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Bai H, Yang Z, Lei H, Wu Y, Liu J, Yuan B, Ma M, Gao L, Zhang SQ, Xin M. Discovery of novel pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potent menin-mixed lineage leukemia interaction inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116226. [PMID: 38367493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
To interfere the Menin-MLL interaction using small molecular inhibitors has been shown as new treatment of several special hematological malignancies. Herein, a series of Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors with pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold were designed, synthesized and evaluated. Among them, compound A6 exhibited potent binding affinity with an IC50 value of 0.38 μM, and strong anti-proliferative activity against MV4-11 cells with an IC50 value of 1.07 μM. Further study showed A6 reduced the transcriptional levels of HOXA9 and MEIS1 genes. Moreover, A6 induced cellular apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, and reversed the differentiation arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. This study suggested compound A6 was as a novel potent Menin-MLL interaction inhibitor, and it proved that introduction of 4-amino pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine to occupy the P10 hydrophobic pocket was new idea for design of novel Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Zhe Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Hao Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Yujie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Bo Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Mengyan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Li Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Minhang Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China.
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2
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Zou J, Yu C, Zhang C, Guan Y, Zhang Y, Tolbert E, Zhang W, Zhao T, Bayliss G, Li X, Ye Z, Zhuang S. Inhibition of MLL1-menin interaction attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22712. [PMID: 36527439 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100634rrr] [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: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1), a histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase, exerts its enzymatic activity by interacting with menin and other proteins. It is unclear whether inhibition of the MLL1-menin interaction influences epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), renal fibroblast activation, and renal fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of disrupting MLL1-menin interaction on those events and mechanisms involved in a murine model of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), in cultured mouse proximal tubular cells and renal interstitial fibroblasts. Injury to the kidney increased the expression of MLL1 and menin and H3K4 monomethylation (H3K4me1); MLL1 and menin were expressed in renal epithelial cells and renal interstitial fibroblasts. Inhibition of the MLL1-menin interaction by MI-503 administration or siRNA-mediated silencing of MLL1 attenuated UUO-induced renal fibrosis, and reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin. These treatments also inhibited UUO-induced expression of transcription factors Snail and Twist and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) while expression of E-cadherin was preserved. Moreover, treatment with MI-503 and transfection with either MLL siRNA or menin siRNA inhibited TGF-β1-induced upregulation of α-SMA, fibronectin and Snail, phosphorylation of Smad3 and AKT, and downregulation of E-cadherin in cultured renal epithelial cells. Finally, MI-503 was effective in abrogating serum or TGFβ1-induced transformation of renal interstitial fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that targeting disruption of the MLL1-menin interaction attenuates renal fibrosis through inhibition of partial EMT and renal fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zou
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Nephrology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyun Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Yingjie Guan
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Yunhe Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Evelyn Tolbert
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - George Bayliss
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zhibin Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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3
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Shiah JV, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Transcription Factors and Cancer: Approaches to Targeting. Cancer J 2023; 29:38-46. [PMID: 36693157 PMCID: PMC9881838 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is defined by the presence of uncontrollable cell growth, whereby improper proliferative signaling has overcome regulation by cellular mechanisms. Transcription factors are uniquely situated at the helm of signaling, merging extracellular stimuli with intracellular responses. Therefore, this class of proteins plays a pivotal role in coordinating the correct gene expression levels for maintaining normal cellular functions. Dysregulation of transcription factor activity unsurprisingly drives tumorigenesis and oncogenic transformation. Although this imparts considerable therapeutic potential to targeting transcription factors, their lack of enzymatic activity renders intervention challenging and has contributed to a sense that transcription factors are "undruggable." Yet, enduring efforts to elucidate strategies for targeting transcription factors as well as a deeper understanding of their interactions with binding partners have led to advancements that are emerging to counter this narrative. Here, we highlight some of these approaches, focusing primarily on therapeutics that have advanced to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie V Shiah
- From the Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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4
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Lei H, Zhang SQ, Bai H, Zhao HY, Sun J, Chuai H, Xin M. Discovery of Novel, Potent, and Selective Small-Molecule Menin-Mixed Lineage Leukemia Interaction Inhibitors through Attempting Introduction of Hydrophilic Groups. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13413-13435. [PMID: 36173787 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction of the N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy group to pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine led to the discovery of menin-mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) interaction inhibitor C20. C20 showed strong binding affinity to menin protein and achieved sub-micromolar potency in cell growth inhibition. C20 had good selectivity for the inhibition of the interaction between menin and MLL in the kinase profile evaluation. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that C20 possessed good stability and low clearance rate in liver microsomes and acceptable bioavailability in rats. Subsequent oral administration of C20 showed potent antitumor activity in the MV4;11 subcutaneous xenograft models of MLL-rearranged leukemia. The docking study showed that C20 bound highly with menin, and the N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy group occupied the F9 pocket of menin. This study proved that introducing a hydrophilic group into the F9 pocket of menin would be a new strategy for the design of menin-MLL interaction inhibitors with potent binding affinity and improved physical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Huanrong Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Jiajia Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Chuai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
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5
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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6
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Wang Y, Luo Y, Hu D, Song B. Design, Synthesis, Anti-Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Activity, and Mechanism of Action of Thienopyrimidine-Containing Dithioacetal Derivatives. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:6015-6025. [PMID: 35576166 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is insufficient viricide to effectively control tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). To address this pending issue, a series of thienopyrimidine-containing dithioacetal derivatives were prepared and tested for their anti-TSWV activities. A subsequent three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship was constructed to indicate the development of optimal compound 35. The obtained compound 35 had excellent anti-TSWV curative, protective, and inactivating activities (63.0, 56.6, and 74.1%, respectively), and the EC50 values of protective and inactivating activities of compound 35 were 252.8 and 113.5 mg/L, respectively, better than those of ningnanmycin (284.8 and 144.7 mg/L) and xiangcaoliusuobingmi (624.9 and 300.0 mg/L). In addition, the anti-TSWV activity of compound 35 was associated with defense-related enzyme activities, enhanced photosynthesis, and reduced stress response, thereby enhancing disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanju Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yuqin Luo
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Deyu Hu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Baoan Song
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, China
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7
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Feoli A, Viviano M, Cipriano A, Milite C, Castellano S, Sbardella G. Lysine methyltransferase inhibitors: where we are now. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:359-406. [PMID: 35441141 PMCID: PMC8985178 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00196e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases constitute a large family of epigenetic writers that catalyse the transfer of a methyl group from the cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine to histone- and non-histone-specific substrates. Alterations in the expression and activity of these proteins have been linked to the genesis and progress of several diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and growing defects, hence they represent interesting targets for new therapeutic approaches. Over the past two decades, the identification of modulators of lysine methyltransferases has increased tremendously, clarifying the role of these proteins in different physio-pathological states. The aim of this review is to furnish an updated outlook about the protein lysine methyltransferases disclosed modulators, reporting their potency, their mechanism of action and their eventual use in clinical and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Feoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Alessandra Cipriano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Ciro Milite
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
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8
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Béné MC, Porwit A. Mixed Phenotype/Lineage Leukemia: Has Anything Changed for 2021 on Diagnosis, Classification, and Treatment? Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:1015-1022. [PMID: 35380407 PMCID: PMC9249706 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01252-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Recent advances in the small field of the rare mixed phenotype acute leukemias (MPAL) are presented focusing on a better understanding of their pathophysiology and search for better therapeutic approaches. Recent Findings Three aspects of respective classification, therapy, and immunophenotype of MPAL are reviewed. New proposals have been made to segregate MPAL subtypes based on their genomic landscape. In parallel, it was found that a large array of therapeutic approaches has been tested in the past few years with increasingly good results. Finally, we explored the use of unsupervised flow cytometry analysis to dissect subtle variations in markers expression to better characterize the variegating aspect of MPALs. Summary Genomic and immunophenotypic aspects more clearly link MPAL subtypes with bona fide acute myeloblastic of lymphoblastic leukemias. This is likely to impact therapeutic strategies, towards a better management and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C. Béné
- Hematology Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Inserm, CHU de Nantes, CRCI2NA, INSERM UMR 1307 & CNRS UMR 6075 Nantes, France
| | - Anna Porwit
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 25b, 22185 Lund, Sweden
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9
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Effective Menin inhibitor-based combinations against AML with MLL rearrangement or NPM1 mutation (NPM1c). Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:5. [PMID: 35017466 PMCID: PMC8752621 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00603-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with Menin inhibitor (MI) disrupts the interaction between Menin and MLL1 or MLL1-fusion protein (FP), inhibits HOXA9/MEIS1, induces differentiation and loss of survival of AML harboring MLL1 re-arrangement (r) and FP, or expressing mutant (mt)-NPM1. Following MI treatment, although clinical responses are common, the majority of patients with AML with MLL1-r or mt-NPM1 succumb to their disease. Pre-clinical studies presented here demonstrate that genetic knockout or degradation of Menin or treatment with the MI SNDX-50469 reduces MLL1/MLL1-FP targets, associated with MI-induced differentiation and loss of viability. MI treatment also attenuates BCL2 and CDK6 levels. Co-treatment with SNDX-50469 and BCL2 inhibitor (venetoclax), or CDK6 inhibitor (abemaciclib) induces synergistic lethality in cell lines and patient-derived AML cells harboring MLL1-r or mtNPM1. Combined therapy with SNDX-5613 and venetoclax exerts superior in vivo efficacy in a cell line or PD AML cell xenografts harboring MLL1-r or mt-NPM1. Synergy with the MI-based combinations is preserved against MLL1-r AML cells expressing FLT3 mutation, also CRISPR-edited to introduce mtTP53. These findings highlight the promise of clinically testing these MI-based combinations against AML harboring MLL1-r or mtNPM1.
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10
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Lei H, Zhang SQ, Fan S, Bai HR, Zhao HY, Mao S, Xin M. Recent Progress of Small Molecule Menin-MLL Interaction Inhibitors as Therapeutic Agents for Acute Leukemia. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15519-15533. [PMID: 34726905 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangements are associated with acute leukemia. The protein menin is regarded as a critical oncogenic cofactor of the resulting MLL fusion proteins in acute leukemia. A direct interaction between menin and the MLL amino terminal sequences is necessary for MLL fusion protein-mediated leukemogenesis. Thus, inhibition of the interaction between menin and MLL has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. Recent improvements in structural biology and chemical reactivity have promoted the design and development of selective and potent menin-MLL interaction inhibitors. In this Perspective, different classes of menin-MLL interaction inhibitors are comprehensively summarized. Further research potential, challenges, and opportunities in the field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Shu Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Huan-Rong Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Shuai Mao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
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11
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Cherif C, Nguyen DT, Paris C, Le TK, Sefiane T, Carbuccia N, Finetti P, Chaffanet M, Kaoutari AE, Vernerey J, Fazli L, Gleave M, Manai M, Barthélémy P, Birnbaum D, Bertucci F, Taïeb D, Rocchi P. Menin inhibition suppresses castration-resistant prostate cancer and enhances chemosensitivity. Oncogene 2021; 41:125-137. [PMID: 34711954 PMCID: PMC8724010 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Disease progression and therapeutic resistance of prostate cancer (PC) are linked to multiple molecular events that promote survival and plasticity. We previously showed that heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) acted as a driver of castration-resistant phenotype (CRPC) and developed an oligonucleotides antisense (ASO) against HSP27 with evidence of anti-cancer activity in men with CRPC. Here, we show that the tumor suppressor Menin (MEN1) is highly regulated by HSP27. Menin is overexpressed in high-grade PC and CRPC. High MEN1 mRNA expression is associated with decreased biochemical relapse-free and overall survival. Silencing Menin with ASO technology inhibits CRPC cell proliferation, tumor growth, and restores chemotherapeutic sensitivity. ChIP-seq analysis revealed differential DNA binding sites of Menin in various prostatic cells, suggesting a switch from tumor suppressor to oncogenic functions in CRPC. These data support the evaluation of ASO against Menin for CRPC. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaïma Cherif
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science University of Tunis, 2092, El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dang Tan Nguyen
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Clément Paris
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Thi Khanh Le
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Thibaud Sefiane
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Nadine Carbuccia
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Max Chaffanet
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Abdessamad El Kaoutari
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Julien Vernerey
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Ladan Fazli
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martin Gleave
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mohamed Manai
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science University of Tunis, 2092, El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Barthélémy
- ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - David Taïeb
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France.,Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine Department, La Timone University Hospital, European Center for Research in Medical Imaging, Aix-Marseille University, F-13005 Marseille, France
| | - Palma Rocchi
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France.
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12
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Song F, Bian Y, Liu J, Li Z, Zhao L, Fang J, Lai Y, Zhou M. Indole Alkaloids, Synthetic Dimers and Hybrids with Potential In Vivo Anticancer Activity. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:377-403. [PMID: 32901583 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200908162311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Indole, a heterocyclic organic compound, is one of the most promising heterocycles found in natural and synthetic sources since its derivatives possess fascinating structural diversity and various therapeutic properties. Indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids could act on diverse targets in cancer cells, and consequently, possess potential antiproliferative effects on various cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Vinblastine, midostaurin, and anlotinib as the representative of indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids respectively, have already been clinically applied to treat many types of cancers, demonstrating indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids are useful scaffolds for the development of novel anticancer agents. Covering articles published between 2010 and 2020, this review emphasizes the recent development of indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids with potential in vivo therapeutic application for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yunqiang Bian
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenghua Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Junman Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghong Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
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13
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Gene Transcription as a Therapeutic Target in Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147340. [PMID: 34298959 PMCID: PMC8304797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood malignancies often arise from undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells or partially differentiated stem-like cells. A tight balance of multipotency and differentiation, cell division, and quiescence underlying normal hematopoiesis requires a special program governed by the transcriptional machinery. Acquisition of drug resistance by tumor cells also involves reprogramming of their transcriptional landscape. Limiting tumor cell plasticity by disabling reprogramming of the gene transcription is a promising strategy for improvement of treatment outcomes. Herein, we review the molecular mechanisms of action of transcription-targeted drugs in hematological malignancies (largely in leukemia) with particular respect to the results of clinical trials.
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14
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Menin inhibition decreases Bcl-2 and synergizes with venetoclax in NPM1/FLT3-mutated AML. Blood 2021; 138:1637-1641. [PMID: 34232981 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021011917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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15
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Zhang M, Aguilar A, Xu S, Huang L, Chinnaswamy K, Sleger T, Wang B, Gross S, Nicolay BN, Ronseaux S, Harvey K, Wang Y, McEachern D, Kirchhoff PD, Liu Z, Stuckey J, Tron AE, Liu T, Wang S. Discovery of M-1121 as an Orally Active Covalent Inhibitor of Menin-MLL Interaction Capable of Achieving Complete and Long-Lasting Tumor Regression. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10333-10349. [PMID: 34196551 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the menin-MLL protein-protein interaction is being pursued as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute leukemia carrying MLL-rearrangements (MLLr leukemia). Herein, we report M-1121, a covalent and orally active inhibitor of the menin-MLL interaction capable of achieving complete and persistent tumor regression. M-1121 establishes covalent interactions with Cysteine 329 located in the MLL binding pocket of menin and potently inhibits growth of acute leukemia cell lines carrying MLL translocations with no activity in cell lines with wild-type MLL. Consistent with the mechanism of action, M-1121 drives dose-dependent down-regulation of HOXA9 and MEIS1 gene expression in the MLL-rearranged MV4;11 leukemia cell line. M-1121 is orally bioavailable and shows potent antitumor activity in vivo with tumor regressions observed at tolerated doses in the MV4;11 subcutaneous and disseminated models of MLL-rearranged leukemia. Together, our findings support development of an orally active covalent menin inhibitor as a new therapy for MLLr leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Angelo Aguilar
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shilin Xu
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Liyue Huang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | | | - Taryn Sleger
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Bo Wang
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Stefan Gross
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Brandon N Nicolay
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Sebastien Ronseaux
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kaitlin Harvey
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yu Wang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Donna McEachern
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Paul D Kirchhoff
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Zhaomin Liu
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jeanne Stuckey
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Adriana E Tron
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Tao Liu
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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16
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Henley MJ, Koehler AN. Advances in targeting 'undruggable' transcription factors with small molecules. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:669-688. [PMID: 34006959 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) represent key biological players in diseases including cancer, autoimmunity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, outside nuclear receptors, TFs have traditionally been considered 'undruggable' by small-molecule ligands due to significant structural disorder and lack of defined small-molecule binding pockets. Renewed interest in the field has been ignited by significant progress in chemical biology approaches to ligand discovery and optimization, especially the advent of targeted protein degradation approaches, along with increasing appreciation of the critical role a limited number of collaborators play in the regulation of key TF effector genes. Here, we review current understanding of TF-mediated gene regulation, discuss successful targeting strategies and highlight ongoing challenges and emerging approaches to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Henley
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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17
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Ozyerli‐Goknar E, Nizamuddin S, Timmers HTM. A Box of Chemistry to Inhibit the MEN1 Tumor Suppressor Gene Promoting Leukemia. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1391-1402. [PMID: 33534953 PMCID: PMC8252030 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with small-molecule inhibitors has become a hotbed of modern drug development. In this review, we describe a new class of PPI inhibitors that block menin from binding to MLL proteins. Menin is encoded by the MEN1 tumor suppressor, but acts as an essential cofactor for MLL/KMT2A-rearranged leukemias. The most promising menin-MLL inhibitors belong to the thienopyrimidine class and have recently entered phase I/II clinical trials for treating acute leukemias characterized by MLL/KMT2A translocations or NPM1 mutations. As single agents, thienopyrimidine compounds eradicate leukemia in a xenograft models of primary leukemic cells belonging to the MLL-rearranged or NPM1-mutant subtypes. These compounds are well tolerated with few or no side effects, which is remarkable given the tumor-suppressor function of menin. The menin-MLL inhibitors highlight how leukemia patients could benefit from a targeted epigenetic therapy with novel PPI inhibitors obtained by directed chemical evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Ozyerli‐Goknar
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Freiburg German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Department of UrologyBreisacherstrasse 6679016FreiburgGermany
| | - Sheikh Nizamuddin
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Freiburg German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Department of UrologyBreisacherstrasse 6679016FreiburgGermany
| | - H. T. Marc Timmers
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Freiburg German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Department of UrologyBreisacherstrasse 6679016FreiburgGermany
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18
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Wan C, Mahara S, Sun C, Doan A, Chua HK, Xu D, Bian J, Li Y, Zhu D, Sooraj D, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J, Firestein R. Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screen of Wnt/β-catenin signaling identifies therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf2567. [PMID: 34138730 PMCID: PMC8133758 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf2567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a key driver of colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and of great therapeutic importance. In this study, we performed comprehensive CRISPR screens to interrogate the regulatory network of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CRC cells. We found marked discrepancies between the artificial TOP reporter activity and β-catenin-mediated endogenous transcription and redundant roles of T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor transcription factors in transducing β-catenin signaling. Compiled functional genomic screens and network analysis revealed unique epigenetic regulators of β-catenin transcriptional output, including the histone lysine methyltransferase 2A oncoprotein (KMT2A/Mll1). Using an integrative epigenomic and transcriptional profiling approach, we show that KMT2A loss diminishes the binding of β-catenin to consensus DNA motifs and the transcription of β-catenin targets in CRC. These results suggest that KMT2A may be a promising target for CRCs and highlight the broader potential for exploiting epigenetic modulation as a therapeutic strategy for β-catenin-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Wan
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sylvia Mahara
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Claire Sun
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Anh Doan
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Hui Kheng Chua
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Dakang Xu
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Bian
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Yue Li
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Danxi Zhu
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Dhanya Sooraj
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ron Firestein
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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19
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Li X, Song Y. Structure, function and inhibition of critical protein-protein interactions involving mixed lineage leukemia 1 and its fusion oncoproteins. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 33823889 PMCID: PMC8022399 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1, also known as MLL or KMT2A) is an important transcription factor and histone-H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methyltransferase. It is a master regulator for transcription of important genes (e.g., Hox genes) for embryonic development and hematopoiesis. However, it is largely dispensable in matured cells. Dysregulation of MLL1 leads to overexpression of certain Hox genes and eventually leukemia initiation. Chromosome translocations involving MLL1 cause ~ 75% of acute leukemia in infants and 5–10% in children and adults with a poor prognosis. Targeted therapeutics against oncogenic fusion MLL1 (onco-MLL1) are therefore needed. Onco-MLL1 consists of the N-terminal DNA-interacting domains of MLL1 fused with one of > 70 fusion partners, among which transcription cofactors AF4, AF9 and its paralog ENL, and ELL are the most frequent. Wild-type (WT)- and onco-MLL1 involve numerous protein–protein interactions (PPI), which play critical roles in regulating gene expression in normal physiology and leukemia. Moreover, WT-MLL1 has been found to be essential for MLL1-rearranged (MLL1-r) leukemia. Rigorous studies of such PPIs have been performed and much progress has been achieved in understanding their structures, structure–function relationships and the mechanisms for activating gene transcription as well as leukemic transformation. Inhibition of several critical PPIs by peptides, peptidomimetic or small-molecule compounds has been explored as a therapeutic approach for MLL1-r leukemia. This review summarizes the biological functions, biochemistry, structure and inhibition of the critical PPIs involving MLL1 and its fusion partner proteins. In addition, challenges and perspectives of drug discovery targeting these PPIs for the treatment of MLL1-r leukemia are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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20
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Synergistic targeting of FLT3 mutations in AML via combined menin-MLL and FLT3 inhibition. Blood 2021; 136:2442-2456. [PMID: 32589720 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020005037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of menin (MEN1) and MLL (MLL1, KMT2A) is a dependency and provides a potential opportunity for treatment of NPM1-mutant (NPM1mut) and MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias. Concomitant activating driver mutations in the gene encoding the tyrosine kinase FLT3 occur in both leukemias and are particularly common in the NPM1mut subtype. In this study, transcriptional profiling after pharmacological inhibition of the menin-MLL complex revealed specific changes in gene expression, with downregulation of the MEIS1 transcription factor and its transcriptional target gene FLT3 being the most pronounced. Combining menin-MLL inhibition with specific small-molecule kinase inhibitors of FLT3 phosphorylation resulted in a significantly superior reduction of phosphorylated FLT3 and transcriptional suppression of genes downstream of FLT3 signaling. The drug combination induced synergistic inhibition of proliferation, as well as enhanced apoptosis, compared with single-drug treatment in models of human and murine NPM1mut and MLL-r leukemias harboring an FLT3 mutation. Primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells harvested from patients with NPM1mutFLT3mut AML showed significantly better responses to combined menin and FLT3 inhibition than to single-drug or vehicle control treatment, whereas AML cells with wild-type NPM1, MLL, and FLT3 were not affected by either of the 2 drugs. In vivo treatment of leukemic animals with MLL-r FLT3mut leukemia reduced leukemia burden significantly and prolonged survival compared with results in the single-drug and vehicle control groups. Our data suggest that combined menin-MLL and FLT3 inhibition represents a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for patients with NPM1mut or MLL-r leukemia and concurrent FLT3 mutation.
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21
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Brandi ML, Agarwal SK, Perrier ND, Lines KE, Valk GD, Thakker RV. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1: Latest Insights. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:133-170. [PMID: 33249439 PMCID: PMC7958143 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a rare tumor syndrome that is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, is continuing to raise great interest for endocrinology, gastroenterology, surgery, radiology, genetics, and molecular biology specialists. There have been 2 major clinical practice guidance papers published in the past 2 decades, with the most recent published 8 years ago. Since then, several new insights on the basic biology and clinical features of MEN1 have appeared in the literature, and those data are discussed in this review. The genetic and molecular interactions of the MEN1-encoded protein menin with transcription factors and chromatin-modifying proteins in cell signaling pathways mediated by transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenetic protein, a few nuclear receptors, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hedgehog, and preclinical studies in mouse models have facilitated the understanding of the pathogenesis of MEN1-associated tumors and potential pharmacological interventions. The advancements in genetic diagnosis have offered a chance to recognize MEN1-related conditions in germline MEN1 mutation-negative patients. There is rapidly accumulating knowledge about clinical presentation in children, adolescents, and pregnancy that is translatable into the management of these very fragile patients. The discoveries about the genetic and molecular signatures of sporadic neuroendocrine tumors support the development of clinical trials with novel targeted therapies, along with advancements in diagnostic tools and surgical approaches. Finally, quality of life studies in patients affected by MEN1 and related conditions represent an effort necessary to develop a pharmacoeconomic interpretation of the problem. Because advances are being made both broadly and in focused areas, this timely review presents and discusses those studies collectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy D Perrier
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Gerlof D Valk
- University Medical Center Utrecht, CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
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22
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Zhang Y, Rong D, Li B, Wang Y. Targeting Epigenetic Regulators with Covalent Small-Molecule Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7900-7925. [PMID: 33599482 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression plays a critical role in various physiological processes, and epigenetic dysregulation is implicated in a number of diseases, prominently including cancer. Epigenetic regulators have been validated as potential therapeutic targets, and significant progress has been made in the discovery and development of epigenetic-based inhibitors. However, successful epigenetic drug discovery is still facing challenges, including moderate selectivity, limited efficacy, and acquired drug resistance. Inspired by the advantages of covalent small-molecule inhibitors, targeted covalent inhibition has attracted increasing interest in epigenetic drug discovery. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the structure-based design and characterization of covalent inhibitors targeting epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers and highlight their potential benefits in enhancing selectivity across the enzyme family and improving in vivo efficacy. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities of covalent small-molecule inhibitors and hope to shed light on future epigenetic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Deqin Rong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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23
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Bhat KP, Ümit Kaniskan H, Jin J, Gozani O. Epigenetics and beyond: targeting writers of protein lysine methylation to treat disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:265-286. [PMID: 33469207 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-00108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein lysine methylation is a crucial post-translational modification that regulates the functions of both histone and non-histone proteins. Deregulation of the enzymes or 'writers' of protein lysine methylation, lysine methyltransferases (KMTs), is implicated in the cause of many diseases, including cancer, mental health disorders and developmental disorders. Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in developing drugs to target KMTs that are involved in histone methylation and epigenetic regulation. The first of these inhibitors, tazemetostat, was recently approved for the treatment of epithelioid sarcoma and follicular lymphoma, and several more are in clinical and preclinical evaluation. Beyond chromatin, the many KMTs that regulate protein synthesis and other fundamental biological processes are emerging as promising new targets for drug development to treat diverse diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamakoti P Bhat
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Or Gozani
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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24
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Libbrecht C, Xie HM, Kingsley MC, Haladyna JN, Riedel SS, Alikarami F, Lenard A, McGeehan GM, Ernst P, Bernt KM. Menin is necessary for long term maintenance of meningioma-1 driven leukemia. Leukemia 2021; 35:1405-1417. [PMID: 33542482 PMCID: PMC8102197 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01146-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Translocations of Meningioma-1 (MN1) occur in a subset of acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and result in high expression of MN1, either as a full-length protein, or as a fusion protein that includes most of the N-terminus of MN1. High levels of MN1 correlate with poor prognosis. When overexpressed in murine hematopoietic progenitors, MN1 causes an aggressive AML characterized by an aberrant myeloid precursor-like gene expression program that shares features of KMT2A-rearranged (KMT2A-r) leukemia, including high levels of Hoxa and Meis1 gene expression. Compounds that target a critical KMT2A-Menin interaction have proven effective in KMT2A-r leukemia. Here, we demonstrate that Menin (Men1) is also critical for the self-renewal of MN1-driven AML through the maintenance of a distinct gene expression program. Genetic inactivation of Men1 led to a decrease in the number of functional leukemia-initiating cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of the KMT2A-Menin interaction decreased colony-forming activity, induced differentiation programs in MN1-driven murine leukemia and decreased leukemic burden in a human AML xenograft carrying an MN1-ETV6 translocation. Collectively, these results nominate Menin inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy in MN1-driven leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Libbrecht
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.452431.50000 0004 0442 349XInstitut d’Hématologie et d’Oncologie Pédiatrique, Lyon, France
| | - Hongbo M. Xie
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Department of Bioinformatics and Health Informatics (DBHI), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Molly C. Kingsley
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Jessica N. Haladyna
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, University of Colorado, Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Simone S. Riedel
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Fatemeh Alikarami
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Alexandra Lenard
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | | | - Patricia Ernst
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, University of Colorado, Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Kathrin M. Bernt
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3501 Civic Center Boulevard, CTRB 3064, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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25
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Miao H, Kim E, Chen D, Purohit T, Kempinska K, Ropa J, Klossowski S, Trotman W, Danet-Desnoyers G, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Combinatorial treatment with menin and FLT3 inhibitors induces complete remission in AML models with activating FLT3 mutations. Blood 2020; 136:2958-2963. [PMID: 33331926 PMCID: PMC7751359 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Miao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - EunGi Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - James Ropa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN; and
| | | | - Winifred Trotman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Gwenn Danet-Desnoyers
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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26
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Kumar H, Prajapati G, Dubey A, Ampapathi RS, Mandal PK. Intramolecular 6- exo- dig Post-Ugi Cyclization of N-Substituted 2-Alkynamides: Direct Access to Functionalized Morpholinone Glycoconjugates. Org Lett 2020; 22:9258-9262. [PMID: 33202129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c03486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We herein report a chemo- and regioselective 6-exo-dig catalytic cyclization of Ugi adducts N-substituted 2-alkynamides to access functionalized morpholinone glycoconjugates in the presence of triphenylphosphine. This array allows an interesting multicomponent access to a library of functionalized morpholinone glycoconjugates under mild reaction conditions with regeneration of catalyst triphenylphosphine, supported by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance studies. Density functional theory shows the 6-exo-dig oxocyclization pathway is preferred, which supports our experimental observation.
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27
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Klossowski S, Miao H, Kempinska K, Wu T, Purohit T, Kim E, Linhares BM, Chen D, Jih G, Perkey E, Huang H, He M, Wen B, Wang Y, Yu K, Lee SCW, Danet-Desnoyers G, Trotman W, Kandarpa M, Cotton A, Abdel-Wahab O, Lei H, Dou Y, Guzman M, Peterson L, Gruber T, Choi S, Sun D, Ren P, Li LS, Liu Y, Burrows F, Maillard I, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Menin inhibitor MI-3454 induces remission in MLL1-rearranged and NPM1-mutated models of leukemia. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:981-997. [PMID: 31855575 DOI: 10.1172/jci129126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein-protein interaction between menin and mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) plays a critical role in acute leukemias with translocations of the MLL1 gene or with mutations in the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene. As a step toward clinical translation of menin-MLL1 inhibitors, we report development of MI-3454, a highly potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor of the menin-MLL1 interaction. MI-3454 profoundly inhibited proliferation and induced differentiation in acute leukemia cells and primary patient samples with MLL1 translocations or NPM1 mutations. When applied as a single agent, MI-3454 induced complete remission or regression of leukemia in mouse models of MLL1-rearranged or NPM1-mutated leukemia, including patient-derived xenograft models, through downregulation of key genes involved in leukemogenesis. We also identified MEIS1 as a potential pharmacodynamic biomarker of treatment response with MI-3454 in leukemia, and demonstrated that this compound is well tolerated and did not impair normal hematopoiesis in mice. Overall, this study demonstrates, for the first time to our knowledge, profound activity of the menin-MLL1 inhibitor as a single agent in clinically relevant PDX models of leukemia. These data provide a strong rationale for clinical translation of MI-3454 or its analogs for leukemia patients with MLL1 rearrangements or NPM1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Klossowski
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hongzhi Miao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Tao Wu
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - EunGi Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian M Linhares
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Huang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Miao He
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bo Wen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ke Yu
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Gwenn Danet-Desnoyers
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Winifred Trotman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Malathi Kandarpa
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Hongwei Lei
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yali Dou
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Luke Peterson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tanja Gruber
- Saint Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah Choi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Duxin Sun
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pingda Ren
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA.,Kura Oncology, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lian-Sheng Li
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yi Liu
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Ivan Maillard
- Life Sciences Institute and.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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28
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Wong NHM, So CWE. Novel therapeutic strategies for MLL-rearranged leukemias. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2020; 1863:194584. [PMID: 32534041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2020.194584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
MLL rearrangement is one of the key drivers and generally regarded as an independent poor prognostic marker in acute leukemias. The standard of care for MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias has remained largely unchanged for the past 50 years despite unsatisfying clinical outcomes, so there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that a vast number of epigenetic regulators are directly or indirectly involved in MLL-r leukemia, and they are responsible for supporting the aberrant gene expression program mediated by MLL-fusions. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications can be reversed by pharmacologic targeting of the responsible epigenetic regulators. This leads to significant interest in developing epigenetic therapies for MLL-r leukemia. Intriguingly, many of the epigenetic enzymes also involve in DNA damage response (DDR), which can be potential targets for synthetic lethality-induced therapies. In this review, we will summarize some of the recent advances in the development of epigenetic and DDR therapeutics by targeting epigenetic regulators or protein complexes that mediate MLL-r leukemia gene expression program and key players in DDR that safeguard essential genome integrity. The rationale and molecular mechanisms underpinning the therapeutic effects will also be discussed with a focus on how these treatments can disrupt MLL-fusion mediated transcriptional programs and impair DDR, which may help overcome treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nok-Hei Mickey Wong
- Department of Haematological Medicine, Division of Cancer Studies, Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology Team, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chi Wai Eric So
- Department of Haematological Medicine, Division of Cancer Studies, Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology Team, King's College London, London, UK.
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29
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Covalent and noncovalent constraints yield a figure eight-like conformation of a peptide inhibiting the menin-MLL interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112748. [PMID: 32882610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between menin and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) was identified as an interesting target for treating some cancers including acute leukemia. On the basis of the known crystal structure of the MBM1-menin complex (MBM - menin binding motif), several cyclic peptides were designed. Elaboration of the effective cyclization strategy using a metathesis reaction allowed for a successfully large number of derivatives to be obtained. Subsequent optimization of the loop size, as well as N-terminal, central and C-terminal parts of the studied peptides resulted in structures exhibiting low nanomolar activities. A crystal structure of an inhibitor-menin complex revealed a compact conformation of the ligand molecule, which is stabilized not only by the introduction of a covalent linker but also three intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The inhibitor adopts a figure eight-like conformation, which perfectly fits the cleft of menin. We demonstrated that the development of compact, miniprotein-like structures is a highly effective approach for inhibition of protein-protein interactions.
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30
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Characterization of the Menin-MLL Interaction as Therapeutic Cancer Target. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010201. [PMID: 31947537 PMCID: PMC7016952 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting the interaction of menin with the histone methyltransferase MLL1 (KMT2A) has recently emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. Beneficial therapeutic effects have been postulated in leukemia, prostate, breast, liver and in synovial sarcoma models. In those indications, MLL1 recruitment by menin was described to critically regulate the expression of disease associated genes. However, most findings so far rely on single study reports. Here we independently evaluated the pathogenic functions of the menin-MLL interaction in a large set of different cancer models with a potent and selective probe inhibitor BAY-155. We characterized the inhibition of the menin-MLL interaction for anti-proliferation, gene transcription effects, and for efficacy in several in vivo xenografted tumor models. We found a specific therapeutic activity of BAY-155 primarily in AML/ALL models. In solid tumors, we observed anti-proliferative effects of BAY-155 in a surprisingly limited fraction of cell line models. These findings were further validated in vivo. Overall, our study using a novel, highly selective and potent inhibitor, shows that the menin-MLL interaction is not essential for the survival of most solid cancer models. We can confirm that disrupting the menin-MLL complex has a selective therapeutic benefit in MLL-fused leukemia. In solid cancers, effects are restricted to single models and more limited than previously claimed.
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31
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Abstract
Mutated or dysregulated transcription factors represent a unique class of drug targets that mediate aberrant gene expression, including blockade of differentiation and cell death gene expression programmes, hallmark properties of cancers. Transcription factor activity is altered in numerous cancer types via various direct mechanisms including chromosomal translocations, gene amplification or deletion, point mutations and alteration of expression, as well as indirectly through non-coding DNA mutations that affect transcription factor binding. Multiple approaches to target transcription factor activity have been demonstrated, preclinically and, in some cases, clinically, including inhibition of transcription factor-cofactor protein-protein interactions, inhibition of transcription factor-DNA binding and modulation of levels of transcription factor activity by altering levels of ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasome degradation or by inhibition of regulators of transcription factor expression. In addition, several new approaches to targeting transcription factors have recently emerged including modulation of auto-inhibition, proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs), use of cysteine reactive inhibitors, targeting intrinsically disordered regions of transcription factors and combinations of transcription factor inhibitors with kinase inhibitors to block the development of resistance. These innovations in drug development hold great promise to yield agents with unique properties that are likely to impact future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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32
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Ye J, Zha J, Shi Y, Li Y, Yuan D, Chen Q, Lin F, Fang Z, Yu Y, Dai Y, Xu B. Co-inhibition of HDAC and MLL-menin interaction targets MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia cells via disruption of DNA damage checkpoint and DNA repair. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:137. [PMID: 31590682 PMCID: PMC6781368 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While the aberrant translocation of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene drives pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it represents an independent predictor for poor prognosis of adult AML patients. Thus, small molecule inhibitors targeting menin-MLL fusion protein interaction have been emerging for the treatment of MLL-rearranged AML. As both inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and menin-MLL interaction target the transcription-regulatory machinery involving epigenetic regulation of chromatin remodeling that governs the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis, we hypothesized that these two classes of agents might interact to kill MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) AML cells. Here, we report that the combination treatment with subtoxic doses of the HDAC inhibitor chidamide and the menin-MLL interaction inhibitor MI-3 displayed a highly synergistic anti-tumor activity against human MLL-r AML cells in vitro and in vivo, but not those without this genetic aberration. Mechanistically, co-exposure to chidamide and MI-3 led to robust apoptosis in MLL-r AML cells, in association with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and a sharp increase in ROS generation. Combined treatment also disrupted DNA damage checkpoint at the level of CHK1 and CHK2 kinases, rather than their upstream kinases (ATR and ATM), as well as DNA repair likely via homologous recombination (HR), but not non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Genome-wide RNAseq revealed gene expression alterations involving several potential signaling pathways (e.g., cell cycle, DNA repair, MAPK, NF-κB) that might account for or contribute to the mechanisms of action underlying anti-leukemia activity of chidamide and MI-3 as a single agent and particularly in combination in MLL-r AML. Collectively, these findings provide a preclinical basis for further clinical investigation of this novel targeted strategy combining HDAC and Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors to improve therapeutic outcomes in a subset of patients with poor-prognostic MLL-r leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jie Zha
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuanfei Shi
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Delin Yuan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qinwei Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fusheng Lin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhihong Fang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yun Dai
- Laboratory of Cancer Precision Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Ye F, Huang J, Wang H, Luo C, Zhao K. Targeting epigenetic machinery: Emerging novel allosteric inhibitors. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 204:107406. [PMID: 31521697 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics has emerged as an extremely exciting fast-growing area of biomedical research in post genome era. Epigenetic dysfunction is tightly related with various diseases such as cancer and aging related degeneration, potentiating epigenetics modulators as important therapeutics targets. Indeed, inhibitors of histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase have been approved for treating blood tumor malignancies, whereas inhibitors of histone methyltransferase and histone acetyl-lysine recognizer bromodomain are in clinical stage. However, it remains a great challenge to discover potent and selective inhibitors by targeting catalytic site, as the same subfamily of epigenetic enzymes often share high sequence identity and very conserved catalytic core pocket. It is well known that epigenetic modifications are usually carried out by multi-protein complexes, and activation of catalytic subunit is often tightly regulated by other interactive protein component, especially in disease conditions. Therefore, it is not unusual that epigenetic complex machinery may exhibit allosteric regulation site induced by protein-protein interactions. Targeting allosteric site emerges as a compelling alternative strategy to develop epigenetic drugs with enhanced druggability and pharmacological profiles. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the development of allosteric inhibitors for epigenetic complexes through targeting protein-protein interactions. We also summarized the status of clinical applications of those inhibitors. Finally, we provide perspectives of future novel allosteric epigenetic machinery modulators emerging from otherwise undruggable single protein target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jing Huang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Cheng Luo
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, South Dong Qing Road, Guizhou 550025, China.
| | - Kehao Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
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Brzezinka K, Nevedomskaya E, Lesche R, Steckel M, Eheim AL, Haegebarth A, Stresemann C. Functional diversity of inhibitors tackling the differentiation blockage of MLL-rearranged leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:66. [PMID: 31253180 PMCID: PMC6599250 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0749-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The chromosomal rearrangements of the mixed-lineage leukemia gene MLL (KMT2A) have been extensively characterized as a potent oncogenic driver in leukemia. For its oncogenic function, most MLL-fusion proteins exploit the multienzyme super elongation complex leading to elevated expression of MLL target genes. High expression of MLL target genes overwrites the normal hematopoietic differentiation program, resulting in undifferentiated blasts characterized by the capacity to self-renew. Although extensive resources devoted to increased understanding of therapeutic targets to overcome de-differentiation in ALL/AML, the inter-dependencies of targets are still not well described. The majority of inhibitors potentially interfering with MLL-fusion protein driven transformation have been characterized in individual studies, which so far hindered their direct cross-comparison. Methods In our study, we characterized head-to-head clinical stage inhibitors for BET, DHODH, DOT1L as well as two novel inhibitors for CDK9 and the Menin-MLL interaction with a focus on differentiation induction. We profiled those inhibitors for global gene expression effects in a large cell line panel and examined cellular responses such as inhibition of proliferation, apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, surface marker expression, morphological phenotype changes, and phagocytosis as functional differentiation readout. We also verified the combination potential of those inhibitors on proliferation and differentiation level. Results Our analysis revealed significant differences in differentiation induction and in modulating MLL-fusion target gene expression. We observed Menin-MLL and DOT1L inhibitors act very specifically on MLL-fused leukemia cell lines, whereas inhibitors of BET, DHODH and P-TEFb have strong effects beyond MLL-fusions. Significant differentiation effects were detected for Menin-MLL, DOT1L, and DHODH inhibitors, whereas BET and CDK9 inhibitors primarily induced apoptosis in AML/ALL cancer models. For the first time, we explored combination potential of the abovementioned inhibitors with regards to overcoming the differentiation blockage. Conclusion Our findings show substantial diversity in the molecular activities of those inhibitors and provide valuable insights into the further developmental potential as single agents or in combinations in MLL-fused leukemia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13045-019-0749-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Brzezinka
- Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Bayer AG, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Nevedomskaya
- Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Bayer AG, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Lesche
- Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Bayer AG, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Steckel
- Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Bayer AG, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ashley L Eheim
- Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Bayer AG, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Haegebarth
- Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Bayer AG, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlo Stresemann
- Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Bayer AG, Muellerstrasse 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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35
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Aguilar A, Zheng K, Xu T, Xu S, Huang L, Fernandez-Salas E, Liu L, Bernard D, Harvey KP, Foster C, McEachern D, Stuckey J, Chinnaswamy K, Delproposto J, Kampf JW, Wang S. Structure-Based Discovery of M-89 as a Highly Potent Inhibitor of the Menin-Mixed Lineage Leukemia (Menin-MLL) Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6015-6034. [PMID: 31244110 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of the menin-mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) protein-protein interaction is a promising new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute leukemia carrying MLL fusion (MLL leukemia). We describe herein our structure-based design, synthesis, and evaluation of a new class of small-molecule inhibitors of the menin-MLL interaction (hereafter called menin inhibitors). Our efforts have resulted in the discovery of highly potent menin inhibitors, as exemplified by compound 42 (M-89). M-89 binds to menin with a Kd value of 1.4 nM and effectively engages cellular menin protein at low nanomolar concentrations. M-89 inhibits cell growth in the MV4;11 and MOLM-13 leukemia cell lines carrying MLL fusion with IC50 values of 25 and 55 nM, respectively, and demonstrates >100-fold selectivity over the HL-60 leukemia cell line lacking MLL fusion. The determination of a co-crystal structure of M-89 in a complex with menin provides the structural basis for their high-affinity interaction. Further optimization of M-89 may lead to a new class of therapy for the treatment of MLL leukemia.
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Chan AKN, Chen CW. Rewiring the Epigenetic Networks in MLL-Rearranged Leukemias: Epigenetic Dysregulation and Pharmacological Interventions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:81. [PMID: 31157223 PMCID: PMC6529847 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemias driven by chromosomal translocation of the mixed-lineage leukemia gene (MLL or KMT2A) are highly prevalent in pediatric oncology. The poor survival rate and lack of an effective targeted therapy for patients with MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias emphasize an urgent need for improved knowledge and novel therapeutic approaches for these malignancies. The resulting chimeric products of MLL gene rearrangements, i.e., MLL-fusion proteins (MLL-FPs), are capable of transforming hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) into leukemic blasts. The ability of MLL-FPs to reprogram HSPCs toward leukemia requires the involvement of multiple chromatin effectors, including the histone 3 lysine 79 methyltransferase DOT1L, the chromatin epigenetic reader BRD4, and the super elongation complex. These epigenetic regulators constitute a complicated network that dictates maintenance of the leukemia program, and therefore represent an important cluster of therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we will discuss the role of MLL and its fusion partners in normal HSPCs and hematopoiesis, including the links between chromatin effectors, epigenetic landscapes, and leukemia development, and summarize current approaches to therapeutic targeting of MLL-r leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
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Blair CM, Walsh NM, Littman BH, Marcoux FW, Baillie GS. Targeting B-Raf inhibitor resistant melanoma with novel cell penetrating peptide disrupters of PDE8A - C-Raf. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:266. [PMID: 30909892 PMCID: PMC6434832 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5489-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent advances in the treatment of melanoma that involve immunotherapy and B-Raf inhibition have revolutionised cancer care for this disease. However, an un-met clinical need remains in B-Raf inhibitor resistant patients where first-generation B-Raf inhibitors provide only short-term disease control. In these cases, B-Raf inhibition leads to paradoxical activation of the C-Raf – MEK – ERK signalling pathway, followed by metastasis. PDE8A has been shown to directly interact with and modulate the cAMP microdomain in the vicinity of C-Raf. This interaction promotes C-Raf activation by attenuating the PKA-mediated inhibitory phosphorylation of the kinase. Methods We have used a novel cell-penetrating peptide agent (PPL-008) that inhibits the PDE8A – C-Raf complex in a human malignant MM415 melanoma cell line and MM415 melanoma xenograft mouse model to investigate ERK MAP kinase signalling. Results We have demonstrated that the PDE8A – C-Raf complex disruptor PPL-008 increased inhibitory C-Raf-S259 phosphorylation and significantly reduced phospho-ERK signalling. We have also discovered that the ability of PPL-008 to dampen ERK signalling can be used to counter B-Raf inhibitor-driven paradoxical activation of phospho-ERK in MM415 cells treated with PLX4032 (Vemurafenib). PPL-008 treatment also significantly retarded the growth of these cells. When applied to a MM415 melanoma xenograft mouse model, PPL-008C penetrated tumour tissue and significantly reduced phospho-ERK signalling in that domain. Conclusion Our data suggests that the PDE8A-C-Raf complex is a promising therapeutic treatment for B-Raf inhibitor resistant melanoma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5489-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor M Blair
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Portage Glasgow Limited, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicola M Walsh
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bruce H Littman
- Portage Pharmaceuticals Limited, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.,EyGen Inc, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Frank W Marcoux
- Portage Glasgow Limited, Glasgow, UK.,Portage Pharmaceuticals Limited, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
| | - George S Baillie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. .,Portage Glasgow Limited, Glasgow, UK.
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Wang X, Su M, Li Y, Liu T, Wang Y, Chen Y, Tang L, He YP, Ding X, Yu F, Shen J, Li J, Zhou Y, Chen YL, Xiong B. Tranylcypromine and 6-trifluoroethyl thienopyrimidine hybrid as LSD1 inhibitor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:844-847. [PMID: 30713023 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tranylcypromine moiety extracted from LSD1 inhibitors and 6-trifluoroethyl thienopyrimidine moiety from menin-MLL1 PPI inhibitors were merged to give new chemotypes for medicinal chemistry study. Among 15 new compounds prepared in this work, some exhibited nanomolar LSD1 activity and good selectivity over MAO-A/B, low micromolar menin-MLL1 PPI inhibitory activity, as well as submicromolar MV4-11 antiprofilative activities. Intracellular LSD1 engagement of compounds with higher enzymatic and antiproliferative activities was confirmed by CD86 mRNA up-regulation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Liaoning Shihua University, Dandong Lu West 1, Fushun 113001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Mingbo Su
- The National Center for Drug Screening, 189 Guoshoujing Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - You Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Tongchao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Lu, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yujie Wang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, 189 Guoshoujing Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yabing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Le Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yu-Peng He
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Liaoning Shihua University, Dandong Lu West 1, Fushun 113001, PR China
| | - Xiaoguang Ding
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Liaoning Shihua University, Dandong Lu West 1, Fushun 113001, PR China
| | - Fang Yu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Liaoning Shihua University, Dandong Lu West 1, Fushun 113001, PR China.
| | - Jingkang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jia Li
- The National Center for Drug Screening, 189 Guoshoujing Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- The National Center for Drug Screening, 189 Guoshoujing Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Yue-Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Bing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China.
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Kuhlen M, Klusmann JH, Hoell JI. Molecular Approaches to Treating Pediatric Leukemias. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:368. [PMID: 31555628 PMCID: PMC6742719 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, striking progress has been made in the treatment of pediatric leukemia, approaching 90% overall survival in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 75% in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This has mainly been achieved through multiagent chemotherapy including CNS prophylaxis and risk-adapted therapy within collaborative clinical trials. However, prognosis in children with refractory or relapsed leukemia remains poor and has not significantly improved despite great efforts. Hence, more effective and less toxic therapies are urgently needed. Our understanding of disease biology, molecular drivers, drug resistance and, thus, the possibility to identify children at high-risk for treatment failure has significantly improved in recent years. Moreover, several new drugs targeting key molecular pathways involved in leukemia development, cell growth, and proliferation have been developed and approved. These striking achievements are linked to the great hope to further improve survival in children with refractory and relapsed leukemia. This review gives an overview on current molecularly targeted therapies in children with leukemia, including kinase, and proteasome inhibitors, epigenetic and enzyme targeting, as well as apoptosis regulators among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kuhlen
- Swabian Children's Cancer Center, University Children's Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Henning Klusmann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Mercher T, Schwaller J. Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): From Genes to Models Toward Targeted Therapeutic Intervention. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:401. [PMID: 31681706 PMCID: PMC6803505 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the genetic lesions driving pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), emerging biological concepts, and strategies for therapeutic intervention. Hereby, we focus on lesions that preferentially or exclusively occur in pediatric patients and molecular markers of aggressive disease with often poor outcome including fusion oncogenes that involve epigenetic regulators like KMT2A, NUP98, or CBFA2T3, respectively. Functional studies were able to demonstrate cooperation with signaling mutations leading to constitutive activation of FLT3 or the RAS signal transduction pathways. We discuss the issues faced to faithfully model pediatric acute leukemia in mice. Emerging experimental evidence suggests that the disease phenotype is dependent on the appropriate expression and activity of the driver fusion oncogenes during a particular window of opportunity during fetal development. We also highlight biochemical studies that deciphered some molecular mechanisms of malignant transformation by KMT2A, NUP98, and CBFA2T3 fusions, which, in some instances, allowed the development of small molecules with potent anti-leukemic activities in preclinical models (e.g., inhibitors of the KMT2A-MENIN interaction). Finally, we discuss other potential therapeutic strategies that not only target driver fusion-controlled signals but also interfere with the transformed cell state either by exploiting the primed apoptosis or vulnerable metabolic states or by increasing tumor cell recognition and elimination by the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mercher
- INSERM U1170, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Gustave Roussy Institute, Université Paris Diderot, Université Paris-Sud, Villejuif, France
| | - Juerg Schwaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University Children's Hospital Beider Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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