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Altıntop MD, Ertorun İ, Akalın Çiftçi G, Özdemir A. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of imidazothiazole-hydrazone hybrids as dual EGFR and Akt inhibitors for NSCLC therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116698. [PMID: 39047611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116698] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
In search of small molecules for targeted therapy of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), an efficient four-step synthetic route was followed for the synthesis of new imidazothiazole-hydrazone hybrids, which were assessed for their cytotoxic effects on human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and human lung fibroblast (CCD-19Lu) cells. Among them, compounds 4, 6, 13, 16, 17 and 21 exhibited selective cytotoxic activity against A549 cell line. In vitro mechanistic studies were performed to assess their effects on apoptosis, caspase-3, cell cycle, EGFR and Akt in A549 cells. Compounds 6, 16, 17 and 21 promoted apoptotic cell death more than erlotinib. According to the in vitro data, it is quite clear that compound 6 promotes apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and arrests the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase in A549 cells. Compounds 16 and 17 arrested the cell cycle at the S phase, whereas compounds 4, 13 and 21 caused the cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. The most effective EGFR inhibitor in this series was found as compound 13, followed by compounds 17 and 16. Furthermore, Akt inhibitory effects of compounds 16 and 17 in A549 cells were close to that of GSK690693. In particular, it can be concluded that the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of compounds 16 and 17 are associated with their inhibitory effects on both EGFR and Akt. Molecular docking studies suggest that compounds 16 and 17 interact with crucial amino acid residues in the binding sites of human EGFR (PDB ID: 1M17) and Akt2 (PDB ID: 3D0E). Based on the in silico data, both compounds are predicted to possess favorable oral bioavailability and drug-likeness. Further studies are required to benefit from these compounds as anticancer agents for targeted therapy of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehlika Dilek Altıntop
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - İpek Ertorun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Gülşen Akalın Çiftçi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Özdemir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470, Eskişehir, Turkey.
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2
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Tran CS, Kersten J, Yan J, Breinig M, Huth T, Poth T, Colasanti O, Riedl T, Faure-Dupuy S, Diehl S, Verhoye L, Li TF, Lingemann M, Schult P, Ahlén G, Frelin L, Kühnel F, Vondran FWR, Breuhahn K, Meuleman P, Heikenwälder M, Schirmacher P, Bartenschlager R, Laketa V, Roessler S, Tschaharganeh DF, Sällberg M, Lohmann V. Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase III Alpha Governs Cytoskeletal Organization for Invasiveness of Liver Cancer Cells. Gastroenterology 2024; 167:522-537. [PMID: 38636680 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS High expression of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III alpha (PI4KIIIα) correlates with poor survival rates in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections activate PI4KIIIα and contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma progression. We aimed at mechanistically understanding the impact of PI4KIIIα on the progression of liver cancer and the potential contribution of HCV in this process. METHODS Several hepatic cell culture and mouse models were used to study the functional importance of PI4KIIIα on liver pathogenesis. Antibody arrays, gene silencing, and PI4KIIIα-specific inhibitor were applied to identify the involved signaling pathways. The contribution of HCV was examined by using HCV infection or overexpression of its nonstructural protein. RESULTS High PI4KIIIα expression and/or activity induced cytoskeletal rearrangements via increased phosphorylation of paxillin and cofilin. This led to morphologic alterations and higher migratory and invasive properties of liver cancer cells. We further identified the liver-specific lipid kinase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase C2 domain-containing subunit gamma (PIK3C2γ) working downstream of PI4KIIIα in regulation of the cytoskeleton. PIK3C2γ generates plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate-enriched, invadopodia-like structures that regulate cytoskeletal reorganization by promoting Akt2 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS PI4KIIIα regulates cytoskeleton organization via PIK3C2γ/Akt2/paxillin-cofilin to favor migration and invasion of liver cancer cells. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the contribution of PI4KIIIα and HCV to the progression of liver cancer and identify promising targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Si Tran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Section Virus-Host Interactions, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Kersten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Section Virus-Host Interactions, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jingyi Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Marco Breinig
- Helmholtz-University Group "Cell Plasticity and Epigenetic Remodeling", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thorben Huth
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Poth
- Center for Model System and Comparative Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ombretta Colasanti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Section Virus-Host Interactions, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Riedl
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Suzanne Faure-Dupuy
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany; Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Stefan Diehl
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Section Virus-Host Interactions, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Teng-Feng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Section Virus-Host Interactions, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marit Lingemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Section Virus-Host Interactions, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Schult
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Section Virus-Host Interactions, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gustaf Ahlén
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lars Frelin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Florian Kühnel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectiology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian W R Vondran
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mathias Heikenwälder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany; The M3 Research Institute, Medical Faculty Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vibor Laketa
- DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darjus Felix Tschaharganeh
- Helmholtz-University Group "Cell Plasticity and Epigenetic Remodeling", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matti Sällberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Volker Lohmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Section Virus-Host Interactions, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Olayiwola Y, Gollahon LS. Chlorogenic Acid and Cinnamaldehyde in Combination Inhibit Metastatic Traits and Induce Apoptosis via Akt Downregulation in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6417. [PMID: 38928123 PMCID: PMC11204099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126417] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Most reported breast cancer-associated deaths are directly correlated with metastatic disease. Additionally, the primary goal of treating metastatic breast cancer is to prolong life. Thus, there remains the need for more effective and safer strategies to treat metastatic breast cancer. Recently, more attention has been given to natural products (or phytochemicals) as potential anticancer treatments. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the combination of the phytochemicals chlorogenic acid and cinnamaldehyde (CGA and CA) toward inhibiting metastasis. The hypothesis was that CGA and CA in combination decrease the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by inhibiting their invasive and migratory abilities as well as the induction of apoptosis via the downregulation of the Akt, disrupting its signal transduction pathway. To test this, wound-healing and Transwell™ Matrigel™ assays were conducted to assess changes in the migration and invasion properties of the cells; apoptosis was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy for Annexin V/propidium iodide; and immunoblotting and FACSort were performed on markers for the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition status. The results show that CGA and CA significantly downregulated Akt activation by inhibiting phosphorylation. Consequently, increased caspase 3 and decreased Bcl2-α levels were observed, and apoptosis was confirmed. The inhibition of metastatic behavior was demonstrated by the attenuation of N-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin, and MMP-9 expressions with concomitant increased expressions of E-cadherin and EpCAM. In summary, the present study demonstrated that CGA and CA in combination downregulated Akt activation, inhibited the metastatic potential, and induced apoptosis in different breast cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren S. Gollahon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79407, USA;
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Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 979:176727. [PMID: 38866361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer often involves the overactivation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways due to mutations in genes like RAS, RAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Various strategies are employed to address the overactivation of these pathways, among which targeted therapy emerges as a promising approach. Directly targeting specific proteins, leads to encouraging results in cancer treatment. For instance, RTK inhibitors such as imatinib and afatinib selectively target these receptors, hindering ligand binding and reducing signaling initiation. These inhibitors have shown potent efficacy against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Other inhibitors, like lonafarnib targeting Farnesyltransferase and GGTI 2418 targeting geranylgeranyl Transferase, disrupt post-translational modifications of proteins. Additionally, inhibition of proteins like SOS, SH2 domain, and Ras demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Targeting downstream components with RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and sorafenib, along with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and binimetinib, has shown promising outcomes in treating cancers with BRAF-V600E mutations, including myeloma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, inhibitors of PI3K (e.g., apitolisib, copanlisib), AKT (e.g., ipatasertib, perifosine), and mTOR (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus) exhibit promising efficacy against various cancers such as Invasive Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Neoplasms, and Hematological malignancies. This review offers an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific proteins within the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh.
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Dakal TC, Dhabhai B, Pant A, Moar K, Chaudhary K, Yadav V, Ranga V, Sharma NK, Kumar A, Maurya PK, Maciaczyk J, Schmidt‐Wolf IGH, Sharma A. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes: functions and roles in cancers. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e582. [PMID: 38827026 PMCID: PMC11141506 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, being the most formidable ailment, has had a profound impact on the human health. The disease is primarily associated with genetic mutations that impact oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Recently, growing evidence have shown that X-linked TSGs have specific role in cancer progression and metastasis as well. Interestingly, our genome harbors around substantial portion of genes that function as tumor suppressors, and the X chromosome alone harbors a considerable number of TSGs. The scenario becomes even more compelling as X-linked TSGs are adaptive to key epigenetic processes such as X chromosome inactivation. Therefore, delineating the new paradigm related to X-linked TSGs, for instance, their crosstalk with autosome and involvement in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis becomes utmost importance. Considering this, herein, we present a comprehensive discussion of X-linked TSG dysregulation in various cancers as a consequence of genetic variations and epigenetic alterations. In addition, the dynamic role of X-linked TSGs in sex chromosome-autosome crosstalk in cancer genome remodeling is being explored thoroughly. Besides, the functional roles of ncRNAs, role of X-linked TSG in immunomodulation and in gender-based cancer disparities has also been highlighted. Overall, the focal idea of the present article is to recapitulate the findings on X-linked TSG regulation in the cancer landscape and to redefine their role toward improving cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tikam Chand Dakal
- Department of BiotechnologyGenome and Computational Biology LabMohanlal Sukhadia UniversityUdaipurRajasthanIndia
| | - Bhanupriya Dhabhai
- Department of BiotechnologyGenome and Computational Biology LabMohanlal Sukhadia UniversityUdaipurRajasthanIndia
| | - Anuja Pant
- Department of BiochemistryCentral University of HaryanaMahendergarhHaryanaIndia
| | - Kareena Moar
- Department of BiochemistryCentral University of HaryanaMahendergarhHaryanaIndia
| | - Kanika Chaudhary
- School of Life Sciences. Jawaharlal Nehru UniversityNew DelhiIndia
| | - Vikas Yadav
- School of Life Sciences. Jawaharlal Nehru UniversityNew DelhiIndia
| | - Vipin Ranga
- Dearptment of Agricultural BiotechnologyDBT‐NECAB, Assam Agricultural UniversityJorhatAssamIndia
| | | | - Abhishek Kumar
- Manipal Academy of Higher EducationManipalKarnatakaIndia
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology ParkBangaloreIndia
| | - Pawan Kumar Maurya
- Department of BiochemistryCentral University of HaryanaMahendergarhHaryanaIndia
| | - Jarek Maciaczyk
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Ingo G. H. Schmidt‐Wolf
- Department of Integrated OncologyCenter for Integrated Oncology (CIO)University Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital of BonnBonnGermany
- Department of Integrated OncologyCenter for Integrated Oncology (CIO)University Hospital BonnBonnGermany
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Su R, Shao Y, Huang M, Liu D, Yu H, Qiu Y. Immunometabolism in cancer: basic mechanisms and new targeting strategy. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:236. [PMID: 38755125 PMCID: PMC11099033 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02006-2] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Maturing immunometabolic research empowers immune regulation novel approaches. Progressive metabolic adaptation of tumor cells permits a thriving tumor microenvironment (TME) in which immune cells always lose the initial killing capacity, which remains an unsolved dilemma even with the development of immune checkpoint therapies. In recent years, many studies on tumor immunometabolism have been reported. The development of immunometabolism may facilitate anti-tumor immunotherapy from the recurrent crosstalk between metabolism and immunity. Here, we discuss clinical studies of the core signaling pathways of immunometabolism and their inhibitors or agonists, as well as the specific functions of these pathways in regulating immunity and metabolism, and discuss some of the identified immunometabolic checkpoints. Understanding the comprehensive advances in immunometabolism helps to revise the status quo of cancer treatment. An overview of the new landscape of immunometabolism. The PI3K pathway promotes anabolism and inhibits catabolism. The LKB1 pathway inhibits anabolism and promotes catabolism. Overactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and IDO, IL4I1, ACAT, Sirt2, and MTHFD2 promote immunosuppression of TME formation, as evidenced by increased Treg and decreased T-cell proliferation. The LKBI-AMPK pathway promotes the differentiation of naive T cells to effector T cells and memory T cells and promotes anti-tumor immunity in DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Su
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingying Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Manru Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Donghui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Pervanidis KA, D'Angelo GD, Weisner J, Brandherm S, Rauh D. Akt Inhibitor Advancements: From Capivasertib Approval to Covalent-Allosteric Promises. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6052-6063. [PMID: 38592948 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Akt kinase is vital in cell growth, survival, metabolism, and migration. Dysregulation of Akt signaling is implicated in cancer and metabolic disorders. In the context of cancer, overactive Akt promotes cell survival and proliferation. This has spurred extensive research into developing Akt inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents to disrupt aberrant Akt signaling. Akt inhibitors are classified into three main types: ATP-competitive, allosteric, and covalent-allosteric inhibitors (CAAIs). ATP-competitive inhibitors compete with ATP for binding to Akt, allosteric inhibitors interact with the Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, and covalent-allosteric inhibitors form covalent bonds, making them more potent and selective. Notably, capivasertib (AZD5363), a potent ATP-competitive Akt inhibitor, received FDA approval in November 2023 for use in combination with the estrogen receptor degrader fulvestrant to treat breast cancer. Challenges remain, including improving selectivity, identifying biomarkers to tailor treatments, and enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Particularly covalent-allosteric inhibitors hold promise for future more effective and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosmas Alexandros Pervanidis
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Giovanni Danilo D'Angelo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jörn Weisner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- KyDo Therapeutics, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sven Brandherm
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- KyDo Therapeutics, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Daniel Rauh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University and Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD), Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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Berežni S, Mimica-Dukić N, Domina G, Raimondo FM, Orčić D. Anthriscus sylvestris-Noxious Weed or Sustainable Source of Bioactive Lignans? PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1087. [PMID: 38674496 PMCID: PMC11053937 DOI: 10.3390/plants13081087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. The plant, despite being categorized as a noxious weed, is traditionally used in treating various conditions like headaches, dressing wounds, and as a tonic, antitussive, antipyretic, analgesic, and diuretic. Its pharmacological importance stems from containing diverse bioactive lignans, especially aryltetralins and dibenzylbutyrolactones. One of the main compounds of A. sylvestris, deoxypodophyllotoxin, among its wide-ranging effects, including antitumor, antiproliferative, antiplatelet aggregation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties, serves as a pivotal precursor to epipodophyllotoxin, crucial in the semisynthesis of cytostatic agents like etoposide and teniposide. The main starting compound for these anticancer medicines was podophyllotoxin, intensively isolated from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, now listed as an endangered species due to overexploitation. Since new species are being investigated as potential sources, A. sylvestris emerges as a highly promising candidate owing to its abundant lignan content. This review summarizes the current knowledge on A. sylvestris, investigating its biological and morphological characteristics, and pharmacological properties. Emphasizing the biological activities and structure-activity relationship, this review underscores its therapeutic potential, thus encouraging further exploration and utilization of this valuable plant resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Berežni
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.M.-D.); (D.O.)
| | - Neda Mimica-Dukić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.M.-D.); (D.O.)
| | - Gianniantonio Domina
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, bldg. 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Francesco Maria Raimondo
- PLANTA/Center for Research, Documentation and Training, Via Serraglio Vecchio 28, 90123 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Dejan Orčić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.M.-D.); (D.O.)
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Liu Y, Sun Q, Wei X. Strategies and techniques for preclinical therapeutic targeting of PI3K in oncology: where do we stand in 2024? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:221-232. [PMID: 38646899 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2342522] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is an important signaling pathway in eukaryotic cells that is activated in a variety of cancers and is also associated with treatment resistance. This signaling pathway is an important target for anticancer therapy and holds great promise for research. At the same time PI3K inhibitors have a general problem that they have unavoidable toxic side effects. AREAS COVERED This review provides an explanation of the role of PI3K in the development and progression of cancer, including several important mutations, and a table listing the cancers caused by these mutations. We discuss the current landscape of PI3K inhibitors in preclinical and clinical trials, address the mechanisms of resistance to PI3K inhibition along with their associated toxic effects, and highlight significant advancements in preclinical research of this field. Furthermore, based on our study and comprehension of PI3K, we provide a recapitulation of the key lessons learned from the research process and propose potential measures for improvement that could prove valuable. EXPERT OPINION The PI3K pathway is a biological pathway of great potential value. However, the reduction of its toxic side effects and combination therapies need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, Department of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu Sun
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, Department of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- West China Medical Publishers, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, Department of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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10
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Erickson EC, You I, Perry G, Dugourd A, Donovan KA, Crafter C, Johannes JW, Williamson S, Moss JI, Ros S, Ziegler RE, Barry ST, Fischer ES, Gray NS, Madsen RR, Toker A. Multiomic profiling of breast cancer cells uncovers stress MAPK-associated sensitivity to AKT degradation. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadf2670. [PMID: 38412255 PMCID: PMC10949348 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adf2670] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
More than 50% of human tumors display hyperactivation of the serine/threonine kinase AKT. Despite evidence of clinical efficacy, the therapeutic window of the current generation of AKT inhibitors could be improved. Here, we report the development of a second-generation AKT degrader, INY-05-040, which outperformed catalytic AKT inhibition with respect to cellular suppression of AKT-dependent phenotypes in breast cancer cell lines. A growth inhibition screen with 288 cancer cell lines confirmed that INY-05-040 had a substantially higher potency than our first-generation AKT degrader (INY-03-041), with both compounds outperforming catalytic AKT inhibition by GDC-0068. Using multiomic profiling and causal network integration in breast cancer cells, we demonstrated that the enhanced efficacy of INY-05-040 was associated with sustained suppression of AKT signaling, which was followed by induction of the stress mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Further integration of growth inhibition assays with publicly available transcriptomic, proteomic, and reverse phase protein array (RPPA) measurements established low basal JNK signaling as a biomarker for breast cancer sensitivity to AKT degradation. Together, our study presents a framework for mapping the network-wide signaling effects of therapeutically relevant compounds and identifies INY-05-040 as a potent pharmacological suppressor of AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Erickson
- Department of Pathology, Medicine and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Inchul You
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Grace Perry
- Department of Pathology, Medicine and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Aurelien Dugourd
- Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Katherine A. Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Claire Crafter
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Jeffrey W. Johannes
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Stuart Williamson
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Jennifer I. Moss
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Susana Ros
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Robert E. Ziegler
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Simon T. Barry
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Eric S. Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ralitsa R. Madsen
- University College London Cancer Institute, Paul O’Gorman Building, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Current: MRC-Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Alex Toker
- Department of Pathology, Medicine and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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11
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Nelson ZM, Leonard GD, Fehl C. Tools for investigating O-GlcNAc in signaling and other fundamental biological pathways. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105615. [PMID: 38159850 PMCID: PMC10831167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105615] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells continuously fine-tune signaling pathway proteins to match nutrient and stress levels in their local environment by modifying intracellular proteins with O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) sugars, an essential process for cell survival and growth. The small size of these monosaccharide modifications poses a challenge for functional determination, but the chemistry and biology communities have together created a collection of precision tools to study these dynamic sugars. This review presents the major themes by which O-GlcNAc influences signaling pathway proteins, including G-protein coupled receptors, growth factor signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, lipid sensing, and cytokine signaling pathways. Along the way, we describe in detail key chemical biology tools that have been developed and applied to determine specific O-GlcNAc roles in these pathways. These tools include metabolic labeling, O-GlcNAc-enhancing RNA aptamers, fluorescent biosensors, proximity labeling tools, nanobody targeting tools, O-GlcNAc cycling inhibitors, light-activated systems, chemoenzymatic labeling, and nutrient reporter assays. An emergent feature of this signaling pathway meta-analysis is the intricate interplay between O-GlcNAc modifications across different signaling systems, underscoring the importance of O-GlcNAc in regulating cellular processes. We highlight the significance of O-GlcNAc in signaling and the role of chemical and biochemical tools in unraveling distinct glycobiological regulatory mechanisms. Collectively, our field has determined effective strategies to probe O-GlcNAc roles in biology. At the same time, this survey of what we do not yet know presents a clear roadmap for the field to use these powerful chemical tools to explore cross-pathway O-GlcNAc interactions in signaling and other major biological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Nelson
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Garry D Leonard
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Charlie Fehl
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
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12
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Yu J, Wang X, Cheng S, Zeng X, Wan X, Wei S, Xu B, Luo H, Meng X. Design, synthesis and bioevaluation of novel prenylated chalcones derivatives as potential antitumor agents. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 192:106660. [PMID: 38052256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106660] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
A series of novel prenylated chalcone derivatives with broad spectrum anticancer potential were designed and synthesized. Some of the synthesized target compounds showed potent anti-proliferative activities toward LNCaP (prostate cancer cell line), K562 (human leukemia cells), A549 (human lung carcinoma cell line) and HeLa (cervical cancer cell line) cell lines. Among of the active compounds, (E)-1-(4-(2-(diethylamino)ethoxy)-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)phenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (C36) was directly interacted with protein kinase B (PKB), also known as AKT, significantly inhibited the pPI3K, pAKT(Ser473) protein levels to repress the growth of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, arresting cell cycle. Our studies provide support for prenylated chalcone derivatives potential applications in cancer treatment as a potential AKT inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China; Suiyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suiyang, 563300, China
| | - Sha Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Xiaoping Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Xinwei Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Shinan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Bixue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China
| | - Heng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China.
| | - Xueling Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550014, China.
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13
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Athey JM, Vieson MD, Bailey K, Rudmann D, Baumgartner WA, Selting KA. Canine thyroid carcinomas: A review with emphasis on comparing the compact subtype of follicular thyroid carcinomas and medullary thyroid carcinomas. Vet Pathol 2024; 61:7-19. [PMID: 37306003 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231177225] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Canine thyroid carcinomas are relatively common malignant endocrine neoplasms in dogs derived from either thyroid follicular cells (forming follicular thyroid carcinomas) or medullary cells (parafollicular, C-cells; forming medullary thyroid carcinomas). Older and recent clinical studies often fail to discriminate between compact cellular (solid) follicular thyroid carcinomas and medullary thyroid carcinomas, which may skew conclusions. The compact subtype of follicular thyroid carcinomas appears to be the least differentiated subtype of follicular thyroid carcinomas and needs to be differentiated from medullary thyroid carcinomas. This review includes information on the signalment, presentation, etiopathogenesis, classification, histologic and immunohistochemical diagnosis, clinical management, and biochemical and genetic derangements of canine follicular and medullary carcinomas, and their correlates with human medicine.
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14
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Miller KA, Degan S, Wang Y, Cohen J, Ku SY, Goodrich DW, Gelman IH. PTEN-regulated PI3K-p110 and AKT isoform plasticity controls metastatic prostate cancer progression. Oncogene 2024; 43:22-34. [PMID: 37875657 PMCID: PMC10766561 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02875-4] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
PTEN loss, one of the most frequent mutations in prostate cancer (PC), is presumed to drive disease progression through AKT activation. However, two transgenic PC models with Akt activation plus Rb loss exhibited different metastatic development: Pten/RbPE:-/- mice produced systemic metastatic adenocarcinomas with high AKT2 activation, whereas RbPE:-/- mice deficient for the Src-scaffolding protein, Akap12, induced high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias and indolent lymph node dissemination, correlating with upregulated phosphotyrosyl PI3K-p85α. Using PC cells isogenic for PTEN, we show that PTEN-deficiency correlated with dependence on both p110β and AKT2 for in vitro and in vivo parameters of metastatic growth or motility, and with downregulation of SMAD4, a known PC metastasis suppressor. In contrast, PTEN expression, which dampened these oncogenic behaviors, correlated with greater dependence on p110α plus AKT1. Our data suggest that metastatic PC aggressiveness is controlled by specific PI3K/AKT isoform combinations influenced by divergent Src activation or PTEN-loss pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Miller
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14209, USA
- American Society of Human Genetics, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Seamus Degan
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14209, USA
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14209, USA
| | - Joseph Cohen
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14209, USA
- Sequence, Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA
| | - Sheng Yu Ku
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David W Goodrich
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14209, USA
| | - Irwin H Gelman
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14209, USA.
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15
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Zhang S, Zhang X, Yang H, Liang T, Bai X. Hurdle or thruster: Glucose metabolism of T cells in anti-tumour immunity. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189022. [PMID: 37993001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189022] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Glucose metabolism is essential for the activation, differentiation and function of T cells and proper glucose metabolism is required to maintain effective T cell immunity. Dysregulation of glucose metabolism is a hallmark of cancer, and the tumour microenvironment (TME2) can create metabolic barriers in T cells that inhibit their anti-tumour immune function. Targeting glucose metabolism is a promising approach to improve the capacity of T cells in the TME. The efficacy of common immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs3) and adoptive cell transfer (ACT4), can be limited by T-cell function, and the treatment itself can affect T-cell metabolism. Therefore, understanding the relationship between immunotherapy and T cell glucose metabolism helps to achieve more effective anti-tumour therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of T cell glucose metabolism and how T cell metabolic reprogramming in the TME regulates anti-tumour responses, briefly describe the metabolic patterns of T cells during ICI and ACT therapies, which suggest possible synergistic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirui Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hanshen Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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16
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Karunakaran K, Muniyan R. Identification of allosteric inhibitor against AKT1 through structure-based virtual screening. Mol Divers 2023; 27:2803-2822. [PMID: 36522517 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10582-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AKT (serine/threonine protein kinase) is a potential therapeutic target for many types of cancer as it plays a vital role in cancer progression. Many AKT inhibitors are already in practice under single and combinatorial therapy. However, most of these inhibitors are orthosteric / pan-AKT that are non-selective and non-specific to AKT kinase and their isoforms. Hence, researchers are searching for novel allosteric inhibitors that bind in the interface between pH and kinase domain. In this study, we performed structure-based virtual screening from the afroDB (a diverse natural compounds library) to find the potential inhibitor targeting the AKT1. These compounds were filtered through Lipinski, ADMET properties, combined with a molecular docking approach to obtain the 8 best compounds. Then we performed molecular dynamics simulation for apoprotein, AKT1 with 8 complexes, and AKT1 with the positive control (Miransertib). Molecular docking and simulation analysis revealed that Bianthracene III (hit 1), 10-acetonyl Knipholonecyclooxanthrone (hit 2), Abyssinoflavanone VII (hit 5) and 8-c-p-hydroxybenzyldiosmetin (hit 6) had a better binding affinity, stability, and compactness than the reference compound. Notably, hit 1, hit 2 and hit 5 had molecular features required for allosteric inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthana Karunakaran
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Rajiniraja Muniyan
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India.
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17
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Wylaź M, Kaczmarska A, Pajor D, Hryniewicki M, Gil D, Dulińska-Litewka J. Exploring the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors in hormone-related cancers: A focus on breast and prostate cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115676. [PMID: 37832401 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and prostate cancer (PC) are at the top of the list when it comes to the most common types of cancers worldwide. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is important, in that it strongly influences the development and progression of these tumors. Previous studies have emphasized the key role of inhibitors of the PIK3/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the treatment of BC and PC, and it remains to be a crucial method of treatment. In this review, the inhibitors of these signaling pathways are compared, as well as their effectiveness in therapy and potential as therapeutic agents. The use of these inhibitors as polytherapy is evaluated, especially with the use of hormonal therapy, which has shown promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Wylaź
- Student Scientific Group at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Kaczmarska
- Student Scientific Group at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dawid Pajor
- Student Scientific Group at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Matthew Hryniewicki
- Student Scientific Group at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dorota Gil
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Dulińska-Litewka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland.
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18
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Jeong J, Choe J. Akt, IL-4, and STAT Proteins Play Distinct Roles in Prostaglandin Production in Human Follicular Dendritic Cell-like Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16692. [PMID: 38069015 PMCID: PMC10706142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the role of Akt protein in the induction and inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) in human follicular dendritic cell (FDC)-like cells. FDC-like cells and B cells were isolated from human tonsils. PG production was assessed using enzyme immunoassay, while the upstream cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels were measured using immunoblotting with FDC-like cells transfected with Akt siRNA to analyze the impact of Akt knockdown. The COX-2 expression and PG production induced with IL-1β were significantly increased by Akt knockdown. However, IL-1β did not significantly alter either total or phosphorylated Akt protein levels. Akt knockdown resulted in the augmentation of COX-2 expression induced by B cells, although the addition of B cells did not significantly modulate both total and phosphorylated Akt proteins. In contrast, IL-4 specifically exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on COX-2 protein induction and PG production via STAT6. The inhibitory activity of IL-4 was not hampered by Akt knockdown. Interestingly, COX-2 expression levels induced with IL-1β were markedly modulated with STAT1 and STAT3 knockdown. STAT1 silencing resulted in further augmentation of COX-2, whereas STAT3 silencing prohibited IL-1β from stimulating COX-2 expression. The current results suggest that Akt, IL-4, and STAT1 play inhibitory roles in PG production in FDC-like cells and expand our knowledge of the immune inflammatory milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jongseon Choe
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in BIT Medical Convergence, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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19
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Gai R, Chen C, Zhang W, Ma J, Wang X, Chi X, Li G. Safety and Toxicology Study of Hu7691, a Novel AKT Inhibitor, following Oral Administration in Rats. TOXICS 2023; 11:880. [PMID: 37999532 PMCID: PMC10674281 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Hu7691 represents a novel Pan-Akt kinase inhibitor, demonstrating excellent selectivity towards non-AGC kinase families and pronounced inhibitory effects on the proliferation of multiple tumor cell lines. However, there is currently a notable absence of in vivo toxicological research evidence concerning Hu7691. This study represents the first investigation into the 14-day repeated-dose toxicity of Hu7691 in male and female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Male rats were administered daily doses of 12.5, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day, while female rats received doses of 12.5, 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days. Hematological assessments, organ weights, and histopathological examinations revealed corresponding alterations, suggesting potential target organs for toxicity including the spleen, thymus, and gastrointestinal tract. It is worth noting that the test substance may also impact the liver, kidneys, heart, and ovaries. The No Observed Effect Level (NOAEL) was determined to be no greater than 12.5 mg/kg/day. Based on the observed gender-related toxicity differences in preliminary trials, it is recommended that the high dose reference dose for male animals in formal experiments should not be less than 100 mg/kg/day, while for female animals, it should be less than 50 mg/kg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renhua Gai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China;
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.C.); (W.Z.); (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Chao Chen
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.C.); (W.Z.); (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Wei Zhang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.C.); (W.Z.); (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Jian Ma
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.C.); (W.Z.); (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.C.); (W.Z.); (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Xiaoqing Chi
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (C.C.); (W.Z.); (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Guangxing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China;
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20
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Muthyalaiah YS, Arockiasamy S, P A A. Exploring the molecular interactions and binding affinity of resveratrol and calcitriol with RAGE and its intracellular proteins and kinases involved in colorectal cancer. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-24. [PMID: 37732363 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2258993] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is progressively increasing in young population due to dietary and lifestyle pattern. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), one of the dietary compounds, form complex aggregates with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids distorting their structure and function. AGE's pro-tumorigenic role is mediated through the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) triggering an array of signaling pathways. The current study aimed to target AGE-RAGE axis signaling proteins and kinases at multiple levels with calcitriol (CAL) and trans-resveratrol (RES) through in silico analysis using molecular docking (MD), molecular dynamic simulation(MDS), MM-PBSA analysis, and in vitro study. In silico analysis of CAL and RES showed significant binding affinity toward RAGE and its signaling proteins such as NF-kB, PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2, and PKC compared to its reference inhibitors through better hydrogen, hydrophobic, pi-pi stacking interactions. MD and MDS studies have revealed stable and compact protein-ligand complexes. Binding free energies of protein-ligand complex were estimated using MM/PBSA analysis thatprovided an assessment of overall interacting free energies of complexes and revealed the presence of low binding energy within the active site. Furthermore, in the in vitro study, methylglyoxal (MG), an AGE-precursor showed a proliferative effect on HCT116, however, CAL and RES showed an inhibitory effect against MG induced effect with an IC50 value of 51 nM and 110 µM respectively. Thus, the study suggests the possible target binding sites of AGE-RAGE signaling proteins and kinases with CAL and RES, thereby exploiting it for developing CAL with RES as adjuvant therapy along with chemo drug for CRC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadav Sangeeta Muthyalaiah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Sumathy Arockiasamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Abhinand P A
- Department of Bioinformatics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
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21
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Choi HK, Park SH, Lee J, Hwang JT. Review of Patents for Anticancer Agents Targeting Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase. J Med Food 2023; 26:605-615. [PMID: 37590001 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.k.0026] [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: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, caused by abnormal and excessive cellular proliferation, can invade and destroy surrounding tissues and organs through the spreading of cancer cells. A general strategy for developing anticancer agents is to identify biomarkers that, if targeted, can produce a robust cytotoxic effect with minimal side effects. Cell-cycle regulators, checkpoint regulatory genes, and apoptosis-related genes are well-known biomarkers that inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Several compounds that target such biomarkers have been patented and more are being developed as novel therapies. Recent additions to this list include anticancer drugs that target signaling pathway proteins, such as 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a vital role in cancer and normal cell metabolism. Herein, we have reviewed recent patents related to AMPK-targeting anticancer drugs and discussed the mechanisms of action of these drugs. We conclude that these recently published patents include several attractive compounds and methods for targeting AMPK. Further research and clinical trials are required to elucidate the comprehensive role of AMPK in cancer cell metabolism, identify its associated signal transduction systems, and develop novel activators that may find applications in cancer therapy. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT01904123.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo-Kyoung Choi
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Park
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jangho Lee
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Taek Hwang
- Food Functionality Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
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22
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Yu Z, Wang H, You G. The regulation of human organic anion transporter 4 by insulin-like growth factor 1 and protein kinase B signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115702. [PMID: 37487877 PMCID: PMC10528241 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115702] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Human organic anion transporter 4 (hOAT4), mainly expressed in the kidney and placenta, is essential for the disposition of numerous drugs, toxins, and endogenous substances. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone generated in the liver and plays important roles in systemic growth, development, and metabolism. In the current study, we explored the regulatory effects of IGF-1 and downstream signaling on the transport activity, protein expression, and SUMOylation of hOAT4. We showed that IGF-1 significantly increased the transport activity, expression, and maximal transport velocity Vmax of hOAT4 in kidney-derived cells. This stimulatory effect of IGF-1 on hOAT4 activity was also confirmed in cells derived from the human placenta. The increased activity and expression were correlated well with the reduced degradation rate of hOAT4 at the cell surface. Furthermore, IGF-1 significantly increased hOAT4 SUMOylation, and protein kinase B (PKB)-specific inhibitors blocked the IGF-1-induced regulations on hOAT4. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the hepatic hormone IGF-1 regulates hOAT4 expressed in the kidney and placenta through the PKB signaling pathway. Our results support the remote sensing and signaling theory, where OATs play a central role in the remote communications among distal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Haoxun Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Guofeng You
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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23
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Leventić M, Opačak-Bernardi T, Rastija V, Matić J, Pavlović Saftić D, Ban Ž, Žinić B, Glavaš-Obrovac L. The Mechanism of Anti-Tumor Activity of 6-Morpholino- and 6-Amino-9-Sulfonylpurine Derivatives on Human Leukemia Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:6136. [PMID: 37630388 PMCID: PMC10458232 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166136] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of antitumor effect of (E)-6-morpholino-9-(styrylsulfonyl)-9H-purine (6-Morpholino-SPD) and (E)-6-amino-9-(styrylsulfonyl)-9H-purine (6-Amino-SPD). The effects on apoptosis induction, mitochondrial potential, and accumulation of ROS in treated K562 cells were determined by flow cytometry. The RT-PCR method was used to measure the expression of Akt, CA IX, caspase 3, and cytochrome c genes, as well as selected miRNAs. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of Akt, cytochrome c, and caspase 3. The results demonstrate the potential of the tested derivatives as effective antitumor agents with apoptotic-inducing properties. In leukemic cells treated with 6-Amino-SPD, increased expression of caspase 3 and cytochrome c genes was observed, indicating involvement of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in the induction of apoptosis. Conversely, leukemic cells treated with 6-Morpholino-SPD showed reduced expression of these genes. The observed downregulation of miR-21 by 6-Morpholino-SPD may contribute to the induction of apoptosis and disruption of mitochondrial function. In addition, both derivatives exhibited increased expression of Akt and CA IX genes, suggesting activation of the Akt/HIF pathway. However, the exact mechanism and its relations to the observed overexpression of miR-210 need further investigation. The acceptable absorption and distribution properties predicted by ADMET analysis suggest favorable pharmacokinetic properties for these derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Leventić
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.L.); (T.O.-B.)
| | - Teuta Opačak-Bernardi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.L.); (T.O.-B.)
| | - Vesna Rastija
- Department of Agroecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Josipa Matić
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Interactions and Spectroscopy, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.M.); (D.P.S.); (Ž.B.); (B.Ž.)
| | - Dijana Pavlović Saftić
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Interactions and Spectroscopy, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.M.); (D.P.S.); (Ž.B.); (B.Ž.)
| | - Željka Ban
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Interactions and Spectroscopy, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.M.); (D.P.S.); (Ž.B.); (B.Ž.)
| | - Biserka Žinić
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Interactions and Spectroscopy, Division of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (J.M.); (D.P.S.); (Ž.B.); (B.Ž.)
| | - Ljubica Glavaš-Obrovac
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.L.); (T.O.-B.)
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24
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Zuccolo M, Orsini G, Quaglia M, Mirra L, Corno C, Carenini N, Perego P, Colombo D. Synthesis of N-oxyamide analogues of protein kinase B (Akt) targeting anionic glycoglycerolipids and their antiproliferative activity on human ovarian carcinoma cells. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:6572-6587. [PMID: 37526931 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob00891f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
N-Oxyamides of bioactive anionic glycoglycerolipids based on 2-O-β-D-glucosylglycerol were efficiently prepared. However, the oxidation step of the primary hydroxyl group of the glucose moiety in the presence of the N-oxyamide function appeared to be a difficult task that was nevertheless conveniently achieved for the first time by employing a chemoenzymatic laccase/TEMPO procedure. The obtained N-oxyamides exhibited a higher inhibition of proliferation of ovarian carcinoma IGROV-1 cells in serum-free medium than in complete medium, similarly to the corresponding bioactive esters. Stability and serum binding studies indicated that the observed reduced activity of the compounds in complete medium could be mainly due to a binding effect of serum proteins rather than the hydrolytic degradation of glycoglycerolipid acyl chains. Furthermore, the results of the cellular studies under serum-free conditions suggested that the N-oxyamide group could increase the antiproliferative activity of a glycoglycerolipid independently of the presence of the anionic carboxylic group. Cellular studies in other cell lines besides IGROV-1 also support a certain degree of selectivity of this series of compounds for tumor cells with Akt hyperactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zuccolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Orsini
- NOVA Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier, New University of Lisbon, Av. da Repύblica, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Martina Quaglia
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Saldini 50, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Luca Mirra
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Corno
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nives Carenini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Colombo
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Saldini 50, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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25
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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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26
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Ye F, Dewanjee S, Li Y, Jha NK, Chen ZS, Kumar A, Vishakha, Behl T, Jha SK, Tang H. Advancements in clinical aspects of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:105. [PMID: 37415164 PMCID: PMC10324146 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01805-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women worldwide. The heterogeneity of this disease presents a big challenge in its therapeutic management. However, recent advances in molecular biology and immunology enable to develop highly targeted therapies for many forms of breast cancer. The primary objective of targeted therapy is to inhibit a specific target/molecule that supports tumor progression. Ak strain transforming, cyclin-dependent kinases, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and different growth factors have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for specific breast cancer subtypes. Many targeted drugs are currently undergoing clinical trials, and some have already received the FDA approval as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of different forms of breast cancer. However, the targeted drugs have yet to achieve therapeutic promise against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In this aspect, immune therapy has come up as a promising therapeutic approach specifically for TNBC patients. Different immunotherapeutic modalities including immune-checkpoint blockade, vaccination, and adoptive cell transfer have been extensively studied in the clinical setting of breast cancer, especially in TNBC patients. The FDA has already approved some immune-checkpoint blockers in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to treat TNBC and several trials are ongoing. This review provides an overview of clinical developments and recent advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies for breast cancer treatment. The successes, challenges, and prospects were critically discussed to portray their profound prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, India
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, 11439, USA
| | - Ankush Kumar
- Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Career Point University, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vishakha
- Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Career Point University, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Bidholi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, India.
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
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27
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Erdönmez B, Altıntop MD, Akalın Çiftçi G, Özdemir A, Ece A. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of a New Series of Hydrazones as Small-Molecule Akt Inhibitors for NSCLC Therapy. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:20056-20065. [PMID: 37305321 PMCID: PMC10249096 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In an endeavor to identify small molecules for the management of non-small-cell lung carcinoma, 10 new hydrazone derivatives (3a-j) were synthesized. MTT test was conducted to examine their cytotoxic activities against human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and mouse embryonic fibroblast (L929) cells. Compounds 3a, 3e, 3g, and 3i were determined as selective antitumor agents on A549 cell line. Further studies were conducted to figure out their mode of action. Compounds 3a and 3g markedly induced apoptosis in A549 cells. However, both compounds did not show any significant inhibitory effect on Akt. On the other hand, in vitro experiments suggest that compounds 3e and 3i are potential anti-NSCLC agents acting through Akt inhibition. Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed a unique binding mode for compound 3i (the strongest Akt inhibitor in this series), which interacts with both hinge region and acidic pocket of Akt2. However, it is understood that compounds 3a and 3g exert their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on A549 cells via different pathway(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Erdönmez
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Mehlika Dilek Altıntop
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Gülşen Akalın Çiftçi
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu
University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Özdemir
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Abdulilah Ece
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey
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28
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Miller K, Degan S, Wang Y, Cohen J, Ku SY, Goodrich D, Gelman I. PTEN regulated PI3K-p110 and AKT isoform plasticity controls metastatic prostate cancer progression. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2924750. [PMID: 37292818 PMCID: PMC10246239 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2924750/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PTEN loss, one of the most frequent mutations in prostate cancer (PC), is presumed to drive disease progression through AKT activation. However, two transgenic PC models with Akt activation plus Rb loss exhibited different metastasis development: Pten/RbPE:-/- mice produced systemic metastatic adenocarcinomas with high AKT2 activation, whereas RbPE:-/- mice deficient for the Src-scaffolding protein, Akap12, induced high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias and indolent lymph node disseminations, correlating with upregulated phosphotyrosyl PI3K-p85α. Using PC cells isogenic for PTEN, we show that PTEN-deficiency correlated with dependence on both p110β and AKT2 for in vitro and in vivo parameters of metastatic growth or motility, and with downregulation of SMAD4, a known PC metastasis suppressor. In contrast, PTEN expression, which dampened these oncogenic behaviors, correlated with greater dependence on p110α plus AKT1. Our data suggest that metastatic PC aggressiveness is controlled by specific PI3K/AKT isoform combinations influenced by divergent Src activation or PTEN-loss pathways.
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29
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Amiran MR, Taghdir M, Joozdani FA. Molecular insights into the behavior of the allosteric and ATP-competitive inhibitors in interaction with AKT1 protein: A molecular dynamics study. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124853. [PMID: 37172698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
AKT1 is a family of serine/threonine kinases that play a key role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Two significant classes of AKT1 inhibitors (allosteric and ATP-competitive) are used in clinical development, and both of them could be effective in specific conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of several different inhibitors on two conformations of the AKT1 by computational approach. We studied the effects of four inhibitors, including MK-2206, Miransertib, Herbacetin, and Shogaol, on the inactive conformation of AKT1 protein and the effects of four inhibitors, Capivasertib, AT7867, Quercetin, and Oridonin molecules on the active conformation of AKT1 protein. The results of simulations showed that each inhibitor creates a stable complex with AKT1 protein, although AKT1/Shogaol and AKT1/AT7867 complexes showed less stability than other complexes. Based on RMSF calculations, the fluctuation of residues in the mentioned complexes is higher than in other complexes. As compared to other complexes in either of its two conformations, MK-2206 has a stronger binding free energy affinity in the inactive conformation, -203.446 kJ/mol. MM-PBSA calculations showed that the van der Waals interactions contribute more than the electrostatic interactions to the binding energy of inhibitors to AKT1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Amiran
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran
| | - Majid Taghdir
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran.
| | - Farzane Abasi Joozdani
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115_111, Iran
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30
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You M, Xie Z, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Xiao D, Liu S, Zhuang W, Li L, Tao Y. Signaling pathways in cancer metabolism: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:196. [PMID: 37164974 PMCID: PMC10172373 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01442-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide spectrum of metabolites (mainly, the three major nutrients and their derivatives) can be sensed by specific sensors, then trigger a series of signal transduction pathways and affect the expression levels of genes in epigenetics, which is called metabolite sensing. Life body regulates metabolism, immunity, and inflammation by metabolite sensing, coordinating the pathophysiology of the host to achieve balance with the external environment. Metabolic reprogramming in cancers cause different phenotypic characteristics of cancer cell from normal cell, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, etc. Metabolic disorders in cancer cells further create a microenvironment including many kinds of oncometabolites that are conducive to the growth of cancer, thus forming a vicious circle. At the same time, exogenous metabolites can also affect the biological behavior of tumors. Here, we discuss the metabolite sensing mechanisms of the three major nutrients and their derivatives, as well as their abnormalities in the development of various cancers, and discuss the potential therapeutic targets based on metabolite-sensing signaling pathways to prevent the progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshu You
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuolin Xie
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lili Li
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong.
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, Changsha, China.
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Xue W, Sun R, Hao Z, Xing Z, Cheng H, Shao L. Tetrandrine inhibits migration and invasion of BGC-823 and MKN-45 cells by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:927-936. [PMID: 36593659 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Tetrandrine (Tet), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine extract, exhibits anti-cancer effect on many types of cancer. Nonetheless, the action mechanism of Tet in gastric cancer (GC) is still largely unclear. In the current study, proliferation, invasion, and migration of the BGC-823 and MKN-45 cells were effectively suppressed by Tet treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Tet suppressed expression of the proliferation-associated protein PCNA, the interstitial cell phenotype N-cadherin, and the extracellular matrix-associated MMP-2 and MMP-9 in BGC-823 and MKN-45 cells in a dose-dependent manner. PI3K/AKT/mTOR, a cancer promoting signaling, was inactivated by Tet in a dose-dependent manner in BGC-823 and MKN-45 cells. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the inhibition of Tet to PCNA, N-cadherin, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression was partly rescuedby AKT inhibitor or mTOR inhibitor. In animal experiments, tumor growth was inhibited by Tet administration in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the current data indicated that Tet had a critical effect on inhibiting BGC-823 and MKN-45 cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth via regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, suggesting that Tet might be a potential treatment for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanli Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Jiaozuo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, The People's Hospital of Jiaozuo City, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Zheng Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Jiaozuo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Zhenzhen Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Jiaozuo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Hongjie Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Jiaozuo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Lei Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Jiaozuo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaozuo, China
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32
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Pant S, Hamilton E, Ulahannan SV, Strauss JF, Braiteh FS, Huang M, Liaw DCH. Phase 1b study of pan‐AKT inhibitor vevorisertib alone or with paclitaxel or fulvestrant in
PIK3CA
/
AKT
/
PTEN
‐mutated advanced solid tumors. Cancer 2023; 129:1919-1929. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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33
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Zhang M, Liu Y, Jang H, Nussinov R. Strategy toward Kinase-Selective Drug Discovery. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:1615-1628. [PMID: 36815703 PMCID: PMC10018734 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c01171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Kinase drug selectivity is the ground challenge in cancer research. Due to the structurally similar kinase drug pockets, off-target inhibitor toxicity has been a major cause for clinical trial failures. The pockets are similar but not identical. Here, we describe a transformation invariant protocol to identify distinct geometric features in the drug pocket that can distinguish one kinase from all others. We integrate available experimental structures with the artificial intelligence-based structural kinome, performing a kinome-wide structural bioinformatic analysis to establish the structural principles of kinase drug selectivity. We generate the structural landscape from the experimental kinase-ligand complexes and propose a binary network that encapsulates the information. The results show that all kinases contain binary units that are shared by less than seven other kinases in the kinome. 331 kinases contain unique binary units that may distinguish them from all others. The structural features encoded by these binary units in the network represent the inhibitor-accessible geometric space that may capture the kinome-wide selectivity. Our proposed binary network with the unsupervised clustering can serve as a general structural bioinformatic protocol for extracting the distinguishing structural features for any protein from their families. We apply the binary network to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor selectivity by targeting the gate area and the AKT1 serine/threonine kinase selectivity by binding to the αC-helix region and the allosteric pocket. Finally, we develop the cross-platform software, KDS (Kinase Drug Selectivity), for customized visualization and analysis of the binary networks in the human kinome (https://github.com/CBIIT/KDS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Yonglan Liu
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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34
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Alam M, Hasan GM, Eldin SM, Adnan M, Riaz MB, Islam A, Khan I, Hassan MI. Investigating regulated signaling pathways in therapeutic targeting of non-small cell lung carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114452. [PMID: 36878052 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114452] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common malignancy worldwide. The signaling cascades are stimulated via genetic modifications in upstream signaling molecules, which affect apoptotic, proliferative, and differentiation pathways. Dysregulation of these signaling cascades causes cancer-initiating cell proliferation, cancer development, and drug resistance. Numerous efforts in the treatment of NSCLC have been undertaken in the past few decades, enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development and moving forward to develop effective therapeutic approaches. Modifications of transcription factors and connected pathways are utilized to develop new treatment options for NSCLC. Developing designed inhibitors targeting specific cellular signaling pathways in tumor progression has been recommended for the therapeutic management of NSCLC. This comprehensive review provided deeper mechanistic insights into the molecular mechanism of action of various signaling molecules and their targeting in the clinical management of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed M Eldin
- Center of Research, Faculty of Engineering, Future University in Egypt, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Bilal Riaz
- Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdnask, Poland; Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ilyas Khan
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
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Suri GS, Kaur G, Carbone GM, Shinde D. Metabolomics in oncology. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1795. [PMID: 36811317 PMCID: PMC10026298 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1795] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncogenic transformation alters intracellular metabolism and contributes to the growth of malignant cells. Metabolomics, or the study of small molecules, can reveal insight about cancer progression that other biomarker studies cannot. Number of metabolites involved in this process have been in spotlight for cancer detection, monitoring, and therapy. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, the "Metabolomics" is defined in terms of current technology having both clinical and translational applications. Researchers have shown metabolomics can be used to discern metabolic indicators non-invasively using different analytical methods like positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging etc. Metabolomic profiling is a powerful and technically feasible way to track changes in tumor metabolism and gauge treatment response across time. Recent studies have shown metabolomics can also predict individual metabolic changes in response to cancer treatment, measure medication efficacy, and monitor drug resistance. Its significance in cancer development and treatment is summarized in this review. CONCLUSION Although in infancy, metabolomics can be used to identify treatment options and/or predict responsiveness to cancer treatments. Technical challenges like database management, cost and methodical knowhow still persist. Overcoming these challenges in near further can help in designing new treatment régimes with increased sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurparsad Singh Suri
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Gurleen Kaur
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Giuseppina M Carbone
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Universita' della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Dheeraj Shinde
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Universita' della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
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36
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Synthesis, cytotoxicity, and docking based analysis of acridone-N-acetamides as AKT kinase inhibitors. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-023-02692-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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37
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Altıntop MD, Akalın Çiftçi G, Yılmaz Savaş N, Ertorun İ, Can B, Sever B, Temel HE, Alataş Ö, Özdemir A. Discovery of Small Molecule COX-1 and Akt Inhibitors as Anti-NSCLC Agents Endowed with Anti-Inflammatory Action. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032648. [PMID: 36768971 PMCID: PMC9916685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies have come into prominence in the ongoing battle against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) because of the shortcomings of traditional chemotherapy. In this context, indole-based small molecules, which were synthesized efficiently, were subjected to an in vitro colorimetric assay to evaluate their cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory profiles. Compounds 3b and 4a were found to be the most selective COX-1 inhibitors in this series with IC50 values of 8.90 µM and 10.00 µM, respectively. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to evaluate their anti-NSCLC and anti-inflammatory action, respectively. 2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-N'-(4-morpholinobenzylidene)acetohydrazide (3b) showed selective cytotoxic activity against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells through apoptosis induction and Akt inhibition. The in vivo experimental data revealed that compound 3b decreased the serum myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide levels, pointing out its anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, compound 3b diminished the serum aminotransferase (particularly aspartate aminotransferase) levels. Based on the in vitro and in vivo experimental data, compound 3b stands out as a lead anti-NSCLC agent endowed with in vivo anti-inflammatory action, acting as a dual COX-1 and Akt inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehlika Dilek Altıntop
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Correspondence: (M.D.A.); (A.Ö.); Tel.: +90-222-335-0580 (ext. 3772) (M.D.A); +90-222-335-0580 (ext. 3780) (A.Ö.)
| | - Gülşen Akalın Çiftçi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Nalan Yılmaz Savaş
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - İpek Ertorun
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Betül Can
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Belgin Sever
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Halide Edip Temel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Özkan Alataş
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Özdemir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey
- Correspondence: (M.D.A.); (A.Ö.); Tel.: +90-222-335-0580 (ext. 3772) (M.D.A); +90-222-335-0580 (ext. 3780) (A.Ö.)
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Occhiuzzi MA, Lico G, Ioele G, De Luca M, Garofalo A, Grande F. Recent advances in PI3K/PKB/mTOR inhibitors as new anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114971. [PMID: 36462440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The biochemical role of the PI3K/PKB/mTOR signalling pathway in cell-cycle regulation is now well known. During the onset and development of different forms of cancer it becomes overactive reducing apoptosis and allowing cell proliferation. Therefore, this pathway has become an important target for the treatment of various forms of malignant tumors, including breast cancer and follicular lymphoma. Recently, several more or less selective inhibitors targeting these proteins have been identified. In general, drugs that act on multiple targets within the entire pathway are more efficient than single targeting inhibitors. Multiple inhibitors exhibit high potency and limited drug resistance, resulting in promising anticancer agents. In this context, the present survey focuses on small molecule drugs capable of modulating the PI3K/PKB/mTOR signalling pathway, thus representing drugs or drug candidates to be used in the pharmacological treatment of different forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gernando Lico
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ioele
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Michele De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonio Garofalo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
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Combined BCL-2 and PI3K/AKT Pathway Inhibition in KMT2A-Rearranged Acute B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021359. [PMID: 36674872 PMCID: PMC9865387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous hematologic neoplasms, including acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), are characterized by overexpression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. Despite the high clinical efficacy of the specific BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), dose limitation and resistance argue for the early exploration of rational combination strategies. Recent data indicated that BCL-2 inhibition in B-ALL with KMT2A rearrangements is a promising intervention option; however, combinatorial approaches have not been in focus so far. The PI3K/AKT pathway has emerged as a possible target structure due to multiple interactions with the apoptosis cascade as well as relevant dysregulation in B-ALL. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that combined BCL-2 and PI3K/AKT inhibition has synergistic anti-proliferative effects on B-ALL cell lines. Of note, all tested combinations (venetoclax + PI3K inhibitors idelalisib or BKM-120, as well as AKT inhibitors MK-2206 or perifosine) achieved comparable anti-leukemic effects. In a detailed analysis of apoptotic processes, among the PI3K/AKT inhibitors only perifosine resulted in an increased rate of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, the combination of venetoclax and perifosine synergistically enhanced the activity of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Subsequent gene expression studies identified the pro-apoptotic gene BBC3 as a possible player in synergistic action. All combinatorial approaches additionally modulated extrinsic apoptosis pathway genes. The present study provides rational combination strategies involving selective BCL-2 and PI3K/AKT inhibition in B-ALL cell lines. Furthermore, we identified a potential mechanistic background of the synergistic activity of combined venetoclax and perifosine application.
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40
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Development of new 1, 3-dihydroxyacridone derivatives as Akt pathway inhibitors in skeletal muscle cells. Bioorg Chem 2023; 130:106222. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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41
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Singh G, Thakur N, Kumar U. RAS: Circuitry and therapeutic targeting. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110505. [PMID: 36341985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110505] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has affected the lives of millions worldwide and is truly regarded as a devastating disease process. Despite advanced understanding of the genomic underpinning of cancer development and progression, therapeutic challenges are still persistent. Among all the human cancers, around 33% are attributed to mutations in RAS oncogene, a crucial component of the signaling pathways. With time, our understanding of RAS circuitry has improved and now the fact that it activates several downstream effectors, depending on the type and grades of cancer has been established. The circuitry is controlled via post-transcriptional mechanisms and frequent distortions in these mechanisms lead to important metabolic as well as immunological states that favor cancer cells' growth, survival, plasticity and metastasis. Therefore, understanding RAS circuitry can help researchers/clinicians to develop novel and potent therapeutics that, in turn, can save the lives of patients suffering from RAS-mutant cancers. There are many challenges presented by resistance and the potential strategies with a particular focus on novel combinations for overcoming these, that could move beyond transitory responses in the direction of treatment. Here in this review, we will look at how understanding the circuitry of RAS can be put to use in making strategies for developing therapeutics against RAS- driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Neelam Thakur
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India; Department of Zoology, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Government College Campus, Paddal, Kartarpur, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001, India.
| | - Umesh Kumar
- School of Biosciences, Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), Adhyatmik Nagar, NH09, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201015, India.
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42
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Gregory GL, Copple IM. Modulating the expression of tumor suppressor genes using activating oligonucleotide technologies as a therapeutic approach in cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 31:211-223. [PMID: 36700046 PMCID: PMC9840112 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are frequently downregulated in cancer, leading to dysregulation of the pathways that they control. The continuum model of tumor suppression suggests that even subtle changes in TSG expression, for example, driven by epigenetic modifications or copy number alterations, can lead to a loss of gene function and a phenotypic effect. This approach to exploring tumor suppression provides opportunities for alternative therapies that may be able to restore TSG expression toward normal levels, such as oligonucleotide therapies. Oligonucleotide therapies involve the administration of exogenous nucleic acids to modulate the expression of specific endogenous genes. This review focuses on two types of activating oligonucleotide therapies, small-activating RNAs and synthetic mRNAs, as novel methods to increase the expression of TSGs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina L. Gregory
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Ian M. Copple
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
- Corresponding author: Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK.
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43
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Shuaib M, Prajapati KS, Singh AK, Kushwaha PP, Waseem M, Kumar S. Identification of miRNAs and related hub genes associated with the triple negative breast cancer using integrated bioinformatics analysis and in vitro approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11676-11690. [PMID: 34387138 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1961869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype generally associated with younger women. Due to the lack of suitable drugable targets in TNBC, the microRNAs are considered as a better hope as therapeutic agents for the management of the disease. In this study, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and associated hub genes in TNBC microarray data (GSE38167, GSE60714, and GSE10833) using bioinformatics tools. The identified miRNAs and genes were validated in the TNBC cell line model (MDA-MB-231) compared with the normal breast cells (MCF-10A) using the qRT-PCR technique. False-positive DEMs were avoided by comparing the DEMs profile of TNBC and triple positive breast cancer (TPBC) cell line model (BT474) compared with the MCF-10A cells data. In addition, we studied the effect of anticancer phytochemicals on the differential expression of miRNAs and genes in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, target predictions, functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis, mutation and copy number alterations, and overall survival analysis of DEMs in TNBC sample was investigated using standard computational tools. The study identifies first time the association of hsa-miR-1250, has-miR-1273, and has-miR-635 with the TNBC. DEMs showed significant association with the Wnt, ErbB, PI3-Akt and cAMP signaling pathways having clinical implications in TNBC tumorigenesis. The DEMs and hub genes (HOXC6 and ACVR2B) showed survival disadvantages in TNBC patients. In summary, the identified miRNAs and hub genes show important implications in TNBC tumorigenesis and patient survival. We recommend further experimental studies on pathophysiological mechanism of the identified miRNAs and hub genes in TNBC.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shuaib
- Molecular Signaling and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Kumari Sunita Prajapati
- Molecular Signaling and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Atul Kumar Singh
- Molecular Signaling and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prem Prakash Kushwaha
- Molecular Signaling and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Mohammad Waseem
- Department of Zoology, Jagdam College, Jai Prakash University, Chapra, Bihar, India
| | - Shashank Kumar
- Molecular Signaling and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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Huang J, Chen L, Wu J, Ai D, Zhang JQ, Chen TG, Wang L. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in the Treatment of Human Diseases: Current Status, Trends, and Solutions. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16033-16061. [PMID: 36503229 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is one of the most important intracellular pathways involved in cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and survival. Therefore, this route is a prospective biological target for treating various human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, and diabetes. An increasing number of clinical studies emphasize the necessity of developing novel molecules targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This review focuses on recent advances in ATP-competitive inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors, covalent inhibitors, and proteolysis-targeting chimeras against the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and highlights possible solutions for overcoming the toxicities and acquired drug resistance of currently available drugs. We also provide recommendations for the future design and development of promising drugs targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindi Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liye Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiangxia Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daiqiao Ai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ji-Quan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Tie-Gen Chen
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Room 109, Building C, SSIP Healthcare and Medicine Demonstration Zone, Zhongshan Tsuihang New District, Zhongshan, Guangdong 528400, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fermentation and Enzyme Engineering, Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Biopharmaceuticals, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Arthur R, Navik U, Kumar P. Repurposing artemisinins as neuroprotective agents: a focus on the PI3k/Akt signalling pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 396:593-605. [PMID: 36464748 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02350-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives, since their discovery by professor Tu Youyou in the early 1970s, have been the bedrock for the management of malaria globally. Recent works have implied that they could be used to manage other diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders mainly occur in the adult population resulting from a progressive deterioration of neuronal structures. These include Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS), among others. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a significant role in the central nervous system. It has been investigated extensively for its role in central nervous system physiological processes such as cell survival, autophagy, neuronal proliferation, and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, the modulation of this pathway will be crucial in the management of neurodegenerative disorders. This review seeks to compile most of the research findings on the possible neuroprotective role of artemisinins with special emphasis on their modulatory role on the PI3k/Akt pathway. A literature survey was conducted on PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and EMBASE using the keyword artemisinins, and a total of 10,281 articles were retrieved from 1956 to 2022. Among these, 120 articles were examined using Mesh words like PI3k/Akt, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation coupled with boolean operators. Most research revealed that artemisinins could help neurodegenerative disorders by modulating the PI3k/Akt with subsequent inhibition of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. This paper illustrates that artemisinins could be repurposed as a neuroprotective agent.
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Orujova T, Ece A, Akalın Çiftçi G, Özdemir A, Altıntop MD. A new series of thiazole‐hydrazone hybrids for Akt‐targeted therapy of non‐small cell lung cancer. Drug Dev Res 2022; 84:185-199. [PMID: 36469421 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In an attempt to identify potent antitumor agents for the fight against non-small cell lung cancer, new thiazolyl hydrazones (2a-n) were synthesized and examined for their in vitro cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma and L929 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells by means of the MTT assay. Furthermore, the effects of the most potent anticancer agents on apoptosis and Akt inhibition were investigated. 2-[2-((Isoquinolin-5-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl]-4-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)thiazole (2k) (IC50 = 1.43 ± 0.12 µM) and 2-[2-((isoquinolin-5-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl]-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)thiazole (2l) (IC50 = 1.75 ± 0.07 µM) displayed more pronounced anticancer activity than cisplatin (IC50 = 3.90 ± 0.10 µM) on A549 cell lines; 2-[2-((isoquinolin-5-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl]-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)thiazole (2j) (IC50 = 3.93 ± 0.06 µM) showed anticancer activity close to cisplatin. These compounds were found to induce apoptosis in A549 cells. Compound 2j (IC50 = 3.55 ± 0.64 µM) showed stronger Akt inhibitory activity than GSK690693 (IC50 = 4.93 ± 0.06 µM), while compounds 2k and 2l did not cause Akt inhibition at IC50 concentrations (1.43 and 1.75 µM, respectively). To comprehensively elucidate the binding pose of compound 2j and to provide a detailed understanding on the ligand' binding mechanism, induced-fit docking calculations were also conducted. Both in vitro and in silico studies suggest that compound 2j shows its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on A549 cell lines via Akt inhibition. However, it is understood that compounds 2k and 2l exert their strong anticancer effects on A549 cells through different pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turana Orujova
- Graduate School of Health Sciences Anadolu University Eskişehir Turkey
| | - Abdulilah Ece
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Biruni University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Gülşen Akalın Çiftçi
- Graduate School of Health Sciences Anadolu University Eskişehir Turkey
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Anadolu University Eskişehir Turkey
| | - Ahmet Özdemir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Anadolu University Eskişehir Turkey
| | - Mehlika D. Altıntop
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Anadolu University Eskişehir Turkey
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Toson B, Fortes IS, Roesler R, Andrade SF. Targeting Akt/PKB in pediatric tumors: A review from preclinical to clinical trials. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106403. [PMID: 35987481 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt is a major player in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and its modulation impacts multiple cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and survival. Several abnormalities in this pathway have been documented over the years, and these alterations were shown to have great implications in tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, multiple Akt inhibitors have been developed and tested in adult tumors, and some of them are currently undergoing phase I, II, and III clinical trials for distinct cancers that arise during adulthood. Despite that, the impact of these inhibitors is still not fully understood in pediatric tumors, and Akt-specific targeting seems to be a promising approach to treat children affected by cancers. This review summarizes recent available evidence of Akt inhibitors in pediatric cancers, from both preclinical and clinical studies. In short, we demonstrate the impact that Akt inhibition provides in tumorigenesis, and we suggest targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, alone or in combination with other inhibitors, is a feasible tool to achieve better outcomes in pediatric tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Toson
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Fortes
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Saulo F Andrade
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil.
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Cho H, Abshire ET, Popp MW, Pröschel C, Schwartz JL, Yeo GW, Maquat LE. AKT constitutes a signal-promoted alternative exon-junction complex that regulates nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Mol Cell 2022; 82:2779-2796.e10. [PMID: 35675814 PMCID: PMC9357146 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite a long appreciation for the role of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in destroying faulty, disease-causing mRNAs and maintaining normal, physiologic mRNA abundance, additional effectors that regulate NMD activity in mammalian cells continue to be identified. Here, we describe a haploid-cell genetic screen for NMD effectors that has unexpectedly identified 13 proteins constituting the AKT signaling pathway. We show that AKT supersedes UPF2 in exon-junction complexes (EJCs) that are devoid of RNPS1 but contain CASC3, defining an unanticipated insulin-stimulated EJC. Without altering UPF1 RNA binding or ATPase activity, AKT-mediated phosphorylation of the UPF1 CH domain at T151 augments UPF1 helicase activity, which is critical for NMD and also decreases the dependence of helicase activity on ATP. We demonstrate that upregulation of AKT signaling contributes to the hyperactivation of NMD that typifies Fragile X syndrome, as exemplified using FMR1-KO neural stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Elizabeth T Abshire
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Maximilian W Popp
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Christoph Pröschel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Joshua L Schwartz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Stem Cell Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lynne E Maquat
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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Zhu CL, Luo X, Tian T, Rao Z, Wang H, Zhou Z, Mi T, Chen D, Xu Y, Wu Y, Che J, Zhou Y, Li J, Dong X. Structure-based rational design enables efficient discovery of a new selective and potent AKT PROTAC degrader. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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AKT1 Transcriptomic Landscape in Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152290. [PMID: 35892586 PMCID: PMC9332453 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression and hyperactivation of the serine/threonine protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is one of the most common cellular events in breast cancer progression. However, the nature of AKT1-specific genome-wide transcriptomic alterations in breast cancer cells and breast cancer remains unknown to this point. Here, we delineate the impact of selective AKT1 knock down using gene-specific siRNAs or inhibiting the AKT activity with a pan-AKT inhibitor VIII on the nature of transcriptomic changes in breast cancer cells using the genome-wide RNA-sequencing analysis. We found that changes in the cellular levels of AKT1 lead to changes in the levels of a set of differentially expressed genes and, in turn, imply resulting AKT1 cellular functions. In addition to an expected positive relationship between the status of AKT1 and co-expressed cellular genes, our study unexpectedly discovered an inherent role of AKT1 in inhibiting the expression of a subset of genes in both unstimulated and growth factor stimulated breast cancer cells. We found that depletion of AKT1 leads to upregulation of a subset of genes—many of which are also found to be downregulated in breast tumors with elevated high AKT1 as well as upregulated in breast tumors with no detectable AKT expression. Representative experimental validation studies in two breast cancer cell lines showed a reasonable concurrence between the expression data from the RNA-sequencing and qRT-PCR or data from ex vivo inhibition of AKT1 activity in cancer patient-derived cells. In brief, findings presented here provide a resource for further understanding of AKT1-dependent modulation of gene expression in breast cancer cells and broaden the scope and significance of AKT1 targets and their functions.
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