1
|
Mohamed R, Shajimoon A, Afroz R, Gabr M, Thomas WG, Little PJ, Kamato D. Akt acts as a switch for GPCR transactivation of the TGF-β receptor type 1. FEBS J 2021; 289:2642-2656. [PMID: 34826189 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16297] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling commences with the engagement of TGF-β ligand to cell surface TGF-β receptors (TGFBR) stimulating Smad2 carboxyl-terminal phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2C) and downstream biological responses. In several cell models, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transactivate the TGF-β receptors type-1 (TGFBR1) leading to phospho-Smad2C, however, we have recently published that in keratinocytes thrombin did not transactivate the TGFBR1. The bulk of TGFBRs reside in the cytosol and in response to protein kinase B (Akt phosphorylation) can translocate to the cell surface increasing the cell's responsiveness to TGF-β. In this study, we investigate the role of Akt in GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1. We demonstrate that angiotensin II and thrombin do not phosphorylate Smad2C in human vascular smooth muscle cells and in keratinocytes respectively. We used Akt agonist, SC79 to sensitise the cells to Akt and observed that Ang II and thrombin phosphorylate Smad2C via Akt/AS160-dependent pathways. We show that SC79 rapidly translocates TGFBRs to the cell surface thus increasing the cell's response to the GPCR agonist. These findings highlight novel mechanistic insight for the role of Akt in GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Aravindra Shajimoon
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Mai Gabr
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Walter G Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Mucins are high molecular-weight epithelial glycoproteins and are implicated in many physiological processes, including epithelial cell protection, signaling transduction, and tissue homeostasis. Abnormality of mucus expression and structure contributes to biological properties related to human cancer progression. Tumor growth sites induce inhospitable conditions. Many kinds of research suggest that mucins provide a microenvironment to avoid hypoxia, acidic, and other biological conditions that promote cancer progression. Given that the mucus layer captures growth factors or cytokines, we propose that mucin helps to ameliorate inhospitable conditions in tumor-growing sites. Additionally, the composition and structure of mucins enable them to mimic the surface of normal epithelial cells, allowing tumor cells to escape from immune surveillance. Indeed, human cancers such as mucinous carcinoma, show a higher incidence of invasion to adjacent organs and lymph node metastasis than do non-mucinous carcinoma. In this mini-review, we discuss how mucin provides a tumor-friendly environment and contributes to increased cancer malignancy in mucinous carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Han Wi
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Cha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, Graduate school, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Youn-Sang Jung
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in cardiac fibrosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:4045-4059. [PMID: 34244974 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04219-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is considered as a severe health problem worldwide, while cardiac fibrosis is one of the main driving factors for the progress of HF. Cardiac fibrosis was characterized by changes in cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, ratio of collagen (COL) I/III, and the excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), thus forming a scar tissue, which leads to pathological process of cardiac structural changes and systolic as well as diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological change of many advanced cardiovascular diseases including ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and HF. Accumulated studies have proven that phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway is involved in regulating the occurrence, progression and pathological formation of cardiac fibrosis via regulating cell survival, apoptosis, growth, cardiac contractility and even the transcription of related genes through a series of molecules including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), forkhead box proteins O1/3 (FoxO1/3), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Thus, the review focuses on the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the cardiac fibrosis. The information reviewed here should be significant in understanding the role of PI3K/Akt in cardiac fibrosis and contribute to the design of further studies related to PI3K/Akt and the cardiac fibrotic response, as well as sought to shed light on a potential treatment for cardiac fibrosis.
Collapse
|
4
|
Albentosa-González L, Jimenez de Oya N, Arias A, Clemente-Casares P, Martin-Acebes MÁ, Saiz JC, Sabariegos R, Mas A. Akt Kinase Intervenes in Flavivirus Replication by Interacting with Viral Protein NS5. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050896. [PMID: 34066055 PMCID: PMC8151281 DOI: 10.3390/v13050896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne flaviviruses, such as Zika virus (ZIKV), Usutu virus (USUV), and West Nile virus (WNV), are a growing cause of human illness and death around the world. Presently, no licensed antivirals to control them are available and, therefore, search for broad-spectrum antivirals, including host-directed compounds, is essential. The PI3K/Akt pathway controls essential cellular functions involved in cell metabolism and proliferation. Moreover, Akt has been found to participate in modulating replication in different viruses including the flaviviruses. In this work we studied the interaction of flavivirus NS5 polymerases with the cellular kinase Akt. In vitro NS5 phosphorylation experiments with Akt showed that flavivirus NS5 polymerases are phosphorylated and co-immunoprecipitate by Akt. Polymerase activity assays of Ala- and Glu-generated mutants for the Akt-phosphorylated residues also indicate that Glu mutants of ZIKV and USUV NS5s present a reduced primer-extension activity that was not observed in WNV mutants. Furthermore, treatment with Akt inhibitors (MK-2206, honokiol and ipatasertib) reduced USUV and ZIKV titers in cell culture but, except for honokiol, not WNV. All these findings suggest an important role for Akt in flavivirus replication although with specific differences among viruses and encourage further investigations to examine the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as an antiviral potential target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Albentosa-González
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (L.A.-G.); (A.A.); (P.C.-C.)
| | - Nereida Jimenez de Oya
- ZOOVIR, Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.J.d.O.); (M.Á.M.-A.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Armando Arias
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (L.A.-G.); (A.A.); (P.C.-C.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Pilar Clemente-Casares
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (L.A.-G.); (A.A.); (P.C.-C.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Martin-Acebes
- ZOOVIR, Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.J.d.O.); (M.Á.M.-A.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Juan Carlos Saiz
- ZOOVIR, Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.J.d.O.); (M.Á.M.-A.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Rosario Sabariegos
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (L.A.-G.); (A.A.); (P.C.-C.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Mas
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; (L.A.-G.); (A.A.); (P.C.-C.)
- Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Herrick WG, Kilpatrick CL, Hollingshead MG, Esposito D, O'Sullivan Coyne G, Gross AM, Johnson BC, Chen AP, Widemann BC, Doroshow JH, Parchment RE, Srivastava AK. Isoform- and Phosphorylation-specific Multiplexed Quantitative Pharmacodynamics of Drugs Targeting PI3K and MAPK Signaling in Xenograft Models and Clinical Biopsies. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:749-760. [PMID: 33536190 PMCID: PMC8026683 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways influence several cell functions involved in oncogenesis, making them attractive drug targets. We describe a novel multiplex immunoassay to quantitate isoform-specific phosphorylation of proteins in the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways as a tool to assess pharmacodynamic changes. Isoform-specific assays measuring total protein and site-specific phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, MEK1/2, AKT1/2/3, and rpS6 were developed on the Luminex platform with validated antibody reagents. The multiplex assay demonstrated satisfactory analytic performance. Fit-for-purpose validation was performed with xenograft models treated with selected agents. In PC3 and HCC70 xenograft tumors, the PI3Kβ inhibitor AZD8186 suppressed phosphorylation of AKT1, AKT2, and rpS6 for 4 to 7 hours post single dose, but levels returned to baseline by 24 hours. AKT3 phosphorylation was suppressed in PC3 xenografts at all doses tested, but only at the highest dose in HCC70. The AKT inhibitor MK-2206 reduced AKT1/2/3 phosphorylation in SW620 xenograft tumors 2 to 4 hours postdose, and the MEK inhibitor selumetinib reduced MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by up to 50% and >90%, respectively. Clinical utility was demonstrated by analyzing biopsies from untreated patients with plexiform neurofibromas enrolled in a clinical trial of selumetinib (NCT02407405). These biopsies showed MEK and ERK phosphorylation levels sufficient for measuring up to 90% inhibition, and low AKT and rpS6 phosphorylation. This validated multiplex immunoassay demonstrates the degree and duration of phosphorylation modulation for three distinct classes of drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William G Herrick
- Clinical Pharmacodynamics Biomarker Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Casey L Kilpatrick
- Clinical Pharmacodynamics Biomarker Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | | | - Dominic Esposito
- Protein Expression Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | | | - Andrea M Gross
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Barry C Johnson
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alice P Chen
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Brigitte C Widemann
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - James H Doroshow
- Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ralph E Parchment
- Clinical Pharmacodynamics Biomarker Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Apurva K Srivastava
- Clinical Pharmacodynamics Biomarker Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Akt Interacts with Usutu Virus Polymerase, and Its Activity Modulates Viral Replication. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020244. [PMID: 33672588 PMCID: PMC7924047 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is a flavivirus that mainly infects wild birds through the bite of Culex mosquitoes. Recent outbreaks have been associated with an increased number of cases in humans. Despite being a growing source of public health concerns, there is yet insufficient data on the virus or host cell targets for infection control. In this work we have investigated whether the cellular kinase Akt and USUV polymerase NS5 interact and co-localize in a cell. To this aim, we performed co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays, followed by confocal microscopy analyses. We further tested whether NS5 is a phosphorylation substrate of Akt in vitro. Finally, to examine its role in viral replication, we chemically silenced Akt with three inhibitors (MK-2206, honokiol and ipatasertib). We found that both proteins are localized (confocal) and pulled down (Co-IP) together when expressed in different cell lines, supporting the fact that they are interacting partners. This possibility was further sustained by data showing that NS5 is phosphorylated by Akt. Treatment of USUV-infected cells with Akt-specific inhibitors led to decreases in virus titers (>10-fold). Our results suggest an important role for Akt in virus replication and stimulate further investigations to examine the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as an antiviral target.
Collapse
|
7
|
Balasubramaniam M, Lakkaniga NR, Dera AA, Fayi MA, Abohashrh M, Ahmad I, Chandramoorthy HC, Nalini G, Rajagopalan P. FCX-146, a potent allosteric inhibitor of Akt kinase in cancer cells: Lead optimization of the second-generation arylidene indanone scaffold. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2020; 68:82-91. [PMID: 32067263 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Akt, a serine-threonine protein kinase, is regulated by class-I PI3K signaling. Akt regulates a wide variety of cell processes including cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis through serine/threonine phosphorylation of downstream targets including mTOR and glycogen-synthase-kinase-3-beta (GSK3β). Targeting cancer-specific overexpression of Akt protein could be an efficient way to control cancer-cell proliferation. However, the ATP-competitive inhibitors are challenged by the highly conserved ATP binding site, and by competition with high cellular concentrations of ATP. We previously developed an allosteric inhibitor, 2-arylidene-4, 7-dimethyl indan-1-one (FXY-1) that showed promising activity against several lung cancer models. In this work, we designed a congeneric series of molecules based on FXY-1 and optimized lead based on computational, in vitro assays. Computational screening followed by enzyme-inhibition and cell-proliferation assays identified a derivative (FCX-146) as a new lead molecule with threefold greater potency than the parent compound. FCX-146 increased apoptosis in HL-60 cells, mediated in part through decreased expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein and increased levels of Bax-2 and Caspase-3. Molecular-dynamic simulations showed stable binding of FCX-146 to an allosteric (i.e., noncatalytic) pocket in Akt. Together, we propose FCX-146 as a potent second-generation arylidene indanone compound that binds to the allosteric pocket of Akt and potently inhibits its activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Naga Rajiv Lakkaniga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Ayed A Dera
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Al Fayi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abohashrh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Harish C Chandramoorthy
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Department of Microbiology & Clinical Parasitology College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ganesan Nalini
- Department of Chemistry, Pachaiyappas College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prasanna Rajagopalan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Iida M, Harari PM, Wheeler DL, Toulany M. Targeting AKT/PKB to improve treatment outcomes for solid tumors. Mutat Res 2020; 819-820:111690. [PMID: 32120136 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2020.111690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase AKT, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), is the major substrate to phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and consists of three paralogs: AKT1 (PKBα), AKT2 (PKBβ) and AKT3 (PKBγ). The PI3K/AKT pathway is normally activated by binding of ligands to membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as well as downstream to G-protein coupled receptors and integrin-linked kinase. Through multiple downstream substrates, activated AKT controls a wide variety of cellular functions including cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, and angiogenesis in both normal and malignant cells. In human cancers, the PI3K/AKT pathway is most frequently hyperactivated due to mutations and/or overexpression of upstream components. Aberrant expression of RTKs, gain of function mutations in PIK3CA, RAS, PDPK1, and AKT itself, as well as loss of function mutation in AKT phosphatases are genetic lesions that confer hyperactivation of AKT. Activated AKT stimulates DNA repair, e.g. double strand break repair after radiotherapy. Likewise, AKT attenuates chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. These observations suggest that a crucial link exists between AKT and DNA damage. Thus, AKT could be a major predictive marker of conventional cancer therapy, molecularly targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for solid tumors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding by which activated AKT mediates resistance to cancer treatment modalities, i.e. radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and RTK targeted therapy. Next, the effect of AKT on response of tumor cells to RTK targeted strategies will be discussed. Finally, we will provide a brief summary on the clinical trials of AKT inhibitors in combination with radiochemotherapy, RTK targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin in Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - P M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin in Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - D L Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin in Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - M Toulany
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Tuebingen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abdeldayem A, Raouf YS, Constantinescu SN, Moriggl R, Gunning PT. Advances in covalent kinase inhibitors. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:2617-2687. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00720b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This comprehensive review details recent advances, challenges and innovations in covalent kinase inhibition within a 10 year period (2007–2018).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayah Abdeldayem
- Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences
- University of Toronto
- Mississauga
- Canada
- Department of Chemistry
| | - Yasir S. Raouf
- Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences
- University of Toronto
- Mississauga
- Canada
- Department of Chemistry
| | | | - Richard Moriggl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics
- University of Veterinary Medicine
- 1210 Vienna
- Austria
| | - Patrick T. Gunning
- Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences
- University of Toronto
- Mississauga
- Canada
- Department of Chemistry
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kearney AL, Cooke KC, Norris DM, Zadoorian A, Krycer JR, Fazakerley DJ, Burchfield JG, James DE. Serine 474 phosphorylation is essential for maximal Akt2 kinase activity in adipocytes. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:16729-16739. [PMID: 31548312 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ser/Thr protein kinase Akt regulates essential biological processes such as cell survival, growth, and metabolism. Upon growth factor stimulation, Akt is phosphorylated at Ser474; however, how this phosphorylation contributes to Akt activation remains controversial. Previous studies, which induced loss of Ser474 phosphorylation by ablating its upstream kinase mTORC2, have implicated Ser474 phosphorylation as a driver of Akt substrate specificity. Here we directly studied the role of Akt2 Ser474 phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by preventing Ser474 phosphorylation without perturbing mTORC2 activity. This was achieved by utilizing a chemical genetics approach, where ectopically expressed S474A Akt2 was engineered with a W80A mutation to confer resistance to the Akt inhibitor MK2206, and thus allow its activation independent of endogenous Akt. We found that insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of four bona fide Akt substrates (TSC2, PRAS40, FOXO1/3a, and AS160) was reduced by ∼50% in the absence of Ser474 phosphorylation. Accordingly, insulin-stimulated mTORC1 activation, protein synthesis, FOXO nuclear exclusion, GLUT4 translocation, and glucose uptake were attenuated upon loss of Ser474 phosphorylation. We propose a model where Ser474 phosphorylation is required for maximal Akt2 kinase activity in adipocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Kearney
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kristen C Cooke
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Dougall M Norris
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Armella Zadoorian
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - James R Krycer
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Daniel J Fazakerley
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - James G Burchfield
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - David E James
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia .,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lieberthal W, Tang M, Abate M, Lusco M, Levine JS. AMPK-mediated activation of Akt protects renal tubular cells from stress-induced apoptosis in vitro and ameliorates ischemic AKI in vivo. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 317:F1-F11. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00553.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We have reported that preconditioning renal tubular cells (RTCs) with A-769662 [a pharmacological activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)] reduces apoptosis of RTCs induced by subsequent stress and ameliorates the severity of ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. In the present study, we examined the role of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in mediating these effects. Using shRNA, we developed knockdown (KD) RTCs to confirm that any novel effects of A-769662 are mediated specifically by AMPK. We reduced expression of the total β-domain of AMPK in KD RTCs by >80%. Control RTCs were transfected with “scrambled” shRNA. Preconditioning control RTCs with A-769662 increased both the phosphorylation (activity) of AMPK and survival of these cells when exposed to subsequent stress, but neither effect was observed in KD cells. These data demonstrate that activation of AMPK by A-769662 is profoundly impaired in KD cells. A-769662 activated PI3K and Akt in control but not KD RTCs. These data provide novel evidence that activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by A-769662 is mediated specifically through activation of AMPK and not by a nonspecific mechanism. We also demonstrate that, in control RTCs, Akt plays a role in mediating the antiapoptotic effects of A-769662. In addition, we provide evidence that AMPK ameliorates the severity of ischemic AKI in mice and that this effect is also partially mediated by Akt. Finally, we provide evidence that AMPK activates PI3K by inhibiting mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 and preventing mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1-mediated inhibition of insulin receptor substrate-1-associated activation of PI3K.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred Lieberthal
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Northport Veterans Affairs Hospital, Northport, New York
| | - Meiyi Tang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Mersema Abate
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Mark Lusco
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jerrold S. Levine
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Akhtar N, Jabeen I, Jalal N, Antilla J. Structure-based pharmacophore models to probe anticancer activity of inhibitors of protein kinase B-beta (PKB β). Chem Biol Drug Des 2018; 93:325-336. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Akhtar
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS); National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST); Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Ishrat Jabeen
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS); National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST); Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Nasir Jalal
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology; Tianjin University; Tianjin City China
| | - Jon Antilla
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology; Tianjin University; Tianjin City China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pharmacologic inhibition of AKT leads to cell death in relapsed multiple myeloma. Cancer Lett 2018; 432:205-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
14
|
Iarrobino NA, Gill BS, Bernard M, Klement RJ, Werner-Wasik M, Champ CE. The Impact of Serum Glucose, Anti-Diabetic Agents, and Statin Usage in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Definitive Chemoradiation. Front Oncol 2018; 8:281. [PMID: 30101126 PMCID: PMC6072851 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Epidemiologic data indicate diabetes confers an augmented risk of lung cancer development, yet the relationship between hyperglycemia, metabolic agents, and prognosis is unclear. We analyzed the impact of hyperglycemia, anti-diabetic agents, and statins on outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing chemoradiation. Method and Materials: In total, data from 170 patients with stage III NSCLC treated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2001 and 2014 were obtained for analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate time-to-event for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, distant metastasis (DM), and loco-regional control (LRC). Blood glucose values (n = 2870), statins, and diabetic medications were assessed both continuously and categorically in univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models to estimate hazard ratios and identify prognostic factors. Results: Tumor volume was a negative prognostic factor for OS, disease-free survival, DM, and LRC (p = 0.001). Tumor stage and treatment time were associated with increased all-cause mortality. Any glucose measurement ≥ 130 mg/dl during treatment (2-year estimate 49.9 vs. 65.8%, p = 0.095) was borderline significant for decreased LRC, with similar trends on multivariable analysis (HR 1.636, p = 0.126) and for OS (HR 1.476, p = 0.130). Statin usage was associated with improved 2-year LRC (53.4 vs. 62.4%, p = 0.088) but not with improvements in survival. Other glycemic parameters, comorbid diabetes diagnosis, or anti-diabetic medications were not significantly associated with outcomes. Conclusions: There were trends for blood glucose value over 130 mg/dl and statin nonuse being associated with inferior prognosis for LRC in stage III NSCLC patients; glycemic state, statin usage, and glucose-modulating medications were not associated with survival outcomes in multivariable analysis in this retrospective database.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick A Iarrobino
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Beant S Gill
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mark Bernard
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Rainer J Klement
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leopoldina Hospital, Schweinfurt, Germany
| | - Maria Werner-Wasik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Colin E Champ
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ku YH, Cho BJ, Kim MJ, Lim S, Park YJ, Jang HC, Choi SH. Rosiglitazone increases endothelial cell migration and vascular permeability through Akt phosphorylation. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 18:62. [PMID: 28854981 PMCID: PMC5577739 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-017-0169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and inhibit endothelial inflammation and dysfunction, which is anti-atherogenic. However, fluid retention, which may lead to congestive heart failure and peripheral edema, is also a concern, which may result from endothelial cell leakage. In the current study, we examined the effects of PPAR-γ agonists on vascular endothelial cell migration and permeability in order to determine its underlying mechanisms. Methods We used rosiglitazone and conducted cell migration assay and permeability assay using HUVEC cells and measured vascular permeability and leakage in male C57BL/6 mice. Results Rosiglitazone significantly promoted endothelial cell migration and induced permeability via activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) – Akt or protein kinase C (PKC)β. In addition, rosiglitazone increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and suppressed expression of tight junction proteins (JAM-A and ZO-1), which might promote neovascularization and vascular leakage. These phenomena were reduced by Akt inhibition. Conclusions Vascular endothelial cell migration and permeability change through Akt phosphorylation might be a mechanism of induced fluid retention and peripheral tissue edema by TZD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Hyi Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bong-Jun Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Min Joo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Hak C Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea. .,, 166 Gumi-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 463-707, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Akhtar N, Jabeen I. A 2D-QSAR and Grid-Independent Molecular Descriptor (GRIND) Analysis of Quinoline-Type Inhibitors of Akt2: Exploration of the Binding Mode in the Pleckstrin Homology (PH) Domain. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168806. [PMID: 28036396 PMCID: PMC5201309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase B-β (PKBβ/Akt2) is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that has emerged as one of the most important regulators of cell growth, differentiation, and division. Upregulation of Akt2 in various human carcinomas, including ovarian, breast, and pancreatic, is a well-known tumorigenesis phenomenon. Early on, the concept of the simultaneous administration of anticancer drugs with inhibitors of Akt2 was advocated to overcome cell proliferation in the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. However, clinical studies have not lived up to the high expectations, and several phase II and phase III clinical studies have been terminated prematurely because of severe side effects related to the non-selective isomeric inhibition of Akt2. The notion that the sequence identity of pleckstrin homology (PH) domains within Akt-isoforms is less than 30% might indicate the possibility of the development of selective antagonists against the Akt2 PH domain. Therefore, in this study, various in silico tools were utilized to explore the hypothesis that quinoline-type inhibitors bind in the Akt2 PH domain. A Grid-Independent Molecular Descriptor (GRIND) analysis indicated that two hydrogen bond acceptors, two hydrogen bond donors and one hydrophobic feature at a certain distance from each other were important for the selective inhibition of Akt2. Our docking results delineated the importance of Lys30 as an anchor point for mapping the distances of important amino acid residues in the binding pocket, including Lys14, Glu17, Arg25, Asn53, Asn54 and Arg86. The binding regions identified complement the GRIND-based pharmacophoric features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Akhtar
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ishrat Jabeen
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Whicker ME, Lin ZP, Hanna R, Sartorelli AC, Ratner ES. MK-2206 sensitizes BRCA-deficient epithelial ovarian adenocarcinoma to cisplatin and olaparib. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:550. [PMID: 27465688 PMCID: PMC4964088 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platinum resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Activation of the AKT pathway promotes platinum resistance while inhibition of AKT sensitizes chemoresistant cells. Patients with BRCA mutant EOC, and thus a defect in the homologous recombination (HR) repair pathway, demonstrate greater clinical response to platinum and olaparib therapy than patients with BRCA wild-type EOC. MK-2206, an allosteric inhibitor of AKT phosphorylation, sensitizes a variety of cell types to various anticancer agents and is currently undergoing phase II trials as monotherapy for platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer. This study examines the differential effects of AKT inhibition with cisplatin and olaparib therapy in BRCA1/2-deficient versus wild-type EOC. METHODS PEO1, a chemosensitive BRCA2-mutant serous ovarian adenocarcinoma, and PEO4, a reverted BRCA2-proficient line from the same patient after the development of chemotherapeutic resistance, were primarily used for the study. In PEO1, MK-2206 demonstrated moderate to strong synergism with cisplatin and olaparib at all doses, while demonstrating antagonism at all doses in PEO4. RESULTS Baseline phospho-AKT activity in untreated cells was upregulated in both BRCA1- and 2-deficient cell lines. MK-2206 prevented cisplatin- and olaparib-induced AKT activation in the BRCA2-deficient PEO1 cells. We propose that BRCA-deficient EOC cells upregulate baseline AKT activity to enhance survival in the absence of HR. Higher AKT activity is also required to withstand cytotoxic agent-induced DNA damage, leading to strong synergism between MK-2206 and cisplatin or olaparib therapy in BRCA-deficient cells. CONCLUSIONS MK-2206 shows promise as a chemosensitization agent in BRCA-deficient EOC and merits clinical investigation in this patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Whicker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Z Ping Lin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ruth Hanna
- Section of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alan C Sartorelli
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elena S Ratner
- Section of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Quan Y, Liu Q. Effect of Akti-2 on sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction in a mouse model. Biomed Rep 2016; 4:578-582. [PMID: 27123250 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the Akt inhibitor, Akti-2, on the sperm motility and acrosome reaction in mice. Mature sperms from the adult mice, aged 8 weeks, were co-incubated with Akti-2 for ~30 min at 37°C in 5% CO2, and the sperm viability was assessed by eosin-nigrosin staining. The sperm total and progressive motility were analyzed by computer-aided sperm analysis. In addition, the acrosome reaction of sperms was detected by the acid phosphatase assay, Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining and fluorescein-isothiocyanate conjugated pisum sativum lectin staining, respectively. Compared with the control (dimethyl sulfoxide), Akti-2 had no effect on sperm viability, but it suppressed the total and progressive motility significantly. Furthermore, the capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the acrosome reaction induced by calcium ionophore A23187 could be suppressed by Akti-2. These experiments confirmed that Akti-2 significantly impaired the sperm functions, including motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction, and provide the proof for its potential in male reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Quan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ramakrishnan SK, Zhang H, Takahashi S, Centofanti B, Periyasamy S, Weisz K, Chen Z, Uhler MD, Rui L, Gonzalez FJ, Shah YM. HIF2α Is an Essential Molecular Brake for Postprandial Hepatic Glucagon Response Independent of Insulin Signaling. Cell Metab 2016; 23:505-16. [PMID: 26853750 PMCID: PMC4785079 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon drives hepatic gluconeogenesis and maintains blood glucose levels during fasting. The mechanism that attenuates glucagon action following refeeding is not understood. The present study demonstrates an increase in perivenous liver hypoxia immediately after feeding, which stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) in liver. The transient postprandial increase in hepatic HIF2α attenuates glucagon signaling. Hepatocyte-specific disruption of HIF2α increases postprandial blood glucose and potentiates the glucagon response. Independent of insulin/AKT signaling, activation of hepatic HIF2α resulted in lower blood glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and decreased gluconeogenesis due to blunted hepatic glucagon action. Mechanistically, HIF2α abrogated glucagon-PKA signaling by activating cAMP-phosphodiesterases in a MEK/ERK-dependent manner. Repression of glucagon signaling by HIF2α ameliorated hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetes and acute insulin-resistant animal models. This study reveals that HIF2α is essential for the acute postprandial regulation of hepatic glucagon signaling and suggests HIF2α as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadeesh K Ramakrishnan
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Huabing Zhang
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shogo Takahashi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brook Centofanti
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sarvesh Periyasamy
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kevin Weisz
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zheng Chen
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael D Uhler
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Liangyou Rui
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
The drug discovery landscape has been transformed over the past decade by the discovery of allosteric modulators of all major mammalian receptor superfamilies. Allosteric ligands are a rich potential source of drugs and drug targets with clear therapeutic advantages. G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-gated ion channels and intracellular nuclear hormone receptors have all been targeted by allosteric modulators. More recently, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) has been targeted by an extracellular small-molecule allosteric modulator. Allosteric mechanisms of structurally distinct molecules that target the various receptor families are more alike than originally anticipated and include selectivity, orthosteric probe dependence and pathway-biased signaling.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB (protein kinase B) is key for mammalian cell growth, survival, metabolism and oncogenic transformation. The diverse level and tissue expression of its three isoforms, Akt1/PKBα, Akt2/PKBβ and Akt3/PKBγ, make it daunting to identify isoform-specific actions in vivo and even in isolated tissues/cells. To date, isoform-specific knockout and knockdown have been the best strategies to dissect their individual overall functions. In a recent article in the Biochemical Journal, Kajno et al. reported a new strategy to study isoform selectivity in cell lines. Individual Akt/PKB isoforms in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes are first silenced via shRNA and stable cellular clones lacking one or the other isoform are selected. The stably silenced isoform is then replaced by a mutant engineered to be refractory to inhibition by MK-2206 (Akt1(W80A) or Akt2(W80A)). Akt1(W80A) or Akt2(W80A) are functional and effectively recruited to the plasma membrane in response to insulin. The system affords the opportunity to acutely control the activity of the endogenous non-silenced isoform through timely addition of MK-2206. Using this approach, it is confirmed that Akt1/PKBα is the preferred isoform sustaining adipocyte differentiation, but both Akt1/PKBα and Akt2/PKBβ can indistinctly support insulin-dependent FoxO1 (forkhead box O1) nuclear exclusion. Surprisingly, either isoform can also support insulin-dependent glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 translocation to the membrane, in contrast with the preferential role of Akt2/PKBβ assessed by knockdown studies. The new strategy should allow analysis of the plurality of Akt/PKB functions in other cells and in response to other stimuli. It should also be amenable to high-throughput studies to speed up advances in signal transmission by this pivotal kinase.
Collapse
|
22
|
Santi SA, Douglas AC, Lee H. The Akt isoforms, their unique functions and potential as anticancer therapeutic targets. Biomol Concepts 2015; 1:389-401. [PMID: 25962012 DOI: 10.1515/bmc.2010.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt (also known as protein kinase B or PKB) is the major downstream nodal point of the PI3K signaling pathway. This pathway is a promising anticancer therapeutic target, because constitutive activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway is correlated with tumor development, progression, poor prognosis, and resistance to cancer therapies. The Akt serine/threonine kinase regulates diverse cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, glucose metabolism, and survival. Although all three known Akt isoforms (Akt1-3) are encoded by separate genes, their amino acid sequences show a high degree of similarity. For this and other reasons, it has long been assumed that all three Akt isoforms are activated in the same way, and their functions largely overlap. However, accumulating lines of evidence now suggest that the three Akt isoforms might have unique modes of activation and many distinct functions. In particular, it has recently been found that the Akt isoforms are localized at different subcellular compartments in both adipocytes and cancer cells. In this review, we highlight the unique roles of each Akt isoform by introducing published data obtained from both in vitro and in vivo studies. We also discuss the significant potential of the Akt isoforms as effective anticancer therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
23
|
Combining AKT inhibition with chloroquine and gefitinib prevents compensatory autophagy and induces cell death in EGFR mutated NSCLC cells. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4765-78. [PMID: 24946858 PMCID: PMC4148097 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation positive (EGFR M+) tumors initially respond well to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) monotherapy, the responses are usually incomplete. In this study we show that AKT inhibition, most importantly AKT2 inhibition, synergises with EGFR TKI inhibition to increase cell killing in EGFR M+ NSCLC cells. However, our data also suggest that the synergistic pro-apoptotic effects may be stunted due to a prosurvival autophagy response induced by AKT inhibition. Consequently, inhibiting autophagy with chloroquine significantly enhanced tumor cell death induced by gefitinib and AKT inhibitors in EGFR M+ cells in vitro, and produced greater tumor shrinkage in EGFR M+ xenografts in vivo. Together, our findings suggest that adding chloroquine to EGFR and AKT inhibition has the potential to improve tumor responses in EGFR M+ NSCLC, and that selective targeting of AKT2 may provide a new treatment option in NSCLC.
Collapse
|
24
|
Yip PY. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-Akt-mTOR) signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2015; 4:165-76. [PMID: 25870799 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2218-6751.2015.01.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a devastating disease with poor prognosis. Systemic chemotherapy has been the mainstay of treatment in advanced disease for many decades. Personalized targeted therapy such as epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) and crizotinib has significantly changed the treatment paradigm in NSCLC. The future success of development of molecular targeted therapy relies on the understanding of signal transduction pathways. The PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway is commonly deregulated in human malignancy including NSCLC. Therefore, this pathway is a target for many therapeutic developments. This review will provide an overview of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, genetic alterations activating the pathway and clinical therapeutic development of pathway inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po Yee Yip
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sun Z, Wang Z, Liu X, Wang D. New development of inhibitors targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in personalized treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:1-14. [PMID: 25304988 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common pathological type of lung cancer, divided into squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Despite better techniques of surgery and improvement in adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, the median survival of advanced NSCLC is only 8-10 months. With increased understanding of molecular alternations in NSCLC, considerable efforts have focused on the development of personalized molecular-targeted therapies. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway regulates tumor development, growth, and proliferation of NSCLC. Various novel inhibitors targeting this pathway have been identified in preclinical studies or clinical trials. Some genetic alternations may be considered sensitive or resistant biomarkers to these inhibitors. Sometimes, upregulation of RTK and the downstream PI3K pathway or upregulation of the ERK pathway by compensatory feedback reactivation in response to these inhibitors also lead to drug resistance. Therefore, combination therapy of these inhibitors and other targeted inhibitors such as EGFR-TKI or MEK inhibitors according to genetic status and categories of inhibitors is required to enhance the efficacy of these inhibitors. Here, we reviewed the genetic status of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in NSCLC and the novel inhibitors targeting this pathway in preclinical or clinical studies, exploring the possible genetic alternations related to different inhibitors and the means to enhance the antitumor effect in NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Phung TL, Du W, Xue Q, Ayyaswamy S, Gerald D, Antonello Z, Nhek S, Perruzzi CA, Acevedo I, Ramanna-Valmiki R, Rodriguez-Waitkus P, Enayati L, Hochman ML, Lev D, Geeganage S, Benjamin LE. Akt1 and akt3 exert opposing roles in the regulation of vascular tumor growth. Cancer Res 2014; 75:40-50. [PMID: 25388284 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-2961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular tumors are endothelial cell neoplasms whose mechanisms of tumorigenesis are poorly understood. Moreover, current therapies, particularly those for malignant lesions, have little beneficial effect on clinical outcomes. In this study, we show that endothelial activation of the Akt1 kinase is sufficient to drive de novo tumor formation. Mechanistic investigations uncovered opposing functions for different Akt isoforms in this regulation, where Akt1 promotes and Akt3 inhibits vascular tumor growth. Akt3 exerted negative effects on tumor endothelial cell growth and migration by inhibiting activation of the translation regulatory kinase S6-Kinase (S6K) through modulation of Rictor expression. S6K in turn acted through a negative feedback loop to restrain Akt3 expression. Conversely, S6K signaling was increased in vascular tumor cells where Akt3 was silenced, and the growth of these tumor cells was inhibited by a novel S6K inhibitor. Overall, our findings offer a preclinical proof of concept for the therapeutic utility of treating vascular tumors, such as angiosarcomas, with S6K inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thuy L Phung
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Wa Du
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Qi Xue
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sriram Ayyaswamy
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Zeus Antonello
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sokha Nhek
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Isabel Acevedo
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rajesh Ramanna-Valmiki
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Paul Rodriguez-Waitkus
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ladan Enayati
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Marcelo L Hochman
- Hemangioma International Treatment Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Dina Lev
- Department of Cancer Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Laura E Benjamin
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana. Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Manzo-Merino J, Contreras-Paredes A, Vázquez-Ulloa E, Rocha-Zavaleta L, Fuentes-Gonzalez AM, Lizano M. The Role of Signaling Pathways in Cervical Cancer and Molecular Therapeutic Targets. Arch Med Res 2014; 45:525-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
28
|
Rechoum Y, Rovito D, Iacopetta D, Barone I, Andò S, Weigel NL, O'Malley BW, Brown PH, Fuqua SAW. AR collaborates with ERα in aromatase inhibitor-resistant breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 147:473-85. [PMID: 25178514 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-3082-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is an attractive target in breast cancer because of its frequent expression in all the molecular subtypes, especially in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive luminal breast cancers. We have previously shown a role for AR overexpression in tamoxifen resistance. We engineered ER-positive MCF-7 cells to overexpress aromatase and AR (MCF-7 AR Arom cells) to explore the role of AR in aromatase inhibitor (AI) resistance. Androstendione (AD) was used as a substrate for aromatization to estrogen. The nonsteroidal AI anastrazole (Ana) inhibited AD-stimulated growth and ER transcriptional activity in MCF-7 Arom cells, but not in MCF-7 AR Arom cells. Enhanced activation of pIGF-1R and pAKT was found in AR-overexpressing cells, and their inhibitors restored sensitivity to Ana, suggesting that these pathways represent escape survival mechanisms. Sensitivity to Ana was restored with AR antagonists, or the antiestrogen fulvestrant. These results suggest that both AR and ERα must be blocked to restore sensitivity to hormonal therapies in AR-overexpressing ERα-positive breast cancers. AR contributed to ERα transcriptional activity in MCF-7 AR Arom cells, and AR and ERα co-localized in AD + Ana-treated cells, suggesting cooperation between the two receptors. AR-mediated resistance was associated with a failure to block ER transcriptional activity and enhanced up-regulation of AR and ER-responsive gene expression. Clinically, it may be necessary to block both AR and ERα in patients whose tumors express elevated levels of AR. In addition, inhibitors to the AKT/IGF-1R signaling pathways may provide alternative approaches to block escape pathways and restore hormone sensitivity in resistant breast tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yassine Rechoum
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
The novel AKT inhibitor afuresertib shows favorable safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical activity in multiple myeloma. Blood 2014; 124:2190-5. [PMID: 25075128 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-03-559963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT pathway is constitutively active in hematologic malignancies, providing proliferative and antiapoptotic signals and possibly contributing to drug resistance. We conducted an open-label phase 1 study to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical activity of afuresertib-an oral AKT inhibitor-in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. Seventy-three patients were treated at doses ranging from 25 to 150 mg per day. The MTD was established at 125 mg per day because of 2 dose-limiting toxicities in the 150-mg cohort (liver function test abnormalities). The most frequent adverse events were nausea (35.6%), diarrhea (32.9%), and dyspepsia (24.7%). Maximum plasma concentrations and area under the plasma concentration-time curves from time 0 to 24 hours were generally dose proportional at > 75-mg doses; the median time to peak plasma concentrations was 1.5 to 2.5 hours post dose, with a half-life of approximately 1.7 days. Three multiple myeloma patients attained partial responses; an additional 3 attained minimal responses. Clinical activity was also observed in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Langerhan's cell histiocytosis, and Hodgkin disease. Single-agent afuresertib showed a favorable safety profile and demonstrated clinical activity against hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma.
Collapse
|
30
|
Keane NA, Glavey SV, Krawczyk J, O'Dwyer M. AKT as a therapeutic target in multiple myeloma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:897-915. [PMID: 24905897 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.924507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple myeloma remains an incurable malignancy with poor survival. Novel therapeutic approaches capable of improving outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma are urgently required. AKT is a central node in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway with high expression in advanced and resistant multiple myeloma. AKT contributes to multiple oncogenic functions in multiple myeloma which may be exploited therapeutically. Promising preclinical data has lent support for pursuing further development of AKT inhibitors in multiple myeloma. Lead drugs are now entering the clinic. AREAS COVERED The rationale for AKT inhibition in multiple myeloma, pharmacological subtypes of AKT inhibitors in development, available results of clinical studies of AKT inhibitors and suitable drug partners for further development in combination with AKT inhibition in multiple myeloma are discussed. EXPERT OPINION AKT inhibitors are a welcome addition to the armamentarium against multiple myeloma and promising clinical activity is being reported from ongoing trials in combination with established and/or novel treatment approaches. AKT inhibitors may be set to improve patient outcomes when used in combination with synergistic drug partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niamh A Keane
- Galway University Hospital, Department of Haematology , Newcastle Road, Galway , Ireland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lan A, Du J. Potential role of Akt signaling in chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 30:385-94. [PMID: 24891436 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfu196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, particularly tubulointerstitial fibrosis, is the common final outcome of almost all chronic kidney diseases. However, the mechanisms involved in the development of renal fibrosis are poorly understood. The Akt (also known as protein kinase B, PKB) family is serine/threonine protein kinases that play critical roles in regulating growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism and other cellular activities. Cytokines, high-glucose medium, transforming growth factor-β1 or advanced glycation end-products activate Akt in different renal cells. Increased Akt activation has been found in experimental tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In addition, Akt activation is also an important node in diverse signaling cascades involved in kidney damage. These data give evidence for a role for Akt in renal fibrosis, but no reviews are available on the role of Akt in the process. Thus, our aim is to review the role of Akt activation and signaling in renal fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Lan
- The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing An Zhen Hospital, Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jie Du
- The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing An Zhen Hospital, Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Khan KH, Yap TA, Yan L, Cunningham D. Targeting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling network in cancer. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2014; 32:253-65. [PMID: 23642907 PMCID: PMC3845556 DOI: 10.5732/cjc.013.10057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) pathway is a frequently hyperactivated pathway in cancer and is important for tumor cell growth and survival. The development of targeted therapies against mTOR, a vital substrate along this pathway, led to the approval of allosteric inhibitors, including everolimus and temsirolimus, for the treatment of breast, renal, and pancreatic cancers. However, the suboptimal duration of response in unselected patients remains an unresolved issue. Numerous novel therapies against critical nodes of this pathway are therefore being actively investigated in the clinic in multiple tumour types. In this review, we focus on the progress of these agents in clinical development along with their biological rationale, the need of predictive biomarkers and various combination strategies, which will be useful in counteracting the mechanisms of resistance to this class of drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khurum H Khan
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ewald F, Grabinski N, Grottke A, Windhorst S, Nörz D, Carstensen L, Staufer K, Hofmann BT, Diehl F, David K, Schumacher U, Nashan B, Jücker M. Combined targeting of AKT and mTOR using MK-2206 and RAD001 is synergistic in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:2065-76. [PMID: 23588885 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare, but devastating disease arising from the epithelium of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. There are neither effective systemic therapies nor satisfying treatment options for inoperable CCA. Histopathological and biochemical studies of CCA show frequent dysregulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 and the impact of AKT signaling following mTOR inhibition in the treatment of CCA. RAD001 significantly inhibits proliferation of CCA cell lines, however, a concentration-dependent and isoform specific feedback activation of the three AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3) was observed after mTOR inhibition. As activation of AKT might limit the RAD001-mediated anti-tumor effect, the efficacy of combined mTOR and AKT inhibition was investigated using the allosteric AKT inhibitor MK-2206. Our results show that inhibition of AKT potentiates the efficacy of mTOR inhibition both in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model in vivo. Mechanistically, the antiproliferative effect of the pan-AKT inhibitor MK2206 in the CCA cell line TFK-1 was due to inhibition of AKT1 and AKT2, because knockdown of either AKT1 or AKT2, but not AKT3, showed a synergistic reduction of cell proliferation in combination with mTOR treatment. Finally, using an AKT isoform specific in vitro kinase assay, enzymatic activity of each of the three AKT isoforms was detected in all tissue samples from CCA patients, analyzed. In summary, our preclinical data suggest that combined targeting of mTOR and AKT using RAD001 and MK-2206 might be a new, effective strategy for the treatment of CCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Ewald
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yilmaz OG, Olmez EO, Ulgen KO. Targeting the Akt1 allosteric site to identify novel scaffolds through virtual screening. Comput Biol Chem 2013; 48:1-13. [PMID: 24291487 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical data and tumor specimen studies report that AKT kinases are related to many human cancers. Therefore, identification and development of small molecule inhibitors targeting AKT and its signaling pathway can be therapeutic in treatment of cancer. Numerous studies report inhibitors that target the ATP-binding pocket in the kinase domains, but the similarity of this site, within the kinase family makes selectivity a major problem. The sequence identity amongst PH domains is significantly lower than that in kinase domains and developing more selective inhibitors is possible if PH domain is targeted. This in silico screening study is the first time report toward the identification of potential allosteric inhibitors expected to bind the cavity between kinase and PH domains of Akt1. Structural information of Akt1 was used to develop structure-based pharmacophore models comprising hydrophobic, acceptor, donor and ring features. The 3D structural information of previously identified allosteric Akt inhibitors obtained from literature was employed to develop a ligand-based pharmacophore model. Database was generated with drug like subset of ZINC and screening was performed based on 3D similarity to the selected pharmacophore hypotheses. Binding modes and affinities of the ligands were predicted by Glide software. Top scoring hits were further analyzed considering 2D similarity between the compounds, interactions with Akt1, fitness to pharmacophore models, ADME, druglikeness criteria and Induced-Fit docking. Using virtual screening methodologies, derivatives of 3-methyl-xanthine, quinoline-4-carboxamide and 2-[4-(cyclohexa-1,3-dien-1-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]phenol were proposed as potential leads for allosteric inhibition of Akt1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oya Gursoy Yilmaz
- Bogazici University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Elif Ozkirimli Olmez
- Bogazici University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Kutlu O Ulgen
- Bogazici University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Self-reinforcing loop of amphiregulin and Y-box binding protein-1 contributes to poor outcomes in ovarian cancer. Oncogene 2013; 33:2846-56. [PMID: 23851501 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) transcription factor is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain to be fully elucidated. We demonstrate that YB-1 phosphorylation, indicative of YB-1 activation, is a powerful marker of outcomes for ovarian cancer patients. In ovarian cancer, YB-1 phosphorylation is induced by activation of the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor (LPAR) via SRC-dependent transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that is coupled to MAPK/p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), but not phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling. Activation of the LPAR/SRC/EGFR/MAPK/p90RSK/YB-1 axis leads to production of the EGFR ligand amphiregulin (AREG). AREG induces ongoing YB-1 phosphorylation as well as YB-1-dependent AREG expression, thus constituting an AREG/YB-1 self-reinforcing loop. Disruption of transactivation of the EGFR and the downstream self-reinforcing loop decreases invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and limits ovarian cancer growth in xenograft models. These findings established the regulation and significance of YB-1 phosphorylation, therefore further exploration of this signaling axis as a therapeutic avenue in ovarian cancer is warranted.
Collapse
|
36
|
Steinbrenner H, Speckmann B, Sies H. Toward understanding success and failures in the use of selenium for cancer prevention. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 19:181-91. [PMID: 23421468 PMCID: PMC3689159 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Adequate and supranutritional selenium (Se) intake, maintaining full expression of selenoproteins, has been assumed to be beneficial for human health with respect to prevention of cancer. Strikingly, the effectiveness of dietary Se supplementation depends on many factors: baseline Se status, age, gender, and genetic background of an individual; type of cancer; and time point of intervention in addition to metabolic conversion and dose of applied Se compounds. RECENT ADVANCES Se intake levels for optimization of plasma selenoproteins in humans have been delineated. Regulation, function, and genetic variants of several selenoproteins have been characterized in the intestine, where Se-mediated prevention of colorectal cancer appears to be particularly promising. CRITICAL ISSUES Numerous cell culture and animal studies indicate anticarcinogenic capacity of various Se compounds but, at present, the outcome of human studies is inconsistent and, in large part, disappointing. Moreover, supranutritional Se intake may even trigger adverse health effects, possibly increasing the risk for Type 2 diabetes in Se-replete populations. FUTURE DIRECTIONS To improve protocols for the use of Se in cancer prevention, knowledge on cellular and systemic actions of Se compounds needs to be broadened and linked to individual-related determinants such as the occurrence of variants in selenoprotein genes and the Se status. Based on better mechanistic insight, populations and individuals that may benefit most from dietary Se supplementation need to be defined and studied in suitably planned intervention trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holger Steinbrenner
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sarris EG, Saif MW, Syrigos KN. The Biological Role of PI3K Pathway in Lung Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2012; 5:1236-64. [PMID: 24281308 PMCID: PMC3816662 DOI: 10.3390/ph5111236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and although improvements in treatment have been achieved over the last few years, long-term survival rates for lung cancer patients remain poor. Therefore, there is an imperative need for molecularly targeted agents that will achieve long-term disease control. Numerous downstream molecular pathways, such as EGF/RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR are identified as having a key role in the pathogenesis of various forms of human cancer, including lung cancer. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway is an important intracellular signal transduction pathway with a significant role in cell proliferation, growth, survival, vesicle trafficking, glucose transport, and cytoskeletal organization. Aberrations in many primary and secondary messenger molecules of this pathway, including mutations and amplifications, are accounted for tumor cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy-radiotherapy. In this review article, we investigate thoroughly the biological role of PI3K pathway in lung cancer and its contribution in the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos G. Sarris
- Oncology Unit GPP, 3rd Dept of Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital, University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece;
| | - Muhammad W. Saif
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Kostas N. Syrigos
- Oncology Unit GPP, 3rd Dept of Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital, University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
A novel PKB/Akt inhibitor, MK-2206, effectively inhibits insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism and protein synthesis in isolated rat skeletal muscle. Biochem J 2012; 447:137-47. [PMID: 22793019 DOI: 10.1042/bj20120772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PKB (protein kinase B), also known as Akt, is a key component of insulin signalling. Defects in PKB activation lead to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders, whereas PKB overactivation has been linked to tumour growth. Small-molecule PKB inhibitors have thus been developed for cancer treatment, but also represent useful tools to probe the roles of PKB in insulin action. In the present study, we examined the acute effects of two allosteric PKB inhibitors, MK-2206 and Akti 1/2 (Akti) on PKB signalling in incubated rat soleus muscles. We also assessed the effects of the compounds on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, glycogen and protein synthesis. MK-2206 dose-dependently inhibited insulin-stimulated PKB phosphorylation, PKBβ activity and phosphorylation of PKB downstream targets (including glycogen synthase kinase-3α/β, proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa and Akt substrate of 160 kDa). Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis and glycogen synthase activity were also decreased by MK-2206 in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation with high doses of MK-2206 (10 μM) inhibited insulin-induced p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and 4E-BP1 (eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1) phosphorylation associated with increased eEF2 (eukaryotic elongation factor 2) phosphorylation. In contrast, Akti only modestly inhibited insulin-induced PKB and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signalling, with little or no effect on glucose uptake and protein synthesis. MK-2206, rather than Akti, would thus be the tool of choice for studying the role of PKB in insulin action in skeletal muscle. The results point to a key role for PKB in mediating insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis and protein synthesis in skeletal muscle.
Collapse
|
39
|
Preventing the calorie restriction-induced increase in insulin-stimulated Akt2 phosphorylation eliminates calorie restriction's effect on glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2012; 1822:1735-40. [PMID: 22846604 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Calorie restriction (CR; ~60% of ad libitum, AL, consumption) improves insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The precise cellular mechanism for this healthful outcome is unknown, but it is accompanied by enhanced insulin-stimulated activation of Akt. Previous research using Akt2-null mice demonstrated that Akt2 is essential for the full CR-effect on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by muscle. However, because Akt2-null mice were completely deficient in Akt2 in every cell throughout life, it would be valuable to assess the efficacy of transient, muscle-specific Akt inhibition for attenuation of CR-effects on glucose uptake. Accordingly, we used a selective Akt inhibitor (MK-2206) to eliminate the CR-induced elevation in insulin-stimulated Akt2 phosphorylation and determined the effects on Akt substrates and glucose uptake. We incubated isolated epitrochlearis muscles from 9-month-old AL and CR (~60-65% of AL intake for 6months) rats with or without MK-2206 and measured insulin-stimulated (1.2nM) glucose uptake and phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (Tyr1162/1163), pan-Akt (Thr308 and Ser473), Akt2 (Thr308 and Ser473), AS160/TBC1D4 (Thr642), and Filamin C (Ser2213). Incubation of isolated skeletal muscles with a dose of a selective Akt inhibitor that eliminated the CR-induced increases in Akt2 phosphorylation prevented CR's effects on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, pAS160(Thr642) and pFilamin C(Ser2213) without altering pIR(Tyr1162/1163). These data provide compelling new evidence linking the CR-induced increase in insulin-stimulated Akt2 phosphorylation to CR's effects on insulin-mediated phosphorylation of Akt substrates and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle.
Collapse
|
40
|
Wen PY, Lee EQ, Reardon DA, Ligon KL, Alfred Yung WK. Current clinical development of PI3K pathway inhibitors in glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2012; 14:819-29. [PMID: 22619466 PMCID: PMC3379803 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nos117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, and effective therapeutic options are lacking. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is frequently dysregulated in many human cancers, including GBM. Agents inhibiting PI3K and its effectors have demonstrated preliminary activity in various tumor types and have the potential to change the clinical treatment landscape of patients with solid tumors. In this review, we describe the activation of the PI3K pathway in GBM, explore why inhibition of this pathway may be a compelling therapeutic target for this disease, and provide an update of the data on PI3K inhibitors in clinical trials and from earlier investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Y Wen
- Center For Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lin K, Lin J, Wu WI, Ballard J, Lee BB, Gloor SL, Vigers GPA, Morales TH, Friedman LS, Skelton N, Brandhuber BJ. An ATP-site on-off switch that restricts phosphatase accessibility of Akt. Sci Signal 2012; 5:ra37. [PMID: 22569334 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2002618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The protein serine-threonine kinase Akt undergoes a substantial conformational change upon activation, which is induced by the phosphorylation of two critical regulatory residues, threonine 308 and serine 473. Paradoxically, treating cells with adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-competitive inhibitors of Akt results in increased phosphorylation of both residues. We show that binding of ATP-competitive inhibitors stabilized a conformation in which both phosphorylated sites were inaccessible to phosphatases. ATP binding also produced this protection of the phosphorylated sites, whereas interaction with its hydrolysis product adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) or allosteric Akt inhibitors resulted in increased accessibility of these phosphorylated residues. ATP-competitive inhibitors mimicked ATP by targeting active Akt. Forms of Akt activated by an oncogenic mutation or myristoylation were more potently inhibited by the ATP-competitive inhibitors than was wild-type Akt. These data support a new model of kinase regulation, wherein nucleotides modulate an on-off switch in Akt through conformational changes, which is disrupted by ATP-competitive inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kui Lin
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hall J, Aulabaugh A, Rajamohan F, Liu S, Kaila N, Wan ZK, Ryan M, Magyar R, Qiu X. Biophysical and mechanistic insights into novel allosteric inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:7717-27. [PMID: 22219190 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.311993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular stimulation of the B cell receptor or mast cell FcεRI receptor activates a cascade of protein kinases, ultimately leading to antigenic or inflammation immune responses, respectively. Syk is a soluble kinase responsible for transmission of the receptor activation signal from the membrane to cytosolic targets. Control of Syk function is, therefore, critical to the human antigenic and inflammation immune response, and an inhibitor of Syk could provide therapy for autoimmune or inflammation diseases. We report here a novel allosteric Syk inhibitor, X1, that is noncompetitive against ATP (K(i) 4 ± 1 μM) and substrate peptide (K(i) 5 ± 1 μM), and competitive against activation of Syk by its upstream regulatory kinase LynB (K(i) 4 ± 1 μM). The inhibition mechanism was interrogated using a combination of structural, biophysical, and kinetic methods, which suggest the compound inhibits Syk by reinforcing the natural regulatory interactions between the SH2 and kinase domains. This novel mode of inhibition provides a new opportunity to improve the selectivity profile of Syk inhibitors for the development of safer drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Hall
- Structural Biology and Biophysics Group, Pfizer, Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Madhunapantula SV, Mosca PJ, Robertson GP. The Akt signaling pathway: an emerging therapeutic target in malignant melanoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2011; 12:1032-49. [PMID: 22157148 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.12.12.18442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies using cultured melanoma cells and patient tumor biopsies have demonstrated deregulated PI3 kinase-Akt3 pathway activity in ~70% of melanomas. Furthermore, targeting Akt3 and downstream PRAS40 has been shown to inhibit melanoma tumor development in mice. Although these preclinical studies and several other reports using small interfering RNAs and pharmacological agents targeting key members of this pathway have been shown to retard melanoma development, analysis of early Phase I and Phase II clinical trials using pharmacological agents to target this pathway demonstrate the need for (1) selection of patients whose tumors have PI3 kinase-Akt pathway deregulation, (2) further optimization of therapeutic agents for increased potency and reduced toxicity, (3) the identification of additional targets in the same pathway or in other signaling cascades that synergistically inhibit the growth and progression of melanoma, and (4) better methods for targeted delivery of pharmaceutical agents inhibiting this pathway. In this review we discuss key potential targets in PI3K-Akt3 signaling, the status of pharmacological agents targeting these proteins, drugs under clinical development, and strategies to improve the efficacy of therapeutic agents targeting this pathway.
Collapse
|
44
|
Wojtalla A, Arcaro A. Targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinase signalling in lung cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2011; 80:278-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
|
45
|
Yap TA, Yan L, Patnaik A, Fearen I, Olmos D, Papadopoulos K, Baird RD, Delgado L, Taylor A, Lupinacci L, Riisnaes R, Pope LL, Heaton SP, Thomas G, Garrett MD, Sullivan DM, de Bono JS, Tolcher AW. First-in-man clinical trial of the oral pan-AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in patients with advanced solid tumors. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29:4688-95. [PMID: 22025163 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.35.5263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 437] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE AKT signaling is frequently deregulated in human cancers. MK-2206 is a potent, oral allosteric inhibitor of all AKT isoforms with antitumor activity in preclinical models. A phase I study of MK-2206 was conducted to investigate its safety, maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics (PDs), and preliminary antitumor efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with advanced solid tumors received MK-2206 on alternate days. Paired tumor biopsies were mandated at the MTD for biomarker studies. PD studies incorporated tumor and hair follicle analyses, and putative predictive biomarker studies included tumor somatic mutation analyses and immunohistochemistry for phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss. RESULTS Thirty-three patients received MK-2206 at 30, 60, 75, or 90 mg on alternate days. Dose-limiting toxicities included skin rash and stomatitis, establishing the MTD at 60 mg. Drug-related toxicities included skin rash (51.5%), nausea (36.4%), pruritus (24.2%), hyperglycemia (21.2%), and diarrhea (21.2%). PKs (area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 48 hours and maximum measured plasma concentration) were dose proportional. Phosphorylated serine 473 AKT declined in all tumor biopsies assessed (P = .015), and phosphorylated threonine 246 proline-rich AKT substrate 40 was suppressed in hair follicles at 6 hours (P = .008), on days 7 (P = .028) and 15 (P = .025) with MK-2206; reversible hyperglycemia and increases in insulin c-peptide were also observed, confirming target modulation. A patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PTEN loss; KRAS G12D mutation) treated at 60 mg on alternate days experienced a decrease of approximately 60% in cancer antigen 19-9 levels and 23% shrinkage in tumor measurements. Two patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors had minor tumor responses. CONCLUSION MK-2206 was well tolerated, with evidence of AKT signaling blockade. Rational combination trials are ongoing to maximize clinical benefit with this therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Yap
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Special Conference on Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling in Cancer was held in San Francisco, California from February 24 to 27, 2011. The meeting was cochaired by Drs. Lewis C. Cantley, David M. Sabatini, and Funda Meric-Bernstam. The main focus of this event was the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway for the treatment of cancer. This article summarizes the recent discoveries in the field, with particular emphasis on the major themes of the conference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke M Emerling
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hers I, Vincent EE, Tavaré JM. Akt signalling in health and disease. Cell Signal 2011; 23:1515-27. [PMID: 21620960 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1086] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Akt (also known as protein kinase B or PKB) comprises three closely related isoforms Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3 (or PKBα/β/γ respectively). We have a very good understanding of the mechanisms by which Akt isoforms are activated by growth factors and other extracellular stimuli as well as by oncogenic mutations in key upstream regulatory proteins including Ras, PI3-kinase subunits and PTEN. There are also an ever increasing number of Akt substrates being identified that play a role in the regulation of the diverse array of biological effects of activated Akt; this includes the regulation of cell proliferation, survival and metabolism. Dysregulation of Akt leads to diseases of major unmet medical need such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. As a result there has been substantial investment in the development of small molecular Akt inhibitors that act competitively with ATP or phospholipid binding, or allosterically. In this review we will briefly discuss our current understanding of how Akt isoforms are regulated, the substrate proteins they phosphorylate and how this integrates with the role of Akt in disease. We will furthermore discuss the types of Akt inhibitors that have been developed and are in clinical trials for human cancer, as well as speculate on potential on-target toxicities, such as disturbances of heart and vascular function, metabolism, memory and mood, which should be monitored very carefully during clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Hers
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Polytarchou C, Iliopoulos D, Hatziapostolou M, Kottakis F, Maroulakou I, Struhl K, Tsichlis PN. Akt2 regulates all Akt isoforms and promotes resistance to hypoxia through induction of miR-21 upon oxygen deprivation. Cancer Res 2011; 71:4720-31. [PMID: 21555366 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The growth and survival of tumor cells in an unfavorable hypoxic environment depend upon their adaptability. Here, we show that both normal and tumor cells expressing the protein kinase Akt2 are more resistant to hypoxia than cells expressing Akt1 or Akt3. This is due to the differential regulation of microRNA (miR) 21, which is upregulated by hypoxia only in Akt2-expressing cells. By upregulating miR-21 upon oxygen deprivation, Akt2 downregulates PTEN and activates all three Akt isoforms. miR-21 also targets PDCD4 and Sprouty 1 (Spry1), and the combined downregulation of these proteins with PTEN is sufficient to confer resistance to hypoxia. Furthermore, the miR-21 induction by Akt2 during hypoxia depends upon the binding of NF-κB, cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB), and CBP/p300 to the miR-21 promoter, in addition to the regional acetylation of histone H3K9, all of which are under the control of Akt2. Analysis of the Akt2/miR-21 pathway in hypoxic MMTV-PyMT-induced mouse mammary adenocarcinomas and human ovarian carcinomas confirmed the activity of the pathway in vivo. Taken together, this study identifies a novel Akt2-dependent pathway that is activated by hypoxia and promotes tumor resistance via induction of miR-21.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Polytarchou
- Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
The protein kinase Akt is involved in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, growth and metabolism. Hyperactivation of Akt is commonly observed in human tumours and so this pathway has been the focus of targeted drug discovery. However, Akt also plays an essential role in other physiological processes, such as the insulin-regulated transport of glucose into muscle and fat cells. This process, which is essential for whole-body glucose homoeostasis in mammals, is thought to be mediated via Akt-dependent movement of GLUT4 glucose transporters to the plasma membrane. In the present study, we have investigated the metabolic side effects of non-ATP-competitive allosteric Akt inhibitors. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, these inhibitors caused a decrease in the Akt signalling pathway concomitant with reduced glucose uptake. Surprisingly, a similar reduction in GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane was not observed. Further investigation revealed that the inhibitory effects of these compounds on glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes were independent of the Akt signalling pathway. The inhibitors also inhibited glucose transport into other cell types, including human erythrocytes and T-47D breast cancer cells, suggesting that these effects are not specific to GLUT4. We conclude that these drugs may, at least in part, inhibit tumorigenesis through inhibition of tumour cell glucose transport.
Collapse
|
50
|
She QB, Halilovic E, Ye Q, Zhen W, Shirasawa S, Sasazuki T, Solit DB, Rosen N. 4E-BP1 is a key effector of the oncogenic activation of the AKT and ERK signaling pathways that integrates their function in tumors. Cancer Cell 2010; 18:39-51. [PMID: 20609351 PMCID: PMC3286650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2010.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Revised: 01/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PIK3CA and PTEN alterations are common in human cancer, but only a fraction of such tumors are dependent upon AKT signaling. AKT independence is associated with redundant activation of cap-dependent translation mediated by convergent regulation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1 by the AKT and ERK pathways. This provides mechanistic bases for the limited activity of AKT and MEK inhibitors in tumors with comutation of both pathways and the profound synergy observed with combined inhibition. Whereas such tumors are sensitive to a dominant active 4E-BP1 mutant, knockdown of 4E-BP1 expression reduces their dependence on AKT/ERK signaling for translation or survival. Thus, 4E-BP1 plays a prominent role in mediating the effects of these pathways in tumors in which they are activated by mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Bai She
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Ensar Halilovic
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Qing Ye
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Wei Zhen
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Senji Shirasawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - David B. Solit
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|