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Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for Cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024:176727. [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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2
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Cao Q, Wang Q, Wu X, Zhang Q, Huang J, Chen Y, You Y, Qiang Y, Huang X, Qin R, Cao G. A literature review: mechanisms of antitumor pharmacological action of leonurine alkaloid. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1272546. [PMID: 37818195 PMCID: PMC10560730 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1272546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Leonurine refers to the desiccated aerial portion of a plant in the Labiatae family. The primary bioactive constituent of Leonurine is an alkaloid, Leonurine alkaloid (Leo), renowned for its substantial therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of gynecological disorders, in addition to its broad-spectrum antineoplastic capabilities. Over recent years, the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of Leo have garnered escalating scholarly interest. Leo exhibits its anticancer potential by means of an array of mechanisms, encompassing the inhibition of neoplastic cell proliferation, induction of both apoptosis and autophagy, and the containment of oncogenic cell invasion and migration. The key signal transduction pathways implicated in these processes include the Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), the Phosphoinositide3-Kinase/Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase (PI3K/AKT), the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), and the Mitogen-Activated Protein/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (MAP/ERK). This paper commences with an exploration of the principal oncogenic cellular behaviors influenced by Leo and the associated signal transduction pathways, thereby scrutinizing the mechanisms of Leo in the antineoplastic sequence of events. The intention is to offer theoretical reinforcement for the elucidation of more profound mechanisms underpinning Leo's anticancer potential and correlating pharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Cao
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- School of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xinyan Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Undergraduate Department, Taishan University, Taian, China
| | - Jinghan Huang
- Undergraduate Department, Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuquan Chen
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanwei You
- Division of Sports Science and Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Qiang
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xufeng Huang
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ronggao Qin
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Guangzhu Cao
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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3
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Watterson A, Coelho MA. Cancer immune evasion through KRAS and PD-L1 and potential therapeutic interventions. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:45. [PMID: 36864508 PMCID: PMC9979509 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01063-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic driver mutations have implications that extend beyond cancer cells themselves. Aberrant tumour cell signalling has various effects on the tumour microenvironment and anti-tumour immunity, with important consequences for therapy response and resistance. We provide an overview of how mutant RAS, one of the most prevalent oncogenic drivers in cancer, can instigate immune evasion programs at the tumour cell level and through remodelling interactions with the innate and adaptive immune cell compartments. Finally, we describe how immune evasion networks focused on RAS, and the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1 can be disrupted through therapeutic intervention, and discuss potential strategies for combinatorial treatment. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Watterson
- Translational Cancer Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.,Open Targets, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew A Coelho
- Translational Cancer Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK. .,Open Targets, Cambridge, UK.
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4
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Abstract
Phosphatases and kinases maintain an equilibrium of dephosphorylated and phosphorylated proteins, respectively, that are required for critical cellular functions. Imbalance in this equilibrium or irregularity in their function causes unfavorable cellular effects that have been implicated in the development of numerous diseases. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) catalyze the dephosphorylation of protein substrates on tyrosine residues, and their involvement in cell signaling and diseases such as cancer and inflammatory and metabolic diseases has made them attractive therapeutic targets. However, PTPs have proved challenging in therapeutics development, garnering them the unfavorable reputation of being undruggable. Nonetheless, great strides have been made toward the inhibition of PTPs over the past decade. Here, we discuss the advancement in small-molecule inhibition for the PTP subfamily known as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatases (MKPs). We review strategies and inhibitor discovery tools that have proven successful for small-molecule inhibition of the MKPs and discuss what the future of MKP inhibition potentially might yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanelle R Shillingford
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anton M Bennett
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
- Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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5
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Aziz MN, Nguyen L, Chang Y, Gout D, Pan Z, Lovely CJ. Novel thiazolidines of potential anti-proliferation properties against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via ERK pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114909. [PMID: 36508971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of a new class of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors has been achieved via developing novel 2-imino-5-arylidene-thiazolidine analogues. A novel synthetic method employing a solid support-mediated reaction was used to construct the targeted thiazolidines through a cascade reaction with good yields. The chemical and physical stability of the new thiazolidine library has successfully been achieved by blocking the labile C5-position to aerobic oxidation. A cell viability study was performed using esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (KYSE-30 and KYSE-150) and non-tumorous esophageal epithelial cell lines (HET-1A and NES-G4T) through utilization of an MTT assay, revealing that (Z)-5-((Z)-4-bromobenzylidene)-N-(4-methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)-4,4-dimethylthiazolidin-2-imine (6g) was the best compound among the synthesized library in terms of selectivity. DAPI staining experiments were performed to visualize the morphological changes and to investigate the apoptotic activity. Moreover, western blots were used to probe the mechanism/pathway behind the observed activity/selectivity of thiazolidine 6g which established selective inhibition of phosphorylation in the ERK pathway. Molecular modeling techniques have been utilized to confirm the observed activity. A molecular docking study revealed similar binding interactions between the synthesized thiazolidines and reported co-crystalized inhibitors with ERK proteins. Thus, the present study provides a starting point for the development of interesting bioactive 2-imino-5-arylidene-thiazolidines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian N Aziz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 700 Planetarium Place, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Department of Pesticide Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Linh Nguyen
- Dept. of Biology, College of Science, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Department of Graduate Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Yan Chang
- Department of Graduate Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Bone and Muscle Research Center, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Delphine Gout
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 700 Planetarium Place, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Zui Pan
- Department of Graduate Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA; Bone and Muscle Research Center, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Carl J Lovely
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 700 Planetarium Place, University of Texas at Arlington, TX, 76019, USA.
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Yu Y, Zhao Y, Choi J, Shi Z, Guo L, Elizarraras J, Gu A, Cheng F, Pei Y, Lu D, Fabbri M, Agarwal S, Zhang C, Jung SY, Foster JH, Yang J. ERK Inhibitor Ulixertinib Inhibits High-Risk Neuroblastoma Growth In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225534. [PMID: 36428626 PMCID: PMC9688897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric tumor of the peripheral nervous system. Approximately 80% of relapsed NB show RAS-MAPK pathway mutations that activate ERK, resulting in the promotion of cell proliferation and drug resistance. Ulixertinib, a first-in-class ERK-specific inhibitor, has shown promising antitumor activity in phase 1 clinical trials for advanced solid tumors. Here, we show that ulixertinib significantly and dose-dependently inhibits cell proliferation and colony formation in different NB cell lines, including PDX cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ulixertinib extensively inhibits different oncogenic and neuronal developmental pathways, including EGFR, VEGF, WNT, MAPK, NGF, and NTRK1. The proteomic analysis further revealed that ulixertinib inhibits the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis in NB cells. Additionally, ulixertinib treatment significantly sensitized NB cells to the conventional chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. Furthermore, ulixertinib potently inhibited NB tumor growth and prolonged the overall survival of the treated mice in two different NB mice models. Our preclinical study demonstrates that ulixertinib, either as a single agent or in combination with current therapies, is a novel and practical therapeutic approach for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jongmin Choi
- Advanced Technology Cores/Office of Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Shi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77003, USA
| | - Linjie Guo
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John Elizarraras
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andy Gu
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Feng Cheng
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Yanxin Pei
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Dai Lu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Muller Fabbri
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Chunchao Zhang
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sung Yun Jung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77003, USA
| | - Jennifer H. Foster
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (J.H.F.); (J.Y.); Tel.: +1-832-822-4556 (J.H.F.); +1-202-476-5772 (J.Y.)
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Correspondence: (J.H.F.); (J.Y.); Tel.: +1-832-822-4556 (J.H.F.); +1-202-476-5772 (J.Y.)
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A novel site on dual-specificity phosphatase MKP7/DUSP16 is required for catalysis and MAPK binding. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102617. [PMID: 36272649 PMCID: PMC9676401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102617] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual-specificity phosphatases responsible for the inactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are designated as the MAPK phosphatases (MKPs). We demonstrated previously that MKP5 is regulated through a novel allosteric site suggesting additional regulatory mechanisms of catalysis exist amongst the MKPs. Here, we sought to determine whether the equivalent site within the phosphatase domain of a highly similar MKP family member, MKP7, is also important for phosphatase function. We found that mutation of tyrosine 271 (Y271) in MKP7, which represents the comparable Y435 within the MKP5 allosteric pocket, inhibited MKP7 catalytic activity. Consistent with this, when MKP7 Y271 mutants were overexpressed in cells, the substrates of MKP7, p38 MAPK or JNK, failed to undergo dephosphorylation. The binding efficiency of MKP7 to p38 MAPK and JNK1/2 was also reduced when MKP7 Y271 is mutated. Consistent with reduced MAPK binding, we observed a greater accumulation of nuclear p38 MAPK and JNK when the MKP7 Y271 mutants are expressed in cells as compared with WT MKP7, which sequesters p38 MAPK/JNK in the cytoplasm. Therefore, we propose that Y271 is critical for effective MAPK dephosphorylation through a mechanism whereby binding to this residue precedes engagement of the catalytic site and upon overexpression, MKP7 allosteric site mutants potentiate MAPK signaling. These results provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms of MKP7 catalysis and interactions with the MAPKs. Furthermore, these data support the generality of the MKP allosteric site and provide a basis for small molecule targeting of MKP7.
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8
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Corema album Leaves Mediate DNA Damage in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3598-3610. [PMID: 36005142 PMCID: PMC9406933 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44080246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Corema (C.) album is a shrub endemic to the Atlantic coast and has been described as yielding beneficial effects for human health. Nevertheless, studies concerning the bioactivity of C. album leaves are scarce. This study aims at investigating the anticancer potential and mode of action, of an hydroethanolic extract of C. album leaves (ECAL) on triple-negative breast cancer. This is a poor survival breast cancer subtype, owing to its high risk of distant reappearance, metastasis rates and the probability of relapse. The ECAL ability to prevent tumor progression through (i) the inhibition of cell proliferation (cell viability); (ii) the induction of apoptosis (morphological changes, TUNEL assay, caspase-3 cleaved) and (iii) the induction of DNA damage (PARP1 and γH2AX) with (iv) the involvement of NF-κB and of ERK1/2 pathways (AlphaScreen assay) was evaluated. ECAL activated the apoptotic pathway (through caspase-3) along with the inhibition of ERK and NF-κB pathways causing DNA damage and cell death. The large polyphenolic content of ECAL was presumed to be accountable for these effects. The extract of C. album leaves can target multiple pathways and, thus, can block more than one possible means of disease progression, evidencing the anticancer therapeutic potential from a plant source.
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Badodi S, Pomella N, Lim YM, Brandner S, Morrison G, Pollard SM, Zhang X, Zabet NR, Marino S. Combination of BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibitors is effective in medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:1273-1285. [PMID: 35213723 PMCID: PMC9340634 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic changes play a key role in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. METHODS We explore the therapeutic potential of BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibition in BMI1High;CHD7Low MB cells and in a preclinical xenograft model. RESULTS We identify a synergistic vulnerability of BMI1High;CHD7Low MB cells to a combination treatment with BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibitors. Mechanistically, CHD7-dependent binding of BMI1 to MAPK-regulated genes underpins the CHD7-BMI1-MAPK regulatory axis responsible of the antitumour effect of the inhibitors in vitro and in a preclinical mouse model. Increased ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation activity is found in BMI1High;CHD7Low G4 MB patients, raising the possibility that they could be amenable to a similar therapy. CONCLUSIONS The molecular dissection of the CHD7-BMI1-MAPK regulatory axis in BMI1High;CHD7Low MB identifies this signature as a proxy to predict MAPK functional activation, which can be effectively drugged in preclinical models, and paves the way for further exploration of combined BMI1 and MAPK targeting in G4 MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Badodi
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicola Pomella
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Yau Mun Lim
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gillian Morrison
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Steven M Pollard
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicolae Radu Zabet
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Silvia Marino
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Targeting RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK signaling pathway in human cancer: Current status in clinical trials. Genes Dis 2022; 10:76-88. [PMID: 37013062 PMCID: PMC10066287 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular target inhibitors have been regularly approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tumor treatment, and most of them intervene in tumor cell proliferation and metabolism. The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway is a conserved signaling pathway that plays vital roles in cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The aberrant activation of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway induces tumors. About 33% of tumors harbor RAS mutations, while 8% of tumors are driven by RAF mutations. Great efforts have been dedicated to targeting the signaling pathway for cancer treatment in the past decades. In this review, we summarized the development of inhibitors targeting the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway with an emphasis on those used in clinical treatment. Moreover, we discussed the potential combinations of inhibitors that target the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway and other signaling pathways. The inhibitors targeting the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway have essentially modified the therapeutic strategy against various cancers and deserve more attention in the current cancer research and treatment.
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Dong C, Hu X, Tripathi AS. A brief review of vitamin D as a potential target for the regulation of blood glucose and inflammation in diabetes-associated periodontitis. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:2257-2268. [PMID: 35478388 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04445-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with various complications, including periodontitis. The risk of periodontitis is increased in patients with diabetes, while vitamin D deficiency is associated with both diabetes and periodontitis. Thus, there is a need to identify the molecular effects of vitamin D on the regulation of inflammation and glucose in diabetes-associated periodontitis. The Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases were searched for studies of the molecular effects of vitamin D. Molecular effects were reportedly mediated by salivary secretions, interactions of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with receptors of AGEs (RAGEs), cytokines, and oxidative stress pathways linking diabetes with periodontitis. Vitamin D supplementation attenuates inflammation in diabetes-associated periodontitis by reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and numbers of immune cells; it also has antibacterial effects. Vitamin D reduces cytokine levels through regulation of the extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 and Toll-like receptor 1/2 pathways, along with the suppression of interleukin expression. Glucose homeostasis is altered in diabetes either because of reduced insulin production or decreased insulin sensitivity. These vitamin D-related alterations of glucoregulatory factors may contribute to hyperglycaemia; hyperglycaemia may also lead to alterations of glucoregulatory factors. This review discusses the pathways involved in glucose regulation and effects of vitamin D supplementation on glucose regulation. Further studies are needed to characterise the effects of vitamin D on diabetes-associated periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Dong
- Department of Stomatology, The People's Hospital of Beilun District, Ningbo, 315800, China
| | - Xuzhi Hu
- Department of Stomatology, The People's Hospital of Beilun District, Ningbo, 315800, China.
| | - Alok Shiomurti Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, U.P., India
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12
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Rumienczyk I, Kulecka M, Statkiewicz M, Ostrowski J, Mikula M. Oncology Drug Repurposing for Sepsis Treatment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040921. [PMID: 35453671 PMCID: PMC9030585 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis involves life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Despite three decades of efforts and multiple clinical trials, no treatment, except antibiotics and supportive care, has been approved for this devastating syndrome. Simultaneously, numerous preclinical studies have shown the effectiveness of oncology-indicated drugs in ameliorating sepsis. Here we focus on cataloging these efforts with both oncology-approved and under-development drugs that have been repositioned to treat bacterial-induced sepsis models. In this context, we also envision the exciting prospect for further standard and oncology drug combination testing that could ultimately improve clinical outcomes in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Rumienczyk
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (I.R.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Maria Kulecka
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (I.R.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Statkiewicz
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (I.R.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Jerzy Ostrowski
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (I.R.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Mikula
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (I.R.); (M.K.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-546-26-55
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Rodriquenz MG, Ciardiello D, Latiano TP, Maiorano BA, Martinelli E, Silvestris N, Ciardiello F, Maiello E. Exploring biological heterogeneity and implications on novel treatment paradigm in BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 173:103657. [PMID: 35337969 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximatively 8-15% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) harbor mutation in BRAF gene. Recent advances in molecular biology enabled a better knowledge of the molecular heterogeneity within BRAF mutant (BRAFMT) CRCs, including high rate of overlapping with MSI-H status and detection of non-V600E mutations related to more favorable behavior. Treatment armamentarium has been rapidly growing in this subgroup and includes targeted combinations and immunotherapy for concomitant MSI-H patients, thereby making BRAFMT mCRC an innovative model for precision oncology. Nevertheless, duration of responses to targeted strategies remains unsatisfactory due to the development of secondary resistance, which is currently the field of major clinical research on BRAFMT mCRC. This review explores the molecular, clinical and therapeutic landscape of BRAFMT mCRC as well as an update on current treatment strategies and future perspectives in light of the heterogeneity of BRAF-mutated disease. Furthermore, a novel treatment algorithm for BRAFMT mCRC will be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Rodriquenz
- Oncology Unit, Foundation Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
| | - Davide Ciardiello
- Oncology Unit, Foundation Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; Oncologia Medica, Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pia Latiano
- Oncology Unit, Foundation Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Brigida Anna Maiorano
- Oncology Unit, Foundation Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; Medical Oncology Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Foundation A. Gemelli Policlinic IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Martinelli
- Oncologia Medica, Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Oncologia Medica, Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Evaristo Maiello
- Oncology Unit, Foundation Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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14
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Utilizing Genomically Targeted Molecular Data to Improve Patient-Specific Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042167. [PMID: 35216282 PMCID: PMC8879068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular biology combined with genomics can be a powerful tool for developing potential intervention strategies for improving outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Monogenic etiologies rarely cause autism. Instead, ASD is more frequently due to many polygenic contributing factors interacting with each other, combined with the epigenetic effects of diet, lifestyle, and environment. One limitation of genomics has been identifying ways of responding to each identified gene variant to translate the information to something clinically useful. This paper will illustrate how understanding the function of a gene and the effects of a reported variant on a molecular level can be used to develop actionable and targeted potential interventions for a gene variant or combinations of variants. For illustrative purposes, this communication highlights a specific genomic variant, SHANK3. The steps involved in developing molecularly genomically targeted actionable interventions will be demonstrated. Cases will be shared to support the efficacy of this strategy and to show how clinicians utilized these targeted interventions to improve ASD-related symptoms significantly. The presented approach demonstrates the utility of genomics as a part of clinical decision-making.
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15
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Liu R, Verma N, Henderson JA, Zhan S, Shen J. Profiling MAP kinase cysteines for targeted covalent inhibitor design. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:54-63. [PMID: 35224496 PMCID: PMC8792824 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00277e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are important therapeutic targets, and yet no inhibitors have advanced to the market. Here we applied the GPU-accelerated continuous constant pH molecular dynamics (CpHMD) to calculate the pK a's and profile the cysteine reactivities of all 14 MAPKs for assisting the targeted covalent inhibitor design. The simulations not only recapitulated but also rationalized the reactive cysteines in the front pocket of JNK1/2/3 and the extended front pocket of p38α. Interestingly, the DFG - 1 cysteine in the DFG-in conformation of ERK1/ERK2 was found somewhat reactive or unreactive; however, simulations of MKK7 showed that switching to the DFG-out conformation makes the DFG - 1 cysteine reactive, suggesting the advantage of type II covalent inhibitors. Additionally, the simulations prospectively predicted several druggable cysteine and lysine sites, including the αH head cysteine in JNK1/3 and DFG + 6 cysteine in JNK2, corroborating the chemical proteomic screening data. Given the low cost and the ability to offer physics-based rationales, we envision CpHMD simulations to complement the chemo-proteomic platform for systematic profiling cysteine reactivities for targeted covalent drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibin Liu
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Baltimore MD USA
| | - Neha Verma
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Baltimore MD USA
| | | | - Shaoqi Zhan
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Baltimore MD USA
| | - Jana Shen
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Baltimore MD USA
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16
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Oliveira LG, Souza-Testasicca MC, Ricotta TNQ, Vago JP, dos Santos LM, Crepaldi F, Lima KM, Queiroz-Junior C, Sousa LP, Fernandes AP. Temporary Shutdown of ERK1/2 Phosphorylation Is Associated With Activation of Adaptive Immune Cell Responses and Disease Progression During Leishmania amazonensis Infection in BALB/c Mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:762080. [PMID: 35145518 PMCID: PMC8821891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.762080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania spp. infection outcomes are dependent on both host and parasite factors. Manipulation of host signaling pathways involved in the generation of immune responses is thought to be one of the most common mechanisms used by parasites for persistence within the host. Considering the diversity of pathologies caused by different Leishmania spp., it is plausible that significant differences may exist in the mechanisms of host cell manipulation by each parasite species, which may have implications when developing new vaccine or treatment strategies. Here we show that in L. braziliensis-infection in BALB/c mice, a model of resistance, activation of ERK1/2 coincides with the peak of inflammatory responses and resolution of tissue parasitism. In contrast, in the susceptibility model of L. amazonensis-infection, an early silent phase of infection is observed, detected solely by quantification of parasite loads. At this early stage, only basal levels of P-ERK1/2 are observed. Later, after a brief shutdown of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, disease progression is observed and is associated with increased inflammation, lesion size and tissue parasitism. Moreover, the short-term down-regulation of ERK1/2 activation affected significantly downstream inflammatory pathways and adaptive T cell responses. Administration of U0126, a MEK/ERK inhibitor, confirmed this phenomenon, since bigger lesions and higher parasite loads were seen in infected mice that received U0126. To investigate how kinetics of ERK1/2 activation could affect the disease progression, U0126 was administered to L. amazonensis-infected animals earlier than the P-ERK1/2 switch off time-point. This intervention resulted in anticipation of the same effects on inflammatory responses and susceptibility phenotype seen in the natural course of infection. Additionally, in vitro inhibition of ERK1/2 affected the phagocytosis of L. amazonensis by BMDMs. Collectively, our findings reveal distinct temporal patterns of activation of inflammatory responses in L. braziliensis and L. amazonensis in the same animal background and a pivotal role for a brief and specific shutdown of ERK1/2 activation at late stages of L. amazonensis infection. Since activation of inflammatory responses is a crucial aspect for the control of infectious processes, these findings may be important for the search of new and specific strategies of vaccines and treatment for tegumentary leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro G. Oliveira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Nery Queiroga Ricotta
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Juliana P. Vago
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Liliane M. dos Santos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frederico Crepaldi
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Kátia M. Lima
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Celso Queiroz-Junior
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lirlândia P. Sousa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Fernandes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Ana Paula Fernandes,
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17
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Tiwari A, Rahi S, Mehan S. Elucidation of Abnormal Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling and Associations with Syndromic and Non-syndromic Autism. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:1071-1086. [PMID: 33081671 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666201020155010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a highly inherited and extremely complex disorder in which results from various cases indicate chromosome anomalies, unusual single-gene mutations, and multiplicative effects of particular gene variants, characterized primarily by impaired speech and social interaction and restricted behavior. The precise etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently unclear. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling mechanism affects neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity during the development of the central nervous mechanism. In this regard, the pathway of ERK has recently gained significant interest in the pathogenesis of ASD. The mutation occurs in a few ERK components. Besides, the ERK pathway dysfunction lies in the upstream of modified translation and contributes to synapse pathology in syndromic types of autism. In this review, we highlight the ERK pathway as a target for neurodevelopmental disorder autism. In addition, we summarize the regulation of the ERK pathway with ERK inhibitors in neurological disorders. In conclusion, a better understanding of the ERK signaling pathway provides a range of therapeutic options for autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Tiwari
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Saloni Rahi
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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18
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Mei B, Zhu L, Guo Y, Wu T, Ren P, Deng X. Solid Form Selection and Process Development of KO-947 Drug Substances. Org Process Res Dev 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Mei
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Pilot Free Trade
Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Linrong Zhu
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Pilot Free Trade
Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yushen Guo
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Pilot Free Trade
Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Wellspring Biosciences Inc., 10770 Wateridge Cir UNIT 120, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Pingda Ren
- Kura Oncology Inc., 12730 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Xiaohu Deng
- Kura Oncology Inc., 12730 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, California 92130, United States
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19
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Deng X, Ren P, Mai W, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wu H, Xie Y, Chen H. From Lab Formulation Development to CTM Manufacturing of KO-947 Injectable Drug Products: a Case Study and Lessons Learned. AAPS PharmSciTech 2021; 22:168. [PMID: 34080070 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-02059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Formulation development of KO-947-K mesylate injectable drug products was described. Solution formulations were initially attempted, and key parameters such as drug concentration, buffer, pH, complexing agent, and tonicity modifying agent were carefully evaluated in the lab setting, mainly focusing on solubility and chemical stability. A lead solution formulation was advanced to a scaleup campaign. An unexpected stability issue was encountered, and the root cause was attributed to the heterogeneous liquid freezing process of the formulated solution at -20°C, which had not been captured in the lab setting. A lyophilized product was then designed to overcome the issue and supplied to the phase I clinical trial.
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20
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Belair DG, Sudak K, Connelly K, Collins ND, Kopytek SJ, Kolaja KL. Investigation Into the Role of ERK in Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Induced Neuropathy. Toxicol Sci 2021; 181:160-174. [PMID: 33749749 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating adverse event that can alter patient treatment options and halt candidate drug development. A case study is presented here describing the preclinical and clinical development of CC-90003, a small molecule extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 inhibitor investigated as an oncology therapy. In a Phase Ia clinical trial, CC-90003 elicited adverse drug-related neuropathy and neurotoxicity that contributed to discontinued development of CC-90003 for oncology therapy. Preclinical evaluation of CC-90003 in dogs revealed clinical signs and electrophysiological changes consistent with peripheral neuropathy that was reversible. Mice did not exhibit signs of neuropathy upon daily dosing with CC-90003, supporting that rodents generally poorly predict CIPN. We sought to investigate the mechanism of CC-90003-induced peripheral neuropathy using a phenotypic in vitro assay. Translating preclinical neuropathy findings to humans proves challenging as no robust in vitro models of CIPN exist. An approach was taken to examine the influence of CIPN-associated drugs on human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived peripheral neuron (hiPSC-PN) electrophysiology on multielectrode arrays (MEAs). The MEA assay with hiPSC-PNs was sensitive to CIPN-associated drugs cisplatin, sunitinib, colchicine, and importantly, to CC-90003 in concordance with clinical neuropathy incidence. Biochemical data together with in vitro MEA data for CC-90003 and 12 of its structural analogs, all having similar ERK inhibitory activity, revealed that CC-90003 disrupted in vitro neuronal electrophysiology likely via on-target ERK inhibition combined with off-target kinase inhibition and translocator protein inhibition. This approach could prove useful for assessing CIPN risk and interrogating mechanisms of drug-induced neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Belair
- Nonclinical Safety, Bristol Myers Squibb (formerly Celgene), Summit, New Jersey 07901, USA
| | - Katelyn Sudak
- Nonclinical Safety, Bristol Myers Squibb (formerly Celgene), Summit, New Jersey 07901, USA
| | - Kimberly Connelly
- Nonclinical Safety, Bristol Myers Squibb (formerly Celgene), Summit, New Jersey 07901, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Collins
- Nonclinical Safety, Bristol Myers Squibb (formerly Celgene), Summit, New Jersey 07901, USA
| | - Stephan J Kopytek
- Nonclinical Safety, Bristol Myers Squibb (formerly Celgene), Summit, New Jersey 07901, USA
| | - Kyle L Kolaja
- Nonclinical Safety, Bristol Myers Squibb (formerly Celgene), Summit, New Jersey 07901, USA
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21
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Ullah R, Yin Q, Snell AH, Wan L. RAF-MEK-ERK pathway in cancer evolution and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:123-154. [PMID: 33992782 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade is a well-characterized MAPK pathway involved in cell proliferation and survival. The three-layered MAPK signaling cascade is initiated upon RTK and RAS activation. Three RAF isoforms ARAF, BRAF and CRAF, and their downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 kinases constitute a coherently orchestrated signaling module that directs a range of physiological functions. Genetic alterations in this pathway are among the most prevalent in human cancers, which consist of numerous hot-spot mutations such as BRAFV600E. Oncogenic mutations in this pathway often override otherwise tightly regulated checkpoints to open the door for uncontrolled cell growth and neoplasia. The crosstalk between the RAF-MEK-ERK axis and other signaling pathways further extends the proliferative potential of this pathway in human cancers. In this review, we summarize the molecular architecture and physiological functions of the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway with emphasis on its dysregulations in human cancers, as well as the efforts made to target the RAF-MEK-ERK module using small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Aidan H Snell
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Lixin Wan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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22
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Abstract
B-type Raf kinase (BRAF) mutations occur in approximately 10% of patients with metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC). Tumors harboring this mutation have a unique molecular profile and clinical phenotype. Response rate to systemic chemotherapy is poor and associated with shorter survival rate. Although BRAF inhibition dramatically changed treatment for melanoma patients, similar clinical responses were not observed in BRAF-mutant CRC, proposing a distinct mechanism of carcinogenesis. The aggressive biology of BRAF-mutated mCRC has underlined the importance of developing new therapeutic agents to improve outcomes in these patients. Despite numerous attempts, chemotherapy regimens are limited for this population. Reactivation of mitogen activated protein kinase pathway may explain the resistance to monotherapy, thus different combinations to target the pathway at different levels have been studied. This article will describe most suitable treatment options for CRC patients with BRAF mutation and discuss new emerging agents.
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23
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Halle BR, Johnson DB. Defining and Targeting BRAF Mutations in Solid Tumors. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:30. [PMID: 33641072 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00827-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT BRAF mutations are present in up to 8% of human cancers, and comprise a viable therapeutic target in many patients harboring these mutations. Specific BRAF-targeted therapies, such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and encorafenib, have transformed treatment of many BRAF-mutated cancers, producing meaningful clinical benefit with more tolerable safety profiles compared to prior standard-of-care treatments. BRAF inhibitors were first approved for use in metastatic melanoma, although resistance almost always limited their long-term effectiveness. Combination therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has proven effective in delaying the onset of resistance, and produces additional clinical benefit across cancers. Although not promising initially in treatment of BRAF-mutated colorectal carcinoma, BRAF inhibitors in colorectal cancer were successfully combined with EGFR inhibitors, resulting in significant treatment response. Refining the use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors in less common tumor types (and for non-V600 mutations) and delaying the development of resistance remain pertinent future considerations in treating BRAF-mutated cancers. In this review, we will discuss the prevalence of BRAF mutations across human cancers and evidence on the efficacy and safety of current management strategies for various BRAF-mutant solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana R Halle
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, 777 PRB, 2220 Pierce Ave., Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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24
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Lee S, Kim J, Jo J, Chang JW, Sim J, Yun H. Recent advances in development of hetero-bivalent kinase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 216:113318. [PMID: 33730624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Identifying a pharmacological agent that targets only one of more than 500 kinases present in humans is an important challenge. One potential solution to this problem is the development of bivalent kinase inhibitors, which consist of two connected fragments, each bind to a dissimilar binding site of the bisubstrate enzyme. The main advantage of bivalent (type V) kinase inhibitors is generating more interactions with target enzymes that can enhance the molecules' selectivity and affinity compared to single-site inhibitors. Earlier type V inhibitors were not suitable for the cellular environment and were mostly used in in vitro studies. However, recently developed bivalent compounds have high kinase affinity, high biological and chemical stability in vivo. This review summarized the hetero-bivalent kinase inhibitors described in the literature from 2014 to the present. We attempted to classify the molecules by serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and then each target kinase and its hetero-bivalent inhibitor was assessed in depth. In addition, we discussed the analysis of advantages, limitations, and perspectives of bivalent kinase inhibitors compared with the monovalent kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungbeom Lee
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisu Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeyun Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Won Chang
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jaehoon Sim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hwayoung Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Szabó Z, Hornyák L, Miskei M, Székvölgyi L. Two Targets, One Hit: new Anticancer Therapeutics to Prevent Tumorigenesis Without Cardiotoxicity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:569955. [PMID: 33643029 PMCID: PMC7902874 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.569955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A serious adverse effect of cancer therapies is cardiovascular toxicity, which significantly limits the widespread use of antineoplastic agents. The promising new field of cardio-oncology offers the identification of potent anti-cancer therapeutics that effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation without causing cardiotoxicity. Future introduction of recently identified cardio-safe compounds into clinical practice (including ERK dimerization inhibitors or BAX allosteric inhibitors) is expected to help oncologists avoid unwanted cardiological complications associated with therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Szabó
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lilla Hornyák
- MTA-DE Momentum Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Márton Miskei
- MTA-DE Momentum Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lóránt Székvölgyi
- MTA-DE Momentum Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Debrecen, Hungary.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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26
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Scheiblecker L, Kollmann K, Sexl V. CDK4/6 and MAPK-Crosstalk as Opportunity for Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E418. [PMID: 33255177 PMCID: PMC7760252 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of targeted therapies and novel inhibitors, cancer remains an undefeated disease. Resistance mechanisms arise quickly and alternative treatment options are urgently required, which may be partially met by drug combinations. Protein kinases as signaling switchboards are frequently deregulated in cancer and signify vulnerable nodes and potential therapeutic targets. We here focus on the cell cycle kinase CDK6 and on the MAPK pathway and on their interplay. We also provide an overview on clinical studies examining the effects of combinational treatments currently explored for several cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (K.K.)
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27
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Lapucci A, Perrone G, Di Paolo A, Napoli C, Landini I, Roviello G, Calosi L, Naccarato AG, Falcone A, Bani D, Mini E, Nobili S. PNN and KCNQ1OT1 Can Predict the Efficacy of Adjuvant Fluoropyrimidine-Based Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Oncol Res 2020; 28:631-644. [PMID: 33208224 PMCID: PMC7962934 DOI: 10.3727/096504020x16056983169118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in the early stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still disappointing and the prediction of treatment outcome quite difficult. Recently, through a transcriptomic approach, we evidenced a role of PNN and KCNQ1OT1 gene expression in predicting response to fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III CRC patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate in an independent cohort of stages II–III CRC patients our previous findings. PNN and KCNQ1OT1 mRNA expression levels were evaluated in 74 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor and matched normal mucosa samples obtained by stages II–III CRC patients treated with fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy. PININ, the protein encoded by PNN, was immunohistochemically evaluated in 15 tumor and corresponding normal mucosa samples, selected on the basis of a low, medium, or high mRNA expression tumor/mucosa ratio. PNN and KCNQ1OT1 mRNA mean expression levels were significantly higher in tumor compared with normal tissues. Patients with high PNN or KCNQ1OT1 tumor mRNA levels according to ROC-based cutoffs showed a shorter disease-free survival (DFS) compared with patients with low tumor mRNA gene expression. Also, patients with tumor mRNA expression values of both genes below the identified cutoffs had a significantly longer DFS compared with patients with the expression of one or both genes above the cutoffs. In a representative large cohort of stages II–III CRC untreated patients retrieved from GEO datasets, no difference in DFS was observed between patients with high and low PNN or KCNQ1OT1 gene expression levels. These data confirm our previous findings and underscore the relevance of PNN and KCNQ1OT1 expression in predicting DFS in early stages of CRC treated with fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy. If further validated in a prospective case series, both biomarkers could be used to identify patients who benefit from this treatment and to offer alternative chemotherapy regimens to potential unresponsive patients. In relation to the suggested biological role of PNN and KCNQ1OT1 in CRC, they might also be exploited as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lapucci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Gabriele Perrone
- Department of Health Sciences, University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Antonello Di Paolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Cristina Napoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Ida Landini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | | | - Laura Calosi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Alfredo Falcone
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Enrico Mini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Stefania Nobili
- Department of Health Sciences, University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
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Abstract
Cancer, still in the limelight due to its dreadful nature, shows overexpression of multiple signaling macromolecules leading to failure of many chemotherapeutic agents and acquired resistance to chemotherapy. These factors highlight the significance of shifting toward targeted therapy in cancer research. Recently, ERKs (ERK1 and 2) have been established as a promising target for the management of various types of solid tumors, due to their aberrant involvement in cell growth and progression. Several ERKs inhibitors have reached clinical trials for the management of cancer and their derivatives are being continuously reported with noteworthy anticancer effect. This review highlights the recent reports on various chemical classes involved in the development of ERKs inhibitors along with their in vitro and in vivo activity and structure-activity relationship profile.
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Miao L, Tian H. Development of ERK1/2 inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for tumour with MAPK upstream target mutations. J Drug Target 2019; 28:154-165. [PMID: 31340679 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1648477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylate a variety of substrates that play key roles in promoting cell survival and proliferation. Many inhibitors, acting on upstream of the ERK pathway, exhibit excellent antitumor activity. However, drug-resistant tumour cells invariably emerge after their use due to the reactivation of ERK1/2 signalling. ERK1/2 inhibitors have shown clinical efficacy as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of tumours with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) upstream target mutations. These inhibitors may be effective against cancers with altered MAPK upstream pathway and may be used as a possible strategy to overcome acquired resistance to MAPK inhibitors. In this review, we describe the mechanism and types of ERK1/2 inhibitors, summarise the current development status of small-molecule ERK1/2 inhibitors, including the preclinical data and clinical study progress, and discuss the future research directions for the application of ERK1/2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Miao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongqi Tian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
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