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Delgado M, Gallegos Z, Stippec S, McGlynn K, Cobb MH, Whitehurst AW. Testis-specific serine kinase 6 (TSSK6) is abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer and promotes oncogenic behaviors. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107380. [PMID: 38762178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are a collection of proteins whose expression is normally restricted to the gamete but abnormally activated in a wide variety of tumors. The CTA, Testis-specific serine kinase 6 (TSSK6), is essential for male fertility in mice. The functional relevance of TSSK6 to cancer, if any, has not previously been investigated. Here we find that TSSK6 is frequently anomalously expressed in colorectal cancer and patients with elevated TSSK6 expression have reduced relapse-free survival. Depletion of TSSK6 from colorectal cancer cells attenuates anchorage-independent growth, invasion, and growth in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of TSSK6 enhances anchorage independence and invasion in vitro as well as in vivo tumor growth. Notably, ectopic expression of TSSK6 in semi-transformed human colonic epithelial cells is sufficient to confer anchorage independence and enhance invasion. In somatic cells, TSSK6 co-localizes with and enhances the formation of paxillin and tensin-positive foci at the cell periphery, suggesting a function in focal adhesion formation. Importantly, TSSK6 kinase activity is essential to induce these tumorigenic behaviors. Our findings establish that TSSK6 exhibits oncogenic activity when abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer cells. Thus, TSSK6 is a previously unrecognized intervention target for therapy, which could exhibit an exceptionally broad therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Delgado
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Zachary Gallegos
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Steve Stippec
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kathleen McGlynn
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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2
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Delgado M, Gallegos Z, McGlynn K, Stippec S, Cobb MH, Whitehurst A. The Cancer Testis Antigen Testis Specific Serine Kinase 6 (TSSK6) is abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer and promotes oncogenic behaviors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.08.574658. [PMID: 38260312 PMCID: PMC10802504 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.08.574658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are a collection of proteins whose expression is normally restricted to the gamete, but abnormally activated in a wide variety of tumors. The CTA, Testis specific serine kinase 6 (TSSK6), is essential for male fertility in mice. Functional relevance of TSSK6 to cancer, if any, has not previously been investigated. Here we find that TSSK6 is frequently anomalously expressed in colorectal cancer and patients with elevated TSSK6 expression have reduced relapse free survival. Depletion of TSSK6 from colorectal cancer cells attenuates anchorage independent growth, invasion and growth in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of TSSK6 enhances anchorage independence and invasion in vitro as well as in vivo tumor growth. Notably, ectopic expression of TSSK6 in semi-transformed human colonic epithelial cells is sufficient to confer anchorage independence and enhance invasion. In somatic cells, TSSK6 co-localizes with and enhances the formation of paxillin and tensin positive foci at the cell periphery, suggesting a function in focal adhesion formation. Importantly, TSSK6 kinase activity is essential to induce these tumorigenic behaviors. Our findings establish that TSSK6 exhibits oncogenic activity when abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer cells. Thus, TSSK6 is a previously unrecognized intervention target for therapy, which could exhibit an exceptionally broad therapeutic window.
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3
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Gruber FS, Richardson A, Johnston ZC, Myles R, Norcross NR, Day DP, Georgiou I, Sesma-Sanz L, Wilson C, Read KD, Martins da Silva S, Barratt CLR, Gilbert IH, Swedlow JR. Sperm Toolbox-A selection of small molecules to study human spermatozoa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297666. [PMID: 38377053 PMCID: PMC10878532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Male contraceptive options and infertility treatments are limited, and almost all innovation has been limited to updates to medically assisted reproduction protocols and methods. To accelerate the development of drugs that can either improve or inhibit fertility, we established a small molecule library as a toolbox for assay development and screening campaigns using human spermatozoa. We have profiled all compounds in the Sperm Toolbox in several automated high-throughput assays that measure stimulation or inhibition of sperm motility or the acrosome reaction. We have assayed motility under non-capacitating and capacitating conditions to distinguish between pathways operating under these different physiological states. We also assayed cell viability to ensure any effects on sperm function are specific. A key advantage of our studies is that all compounds are assayed together in the same experimental conditions, which allows quantitative comparisons of their effects in complementary functional assays. We have combined the resulting datasets to generate fingerprints of the Sperm Toolbox compounds on sperm function. The data are included in an on-line R-based app for convenient querying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz S. Gruber
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Richardson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe C. Johnston
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Myles
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Neil R. Norcross
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David P. Day
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Georgiou
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Sesma-Sanz
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Wilson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Martins da Silva
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L. R. Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jason R. Swedlow
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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4
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Louwagie EJ, Quinn GFL, Pond KL, Hansen KA. Male contraception: narrative review of ongoing research. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:30. [PMID: 37940863 PMCID: PMC10634021 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the release of the combined oral contraceptive pill in 1960, women have shouldered the burden of contraception and family planning. Over 60 years later, this is still the case as the only practical, effective contraceptive options available to men are condoms and vasectomy. However, there are now a variety of promising hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptive options being studied. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide clinicians and laypeople with focused, up-to-date descriptions of novel strategies and targets for male contraception. We include a cautiously optimistic discussion of benefits and potential drawbacks, highlighting several methods in preclinical and clinical stages of development. RESULTS As of June 2023, two hormonal male contraceptive methods are undergoing phase II clinical trials for safety and efficacy. A large-scale, international phase IIb trial investigating efficacy of transdermal segesterone acetate (Nestorone) plus testosterone gel has enrolled over 460 couples with completion estimated for late 2024. A second hormonal method, dimethandrolone undecanoate, is in two clinical trials focusing on safety, pharmacodynamics, suppression of spermatogenesis and hormones; the first of these two is estimated for completion in December 2024. There are also several non-hormonal methods with strong potential in preclinical stages of development. CONCLUSIONS There exist several hurdles to novel male contraception. Therapeutic development takes decades of time, meticulous work, and financial investment, but with so many strong candidates it is our hope that there will soon be several safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive options available to male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli J Louwagie
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA.
| | - Garrett F L Quinn
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Kristi L Pond
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Keith A Hansen
- Chair and Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine; Reproductive Endocrinologist, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 1500 W 22nd St Suite 102, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
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5
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Yunaini L, Ari Pujianto D. Various gene modification techniques to discover molecular targets for nonhormonal male contraceptives: A review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2023; 21:17-32. [PMID: 36875503 PMCID: PMC9982321 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v21i1.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification and characterization of relevant targets are necessary for developing nonhormonal male contraceptives. The molecules must demonstrate that they are necessary for reproduction. As a result, a sophisticated technique is required to identify the molecular targets for nonhormonal male contraceptives. Genetic modification (GM) techniques are one method that can be applied. This technique has been widely used to study gene function that effected male fertility and has resulted in the discovery of numerous nonhormonal male contraceptive target molecules. We examined GM techniques and approaches used to investigate genes involved in male fertility as potential targets for nonhormonal contraceptives. The discovery of nonhormonal contraceptive candidate molecules was increased by using GM techniques, especially the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9 method. The discovery of candidate nonhormonal contraceptive molecules can be a wide-open research for the development of nonhormonal male contraceptives. Therefore, we are believing that one day nonhormonal male contraceptives will be released.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luluk Yunaini
- Doctoral Program of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia.,Department of Medicine Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Ari Pujianto
- Department of Medicine Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
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Wu S, Li X, Shang L, Wu L, Li T, Li P, Ji Z, Hou J, Yin M, Xu W. The novel BRDT inhibitor NHWD870 shows potential as a male contraceptive in mice. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1789-1800. [PMID: 36239350 PMCID: PMC10157631 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins have emerged as promising options not only for the treatment of multiple cancers but also for disturbing the process of sperm maturation with potential for use as viable contraceptive targets. In this study, we find that the BET family inhibitor NHWD870 and BRDT can bind well in vitro through bioinformatics software prediction and protein binding inhibition experiments. NHWD870 can produce a good contraceptive effect through animal experiments in vivo, and the fertility can be restored to normal after drug withdrawal. Transcriptomics and proteomics results suggest that NHWD870 affects pathways related to spermatogenesis and maturation, further contributing to the male infertility phenotype. Our results show that NHWD870 can induce a complete and reversible contraceptive effect in mice, which is stronger than that of JQ1 and its synthesized derivatives. This study is expected to eventually lead to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixian Wu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Reproductive Medical Centre, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lijun Shang
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8BD, UK
| | - Lvying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Peiyv Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhiliang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianwen Hou
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Heath and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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7
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Male contraceptive development: A medicinal chemistry perspective. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Kadiyska T, Tourtourikov I, Dabchev K, Madzharova D, Tincheva S, Spandidos DA, Zoumpourlis V. Role of testis‑specific serine kinase 1B in undiagnosed male infertility. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:204. [PMID: 35485285 PMCID: PMC9073834 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global problem affecting a considerable part of the male population. Current guidelines and practices aimed at diagnosing the cause of this problem still have low diagnostic yield. As novel candidate genes for infertility emerge, their functional role needs to be investigated in patient populations. The present study aimed to investigate testis-specific serine kinase 1B (TSSK1B), which was discovered in a previously diagnosed patient. Sanger sequencing of the coding regions and exon borders of TSSK1B was performed in a cohort of 100 male Bulgarian patients with unresolved infertility causes. Missense mutations were discovered in 10% of patients and were associated with clinical data on sperm dysmorphology. Two previously unreported mutations were discovered, p.3D>N and p.52F>L. All mutations were scored via in silico predictors and protein modelling using AlphaFold2. The present findings indicated an association between TSSK1B mutations and asthenoteratozoospermia, with further missense mutations in patients with azoospermia and teratozoospermia. Mutations in TSSK1B may be a cause of undiagnosed cases of male infertility and should be considered when molecular diagnostics are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Kadiyska
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University, 1413 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | | | | | - Savina Tincheva
- Genetic Medico‑Diagnostic Laboratory 'Genica', 1612 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Vassilis Zoumpourlis
- Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
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9
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Nayyab S, Gervasi MG, Tourzani DA, Caraballo DA, Jha KN, Teves ME, Cui W, Georg GI, Visconti PE, Salicioni AM. TSSK3, a novel target for male contraception, is required for spermiogenesis. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:718-730. [PMID: 34623009 PMCID: PMC8961454 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that members of the family of testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) are post-meiotically expressed in testicular germ cells and in mature sperm in mammals. The restricted post-meiotic expression of TSSKs as well as the importance of phosphorylation in signaling processes strongly suggest that TSSKs have an important role in germ cell differentiation and/or sperm function. This prediction has been supported by the reported sterile phenotype of the TSSK6 knock-out (KO) mice and of the double TSSK1/TSSK2 KO. The aim of this study was to develop KO mouse models of TSSK3 and to validate this kinase as a target for the development of a male contraceptive. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate the TSSK3 KO allele on B6D2F1 background mice. Male heterozygous pups were used to establish three independent TSSK3 KO lines. After natural mating of TSSK3 KO males, females that presented a plug (indicative of mating) were monitored for the following 24 days and no pregnancies or pups were found. Sperm numbers were drastically reduced in all three KO lines and, remarkably, round spermatids were detected in the cauda epididymis of KO mice. From the small population of sperm recovered, severe morphology defects were detected. Our results indicate an essential role of TSSK3 in spermiogenesis and support this kinase as a suitable candidate for the development of novel nonhormonal male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Nayyab
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - María G. Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Diego A. Caraballo
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kula N. Jha
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research IV, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Animal Models Core Facility, Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Gunda I. Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Ana M. Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
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10
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Long JE, Lee MS, Blithe DL. Update on Novel Hormonal and Nonhormonal Male Contraceptive Development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2381-e2392. [PMID: 33481994 PMCID: PMC8344836 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of new methods of male contraception would increase contraceptive options for men and women and advance male contraceptive agency. Pharmaceutical R&D for male contraception has been dormant since the 1990s. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has supported a contraceptive development program since 1969 and supports most ongoing hormonal male contraceptive development. Nonhormonal methods are in earlier stages of development. CONTENT Several hormonal male contraceptive agents have entered clinical trials. Novel single agent products being evaluated include dimethandrolone undecanoate, 11β-methyl-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate, and 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone. A contraceptive efficacy trial of Nestorone®/testosterone gel is underway. Potential nonhormonal methods are at preclinical stages of development. Many nonhormonal male contraceptive targets that affect sperm production, sperm function, or sperm transport have been identified. SUMMARY NICHD supports development of reversible male contraceptive agents. Other organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Population Council, and the Male Contraception Initiative are pursuing male contraceptive development, but industry involvement remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Long
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Dr. Jill Long, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 3243, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Min S Lee
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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11
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Tamir TY, Drewry DH, Wells C, Major MB, Axtman AD. PKIS deep dive yields a chemical starting point for dark kinases and a cell active BRSK2 inhibitor. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15826. [PMID: 32985588 PMCID: PMC7522982 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Published Kinase Inhibitor Set (PKIS) is a publicly-available chemogenomic library distributed to more than 300 laboratories by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) between 2011 and 2015 and by SGC-UNC from 2015 to 2017. Screening this library of well-annotated, published kinase inhibitors has yielded a plethora of data in diverse therapeutic and scientific areas, funded applications, publications, and provided impactful pre-clinical results. GW296115 is a compound that was included in PKIS based on its promising selectivity following profiling against 260 human kinases. Herein we present more comprehensive profiling data for 403 wild type human kinases and follow-up enzymatic screening results for GW296115. This more thorough investigation of GW296115 has confirmed it as a potent inhibitor of kinases including BRSK1 and BRSK2 that were identified in the original panel of 260 kinases as well as surfaced other kinases that it potently inhibits. Based on these new kinome-wide screening results, we report that GW296115 is an inhibitor of several members of the Illuminating the Druggable Genome (IDG) list of understudied dark kinases. Specifically, our results establish GW296115 as a potent lead chemical tool that inhibits six IDG kinases with IC50 values less than 100 nM. Focused studies establish that GW296115 is cell active, and directly engages BRSK2. Further evaluation showed that GW296115 downregulates BRSK2-driven phosphorylation and downstream signaling. Therefore, we present GW296115 as a cell-active chemical tool that can be used to interrogate the poorly characterized function(s) of BRSK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigist Y Tamir
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carrow Wells
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M Ben Major
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alison D Axtman
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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12
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Salicioni AM, Gervasi MG, Sosnik J, Tourzani DA, Nayyab S, Caraballo DA, Visconti PE. Testis-specific serine kinase protein family in male fertility and as targets for non-hormonal male contraception†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:264-274. [PMID: 32337545 PMCID: PMC7401350 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Male contraception is a very active area of research. Several hormonal agents have entered clinical trials, while potential non-hormonal targets have been brought to light more recently and are at earlier stages of development. The general strategy is to target genes along the molecular pathways of sperm production, maturation, or function, and it is predicted that these novel approaches will hopefully lead to more selective male contraceptive compounds with a decreased side effect burden. Protein kinases are known to play a major role in signaling events associated with sperm differentiation and function. In this review, we focus our analysis on the testis-specific serine kinase (TSSK) protein family. We have previously shown that members of the family of TSSKs are postmeiotically expressed in male germ cells and in mature mammalian sperm. The restricted postmeiotic expression of TSSKs as well as the importance of phosphorylation in signaling processes strongly suggests that TSSKs have an important role in germ cell differentiation and/or sperm function. This prediction has been supported by the reported sterile phenotype of the Tssk6 knockout (KO) mice and of the double Tssk1 and Tssk2 KO mice and by the male subfertile phenotype observed in a Tssk4 KO mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
| | - Julian Sosnik
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Saman Nayyab
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Diego A Caraballo
- IFIBYNE-CONICET, Department of Physiology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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13
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Exploration of carbamide derived pyrimidine-thioindole conjugates as potential VEGFR-2 inhibitors with anti-angiogenesis effect. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 200:112457. [PMID: 32422489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of new small molecules from known structural motifs through molecular hybridization is one of the trends in drug discovery. In this connection, we have combined the two pharmacophoric units (pyrimidine and thioindole) in a single entity via molecular hybridization strategy along with introduction of urea functionality at C2 position of pyrimidine to increase the efficiency of H-bonding interactions. Among the synthesized conjugates 12a-aa, compound 12k was found to exhibit significant IC50 values 5.85, 7.87, 6.41 and 10.43 μM against MDA-MB-231 (breast), HepG2 (liver), A549 (lung) and PC-3 (prostate) cancer cell lines, respectively. All these compounds were further evaluated for their inhibitory activities against VEGFR-2 protein. The results specified that among the tested compounds, 12d, 12e, 12k, 12l, 12p, 12q, 12t and 12u prominently suppressed VEGFR-2, with IC50 values of 310-920 nM in association to the positive control (210 nM). Angiogenesis inhibition was evident by tube formation assay in HUVECs and cell-invasion by transwell assay. The mechanism of cellular toxicity on MDA-MB-231 was found through depolarisation of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ROS production and subsequent DNA damage resulting in apoptosis induction. Moreover, clonogenic and wound healing assays designated the inhibition of colony formation and cell migration by 12k in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking studies also shown that compound 12k capably intermingled with catalytically active residues GLU-885, ASP-1046 of the VEGFR-2 through hydrogen-bonding interactions.
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14
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Ferreira Pimentel LC, Cunha AC, Boas Hoelz LV, Canzian HF, Leite Firmino Marinho DI, Boechat N, Bastos MM. Phenylamino-pyrimidine (PAP) Privileged Structure: Synthesis and Medicinal Applications. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:227-243. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200124094949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The phenylamino-pyrimidine (PAP) nucleus has been demonstrated to be useful for the development of new drugs and is present in a wide variety of antiretroviral agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This review aims to evaluate the application of PAP derivatives in drugs and other bioactive compounds. It was concluded that PAP derivatives are still worth exploring, as they may provide highly competitive ATP TKI’s with nano/picomolar activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Claudio Ferreira Pimentel
- Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Sintese de Farmacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos, CEP 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anna Claudia Cunha
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Quimica Organica, Campus do Valonguinho, CEP 24020-150, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucas Villas Boas Hoelz
- Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Sintese de Farmacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos, CEP 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Henayle Fernandes Canzian
- Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Sintese de Farmacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos, CEP 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Debora Inacio Leite Firmino Marinho
- Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Sintese de Farmacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos, CEP 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nubia Boechat
- Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Sintese de Farmacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos, CEP 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Monica Macedo Bastos
- Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Tecnologia em Farmacos, Farmanguinhos - Fiocruz, Laboratório de Sintese de Farmacos - LASFAR, Manguinhos, CEP 21041-250, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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15
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Long JE, Lee MS, Blithe DL. Male Contraceptive Development: Update on Novel Hormonal and Nonhormonal Methods. Clin Chem 2019; 65:153-160. [PMID: 30602479 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2018.295089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of new methods of male contraception would address an unmet need for men to control their fertility and could increase contraceptive options for women. Pharmaceutical research and development for male contraception was active in the 1990s but has been virtually abandoned. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has supported a contraceptive development program since 1969 and supports the majority of hormonal male contraceptive development. Nonhormonal methods are also in development but are at earlier stages. CONTENT Several hormonal male contraceptive agents have entered clinical trials. Single-agent products being evaluated include dimethandrolone undecanoate, 11β-methyl-nortestosterone dodecyl carbonate, and 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone. A contraceptive efficacy trial of Nestorone® gel and testosterone gel in a single application will begin in 2018. Potential nonhormonal methods are at preclinical stages of development. Many nonhormonal male contraceptive targets that affect either sperm production or sperm function have been identified. Targeted pathways include the retinoic acid pathway, bromodomain and extraterminal proteins, and pathways for Sertoli cell-germ cell adhesion or sperm motility. Druggable targets include CatSper, the sperm Na+/K+-exchanger, TSSK, HIPK4, EPPIN, and ADAMs family proteins. Development of a procedure to reversibly block the vas deferens (initially developed in India in the 1980s) is undergoing early stage research in the US under the trade name Vasalgel™. SUMMARY NICHD has supported the development of reversible male contraceptive agents. Other organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Population Council are pursuing male contraceptive development, but industry involvement remains dormant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Long
- Contraceptive Development Program; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Min S Lee
- Contraceptive Development Program; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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16
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Research update and opportunity of non-hormonal male contraception: Histone demethylase KDM5B-based targeting. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:1-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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