stage of pro-platelet formation and the platelet formation process. It explains on the processes of polyploidization, endomitosis, and apoptosis, as well as the functions of structural cell components (microtubules, mitochondria, T- and α-granules) and pro-platelet migration. The microenvironment influence is acknowledged for the osteoblastic and vascular niches that affect thrombocytopoiesis. The additional aspect is the contribution of specific proteins to thrombocytopoiesis such as RhoA, β1-tubulin, cytokines IL-6, IL-8, Toll-like receptors, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Ivanovna Gabrilchak
- Professional Center for Education and Research in Genetic and Laboratory Technologies, Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Samara, Russia
- Department of Fundamental and Clinical Biochemistry with Laboratory Diagnostics, Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Samara, Russia
| | - Oksana Anatolievna Gusyakova
- Department of Fundamental and Clinical Biochemistry with Laboratory Diagnostics, Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Samara, Russia
| | - Vladimir Aleksandrovich Antipov
- Professional Center for Education and Research in Genetic and Laboratory Technologies, Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Samara, Russia
- Department of Fundamental and Clinical Biochemistry with Laboratory Diagnostics, Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Samara, Russia
| | - Elizabeth Alekseevna Medvedeva
- Professional Center for Education and Research in Genetic and Laboratory Technologies, Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Samara, Russia
- Institute of Pediatrics, Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Samara, Russia
| | - Lyubov Leonidovna Tukshumskaya
- Institute of General Medicine, Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Samara, Russia
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6
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Vorwerk VA, Wilms G, Babendreyer A, Becker W. Differential regulation of expression of the protein kinases DYRK1A and DYRK1B in cancer cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23926. [PMID: 39397076 PMCID: PMC11471791 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74190-1] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The protein kinases DYRK1A and DYRK1B are pivotal regulators of cell cycle progression by promoting cell cycle exit into quiescence. DYRK1B appears to play a more important role in cancer cell quiescence than DYRK1A, as evidenced by its overexpression or copy number variations in human tumour samples. Nonetheless, the stimuli driving DYRK1B upregulation and the potential divergence in expression patterns between DYRK1A and DYRK1B remain largely elusive. In the present study, we scrutinized the regulatory pathways modulating DYRK1B expression relative to DYRK1A in PANC-1 and A549 cancer cell lines across varying conditions. Serum deprivation, pharmacological mTOR inhibition and increased cell density resulted in the differential upregulation of DYRK1B compared to DYRK1A. We then aimed to assess the role of protein kinases MST1 and MST2, which are key transmitters of cell density dependent effects. Unexpectedly, exposure to the MST1/2 inhibitor XMU-MP-1 resulted in increased DYRK1B levels in A549 cells. Further investigation into the off-target effects of XMU-MP-1 unveiled the inhibition of Aurora kinases (AURKA and AURKB) as a potential causative factor. Consistently, AURK inhibitors VX-680 (tozasertib), MLN8237 (alisertib), AZD1152-HQPA (barasertib) resulted in the upregulation of DYRK1B expression in A549 cells. In summary, our findings indicate that the expression of DYRK1A and DYRK1B is differentially regulated in cancer cells and reveal that the kinase inhibitor XMU-MP-1 increases DYRK1B expression likely through off target inhibition of Aurora kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Andreas Vorwerk
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gerrit Wilms
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Aaron Babendreyer
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Becker
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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7
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Gupta D, Kumar M, Saifi S, Rawat S, Ethayathulla AS, Kaur P. A comprehensive review on role of Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKIs) in cancer therapeutics. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130913. [PMID: 38508544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130913] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Aurora kinases (AURKs) are a family of serine /threonine protein kinases that have a crucial role in cell cycle process mainly in the event of chromosomal segregation, centrosome maturation and cytokinesis. The family consists of three members including Aurora kinase A (AURK-A), Aurora kinase B (AURK-B) and Aurora kinase C (AURK-C). All AURKs contain a conserved kinase domain for their activity but differ in their cellular localization and functions. AURK-A and AURK-B are expressed mainly in somatic cells while the expression of AURK-C is limited to germ cells. AURK-A promotes G2 to M transition of cell cycle by controlling centrosome maturation and mitotic spindle assembly. AURK-B and AURK-C form the chromosome passenger complex (CPC) that ensures proper chromosomal alignments and segregation. Aberrant expression of AURK-A and AURK-B has been detected in several solid tumours and malignancies. Hence, they have become an attractive therapeutic target against cancer. The first part of this review focuses on AURKs structure, functions, subcellular localization, and their role in tumorigenesis. The review also highlights the functional and clinical impact of selective as well as pan kinase inhibitors. Currently, >60 compounds that target AURKs are in preclinical and clinical studies. The drawbacks of existing inhibitors like selectivity, drug resistance and toxicity have also been addressed. Since, majority of inhibitors are Aurora kinase inhibitor (AKI) type-1 that bind to the active (DFGin and Cin) conformation of the kinase, this information may be utilized to design highly selective kinase inhibitors that can be combined with other therapeutic agents for better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Gupta
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sana Saifi
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Shivani Rawat
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - A S Ethayathulla
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India
| | - Punit Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110029, India.
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8
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Hosoya K, Ozasa H. Aurora kinase B inhibition in small-cell lung cancer: BCL-2 as a potential therapeutic biomarker and combination target. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:689-693. [PMID: 38601438 PMCID: PMC11002497 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Hosoya
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ozasa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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9
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Zhang J, Ma J, Li Y, An Y, Du W, Yang Q, Huang M, Cai X. Overexpression of Aurora Kinase B Is Correlated with Diagnosis and Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2199. [PMID: 38396874 PMCID: PMC10889672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042199] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinase B (AURKB) overexpression promotes tumor initiation and development by participating in the cell cycle. In this study, we focused on the mechanism of AURKB in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and on AURKB's value as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC. We used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to analyze AURKB expression in HCC. We found that the expression levels of AURKB in HCC samples were higher than those in the corresponding control group. R packages were used to analyze RNA sequencing data to identify AURKB-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and these genes were found to be significantly enriched during the cell cycle. The biological function of AURKB was verified, and the results showed that cell proliferation was slowed down and cells were arrested in the G2/M phase when AURKB was knocked down. AURKB overexpression resulted in significant differences in clinical symptoms, such as the clinical T stage and pathological stage. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox regression analysis, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that AURKB overexpression has good diagnostic and prognostic potential in HCC. Therefore, AURKB may be used as a potential target for the diagnosis and cure of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xuefei Cai
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixue Yuan Road, Chongqing 400016, China; (J.Z.); (J.M.); (Y.L.); (Y.A.); (W.D.); (Q.Y.); (M.H.)
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10
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Noor S, Choudhury A, Raza A, Ashraf A, Islam KU, Hussain A, Imtiyaz K, Islam A, Hassan MI. Probing Baicalin as potential inhibitor of Aurora kinase B: A step towards lung cancer therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 258:128813. [PMID: 38123032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128813] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Cell cycle regulators play pivotal roles as their dysregulation, leads to atypical proliferation and intrinsic genomic instability in cancer cells. Abnormal expression and functioning of Aurora kinase B (AURKB) are associated with cancer pathogenesis and thus exploited as a potential therapeutic target for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. To identify effective AURKB inhibitors, a series of polyphenols was investigated to check their potential to inhibit recombinant AURKB. Their binding affinities were experimentally validated through fluorescence binding studies. Enzyme inhibition assay revealed that Mangiferin and Baicalin significantly inhibited AURKB activity with an IC50 values of 20.0 μM and 31.1 μM, respectively. To get atomistic insights into the binding mechanism, molecular docking and MD simulations of 100 ns were performed. Both compounds formed many non-covalent interactions with the residues of the active site pocket of AURKB. In addition, minimal conformational changes in the structure and formation of stable AURKB-ligand complex were observed during MD simulation analysis. Finally, cell-based studies suggested that Baicalin exhibited in-vitro cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative effects on lung cancer cell lines. Conclusively, Baicalin may be considered a promising therapeutic molecule against AURKB, adding an additional novel lead to the anti-cancer repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Noor
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Arunabh Choudhury
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ali Raza
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202002, India
| | - Anam Ashraf
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Khursheed Ul Islam
- Multidisciplinary Centre for Advance Research and Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khadija Imtiyaz
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
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11
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Soliman TN, Keifenheim D, Parker PJ, Clarke DJ. Cell cycle responses to Topoisomerase II inhibition: Molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202209125. [PMID: 37955972 PMCID: PMC10641588 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202209125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA Topoisomerase IIA (Topo IIA) is an enzyme that alters the topological state of DNA and is essential for the separation of replicated sister chromatids and the integrity of cell division. Topo IIA dysfunction activates cell cycle checkpoints, resulting in arrest in either the G2-phase or metaphase of mitosis, ultimately triggering the abscission checkpoint if non-disjunction persists. These events, which directly or indirectly monitor the activity of Topo IIA, have become of major interest as many cancers have deficiencies in Topoisomerase checkpoints, leading to genome instability. Recent studies into how cells sense Topo IIA dysfunction and respond by regulating cell cycle progression demonstrate that the Topo IIA G2 checkpoint is distinct from the G2-DNA damage checkpoint. Likewise, in mitosis, the metaphase Topo IIA checkpoint is separate from the spindle assembly checkpoint. Here, we integrate mechanistic knowledge of Topo IIA checkpoints with the current understanding of how cells regulate progression through the cell cycle to accomplish faithful genome transmission and discuss the opportunities this offers for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya N. Soliman
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Keifenheim
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Duncan J. Clarke
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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12
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Titova E, Shagieva G, Dugina V, Kopnin P. The Role of Aurora B Kinase in Normal and Cancer Cells. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:2054-2062. [PMID: 38462449 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Aurora kinases are essential players in mammalian cell division. These kinases are involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics, microtubule-kinetochore interactions, and chromosome condensation and orientation during mitosis. At least three members of the Aurora family - Aurora kinases A, B, and C - have been identified in mammals. Aurora B is essential for maintaining genomic stability and normal cell division. Mutations and dysregulation of this kinase are implicated in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we discuss the functions of Aurora B, the relationship between increased Aurora B activity and carcinogenesis, and the prospects for the use of Aurora B kinase inhibitors in antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Titova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Galina Shagieva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Vera Dugina
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Pavel Kopnin
- Institute of Carcinogenesis, Blokhin National Medical Research Centre of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 115478, Russia
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13
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Rodrigues-Ferreira S, Morin M, Guichaoua G, Moindjie H, Haykal MM, Collier O, Stoven V, Nahmias C. A Network of 17 Microtubule-Related Genes Highlights Functional Deregulations in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4870. [PMID: 37835564 PMCID: PMC10571893 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide panel of microtubule-associated proteins and kinases is involved in coordinated regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton and may thus represent valuable molecular markers contributing to major cellular pathways deregulated in cancer. We previously identified a panel of 17 microtubule-related (MT-Rel) genes that are differentially expressed in breast tumors showing resistance to taxane-based chemotherapy. In the present study, we evaluated the expression, prognostic value and functional impact of these genes in breast cancer. We show that 14 MT-Rel genes (KIF4A, ASPM, KIF20A, KIF14, TPX2, KIF18B, KIFC1, AURKB, KIF2C, GTSE1, KIF15, KIF11, RACGAP1, STMN1) are up-regulated in breast tumors compared with adjacent normal tissue. Six of them (KIF4A, ASPM, KIF20A, KIF14, TPX2, KIF18B) are overexpressed by more than 10-fold in tumor samples and four of them (KIF11, AURKB, TPX2 and KIFC1) are essential for cell survival. Overexpression of all 14 genes, and underexpression of 3 other MT-Rel genes (MAST4, MAPT and MTUS1) are associated with poor breast cancer patient survival. A Systems Biology approach highlighted three major functional networks connecting the 17 MT-Rel genes and their partners, which are centered on spindle assembly, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Our studies identified mitotic Aurora kinases and their substrates as major targets for therapeutic approaches against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Rodrigues-Ferreira
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (S.R.-F.); (M.M.); (H.M.); (M.M.H.)
- INSERM U981, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- Inovarion, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Morgane Morin
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (S.R.-F.); (M.M.); (H.M.); (M.M.H.)
- INSERM U981, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Gwenn Guichaoua
- CBIO (Centre de Bioinformatique), Mines Paris-PSL, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France;
- INSERM U900, Institut Curie, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Hadia Moindjie
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (S.R.-F.); (M.M.); (H.M.); (M.M.H.)
- INSERM U981, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Maria M. Haykal
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (S.R.-F.); (M.M.); (H.M.); (M.M.H.)
- INSERM U981, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Olivier Collier
- MODAL’X, UPL, Université Paris Nanterre, CNRS, F-92000 Nanterre, France;
| | - Véronique Stoven
- CBIO (Centre de Bioinformatique), Mines Paris-PSL, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France;
- INSERM U900, Institut Curie, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Clara Nahmias
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, F-94800 Villejuif, France; (S.R.-F.); (M.M.); (H.M.); (M.M.H.)
- INSERM U981, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
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14
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Nitulescu GM, Stancov G, Seremet OC, Nitulescu G, Mihai DP, Duta-Bratu CG, Barbuceanu SF, Olaru OT. The Importance of the Pyrazole Scaffold in the Design of Protein Kinases Inhibitors as Targeted Anticancer Therapies. Molecules 2023; 28:5359. [PMID: 37513232 PMCID: PMC10385367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The altered activation or overexpression of protein kinases (PKs) is a major subject of research in oncology and their inhibition using small molecules, protein kinases inhibitors (PKI) is the best available option for the cure of cancer. The pyrazole ring is extensively employed in the field of medicinal chemistry and drug development strategies, playing a vital role as a fundamental framework in the structure of various PKIs. This scaffold holds major importance and is considered a privileged structure based on its synthetic accessibility, drug-like properties, and its versatile bioisosteric replacement function. It has proven to play a key role in many PKI, such as the inhibitors of Akt, Aurora kinases, MAPK, B-raf, JAK, Bcr-Abl, c-Met, PDGFR, FGFRT, and RET. Of the 74 small molecule PKI approved by the US FDA, 8 contain a pyrazole ring: Avapritinib, Asciminib, Crizotinib, Encorafenib, Erdafitinib, Pralsetinib, Pirtobrutinib, and Ruxolitinib. The focus of this review is on the importance of the unfused pyrazole ring within the clinically tested PKI and on the additional required elements of their chemical structures. Related important pyrazole fused scaffolds like indazole, pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyrazole, pyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, or pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine are beyond the subject of this work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Georgiana Nitulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (G.M.N.)
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