1
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Nuplazid suppresses esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo by targeting PAK4. Br J Cancer 2021; 126:1037-1046. [PMID: 34912075 PMCID: PMC8980085 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01651-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the high recurrence and low 5-year survival rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after treatment, the discovery of novel drugs for recurrence chemoprevention is of particular importance. Methods We screened the FDA-approved drug library and found that Nuplazid, an atypical antipsychotic that acts as an effective 5-HT 2 A receptor inverse agonist, could potentially exert anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo on ESCC. Results Pull-down results indicated that Nuplazid binds with p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), and a kinase assay showed that Nuplazid strongly suppressed PAK4 kinase activity. Moreover, Nuplazid exhibited inhibitory effects on ESCC in vivo. Conclusions Our findings indicate that Nuplazid can suppress ESCC progression through targeting PAK4.
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Zhu R, Nasu K, Hijiya N, Yoshihashi M, Hirakawa T, Aoyagi Y, Narahara H. hsa-miR-199a-3p Inhibits Motility, Invasiveness, and Contractility of Ovarian Endometriotic Stromal Cells. REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2021; 28:3498-3507. [PMID: 33987822 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is suggested that aberrantly expressed microRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Our previous study demonstrated that expression of the microRNA hsa-miR-199a-3p is attenuated in human endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs). The current study aimed to define the roles of hsa-miR-199a-3p in the development of endometriosis. ECSCs and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were isolated from ovarian endometrioma and normal endometrial tissues, respectively. We evaluated the effect of transfected hsa-miR-199a-3p on the migration, invasion, and contractility of ECSCs using Transwell migration assays, in vitro wound healing assays, Transwell invasion assays, and collagen gel contraction assays. We also examined the downstream target of hsa-miR-199a-3p with an online public database search and luciferase reporter assay. Expression of hsa-miR-199a-3p in ECSCs was significantly lower than that in NESCs, whereas the expression of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) mRNA was significantly higher. Transfection of hsa-miR-199a-3p inhibited the migration, invasion, and contractility of ECSCs via inhibition of PAK4 mRNA expression. PAK4 was confirmed to be the direct target of hsa-miR-199a-3p. Transfection of PAK4 small interfering RNA and the PAK4 inhibitor PF-3758309 also inhibited ECSC migration, invasion, and contractility. These findings suggest that hsa-miR-199a-3p may act as a tumor suppressor in endometriosis development. Attenuation of hsa-miR-199a-3p expression was favorable for ECSCs to acquire the highly invasive, motile, and contractile characteristics of endometriotic cells and is involved in the development of endometriosis. Accordingly, PAK4 inhibitors may be promising for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Kaei Nasu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan.
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Support System for Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Yufu-shi, Japan.
| | - Naoki Hijiya
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Yufu-shi, Japan
| | - Masato Yoshihashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hirakawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yoko Aoyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Hisashi Narahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
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3
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Chetty AK, Sexton JA, Ha BH, Turk BE, Boggon TJ. Recognition of physiological phosphorylation sites by p21-activated kinase 4. J Struct Biol 2020; 211:107553. [PMID: 32585314 PMCID: PMC7395882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many serine/threonine protein kinases discriminate between serine and threonine substrates as a filter to control signaling output. Among these, the p21-activated kinase (PAK) group strongly favors phosphorylation of Ser over Thr residues. PAK4, a group II PAK, almost exclusively phosphorylates its substrates on serine residues. The only well documented exception is LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1), which is phosphorylated on an activation loop threonine (Thr508) to promote its catalytic activity. To understand the molecular and kinetic basis for PAK4 substrate selectivity we compared its mode of recognition of LIMK1 (Thr508) with that of a known serine substrate, β-catenin (Ser675). We determined X-ray crystal structures of PAK4 in complex with synthetic peptides corresponding to its phosphorylation sites in LIMK1 and β-catenin to 1.9 Å and 2.2 Å resolution, respectively. We found that the PAK4 DFG + 1 residue, a key determinant of phosphoacceptor preference, adopts a sub-optimal orientation when bound to LIMK1 compared to β-catenin. In peptide kinase activity assays, we find that phosphoacceptor identity impacts catalytic efficiency but does not affect the Km value for both phosphorylation sites. Although catalytic efficiency of wild-type LIMK1 and β-catenin are equivalent, T508S mutation of LIMK1 creates a highly efficient substrate. These results suggest suboptimal phosphorylation of LIMK1 as a mechanism for controlling the dynamics of substrate phosphorylation by PAK4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin K. Chetty
- Yale College, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Joel A. Sexton
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Byung Hak Ha
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Titus J. Boggon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,To whom correspondence should be addressed
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4
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Cordover E, Wei J, Patel C, Shan NL, Gionco J, Sargsyan D, Wu R, Cai L, Kong AN, Jacinto E, Minden A. KPT-9274, an Inhibitor of PAK4 and NAMPT, Leads to Downregulation of mTORC2 in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:482-491. [PMID: 31876149 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to treat due to lack of druggable targets. We have found that treatment with the small molecule inhibitor KPT-9274 inhibits growth of TNBC cells and eventually leads to cell death. KPT-9274 is a dual specific inhibitor of PAK4 and Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). The PAK4 protein kinase is often highly expressed in TNBC cells and has important roles in cell growth, survival, and migration. Previously we have found that inhibition of PAK4 leads to growth inhibition of TNBC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Likewise, NAMPT has been shown to be dysregulated in cancer due to its role in cell metabolism. In order to understand better how treating cells with KPT-9274 abrogates TNBC cell growth, we carried out an RNA sequencing of TNBC cells treated with KPT-9274. As a result, we identified Rictor as an important target that is inhibited in the KPT-9274 treated cells. Conversely, we found that Rictor is predicted to be activated when PAK4 is overexpressed in cells, which suggests a role for PAK4 in the regulation of Rictor. Rictor is a component of mTORC2, one of the complexes formed by the serine/threonine kinase mTOR. mTOR is important for the control of cell growth and metabolism. Our results suggest a new mechanism by which the KPT-9274 compound may block the growth of breast cancer cells, which is via inhibition of mTORC2 signaling. Consistent with this, sequencing analysis of PAK4 overexpressing cells indicates that PAK4 has a role in activation of the mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cordover
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , 164 Frelinghuysen Road , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Janet Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , 683 Hoes Lane , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Chadni Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , 683 Hoes Lane , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Naing Lin Shan
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , 164 Frelinghuysen Road , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - John Gionco
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , 164 Frelinghuysen Road , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Davit Sargsyan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , 164 Frelinghuysen Road , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Renyi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , 164 Frelinghuysen Road , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , 599 Taylor Road , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Ah-Ng Kong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , 164 Frelinghuysen Road , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Estela Jacinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , 683 Hoes Lane , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
| | - Audrey Minden
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy , Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , 164 Frelinghuysen Road , Piscataway , New Jersey 08854 , United States
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5
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Gao Y, Wang H, Wang J, Cheng M. In silico studies on p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitors: comprehensive application of 3D-QSAR analysis, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and MM-GBSA calculation. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:4119-4133. [PMID: 31556340 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1673823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a serine/threonine protein kinase, which is associated with many cancer diseases, and thus being considered as a potential drug target. In this study, three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR), molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to explore the structure-activity relationship of a series of pyrropyrazole PAK4 inhibitors. The statistical parameters of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA, Q 2 = 0.837, R 2 = 0.990, and R 2 pred = 0.967) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA, Q 2 = 0.720, R 2 = 0.972, and R 2 pred = 0.946) were obtained from 3D-QSAR model, which exhibited good predictive ability and significant statistical reliability. The binding mode of PAK4 with its inhibitors was obtained through molecular docking study, which indicated that the residues of GLU396, LEU398, LYS350, and ASP458 were important for activity. Molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) method was performed to calculate the binding free energy, which indicated that the coulomb, lipophilic and van der Waals (vdW) interactions made major contributions to the binding affinity. Furthermore, through 100 ns MD simulations, we obtained the key amino acid residues and the types of interactions they participated in. Based on the constructed 3D-QSAR model, some novel pyrropyrazole derivatives targeting PAK4 were designed with improved predicted activities. Pharmacokinetic and toxicity predictions of the designed PAK4 inhibitors were obtained by the pkCSM, indicating these compounds had better absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties. Above research provided a valuable insight for developing novel and effective pyrropyrazole compounds targeting PAK4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinli Gao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
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6
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Brix DM, Tvingsholm SA, Hansen MB, Clemmensen KB, Ohman T, Siino V, Lambrughi M, Hansen K, Puustinen P, Gromova I, James P, Papaleo E, Varjosalo M, Moreira J, Jäättelä M, Kallunki T. Release of transcriptional repression via ErbB2-induced, SUMO-directed phosphorylation of myeloid zinc finger-1 serine 27 activates lysosome redistribution and invasion. Oncogene 2019; 38:3170-3184. [PMID: 30622337 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0653-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
HER2/ErbB2 activation turns on transcriptional processes that induce local invasion and lead to systemic metastasis. The early transcriptional changes needed for ErbB2-induced invasion are poorly understood. Here, we link ErbB2 activation to invasion via ErbB2-induced, SUMO-directed phosphorylation of a single serine residue, S27, of the transcription factor myeloid zinc finger-1 (MZF1). Utilizing an antibody against MZF1-pS27, we show that the phosphorylation of S27 correlates significantly (p < 0.0001) with high-level expression of ErbB2 in primary invasive breast tumors. Phosphorylation of MZF1-S27 is an early response to ErbB2 activation and results in increased transcriptional activity of MZF1. It is needed for the ErbB2-induced expression of MZF1 target genes CTSB and PRKCA, and invasion of single-cells from ErbB2-expressing breast cancer spheroids. The phosphorylation of MZF1-S27 is preceded by poly-SUMOylation of K23, which can make S27 accessible to efficient phosphorylation by PAK4. Based on our results, we suggest for an activation mechanism where phosphorylation of MZF1-S27 triggers MZF1 dissociation from its transcriptional repressors such as the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF). Our findings increase understanding of the regulation of invasive signaling in breast cancer by uncovering a detailed biological mechanism of how ErbB2 activation can rapidly lead to its invasion-promoting target gene expression and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Marie Brix
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Siri Amanda Tvingsholm
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Bredahl Hansen
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Knut Bundgaard Clemmensen
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tiina Ohman
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014UH, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Valentina Siino
- Institute for Immunotechnology, Medicon Village, Lund University, 223 81, Lund, Sweden
| | - Matteo Lambrughi
- Computational Biology Laboratory, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Hansen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center, Copenhagen University, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pietri Puustinen
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Irina Gromova
- Breast Cancer Biology, Unit of Genome Integrity, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter James
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Elena Papaleo
- Computational Biology Laboratory, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014UH, Helsinki, Finland
| | - José Moreira
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marja Jäättelä
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Tuula Kallunki
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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7
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Li Y, Zhang H, Zhao Y, Wang C, Cheng Z, Tang L, Gao Y, Liu F, Li J, Li Y, Li Y, Geng N, Rui X, Teng Y, Liu Y, Cao L, Kumar R, Jin F, Li F. A mandatory role of nuclear PAK4-LIFR axis in breast-to-bone metastasis of ERα-positive breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2018; 38:808-821. [PMID: 30177834 PMCID: PMC6367215 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0456-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive breast cancer-associated bone metastasis is poorly understood. In this article, we report that nuclear p21-activated kinase 4 (nPAK4) is a novel repressor of ERα-mediated transactivation in a 17β-estradiol (E2)-dependent manner and promotes PAK4–ERα axis-mediated bone metastasis by targeting leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) in ERα-positive breast cancer. An evaluation of clinical breast cancer samples revealed that nPAK4 is linked to ERα expression and appears to be associated with a poor prognosis in bone metastatic breast cancer. PAK4 bound and co-translocated with ERα from the cytoplasm to the nucleus upon stimulation with E2. nPAK4 enhanced the invasive potential of ERα-positive breast cancer cells in vitro and promoted breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, nPAK4 promoted the metastasis of ERα-positive breast cancer cells by targeting LIFR, a bone metastasis suppressor. Strikingly, the nuclear accumulation of PAK4 might promote aggressive phenotypes, highlighting nPAK4 as a novel predictive biomarker for ERα-positive breast cancer bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshu Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhenguo Cheng
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lina Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunling Gao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Furong Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Nanxi Geng
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xue Rui
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Heping District, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuee Teng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Heping District, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Heping District, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liu Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Feng Jin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, North Nanjing Street, Heping District, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, 110122, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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8
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Phatak P, Burrows WM, Chesnick IE, Tulapurkar ME, Rao JN, Turner DJ, Hamburger AW, Wang JY, Donahue JM. MiR-199a-3p decreases esophageal cancer cell proliferation by targeting p21 activated kinase 4. Oncotarget 2018; 9:28391-28407. [PMID: 29983868 PMCID: PMC6033339 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although microRNA (miR) 199a-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in multiple malignancies, its expression and role in esophageal cancer have not been studied. Based on our previous observation that miR-199a-3p is markedly downregulated in esophageal cancer cell lines relative to esophageal epithelial cells, we examined the function of miR-199a-3p in these cells. MiR-199a-3p is predicted to bind with high affinity to the mRNA of p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4). This kinase has been shown to be overexpressed in several malignancies and to modulate proliferation and motility. The current study is designed to determine whether miR-199a-3p regulates the expression of PAK4 in esophageal cancer cells and to understand the functional consequences of this interaction. Herein, we demonstrate reduced expression of miR-199a-3p in human esophageal cancer specimens and cell lines compared to esophageal epithelial cells, with associated increased expression of PAK4. Forced expression of miR-199a-3p decreases expression of PAK4 in esophageal cancer cell lines. Mechanistic studies reveal that miR-199a-3p binds to the 3'UTR of PAK4 mRNA. This interaction results in reduced levels of PAK4 mRNA due to decreased mRNA stability. Downregulation of PAK4 leads to decreased cyclin D1 (CD1) transcription and protein expression, resulting in markedly impaired cellular proliferation. When PAK4 expression is rescued, both CD1 transcription and protein return to baseline levels. Our results show that miR-199a-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in esophageal cancer cells through repression of PAK4. These findings suggest that both miR-199a-3p and PAK4 may be novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornima Phatak
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Whitney M. Burrows
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Mohan E. Tulapurkar
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jaladanki N. Rao
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Douglas J. Turner
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Anne W. Hamburger
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jian-Ying Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - James M. Donahue
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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9
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Hao C, Zhao F, Song H, Guo J, Li X, Jiang X, Huan R, Song S, Zhang Q, Wang R, Wang K, Pang Y, Liu T, Lu T, Huang W, Wang J, Lin B, He Z, Li H, Li F, Zhao D, Cheng M. Structure-Based Design of 6-Chloro-4-aminoquinazoline-2-carboxamide Derivatives as Potent and Selective p21-Activated Kinase 4 (PAK4) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2017; 61:265-285. [PMID: 29190083 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel class of PAK4 inhibitors with a quinazoline scaffold. Based on the shape and chemical composition of the ATP-binding pocket of PAKs, we chose a 2,4-diaminoquinazoline series of inhibitors as a starting point. Guided by X-ray crystallography and a structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach, a series of novel 4-aminoquinazoline-2-carboxamide PAK4 inhibitors were designed and synthesized. The inhibitors' selectivity, therapeutic potency, and pharmaceutical properties were optimized. One of the best compounds, 31 (CZh226), showed remarkable PAK4 selectivity (346-fold vs PAK1) and favorable kinase selectivity profile. Moreover, this compound potently inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 tumor cells by regulating the PAK4-directed downstream signaling pathways in vitro. Taken together, these data support the further development of 31 as a lead compound for PAK4-targeted anticancer drug discovery and as a valuable research probe for the further biological investigation of group II PAKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenzhou Hao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongyan Song
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) , 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634
| | - Jing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University , Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xiaolin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ran Huan
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University , Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ruifeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yu Pang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Tongchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Tianqi Lu
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University , Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Wanxu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhonggui He
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University , Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University , Shenyang 110016, China
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10
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Li Z, Li X, Xu L, Tao Y, Yang C, Chen X, Fang F, Wu Y, Ding X, Zhao H, Li M, Qian G, Xu Y, Ren J, Du W, Wang J, Lu J, Hu S, Pan J. Inhibition of neuroblastoma proliferation by PF-3758309, a small-molecule inhibitor that targets p21-activated kinase 4. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:2705-2716. [PMID: 29048629 PMCID: PMC5780023 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid childhood tumor. Despite the availability of advanced multimodal therapy, high-risk patients still have low survival rates. p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) has been shown to regulate many cellular processes in cancer cells, including migration, polarization and proliferation. However, the role of PAK4 in neuroblastoma remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that PAK4 was overexpressed in neuroblastoma tissues and was correlated with tumor malignance and prognosis. To investigate the function of PAK4 in neuroblastoma, we used a small-molecule inhibitor that targets PAK4, that is, PF-3758309. Our results showed that PF-3758309 significantly induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and apoptosis in neuroblastoma cell lines. Meanwhile, the inhibition of PAK4 by PF-3758309 increased the expression of CDKN1A, BAD and BAK1 and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. In addition, we screened the target genes of PAK4 by PCR array and found that 23 genes were upregulated (including TP53I3, TBX3, EEF1A2, CDKN1A, IFNB1 and MAPK8IP2) and 20 genes were downregulated (including TNFSF8, Bcl2-A1, Bcl2L1, SOCS3, BIRC3 and NFKB1) after PAK4 inhibition by PF-3758309. Moreover, PAK4 was found to regulate the cell cycle and apoptosis via the ERK signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated, for the first time, the expression and function of PAK4 in neuroblastomas and the inhibitory effect of PF-3758309, which deserves further investigation as an alternative strategy for neuroblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Lixiao Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Xin Ding
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - He Zhao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Guanghui Qian
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Yunyun Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Junli Ren
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Du
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215003, P.R. China
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11
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Genome-wide screen for differentially methylated long noncoding RNAs identifies Esrp2 and lncRNA Esrp2-as regulated by enhancer DNA methylation with prognostic relevance for human breast cancer. Oncogene 2017; 36:6446-6461. [PMID: 28759043 PMCID: PMC5701091 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The majority of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is still poorly characterized with respect to function, interactions with protein-coding genes, and mechanisms that regulate their expression. As for protein-coding RNAs, epigenetic deregulation of lncRNA expression by alterations in DNA methylation might contribute to carcinogenesis. To provide genome-wide information on lncRNAs aberrantly methylated in breast cancer we profiled tumors of the C3(1) SV40TAg mouse model by MCIp-seq (Methylated CpG Immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing). This approach detected 69 lncRNAs differentially methylated between tumor tissue and normal mammary glands, with 26 located in antisense orientation of a protein-coding gene. One of the hypomethylated lncRNAs, 1810019D21Rik (now called Esrp2-antisense (as)) was identified in proximity to the epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (Esrp2) that is significantly elevated in C3(1) tumors. ESRPs were shown previously to have a dual role in carcinogenesis. Both gain and loss have been associated with poor prognosis in human cancers, but the mechanisms regulating expression are not known. In-depth analyses indicate that coordinate overexpression of Esrp2 and Esrp2-as inversely correlates with DNA methylation. Luciferase reporter gene assays support co-expression of Esrp2 and the major short Esrp2-as variant from a bidirectional promoter, and transcriptional regulation by methylation of a proximal enhancer. Ultimately, this enhancer-based regulatory mechanism provides a novel explanation for tissue-specific expression differences and upregulation of Esrp2 during carcinogenesis. Knockdown of Esrp2-as reduced Esrp2 protein levels without affecting mRNA expression and resulted in an altered transcriptional profile associated with extracellular matrix (ECM), cell motility and reduced proliferation, whereas overexpression enhanced proliferation. Our findings not only hold true for the murine tumor model, but led to the identification of an unannotated human homolog of Esrp2-as which is significantly upregulated in human breast cancer and associated with poor prognosis.
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12
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A novel interaction of PAK4 with PPARγ to regulate Nox1 and radiation-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in glioma. Oncogene 2017; 36:5309-5320. [PMID: 28534509 PMCID: PMC5599308 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence in glioblastoma (GBM) is, in part, attributed to increased epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhanced tumor cell dissemination in adjacent brain parenchyma after ionizing radiation (IR). EMT is associated with aggressive behavior, increased stem-like characteristics and treatment resistance in malignancies; however, the underlying signaling mechanisms that regulate EMT are poorly understood. We identified grade-dependent PAK4 upregulation in gliomas and further determined its role in mesenchymal transition and radioresistance. IR treatment significantly elevated expression and nuclear localization of PAK4 in correlation with induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mesenchymal transition in GBM cells. Stable PAK4 overexpression promoted mesenchymal transition by elevating EMT marker expression in these cells. Of note, transcription factor-DNA binding arrays and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments identified the formation of a novel nuclear PAK4/PPARγ complex which was recruited to the promoter of Nox1, a PPARγ target gene. In addition, IR further elevated PAK4/PPARγ complex co-recruitment to Nox1 promoter, and increased Nox1 expression and ROS levels associated with mesenchymal transition in these cells. Conversely, specific PAK4 downregulation decreased PPARγ-mediated Nox1 expression and suppressed EMT in IR-treated cells. In vivo orthotopic tumor experiments showed inhibition of growth and suppression of IR-induced PPARγ and Nox1 expression by PAK4 downregulation in tumors. Our results provide the first evidence of a novel role for PAK4 in IR-induced EMT and suggest potential therapeutic efficacy of targeting PAK4 to overcome radioresistance in gliomas.
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13
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A novel orally bioavailable compound KPT-9274 inhibits PAK4, and blocks triple negative breast cancer tumor growth. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42555. [PMID: 28198380 PMCID: PMC5309789 DOI: 10.1038/srep42555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease consisting of several subtypes. Among these subtypes, triple negative breast cancer is particularly difficult to treat. This is due to a lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease, and consequently a lack of druggable targets. PAK4 plays critical roles in cell survival, proliferation, and morphology. PAK4 protein levels are high in breast cancer cells and breast tumors, and the gene is often amplified in basal like breast cancers, which are frequently triple negative. PAK4 is also overexpressed in other types of cancer, making it a promising drug target. However, its inhibition is complicated by the fact that PAK4 has both kinase-dependent and -independent functions. Here we investigate a new clinical compound KPT-9274, which has been shown to inhibit PAK4 and NAMPT. We find that KPT-9274 (and its analog, KPT-8752) can reduce the steady state level of PAK4 protein in triple negative breast cancer cells. These compounds also block the growth of the breast cancer cells in vitro, and stimulate apoptosis. Most importantly, oral administration of KPT-9274 reduces tumorigenesis in mouse models of human triple negative breast cancer. Our results indicate that KPT-9274 is a novel therapeutic option for triple negative breast cancer therapy.
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14
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Study on the expression of PAK4 and P54 protein in breast cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2016; 14:160. [PMID: 27297086 PMCID: PMC4906770 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-016-0913-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous evidence have demonstrated that p21-activated kinase PAK4 was correlated with breast cancer. The aim of this paper is to study the expression and interaction of p21-activated kinase (pAK)-4 and P54 protein in breast cancer. Methods A total of 80 patients were enrolled in our study (breast fibroma n = 20, breast noninvasive cancer n = 20, early breast invasive cancer n = 20, and advanced breast invasive cancer). The expression of PAK4 was detected by immunohistochemical S-P method, and the relationship between them and the different pathological characteristics were compared. The subcellular localization of P54 and PAK4 in vitro was observed by immunofluorescence assay. Results The expression of both PAK4 and P54 in breast cancer was much higher than that in breast fibroma. Meanwhile, we found that both PAK4 and P54 increased gradually as breast cancer progressed (advanced invasive > early invasive > noninvasive). The positive staining of P54 were mainly located in the cytoplasm, especially around the nucleus. There was no significant stained region in the cell matrix. The P54 localization in the cytoplasm was verified by confocal experiment, and the PAK4 was co-localized. Conclusions PAK4 and P54 proteins may be used as molecular markers for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
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15
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p-21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) maintains stem cell-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells through activation of STAT3 signaling. Cancer Lett 2015; 370:260-7. [PMID: 26546043 PMCID: PMC4684758 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains a highly lethal malignancy due to its unusual chemoresistance and high aggressiveness. A subpopulation of pancreatic tumor cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), is considered responsible not only for tumor-maintenance, but also for its widespread metastasis and therapeutic failure. Here we investigated the role of p-21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in driving PC stemness properties. Our data demonstrate that triple-positive (CD24+/CD44+/EpCAM+) subpopulation of pancreatic CSCs exhibits greater level of PAK4 as compared to triple-negative (CD24−/CD44−/EpCAM−) cells. Moreover, PAK4 silencing in PC cells leads to diminished fraction of CD24, CD44, and EpCAM positive cells. Furthermore, we show that PAK4-silenced PC cells exhibit decreased sphere-forming ability and increased chemo-sensitivity to gemcitabine toxicity. PAK4 expression is also associated with enhanced levels of stemness-associated transcription factors (Oct4/Nanog/Sox2 and KLF4). Furthermore, our data show decreased nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity of STAT3 in PAK4-silenced PC cells and restitution of its activity leads to restoration of stem cell phenotypes. Together, our findings deliver first experimental evidence for the involvement of PAK4 in PC stemness and support its clinical utility as a novel therapeutic target in PC.
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16
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Lee J, Galloway R, Grandjean G, Jacob J, Humphries J, Bartholomeusz C, Goodstal S, Lim B, Bartholomeusz G, Ueno NT, Rao A. Comprehensive Two- and Three-Dimensional RNAi Screening Identifies PI3K Inhibition as a Complement to MEK Inhibitor AS703026 for Combination Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Cancer 2015; 6:1306-19. [PMID: 26640591 PMCID: PMC4643087 DOI: 10.7150/jca.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a major cause of death among breast cancer patients that results from intrinsic and acquired resistance to systemic chemotherapies. To identify novel targets for effective treatment of TNBC through combination strategies with MEK inhibitor (AS703026), we used a novel method of combining high-throughput two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) RNAi screening. TNBC cells were transfected with a kinome siRNA library comprising siRNA targeting 790 kinases under both 2D and 3D culture conditions with or without AS703026. Molecule activity predictor analysis revealed the PI3K pathway as the major target pathway in our RNAi combination studies in TNBC. We found that PI3K inhibitor SAR245409 (also called XL765) combined with AS703026 synergistically inhibited proliferation compared with either drug alone (P < 0.001). Reduced in vitro colony formation (P < 0.001) and migration and invasion ability were also observed with the combination treatment (P<0.01). Our data suggest that SAR245409 combined with AS703026 may be effective in patients with TNBC. We conclude that a novel powerful high-throughput RNAi assays were able to identify anti-cancer drugs as single or combinational agents. Integrated and multi-system RNAi screening methods can complement difference between in vitro and in vivo culture conditions, and enriches targets that are close to the in vivo condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jangsoon Lee
- 1. Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research and Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology - Unit 1354, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rachael Galloway
- 2. Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology - Unit 1410, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Geoff Grandjean
- 3. Department of Experimental Therapeutics - Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Justin Jacob
- 3. Department of Experimental Therapeutics - Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Juliane Humphries
- 1. Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research and Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology - Unit 1354, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chandra Bartholomeusz
- 1. Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research and Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology - Unit 1354, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Samantha Goodstal
- 4. EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., 45A Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
| | - Bora Lim
- 1. Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research and Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology - Unit 1354, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Geoffrey Bartholomeusz
- 3. Department of Experimental Therapeutics - Unit 1950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- 1. Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research and Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, Department of Breast Medical Oncology - Unit 1354, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Arvind Rao
- 2. Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology - Unit 1410, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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17
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Tyagi N, Bhardwaj A, Singh AP, McClellan S, Carter JE, Singh S. p-21 activated kinase 4 promotes proliferation and survival of pancreatic cancer cells through AKT- and ERK-dependent activation of NF-κB pathway. Oncotarget 2015; 5:8778-89. [PMID: 25238288 PMCID: PMC4226721 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of novel molecular targets and understanding the mechanisms underlying the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer (PC) remain prime focus areas of research. Here, we investigated the expression and pathobiological significance of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a gene that was earlier shown to be amplified in a sub-set of PC. Our data demonstrate PAK4 overexpression in PC tissues and cell lines with little or no expression in the normal pancreas. PAK4 silencing in two PC cell lines, MiaPaCa and T3M4, by RNA interference causes suppression of growth and clonogenic ability due to decreased cell cycle progression and apoptosis-resistance. PAK4-silenced PC cells exhibit altered expression of proliferation- and survival-associated proteins. Moreover, we observe decreased nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity of NF-κB in PAK4-silenced PC cells associated with stabilization of its inhibitory protein, IκBα. Transfection of PAK4-silenced PC cells with constitutively-active mutant of IKKβ, an upstream kinase of IκBα, leads to restoration of NF-κB activity and PC cell growth. Furthermore, we show that PAK4-induced NF-κB activity is mediated through activation and concerted action of ERK and Akt kinases. Together, these findings suggest that PAK4 is a regulator of NF-κB pathway in PC cells and can serve as a novel target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Tyagi
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Arun Bhardwaj
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Ajay P Singh
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Steven McClellan
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - James E Carter
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
| | - Seema Singh
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
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18
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Luo P, Fei J, Zhou J, Zhang W. microRNA-126 suppresses PAK4 expression in ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells. Oncol Lett 2015; 9:2225-2229. [PMID: 26137045 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian cancer is one of the predominant causes of mortality from gynecological cancer. The suppression of serine/threonine p21-activated kinases (PAKs), proteins involved in cell morphology and cytoskeletal reorganization, has been hypothesized to improve the survival of patients with ovarian cancer. However, the association between microRNA-126 (miR-126) and PAK4 in the inhibition of ovarian cancer cell invasion remains to be established. The present study demonstrated changes in the level of PAK4 expression in ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells with altered miR-126 compared with normal SKOV3 cells. The SKOV3 cells that were transfected with LV3-miR-126 to increase miR-126 expression exhibited significantly downregulated expression levels of PAK4 (P<0.05), whilst transfection with the LV3-hsa-miR-126 inhibitor increased the expression of PAK4 in these cells (P<0.05), as assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in PAK4 expression in the SKOV3 cells transfected with the LV3-hsa-miR-126 inhibitor, and a decrease in those transfected with LV3-hsa-miR-126. The present study provides an experimental foundation for miR-126 as a potential tumor suppressor that may decrease PAK4 expression to inhibit ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Luo
- Department of Gynecology, Fuyang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, P.R. China
| | - Jing Fei
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Weijiang Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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