Development of a multi-antigenic SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate using a synthetic poxvirus platform

Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) is a highly attenuated poxvirus vector that is widely used to develop vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer. We demonstrate the construction of a vaccine platform based on a unique three-plasmid system to efficiently generate recombinant MVA vectors from chemically synthesized DNA. In response to the ongoing global pandemic caused by SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), we use this vaccine platform to rapidly produce fully synthetic MVA (sMVA) vectors co-expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid antigens, two immunodominant antigens implicated in protective immunity. We show that mice immunized with these sMVA vectors develop robust SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, including potent neutralizing antibodies. These results demonstrate the potential of a vaccine platform based on synthetic DNA to efficiently generate recombinant MVA vectors and to rapidly develop a multi-antigenic poxvirus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate.

c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases Mediate a Wide Range of Targets in the Metastatic Cascade

Disseminated cancer cells rely on intricate interactions among diverse cell types in the tumor-associated stroma, vasculature, and immune system for survival and growth. Ubiquitous expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (jnk) genes in various cell types permits their control of metastasis. In early stages of metastasis, JNKs affect tumor-associated inflammation and angiogenesis as well as tumor cell migration and intravasation. Within the tumor stroma, JNKs are essential for the release of growth factors that promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. JNK3, the least ubiquitous isoform, facilitates angiogenesis by increasing endothelial cell migration. Importantly, JNK expression in tumor cells integrates stromal signals to promote tumor cell invasion. However, JNK isoforms differentially regulate migration toward the endothelial barrier. Once tumor cells enter the bloodstream, JNKs increase circulating tumor cell (CTC) survival and homing to tissues. By promoting fibrosis, JNKs improve CTC attachment to the endothelium. Once anchored, JNKs stimulate EMT to facilitate tumor cell extravasation and enhance the secretion of endothelial barrier disrupters. Tumor cells attract barrier-disrupting macrophages by JNK-dependent transcription of macrophage chemoattractant molecules. In the secondary tissue, JNKs are instrumental in the premetastatic niche and stimulate tumor cell proliferation. JNK expression in cancer cells stimulates tissue-remodeling macrophages to improve tumor colonization. However, in T-cells, JNKs alter cytokine production that increases tumor surveillance and inhibits the recruitment of tissue-remodeling macrophages. Therapeutically targeting JNKs for metastatic disease is attractive considering their promotion of metastasis; however, specific JNK tools are needed to determine their definitive actions within the context of the entire metastatic cascade.

ATM regulation of IL-8 links oxidative stress to cancer cell migration and invasion

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein kinase regulates the DNA damage response (DDR) and is associated with cancer suppression. Here we report a cancer-promoting role for ATM. ATM depletion in metastatic cancer cells reduced cell migration and invasion. Transcription analyses identified a gene network, including the chemokine IL-8, regulated by ATM. IL-8 expression required ATM and was regulated by oxidative stress. IL-8 was validated as an ATM target by its ability to rescue cell migration and invasion defects in ATM-depleted cells. Finally, ATM-depletion in human breast cancer cells reduced lung tumors in a mouse xenograft model and clinical data validated IL-8 in lung metastasis. These findings provide insights into how ATM activation by oxidative stress regulates IL-8 to sustain cell migration and invasion in cancer cells to promote metastatic potential. Thus, in addition to well-established roles in tumor suppression, these findings identify a role for ATM in tumor progression.

Jnk2 effects on tumor development, genetic instability and replicative stress in an oncogene-driven mouse mammary tumor model

Oncogenes induce cell proliferation leading to replicative stress, DNA damage and genomic instability. A wide variety of cellular stresses activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins, but few studies have directly addressed the roles of JNK isoforms in tumor development. Herein, we show that jnk2 knockout mice expressing the Polyoma Middle T Antigen transgene developed mammary tumors earlier and experienced higher tumor multiplicity compared to jnk2 wildtype mice. Lack of jnk2 expression was associated with higher tumor aneuploidy and reduced DNA damage response, as marked by fewer pH2AX and 53BP1 nuclear foci. Comparative genomic hybridization further confirmed increased genomic instability in PyV MT/jnk2−/− tumors. In vitro, PyV MT/jnk2−/− cells underwent replicative stress and cell death as evidenced by lower BrdU incorporation, and sustained chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1 (CDT1) and p21^Waf1 protein expression, and phosphorylation of Chk1 after serum stimulation, but this response was not associated with phosphorylation of p53 Ser15. Adenoviral overexpression of CDT1 led to similar differences between jnk2 wildtype and knockout cells. In normal mammary cells undergoing UV induced single stranded DNA breaks, JNK2 localized to RPA (Replication Protein A) coated strands indicating that JNK2 responds early to single stranded DNA damage and is critical for subsequent recruitment of DNA repair proteins. Together, these data support that JNK2 prevents replicative stress by coordinating cell cycle progression and DNA damage repair mechanisms.

Hyaluronidase-Expressing Salmonella Effectively Targets Tumor-Associated Hyaluronic Acid in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding cancer cells forms a barrier that often limits the ability of chemotherapeutic drugs and cytotoxic immune subsets to penetrate and eliminate tumors. The dense stromal matrix protecting cancer cells, also known as desmoplasia, results from the overproduction of major ECM components such as collagens and hyaluronic acid (HA). Although candidate drugs targeting ECM components have shown promise in increasing penetration of chemotherapeutic agents, severe adverse effects associated with systemic depletion of ECM in peripheral healthy tissues limits their use at higher, more effective doses. Currently, few strategies exist that preferentially degrade ECM in tumor tissue over healthy tissues. In light of this, we have developed an attenuated, tumor-targeting Salmonella typhimurium (ST) expressing functional bacterial hyaluronidase (bHs-ST), capable of degrading human HA deposited within PDAC tumors. Our data show that bHs-ST (i) targets and colonizes orthotopic human PDAC tumors following systemic administration and (ii) is efficiently induced in vivo to deplete tumor-derived HA, which in turn (iii) significantly increases diffusion of Salmonella typhimurium within desmoplastic tumors. BHs-ST represents a promising new tumor ECM-targeting strategy that may be instrumental in minimizing off-tumor toxicity while maximizing drug delivery into highly desmoplastic tumors.

A c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor, JNK-IN-8, sensitizes triple negative breast cancer cells to lapatinib

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) have poor prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes and represent 15-20% of breast cancers diagnosed. Unique targets and new molecularly-targeted therapies are urgently needed for this subtype. Despite high expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, inhibitors such as lapatinib have not shown therapeutic efficacy in TNBC patients. Herein, we report that treatment with the covalent JNK inhibitor, JNK-IN-8, synergizes with lapatinib to cause cell death, while these compounds as single agents have little effect. The combination significantly increases survival of mice bearing xenografts of MDA-MB-231 human TNBC cells. Our studies demonstrate that lapatinib treatment increases c-Jun and JNK phosphorylation indicating a mechanism of resistance. Combined, these compounds significantly reduce transcriptional activity of Nuclear Factor kappa B, Activating Protein 1, and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2. As master regulators of antioxidant response, their decreased activity induces a 10-fold increase in reactive oxygen species that is cytotoxic, and is rescued by addition of exogenous antioxidants. Over expression of p65 or Nrf2 also significantly rescues viability during JNK-IN-8 and lapatinib treatment. Further studies combining JNK-IN-8 and lapatinib may reveal a benefit for patients with TNBC, fulfilling a critical medical need.

Modulating multi-functional ERK complexes by covalent targeting of a recruitment site in vivo

Recently, the targeting of ERK with ATP-competitive inhibitors has emerged as a potential clinical strategy to overcome acquired resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination therapies. In this study, we investigate an alternative strategy of targeting the D-recruitment site (DRS) of ERK. The DRS is a conserved region that lies distal to the active site and mediates ERK-protein interactions. We demonstrate that the small molecule BI-78D3 binds to the DRS of ERK2 and forms a covalent adduct with a conserved cysteine residue (C159) within the pocket and disrupts signaling in vivo. BI-78D3 does not covalently modify p38MAPK, JNK or ERK5. BI-78D3 promotes apoptosis in BRAF inhibitor-naive and resistant melanoma cells containing a BRAF V600E mutation. These studies provide the basis for designing modulators of protein-protein interactions involving ERK, with the potential to impact ERK signaling dynamics and to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ERK-dependent cancers.

Serotonin Analogues as Inhibitors of Breast Cancer Cell Growth

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a critical local regulator of epithelial homeostasis in the breast and exerts its actions through a number of receptors. Dysregulation of serotonin signaling is reported to contribute to breast cancer pathophysiology by enhancing cell proliferation and promoting resistance to apoptosis. Preliminary analyses indicated that the potent 5-HT1B/1D serotonin receptor agonist 5-nonyloxytryptamine (5-NT), a triptan-like molecule, induced cell death in breast cancer cell lines. Thus, we synthesized a series of novel alkyloxytryptamine analogues, several of which decreased the viability of various human cancer cell lines. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses showed that compounds 6 and 10 induced apoptosis and interfered with signaling pathways that regulate protein translation and survival, such as the Akt/mTOR pathway, in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Salmonella-Based Therapy Targeting Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Restructures the Immune Contexture to Improve Checkpoint Blockade Efficacy

Therapeutic options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment have changed dramatically in recent years with the advent of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Among these, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) using monoclonal antibodies has shown tremendous promise in approximately 20% of patients. In order to better predict patients that will respond to ICB treatment, biomarkers such as tumor-associated CD8+ T cell frequency, tumor checkpoint protein status and mutational burden have been utilized, however, with mixed success. In this study, we hypothesized that significantly altering the suppressive tumor immune landscape in NSCLC could potentially improve ICB efficacy. Using sub-therapeutic doses of our Salmonella typhimurium-based therapy targeting the suppressive molecule indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (shIDO-ST) in tumor-bearing mice, we observed dramatic changes in immune subset phenotypes that included increases in antigen presentation markers, decreased regulatory T cell frequency and overall reduced checkpoint protein expression. Combination shIDO-ST treatment with anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 antibodies enhanced tumor growth control, compared to either treatment alone, which was associated with significant intratumoral infiltration by CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Ultimately, we show that increases in antigen presentation markers and infiltration by T cells is correlated with significantly increased survival in NSCLC patients. These results suggest that the success of ICB therapy may be more accurately predicted by taking into account multiple factors such as potential for antigen presentation and immune subset repertoire in addition to markers already being considered. Alternatively, combination treatment with agents such as shIDO-ST could be used to create a more conducive tumor microenvironment for improving responses to ICB.

Targeting desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer as an essential first step to effective therapy

Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most lethal cancers in the US. It contributes to an estimated 47,000 deaths annually and is predicted to surpass prostate, breast and colorectal cancers as the leading cause of cancer-related death. Although major advancements in cancer treatment have improved outcomes for many cancer types, survival rate for pancreatic cancer has not improved in nearly four decades despite tremendous effort. One attribute of pancreatic cancer that is considered a major barrier to effective treatment is the formation of fibrotic tissue around tumor cells known as desmoplasia. A number of promising approaches have been developed to deplete fibrotic components in pancreatic tumors to enhance drug delivery, some of which have been tested in clinical trials of advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer. Here, we discuss previous efforts, shortcomings and new considerations for developing more effective agents to eliminate desmoplasia.

5-Azacytidine Potentiates Anti-tumor Immunity in a Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Tumors evolve a variety of mechanisms to escape immune detection while expressing tumor-promoting molecules that can be immunogenic. Here, we show that transposable elements (TE) and gene encoded, tumor-associated antigens (TAA), which can be both highly immunogenic and tumor-promoting, are significantly upregulated during the transition from pre-malignancy to malignancy in an inducible model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Coincident with the increased presence of TEs and TAAs was the downregulation of gene transcripts associated with antigen presentation, T cell recruitment and intrinsic anti-viral responses, suggesting a unique strategy employed by PDAC to possibly augment tumorigenesis while escaping detection by the immune system. In vitro treatment of mouse and human PDAC cell lines with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (Aza) resulted in augmented expression of transcripts for antigen presentation machinery and T cell chemokines. When immunocompetent mice implanted with PDAC were therapeutically treated with Aza, we observed significant tumor regression that was not observed in immunocompromised mice, implicating anti-tumor immunity as the principal mechanism of tumor growth control. Analysis of PDAC tumors, immediately following Aza treatment in immunocompetent mice, revealed a significantly greater infiltration of T cells and various innate immune subsets compared to control treatment, suggesting that Aza treatment enhances tumor immunogenicity. Thus, augmenting antigen presentation and T cell chemokine expression using DNA methyltransferase inhibitors could be leveraged to potentiate adaptive anti-tumor immune responses against PDAC.

Utilizing Salmonella to treat solid malignancies

Despite intensive research into novel treatment strategies for cancer, it remains the second most common cause of death in industrialized populations. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive disease with dismal prognosis. Currently, surgical resection offers the best chance for extended survival, yet recurrence remains high and is associated with poor outcome. Systemic treatment has evolved from non-specific, cytotoxic chemotherapy to the use of cancer-targeting agents, profoundly changing treatment approaches in the metastatic and adjuvant settings. One promising approach, highlighted in this review, uses the inherent capacity of Salmonella to colonize and eliminate solid tumors.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 prevents luminal cell commitment in normal mammary glands and tumors by inhibiting p53/Notch1 and breast cancer gene 1 expression

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with several subtypes carrying unique prognoses. Patients with differentiated luminal tumors experience better outcomes, while effective treatments are unavailable for poorly differentiated tumors, including the basal-like subtype. Mechanisms governing mammary tumor subtype generation could prove critical to developing better treatments. C-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) is important in mammary tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Using a variety of mouse models, human breast cancer cell lines and tumor expression data, studies herein support that JNK2 inhibits cell differentiation in normal and cancer-derived mammary cells. JNK2 prevents precocious pubertal mammary development and inhibits Notch-dependent expansion of luminal cell populations. Likewise, JNK2 suppresses luminal populations in a p53-competent Polyoma Middle T-antigen tumor model where jnk2 knockout causes p53-dependent upregulation of Notch1 transcription. In a p53 knockout model, JNK2 restricts luminal populations independently of Notch1, by suppressing Brca1 expression and promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition. JNK2 also inhibits estrogen receptor (ER) expression and confers resistance to fulvestrant, an ER inhibitor, while stimulating tumor progression. These data suggest that therapies inhibiting JNK2 in breast cancer may promote tumor differentiation, improve endocrine therapy response, and inhibit metastasis.

Development of a Synthetic Poxvirus-Based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) is a highly attenuated poxvirus vector that is widely used to develop vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer. We developed a novel vaccine platform based on a unique three-plasmid system to efficiently generate recombinant MVA vectors from chemically synthesized DNA. In response to the ongoing global pandemic caused by SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), we used this novel vaccine platform to rapidly produce fully synthetic MVA (sMVA) vectors co-expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid antigens, two immunodominant antigens implicated in protective immunity. Mice immunized with these sMVA vectors developed robust SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, including potent neutralizing antibodies. These results demonstrate the potential of a novel vaccine platform based on synthetic DNA to efficiently generate recombinant MVA vectors and to rapidly develop a multi-antigenic poxvirus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate.

Abstract P5-04-14: The covalent JNK inhibitor, JNK-IN-8, synergizes with lapatinib to cause cell death in basal-like breast cancer cell lines

Basal-like and claudin-low breast cancers have the worst prognosis and represent 15-20% of breast cancers diagnosed each year. Endocrine and molecularly targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab, are ineffective due to lack of ER expression or HER2 amplification in the tumors. They also have a high frequency of p53 mutations, low BRCA1 expression and high EGFR expression. Our lab has shown that high expression of JNK2 in human basal-like breast cancers leads to significantly decreased disease-free survival. JNK2 also promotes basal-like tumor progression in mice by increasing EGFR-mediated migration through facilitating internalization of EGFR, upregulating EMT gene expression and promoting metastasis.

The ATP-competitive JNK inhibitor SP600125 has been commonly used by researchers to elucidate JNK-specific mechanisms, but this inhibitor was found to have high affinity to many other intracellular kinases. A new JNK inhibitor, JNK-IN-8, has been developed that binds covalently to all three JNK gene products and is more selective than the SP600125 compound (Zhang, et al. 2012). Using this inhibitor, we have found that basal-like breast cancer cell lines can become sensitized to lapatinib. This combination is synergistic and causes apoptotic cell death, while as single agents at these concentrations, these drugs have little effect on cell viability. Treatment with either lapatinib or JNK-IN-8 decreases transcriptional activity of NF-κB significantly, but combination of the two drugs reduces NF-κB activity to an almost negligible amount compared to vehicle treatment. Combination treatment also led to a 6-fold increase in ROS production that may be activating apoptosis.

We hypothesize that inhibition by both JNK-IN-8 and lapatinib cause independent decreases in NF-κB activation that, when combined, cause a synergistic decrease in NF-κB-mediated survival mechanisms. Use of the JNK-IN-8 inhibitor with lapatinib in humans may increase survival in patients with basal-like or claudin-low breast cancers.

Zhang, T. et al. "Discovery of potent and selective covalent inhibitors of JNK". Chem Biol. 2012 Jan 27;19(1):140-54.

Citation Format: Ebelt ND, Van Den Berg CL. The covalent JNK inhibitor, JNK-IN-8, synergizes with lapatinib to cause cell death in basal-like breast cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-04-14.

Tumor-Colonizing E. coli Expressing Both Collagenase and Hyaluronidase Enhances Therapeutic Efficacy of Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer Models

Desmoplasia is a hallmark feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that contributes significantly to treatment resistance. Approaches to enhance drug delivery into fibrotic PDAC tumors continue to be an important unmet need. In this study, we have engineered a tumor-colonizing E. coli-based agent that expresses both collagenase and hyaluronidase as a strategy to reduce desmoplasia and enhance the intratumoral perfusion of anticancer agents. Overall, we observed that the tandem expression of both these enzymes by tumor-colonizing E. coli resulted in the reduced presence of intratumoral collagen and hyaluronan, which likely contributed to the enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy observed when used in combination. These results highlight the importance of combination treatments involving the depletion of desmoplastic components in PDAC before or during treatment.

Abstract 3771: Discovery of a covalent inhibitor of ERK docking-interactions that inhibits A375 melanoma cells proliferation

Acquired drug resistance, especially mechanisms associated with the reactivation of the MAPK (RAF/MEK/ERK) pathway represent a major challenge to current treatments of melanoma. Recently, targeting ERK has evolved as a potentially attractive strategy to overcome this resistance. Several ERK inhibitors have already entered clinical trials.

Most of the available ERK inhibitors are reversible inhibitors that either act through an allosteric mechanism, or by targeting the ATP binding site. Taking advantage of our understanding of ERK-docking interactions we tried to discover an irreversible substrate-selective inhibitor that targets the protein-binding site of ERK. Here, we report the discovery of a covalent inhibitor of ERK that targets its protein-docking site. Protein NMR, Mass spectroscopy, mutagenesis and molecular docking studies indicate a covalent interaction of the inhibitor with a conserved cysteine residue, Cys-159. Extensive biochemical studies provide an estimate of its kinetic parameters and its kinase-selectivity profile. The new ERK inhibitor inhibits ERK activation, as well as its ability to phosphorylate downstream substrates (e.g. p90RSK and Elk-1) in HEK293T and A375 melanoma cells. The targeting of ERK in HEK293T cells was confirmed using a chemical-genetic approach where the ERK2 C159A mutant was used to rescue the effects of this compound on ERK2 signaling and cell proliferation. Currently, we are testing the effect of the compound on tumor growth inhibition in an A375 melanoma cancer xenografts model. This covalent inhibitor represents a potentially valuable lead molecule whose development may result in a novel class of pharmacologically useful ERK inhibitors for targeting resistant forms of melanoma.

Citation Format: Tamer S. Kaoud, William H. Johnson, Nancy D. Ebelt, Andrea Piserchio, Mangalika Warthaka, Micael Cano, Rachel Sammons, Qiantao Wang, Pengyu Ren, Ranajeet Ghose, Kevin N. Dalby. Discovery of a covalent inhibitor of ERK docking-interactions that inhibits A375 melanoma cells proliferation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3771.

Abstract 3774: KD06 is a novel anti-cancer drug that causes cell death in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines and tumor xenografts

Development and screening of small molecule compounds for anti-cancer activity has been of prime interest to the scientific community following the success of targeted, large anti-cancer molecules such as therapeutic antibodies. Small molecules pass more easily through cell membranes and may cross the blood-brain barrier. KD06 is a small molecule triptan-like compound whose parent molecule binds and inhibits serotonin receptors. This compound increases apoptosis of the triple-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-157 via caspase activation. Treatment with KD06 also causes increased autophagy as well as activation of ER stress responses. The growth of tumor xenografts of MDA-MB-231 cells in nude mice are significantly inhibited by twice weekly treatment with 30mg/kg KD06. Analysis of signaling changes by KD06 using reverse phase protein array (RPPA) revealed significant decreases in Akt/mTOR signaling leading to decreased activation of the translation initiation factor 4E-BP1. Other notable changes included decreased expression of proteins important for mitosis such as Cyclin B1, Aurora B and PLK1, and increased phosphorylation of EGFR and increased expression of PDGFR. Analysis of PIP3 and ATP levels showed no change after treatment with KD06, indicating that decreased signaling through Akt/mTOR is not likely due to PI3K inhibition or AMPK activation. Immunofluorescence with KD06 treated cells revealed a change in cell shape after 4 hours of treatment that was reminiscent of cells treated with microtubule binding drugs. Akt localization was affected. These results imply that KD06 may have anti-cancer activity through its effect on microtubule dynamics, inhibiting proper localization and signaling of molecules important for survival and protein translation such as Akt and mTOR.

Citation Format: Nancy D. Ebelt, Clint D J Taveres, Xuemei Xie, Youssef W. Naguib, Jiney Jose, Tinashe B. Ruwona, Ashwini K. Devkota, Jihyun Park, Tamer S. Kaoud, Eric V. Anslyn, Jeffrey T. Chang, Zhengrong Cui, Chandra Bartholomeusz, Kevin N. Dalby. KD06 is a novel anti-cancer drug that causes cell death in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines and tumor xenografts. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3774.

Abstract 3872: Targeting multi-functional ERK-protein complexes in vivo

Mutations in pathways that enhance the activity of ERK1 and ERK2 are frequently present in human cancers, reflecting their important roles in tumor initiation, and progression. This notion is reinforced by observations in BRAF V600E mutant melanoma where the majority of the mechanisms of resistance to FDA-approved combination therapies targeting BRAF and MEK involve reactivation of ERK1 and ERK2. Recently, the direct targeting of the ERK enzymes using ATP-competitive inhibitors has emerged as an attractive strategy to overcome acquired resistance to current combination therapies. The ERK enzymes employ unique mechanisms of molecular recognition to engage protein components of the MAPK pathway. Here we report the potent targeting of an ERK-protein docking interaction by a small molecule thiotriazole, which abrogates ERK signaling in vivo. The thiotriazole binds covalently to a highly conserved cysteine residue within the D-recruitment site of ERK1/2 with more than a 100-fold discrimination over other MAPKs (e.g. JNK1/2, p38MAPKs and ERK5). Treatment of various BRAF-inhibitor naive or inhibitor-resistant melanoma cell lines expressing BRAF V600E with the thiotriazole for 2 hours induces dose-dependent inhibition of ERK activation and downstream signaling. Inhibition is maintained for up to 5 hours following thiotriazole washout and induces apoptosis and growth inhibition. Treatment of mice carrying a BRAFV600E A375 melanoma xenograft with the thiotriazole blocked tumor growth. Transient expression of a mutant form of ERK2, which is resistant to the thiotriazole, promotes survival of A375 and HEK 293 cells treated with thiotriazole. This study lays the foundation for developing a new modality for the treatment of solid tumors driven by excessive ERK signaling.

Citation Format: Tamer S. Kaoud, William H. Johnson, Nancy D. Ebelt, Andrea Piserchio, Diana Zamora-Olivares, Sabrina V. Ravenstein, Jacey R. Pridgen, Ramakrishna Edupuganti, Rachel Sammons, Micael Cano, Mangalika Warthaka, Pengyu Ren, Eric V. Anslyn, Kenneth Y. Tsai, Ranajeet Ghose, Kevin N. Dalby. Targeting multi-functional ERK-protein complexes in vivo [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3872.

Effects of Hypomethylating Agents on Gene Modulation in the Leukemic Microenvironment and Disease Trajectory in a Mouse Model of AML

Hypomethylating agents (HMAs), such as decitabine and 5-azacytidine (AZA), are valuable treatment options for patients with acute myeloid leukemia that are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Despite providing significant extensions in survival when used alone or in combination, eventual relapse and resistance to HMAs are observed. The mechanisms leading to these outcomes are still not well defined and may, in part, be due to a focus on leukemic populations with limited information on the effects of HMAs on non-leukemic cells in the blood and other tissue compartments. In this study, we elucidated effects on immune-related gene expression in non-leukemic blood cells and the spleen during AZA treatment in leukemia-challenged mice. We observed significant changes in pathways regulating adhesion, thrombosis, and angiogenesis as well as a dichotomy in extramedullary disease sites that manifests during relapse. We also identify several genes that may contribute to the anti-leukemic activity of AZA in blood and spleen. Overall, this work has identified novel gene targets and pathways that could be further modulated to augment efficacy of HMA treatment.

P1-02-01: c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1 (JNK1) Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Downregulating Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Stem Cell-Related Genes

Murine and human mammary cancers often show dysregulation of important signaling pathways including the canonical Wingless-iNTegrated (Wnt) and avian ERythroBlastosis oncogene B (ErbB) pathways. Transgenic expression of Wnt ligands causes transformation of normal mammary cells in mice, and Wnt10b is frequently upregulated in human breast cancers. Overexpression of ErbB ligands and amplification of receptors have also been implicated in human breast cancer. JNK1 is a tumor suppressor in the skin and intestinal epithelium, and JNKs are known to integrate ErbB and Wnt pathways as well as others to control cell growth and differentiation. In a murine mammary cancer model where 4T1.2 cells were injected into the mammary gland, reducing JNK1 levels by expressing shRNA (shJNK1) resulted in increased tumor growth and lung metastasis compared to mice injected with control vector- (pSM2) expressing cells. A microarray analysis comparing gene expression between shJNK1 and control tumors revealed 2 and 2.5-fold increases in the ErbB pathway genes Nrg3 and ETV5, 2-fold increases in the Wnt genes Bcl-9 and Wnt10a, and a 1.6-fold increase in the EMT gene Twist1. RT-PCR analysis of in vitro grown 4T1.2 cell lines transfected with shJNK1 confirmed increased expression of Bcl-9 and ETV5, as well as the ETV5 target Cox-2. ErbB2 protein was also overexpressed. The shJNK1 cells showed upregulation of pERK in response to Heregulin1 (an Erbb2/3 ligand) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 1, which further amplifies canonical Wnt signaling. In a p53-/− tumor model, ETV5, Bcl-9, and Cox-2 were still upregulated in jnk1-/−compared to wildtype tumor cells, indicating this effect is p53-independent. In the normal mammary gland, a 4-fold increase in ETV5 and a 5-fold increase in Twist1 were found in jnk1-/− mice compared to wildtype, further indicating that this effect is dependent on JNK1 alone. The ErbB and Wnt pathways are known to upregulate EMT and stem-cell related genes, however, the involvement of JNK1 in these effects is a novel hypothesis. Thus far, our data suggest that JNK1 deficiency targets these oncogenic pathways to contribute to a more aggressive tumor phenotype due to heightened EMT and “stem-cellness”. Further studies using cell sorting and differentiation assays will determine whether normal jnk1-/− glands contain a higher fraction of stem cells than wildtype glands. Inhibition of EMT genes and/or ETV5 in the p53-/−;jnk1-/− cancer cells will determine whether the tumor growth or metastasis phenotypes are dependent on these genes. EMT and stem-cell genes are frequently expressed in human breast cancer subtypes that exhibit low survival rates, and EMT is known to be linked to increased metastasis. Some of these sub-types, such as claudin-low tumors, currently have no molecularly-targeted treatments, therefore it is important to determine what proteins critically contribute to these phenotypes so that efficient and effective treatments can be developed.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-02-01.

PD08-01: JNK2 Regulates Mammary Lineage Differentiation in Tumors and Normal Glands through Notch1 and p53

The classification of patient tumors by clinical subtype has gained wide acceptance due to the implications for prognosis and treatment. However, recent studies have cast doubt on previously advocated normal mammary origins of these subtypes. Thus, the link between the normal mammary gland and mammary tumors is more complex than expected. C-Jun N-Terminal Kinase-2 (JNK2) is a protein that is involved in numerous developmental processes and our previous work has shown it to be important for DNA damage response in mammary tumors. In attempt to gain insight into the link between mammary development and tumorigenesis, we compared normal mammary glands of JNK2 knockout (jnk2ko) mice to jnk2ko mammary tumors expressing or lacking wildtype p53 (p53ko). These studies showed that jnk2ko glands possess 35% fewer basal cells (p=0.0078) with a corresponding increase in luminal epithelial cell populations (p=0.100). This luminal response is corroborated by in vitro 3D assays of primary mammary epithelial cells (MECs) where luminal cell differentiation is normalized by inhibition of Notch signaling. Expression notch-1, a well-known regulator of MEC differentiation, is increased jnk2ko mammary glands. Increased expression of the Notch-1 target gene, hes-1, was also seen (p=0.005). Histology revealed that increased expression of active Notch-1 is localized to the mammary stem cell niche, the terminal end bud. Similar to the normal gland, jnk2ko mammary tumors possessing wildtype p53 exhibit decreased proportions of basal cells (p=0.0002) and increased proportions of luminal cells (p=0.0411) relative to wildtype. Jnk2ko cell lines derived from these tumors show decreased expression of notch-1 (p=0.0018) and hes-1 (p=0.0602) following introduction of JNK2. Luciferase assays comparing activity of the notch-1 promoter to a notch-1 promoter with mutated p53 response elements revealed a dependence of increased notch-1 promoter activity in jnk2ko cells on the p53 response element. P53ko tumor cells, by contrast, do not exhibit alterations in notch-1 promoter activity in the absence of p53 response elements, regardless of JNK2 status. QPCR showed that loss of JNK2 in normal mammary glands and tumors causes increased p53 expression—thus providing a potential mechanism. In support that Notch upregulation in the absence of JNK2 is dependent upon p53, normal glands lacking p53 show no differences in lineage differentiation. P53ko tumors also show no differences in basal lineage differentiation, however, increases in luminal differentiation are maintained in the absence of JNK2. Consistent with increased luminal differentiation, jnk2ko caused decreased expression of markers involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenotype. This data suggests that JNK2 is important not only for lineage differentiation in normal mammary glands, but in mammary tumors and that the effect is dependent on both Notch1 and p53.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PD08-01.

Abstract P4-06-13: c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1 (JNK1) Inhibits Tumor Progression and Regulates Embryonic Mammary Development

Background: Specification of the murine mammary placode in embryonic development involves pathways that are dysregulated in murine and human breast cancers. Beginning with secretion of Neuregulin 3 (Nrg3) and Wingless-Integrated (Wnt) 10b by the dermal mesenchyme, at embryonic day (E) 10.5, a mammary placode will condense over 48 hours due to signaling through the canonical Wnt pathway as well as through the avian ERythroBlastosis oncogene B (ErbB) receptors 4 and 2. By E15.5 placodes will invade the underlying mesenchyme to form the primary duct. The Wnt and ErbB pathways are also known to cause or promote cancer when dysregulated.

Methods and Materials: Number four mammary glands of female, virgin mice (jnk1+/+ or jnk1-/-) were harvested and stained with carmine alum to observe ducts. Wildtype mice were injected with 4T1.2 cells with shRNA targeted to Jnk1 (shJnk1) or non-targeting shRNA (GipZ). Tumors were palpated for growth changes and lungs were stained with India ink to observe lung metastases. RNA from tumors was compared using microarray fro expression of cancer related genes. Results: We have observed that adult glands from jnk1-/- mice contain multiple primary ducts whereas jnk1+/+ mice contain only one, indicating a possible defect during embryonic placode formation. This phenotype mimics what has been previously reported in models of ectopic NRG3 expression. In a 4T1.2 murine mammary cancer model, shJnk1 results in increased tumor growth as well as increased lung metastasis when compared to cells transfected with GipZ. In the tumors grown from the 4T1.2shJnk1 and 4T1.2GipZ cells, a microarray analysis revealed increases in Nrg3, Wnt targets and ligands, and the ErbB2 and Wnt target ETV5 in 4T1.2shJnk1 cells. An increase in the expression of ETV5, Bcl-9, Cox-2 (an ETV5 target), and ErbB2 (a target of ETV5) in 4T1.2shJnk1 cells vs 4T1.2GipZ cells has been confirmed by RT-PCR and western blotting for ErbB2 (Figure 2). I plan to determine how JNK1 affects the Wnt and ErbB pathways in mouse embryos and mammary tumor models. Since Wnt and ErbB pathways are necessary for placode formation, it is likely that these pathways, which are upregulated in our cancer model, are involved in the embryonic phenotype. I hypothesize that JNK1 loss causes increased signaling through these pathways, resulting in the formation of ectopic mammary placodes as well as a more aggressive tumor phenotype. If my hypothesis is supported by these studies then future studies will evaluate if low jnk1 expression is associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer or a worse prognosis using publically available microarray datasets derived from human tumor samples.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-06-13.

Abstract P6-04-17: The irreversible c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, JNK-IN-8, sensitizes basal-like breast cancer cells to lapatinib

Basal-like breast cancers represent 15-20% of breast cancers diagnosed each year. These tumors appear earlier in life and have the worst prognosis due to high prevalence of metastasis. Endocrine and molecularly targeted therapies such as trastuzumab or lapatinib are ineffective against this tumor subtype. A high frequency of p53 mutations, low BRCA1 expression along with high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression provide some insight into what types of targeted therapies may be useful for basal-like tumors in the future. We have recently shown that JNK2 mediates the expression of p53 and BRCA1 in response to EGFR activation to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition and metastasis. Further, high JNK2 expression is associated with poorer survival in patients with basal-like breast cancer. These findings suggest that the JNK pathway may be a promising target for basal-type breast cancer treatment.

Commonly used competitive ATP inhibitors of JNK have suffered from lack of specificity for JNK. However, the Gray laboratory recently developed highly specific covalent inhibitors of JNK (Zhang, et al. 2012). The agent showing the best properties is JNK-IN-8. Our data show that treatment of human and mouse basal-like, breast cancer cell lines with JNK-IN-8 sensitizes them to lapatinib. Single agents had minor affects on cell viability and cell cycle regulation, but combination treatment led to G2/M arrest and endoreduplication along with synergistic apoptotic responses. Further, the expression and electrophoretic mobility of mitotic arrest deficient 2 (MAD2) (a protein mediating chromosomal segregation) decreased after combination treatment which could explain the chromosomal duplication abnormalities observed. Combination treatment using lapatinib and JNK-IN-8 modulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation unlike either drug alone suggesting that both JNK and ERK target G2/M check point proteins, and when perturbed, sensitize basal-type breast cancer cells to targeted therapies.

We conclude that use of specific JNK inhibitors in tumors that are resistant to lapatinib, or perhaps trastuzumab, may sensitize them to treatments with these drugs, and may also prevent resistance to these drugs in tumors that were initially responsive. Considering that JNKs are nodes in receptor tyrosine kinase and many other signaling pathways, JNK-IN-8 treatment may improve the efficacy of other targeted therapies as well.

Zhang, T. et al. “Discovery of potent and selective covalent inhibitors of JNK”. Chem Biol. 2012 Jan 27;19(1):140-54.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-04-17.