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Pan P, Geng T, Li Z, Ding X, Shi M, Li Y, Wang Y, Shi Y, Wu J, Zhong L, Ji D, Li Z, Meng X. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras as Highly Selective and Efficient Degraders of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13568-13586. [PMID: 37751283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is recognized as a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and is involved in tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the results of ERK5 inhibition in multiple studies are controversial, and a highly specific ERK5-targeting agent is required to confirm physiological functions. Using proteolysis-targeting chimera technology, we designed the selective ERK5 degrader PPM-3 and examined its biological effect on cancer cells. Interestingly, the selective degradation of ERK5 with PPM-3 did not influence tumor cell growth directly. Based on proteomics analysis, the ERK5 deletion may be associated with tumor immunity. PPM-3 influences tumor development by affecting the differentiation of macrophages. Therefore, PPM-3 is an effective small-molecule tool for studying ERK5 and a promising immunotherapy drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tongtong Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhongtang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuyang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengyuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yang Li
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yashuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dengbo Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhongjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiangbao Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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2
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Cook SJ, Lochhead PA. ERK5 Signalling and Resistance to ERK1/2 Pathway Therapeutics: The Path Less Travelled? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:839997. [PMID: 35903549 PMCID: PMC9315226 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.839997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS-regulated RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signalling pathway is frequently de-regulated in human cancer. Melanoma in particular exhibits a high incidence of activating BRAFV600E/K and NRASQ61L/K mutations and such cells are addicted to the activity of these mutant oncoproteins. As a result three different BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have now been approved for BRAFV600E/K- mutant melanoma and have transformed the treatment of this disease. Despite this, clinical responses are typically transient as tumour cells develop resistance. These resistance mechanisms frequently involve reinstatement of ERK1/2 signalling and BRAFi are now deployed in combination with one of three approved MEK1/2 inhibitors (MEKi) to provide more durable, but still transient, clinical responses. Furthermore, inhibitors to ERK1/2 (ERK1/2i) have also been developed to counteract ERK1/2 signalling. However, recent studies have suggested that BRAFi/MEKi and ERK1/2i resistance can arise through activation of a parallel signalling pathway leading to activation of ERK5, an unusual protein kinase that contains both a kinase domain and a transcriptional transactivation domain. Here we review the evidence supporting ERK5 as a mediator of BRAFi/MEKi and ERK1/2i resistance. We also review the challenges in targeting ERK5 signalling with small molecules, including paradoxical activation of the transcriptional transactivation domain, and discuss new therapeutic modalities that could be employed to target ERK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Cook
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Pamela A. Lochhead, ; Simon J. Cook,
| | - Pamela A. Lochhead
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Pamela A. Lochhead, ; Simon J. Cook,
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3
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Wang L, Ji X, Mao C, Yu R. BAY-885, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 inhibitor, induces apoptosis by regulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress/Mcl-1/Bim pathway in breast cancer cells. Bioengineered 2022; 13:12888-12898. [PMID: 35609325 PMCID: PMC9275924 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2078557] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MEK5)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) axis has been reported to promote tumorigenesis in breast cancer (BC). Therefore, targeting the MEK5/ERK5 axis is a potential strategy against BC. BAY-885 is a novel inhibitor of ERK5; however, to date, its anti-tumor effects in BC have not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the anti-tumor effects of BAY-885 in BC and identify its underlying mechanisms of action. Unlike other ERK5 inhibitors, which frequently failed to mimic ERK5 genetic ablation phenotypes, the BAY-885 treatment effectively recapitulated ERK5 depletion effects in BC cells. Results revealed that BAY-885 affected the viability and induced apoptosis in BC cells. Moreover, the BAY-885-mediated downregulation of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and upregulation of Bim were dependent on ERK5 inhibition. Furthermore, BAY-885 triggered activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which further led to the upregulation of Bim and downregulation of Mcl-1. ER stress was induced in an ERK5 inhibition-dependent manner. These findings suggested that BAY-885 induced apoptosis in BC cells via ER stress/Mcl-1/Bim axis, suggesting that BAY-885 may serve as a therapeutic agent for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre, the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo
| | - Xiaochun Ji
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre, the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo
| | - Chenxiao Mao
- Department of Electronic Commerce, Zhejiang Fashion Institute of Technology, Ningbo
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo
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4
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van der Zwet JCG, Buijs-Gladdines JGCAM, Cordo' V, Debets DO, Smits WK, Chen Z, Dylus J, Zaman GJR, Altelaar M, Oshima K, Bornhauser B, Bourquin JP, Cools J, Ferrando AA, Vormoor J, Pieters R, Vormoor B, Meijerink JPP. MAPK-ERK is a central pathway in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that drives steroid resistance. Leukemia 2021; 35:3394-3405. [PMID: 34007050 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01291-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
(Patho-)physiological activation of the IL7-receptor (IL7R) signaling contributes to steroid resistance in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Here, we show that activating IL7R pathway mutations and physiological IL7R signaling activate MAPK-ERK signaling, which provokes steroid resistance by phosphorylation of BIM. By mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that phosphorylated BIM is impaired in binding to BCL2, BCLXL and MCL1, shifting the apoptotic balance toward survival. Treatment with MEK inhibitors abolishes this inactivating phosphorylation of BIM and restores its interaction with anti-apoptotic BCL2-protein family members. Importantly, the MEK inhibitor selumetinib synergizes with steroids in both IL7-dependent and IL7-independent steroid resistant pediatric T-ALL PDX samples. Despite the anti-MAPK-ERK activity of ruxolitinib in IL7-induced signaling and JAK1 mutant cells, ruxolitinib only synergizes with steroid treatment in IL7-dependent steroid resistant PDX samples but not in IL7-independent steroid resistant PDX samples. Our study highlights the central role for MAPK-ERK signaling in steroid resistance in T-ALL patients, and demonstrates the broader application of MEK inhibitors over ruxolitinib to resensitize steroid-resistant T-ALL cells. These findings strongly support the enrollment of T-ALL patients in the current phase I/II SeluDex trial (NCT03705507) and contributes to the optimization and stratification of newly designed T-ALL treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valentina Cordo'
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Donna O Debets
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center of Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Willem K Smits
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Zhongli Chen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jelle Dylus
- Netherlands Translational Research Center B.V., Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Guido J R Zaman
- Netherlands Translational Research Center B.V., Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center of Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Koichi Oshima
- Institute of Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Beat Bornhauser
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Pierre Bourquin
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Cools
- KU Leuven Center for Human Genetics & VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adolfo A Ferrando
- Institute of Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josef Vormoor
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Britta Vormoor
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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5
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Serrano-Del Valle A, Reina-Ortiz C, Benedi A, Anel A, Naval J, Marzo I. Future prospects for mitosis-targeted antitumor therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114655. [PMID: 34129859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of cell cycle progression is a hallmark of cancer cells. In recent years, efforts have been devoted to the development of new therapies that target proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and mitosis. Novel targeted antimitotic drugs include inhibitors of aurora kinase family, polo-like kinase 1, Mps1, Eg5, CENP-5 and the APC/cyclosome complex. While certain new inhibitors reached the clinical trial stage, most were discontinued due to negative results. However, these therapies should not be readily dismissed. Based on recent advances concerning their mechanisms of action, new strategies could be devised to increase their efficacy and promote further clinical trials. Here we discuss three main lines of action to empower these therapeutic approaches: increasing cell death signals during mitotic arrest, targeting senescent cells and facilitating antitumor immune response through immunogenic cell death (ICD).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chantal Reina-Ortiz
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Andrea Benedi
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Alberto Anel
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Javier Naval
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Isabel Marzo
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain.
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6
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Lochhead PA, Tucker JA, Tatum NJ, Wang J, Oxley D, Kidger AM, Johnson VP, Cassidy MA, Gray NS, Noble MEM, Cook SJ. Paradoxical activation of the protein kinase-transcription factor ERK5 by ERK5 kinase inhibitors. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1383. [PMID: 32170057 PMCID: PMC7069993 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15031-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual protein kinase-transcription factor, ERK5, is an emerging drug target in cancer and inflammation, and small-molecule ERK5 kinase inhibitors have been developed. However, selective ERK5 kinase inhibitors fail to recapitulate ERK5 genetic ablation phenotypes, suggesting kinase-independent functions for ERK5. Here we show that ERK5 kinase inhibitors cause paradoxical activation of ERK5 transcriptional activity mediated through its unique C-terminal transcriptional activation domain (TAD). Using the ERK5 kinase inhibitor, Compound 26 (ERK5-IN-1), as a paradigm, we have developed kinase-active, drug-resistant mutants of ERK5. With these mutants, we show that induction of ERK5 transcriptional activity requires direct binding of the inhibitor to the kinase domain. This in turn promotes conformational changes in the kinase domain that result in nuclear translocation of ERK5 and stimulation of gene transcription. This shows that both the ERK5 kinase and TAD must be considered when assessing the role of ERK5 and the effectiveness of anti-ERK5 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A Lochhead
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Julie A Tucker
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Natalie J Tatum
- CRUK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David Oxley
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Andrew M Kidger
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Victoria P Johnson
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Megan A Cassidy
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Martin E M Noble
- CRUK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Simon J Cook
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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7
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Targeted Avenues for Cancer Treatment: The MEK5-ERK5 Signaling Pathway. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:394-407. [PMID: 32277933 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Twenty years have passed since extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) and its upstream activator, mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MEK5), first emerged onto the cancer research scene. Although we have come a long way in defining the liaison between dysregulated MEK5-ERK5 signaling and the pathogenesis of epithelial and nonepithelial malignancies, selective targeting of this unique pathway remains elusive. Here, we provide an updated review of the existing evidence for a correlation between aberrant MEK5-ERK5 (phospho)proteomic/transcriptomic profiles, aggressive cancer states, and poor patient outcomes. We then focus on emerging insights from preclinical models regarding the relevance of upregulated ERK5 activity in promoting tumor growth, metastasis, therapy resistance, undifferentiated traits, and immunosuppression, highlighting the opportunities, prospects, and challenges of selectively blocking this cascade for antineoplastic treatment and chemosensitization.
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8
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Zhang H, Jenkins SM, Lee CT, Harrington SM, Liu Z, Dong H, Zhang L. Bim is an independent prognostic marker in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Hum Pathol 2018; 78:97-105. [PMID: 29698699 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver malignant tumor and has a poor prognosis. The prognostic factors associated with outcome remain poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the role of an important cell apoptosis initiator, Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim), by evaluating its expression and association with other clinicopathological features in ICCs. We analyzed 56 cases of ICC with clinical follow-up. The expression of Bim in ICC cells and other cellular components was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Bim expression was considered up-regulated if Bim was detected in 10% or more of tumor cells. Of the 56 ICC samples, 19 (34%) had high Bim expression level, 15 (27%) were completely negative, and 22 (39%) were classified as low Bim expression (<10% positivity). Patients who had tumors with high Bim level had significantly longer overall survival than did those with low or no staining (median survival, 7.6 versus 2.6 years; hazard ratio, 0.40; P = .006). High Bim expression was also correlated with low Ki-67 index, and more importantly, none of the tumors with high Bim expression had lymph node metastases at the time of surgery. Our study demonstrates that Bim is an important and independent prognostic factor in ICC. Tumors with high Bim expression are associated with better prognosis through inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and metastatic ability. The development of new agents directly or indirectly targeting Bim may provide promising anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, China; Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Sarah M Jenkins
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Chuang-Ta Lee
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, 704, Republic of China
| | | | - Zhuogang Liu
- Department of Hematology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, China.
| | - Haidong Dong
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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9
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Haschka M, Karbon G, Fava LL, Villunger A. Perturbing mitosis for anti-cancer therapy: is cell death the only answer? EMBO Rep 2018; 19:e45440. [PMID: 29459486 PMCID: PMC5836099 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201745440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interfering with mitosis for cancer treatment is an old concept that has proven highly successful in the clinics. Microtubule poisons are used to treat patients with different types of blood or solid cancer since more than 20 years, but how these drugs achieve clinical response is still unclear. Arresting cells in mitosis can promote their demise, at least in a petri dish. Yet, at the molecular level, this type of cell death is poorly defined and cancer cells often find ways to escape. The signaling pathways activated can lead to mitotic slippage, cell death, or senescence. Therefore, any attempt to unravel the mechanistic action of microtubule poisons will have to investigate aspects of cell cycle control, cell death initiation in mitosis and after slippage, at single-cell resolution. Here, we discuss possible mechanisms and signaling pathways controlling cell death in mitosis or after escape from mitotic arrest, as well as secondary consequences of mitotic errors, particularly sterile inflammation, and finally address the question how clinical efficacy of anti-mitotic drugs may come about and could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Haschka
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerlinde Karbon
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Luca L Fava
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Povo, Italy
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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10
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Lochhead PA, Clark J, Wang LZ, Gilmour L, Squires M, Gilley R, Foxton C, Newell DR, Wedge SR, Cook SJ. Tumor cells with KRAS or BRAF mutations or ERK5/MAPK7 amplification are not addicted to ERK5 activity for cell proliferation. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:506-18. [PMID: 26959608 PMCID: PMC5056618 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1120915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ERK5, encoded by MAPK7, has been proposed to play a role in cell proliferation, thus attracting interest as a cancer therapeutic target. While oncogenic RAS or BRAF cause sustained activation of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway, ERK5 is directly activated by MEK5. It has been proposed that RAS and RAF proteins can also promote ERK5 activation. Here we investigated the interplay between RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK and ERK5 signaling and studied the role of ERK5 in tumor cell proliferation in 2 disease-relevant cell models. We demonstrate that although an inducible form of CRAF (CRAF:ER*) can activate ERK5 in fibroblasts, the response is delayed and reflects feed-forward signaling. Additionally, oncogenic KRAS and BRAF do not activate ERK5 in epithelial cells. Although KRAS and BRAF do not couple directly to MEK5-ERK5, ERK5 signaling might still be permissive for proliferation. However, neither the selective MEK5 inhibitor BIX02189 or ERK5 siRNA inhibited proliferation of colorectal cancer cells harbouring KRAS(G12C/G13D) or BRAF(V600E). Furthermore, there was no additive or synergistic effect observed when BIX02189 was combined with the MEK1/2 inhibitor Selumetinib (AZD6244), suggesting that ERK5 was neither required for proliferation nor a driver of innate resistance to MEK1/2 inhibitors. Finally, even cancer cells with MAPK7 amplification were resistant to BIX02189 and ERK5 siRNA, showing that ERK5 amplification does not confer addiction to ERK5 for cell proliferation. Thus ERK5 signaling is unlikely to play a role in tumor cell proliferation downstream of KRAS or BRAF or in tumor cells with ERK5 amplification. These results have important implications for the role of ERK5 as an anti-cancer drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Clark
- Biological Chemistry Facility; The Babraham Institute; Cambridge, UK
| | - Lan-Zhen Wang
- The Northern Institute for Cancer Research; University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle, UK
| | - Lesley Gilmour
- Cancer Research Technology; The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research; Garscube Estate; Glasgow, UK
- Current address: Translational Radiation Biology; The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research; Garscube Estate; Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew Squires
- Signalling Laboratory; The Babraham Institute; Cambridge, UK
- Current address: Novartis; Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Gilley
- Signalling Laboratory; The Babraham Institute; Cambridge, UK
| | - Caroline Foxton
- Cancer Research Technology; CRT Discovery Laboratories; London Bioscience Innovation Centre; London, UK
- Current address: Centre for Drug Development; Cancer Research UK; London, UK
| | - David R. Newell
- The Northern Institute for Cancer Research; University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle, UK
| | - Stephen R. Wedge
- The Northern Institute for Cancer Research; University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle, UK
| | - Simon J. Cook
- Signalling Laboratory; The Babraham Institute; Cambridge, UK
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11
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Targeting the Mitotic Catastrophe Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:146282. [PMID: 26491220 PMCID: PMC4600505 DOI: 10.1155/2015/146282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic catastrophe, as defined in 2012 by the International Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death, is a bona fide intrinsic oncosuppressive mechanism that senses mitotic failure and responds by driving a cell to an irreversible antiproliferative fate of death or senescence. Thus, failed mitotic catastrophe can promote the unrestrained growth of defective cells, thereby representing a major gateway to tumour development. Furthermore, the activation of mitotic catastrophe offers significant therapeutic advantage which has been exploited in the action of conventional and targeted anticancer agents. Yet, despite its importance in tumour prevention and treatment, the molecular mechanism of mitotic catastrophe is not well understood. A better understanding of the signals that determine cell fate following failed or defective mitosis will reveal new opportunities to selectively target and enhance the programme for therapeutic benefit and reveal biomarkers to predict patient response. This review is focused on the molecular mechanism of mitotic catastrophe induction and signalling and highlights current strategies to exploit the process in cancer therapy.
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12
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Sionov RV, Vlahopoulos SA, Granot Z. Regulation of Bim in Health and Disease. Oncotarget 2015; 6:23058-134. [PMID: 26405162 PMCID: PMC4695108 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The BH3-only Bim protein is a major determinant for initiating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Tight regulation of its expression and activity at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels together with the induction of alternatively spliced isoforms with different pro-apoptotic potential, ensure timely activation of Bim. Under physiological conditions, Bim is essential for shaping immune responses where its absence promotes autoimmunity, while too early Bim induction eliminates cytotoxic T cells prematurely, resulting in chronic inflammation and tumor progression. Enhanced Bim induction in neurons causes neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Moreover, type I diabetes is promoted by genetically predisposed elevation of Bim in β-cells. On the contrary, cancer cells have developed mechanisms that suppress Bim expression necessary for tumor progression and metastasis. This review focuses on the intricate network regulating Bim activity and its involvement in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Vogt Sionov
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Spiros A. Vlahopoulos
- First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Horemeio Research Laboratory, Thivon and Levadias, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Zvi Granot
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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Fava LL, Haschka MD, Villunger A. Bim vanishes in the light of a mitotic Aurora. Cell Death Differ 2014; 20:1597-8. [PMID: 24212928 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2013.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L L Fava
- Division of Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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14
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Ashford AL, Oxley D, Kettle J, Hudson K, Guichard S, Cook SJ, Lochhead PA. A novel DYRK1B inhibitor AZ191 demonstrates that DYRK1B acts independently of GSK3β to phosphorylate cyclin D1 at Thr(286), not Thr(288). Biochem J 2014; 457:43-56. [PMID: 24134204 DOI: 10.1042/bj20130461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DYRK1B (dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1B) is amplified in certain cancers and may be an oncogene; however, our knowledge of DYRK1B has been limited by the lack of selective inhibitors. In the present study we describe AZ191, a potent small molecule inhibitor that selectively inhibits DYRK1B in vitro and in cells. CCND1 (cyclin D1), a key regulator of the mammalian G1-S-phase transition, is phosphorylated on Thr(286) by GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3β) to promote its degradation. DYRK1B has also been proposed to promote CCND1 turnover, but was reported to phosphorylate Thr(288) rather than Thr(286). Using in vitro kinase assays, phospho-specific immunoblot analysis and MS in conjunction with AZ191 we now show that DYRK1B phosphorylates CCND1 at Thr(286), not Thr(288), in vitro and in cells. In HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 and PANC-1 cells (which exhibit DYRK1B amplification) DYRK1B drives Thr(286) phosphorylation and proteasome-dependent turnover of CCND1 and this is abolished by AZ191 or DYRK1B RNAi, but not by GSK3β inhibitors or GSK3β RNAi. DYRK1B expression causes a G1-phase cell-cycle arrest, but overexpression of CCND1 (wild-type or T286A) fails to overcome this; indeed, DYRK1B also promotes the expression of p21CIP1 (21 kDa CDK-interacting protein 1) and p27KIP1 (CDK-inhibitory protein 1). The results of the present study demonstrate for the first time that DYRK1B is a novel Thr(286)-CCND1 kinase that acts independently of GSK3β to promote CCND1 degradation. Furthermore, we anticipate that AZ191 may prove useful in defining further substrates and biological functions of DYRK1B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L Ashford
- *Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, U.K
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15
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Evans C, Cook SJ, Coleman MP, Gilley J. MEK inhibitor U0126 reverses protection of axons from Wallerian degeneration independently of MEK-ERK signaling. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76505. [PMID: 24124570 PMCID: PMC3790678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wallerian degeneration is delayed when sufficient levels of proteins with NMNAT activity are maintained within axons after injury. This has been proposed to form the basis of 'slow Wallerian degeneration' (WldS), a neuroprotective phenotype conferred by an aberrant fusion protein, WldS. Proteasome inhibition also delays Wallerian degeneration, although much less robustly, with stabilization of NMNAT2 likely to play a key role in this mechanism. The pan-MEK inhibitor U0126 has previously been shown to reverse the axon-protective effects of proteasome inhibition, suggesting that MEK-ERK signaling plays a role in delayed Wallerian degeneration, in addition to its established role in promoting neuronal survival. Here we show that whilst U0126 can also reverse WldS-mediated axon protection, more specific inhibitors of MEK1/2 and MEK5, PD184352 and BIX02189, have no significant effect on the delay to Wallerian degeneration in either situation, whether used alone or in combination. This suggests that an off-target effect of U0126 is responsible for reversion of the axon protective effects of WldS expression or proteasome inhibition, rather than inhibition of MEK1/2-ERK1/2 or MEK5-ERK5 signaling. Importantly, this off-target effect does not appear to result in alterations in the stabilities of either WldS or NMNAT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Evans
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Cook
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Coleman
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Gilley
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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16
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Moustafa-Kamal M, Gamache I, Lu Y, Li S, Teodoro JG. BimEL is phosphorylated at mitosis by Aurora A and targeted for degradation by βTrCP1. Cell Death Differ 2013; 20:1393-403. [PMID: 23912711 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2013.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) is a pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 family member implicated in numerous apoptotic stimuli. In particular, Bim is required for cell death mediated by antimitotic agents, however, mitotic regulation of Bim remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the major splice variant of Bim, BimEL, is regulated during mitosis by the Aurora A kinase and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). We observed that BimEL is phosphorylated by Aurora A early in mitosis and reversed by PP2A after mitotic exit. Aurora A phosphorylation stimulated binding of BimEL to the F-box protein beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase and promoted ubiquitination and degradation of BimEL. These findings describe a novel mechanism by which the oncogenic kinase Aurora A promotes cell survival during mitosis by downregulating proapoptotic signals. Notably, we observed that knockdown of Bim significantly increased resistance of cells to the Aurora A inhibitor MLN8054. Inhibitors of Aurora A are currently under investigation as cancer chemotherapeutics and our findings suggest that efficacy of this class of drugs may function in part by enhancing apoptotic activity of BimEL.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moustafa-Kamal
- Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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17
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Sermeus A, Genin M, Maincent A, Fransolet M, Notte A, Leclere L, Riquier H, Arnould T, Michiels C. Hypoxia-induced modulation of apoptosis and BCL-2 family proteins in different cancer cell types. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47519. [PMID: 23139748 PMCID: PMC3489905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia plays an important role in the resistance of tumour cells to chemotherapy. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this process are not well understood. Moreover, according to the cell lines, hypoxia differently influences cell death. The study of the effects of hypoxia on the apoptosis induced by 5 chemotherapeutic drugs in 7 cancer cell types showed that hypoxia generally inhibited the drug-induced apoptosis. In most cases, the effect of hypoxia was the same for all the drugs in one cell type. The expression profile of 93 genes involved in apoptosis as well as the protein level of BCL-2 family proteins were then investigated. In HepG2 cells that are strongly protected against cell death by hypoxia, hypoxia decreased the abundance of nearly all the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins while none of them are decreased in A549 cells that are not protected against cell death by hypoxia. In HepG2 cells, hypoxia decreased NOXA and BAD abundance and modified the electrophoretic mobility of BIMEL. BIM and NOXA are important mediators of etoposide-induced cell death in HepG2 cells and the hypoxia-induced modification of these proteins abundance or post-translational modifications partly account for chemoresistance. Finally, the modulation of the abundance and/or of the post-translational modifications of most proteins of the BCL-2 family by hypoxia involves p53-dependent and –independent pathways and is cell type-dependent. A better understanding of these cell-to-cell variations is crucial in order to overcome hypoxia-induced resistance and to ameliorate cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Sermeus
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
| | - Marie Genin
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
| | - Amélie Maincent
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
| | - Maude Fransolet
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
| | - Annick Notte
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
| | - Lionel Leclere
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
| | - Hélène Riquier
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
| | - Thierry Arnould
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
| | - Carine Michiels
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (URBC), NARILIS, University of Namur – FUNDP, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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