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Al-Qadhi MA, Yahya TAA, El-Nassan HB. Recent Advances in the Discovery of CK2 Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:20702-20719. [PMID: 38764653 PMCID: PMC11097362 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
CK2 is a vital enzyme that phosphorylates a large number of substrates and thereby controls many processes in the body. Its upregulation was reported in many cancer types. Inhibitors of CK2 might have anticancer activity, and two compounds are currently under clinical trials. However, both compounds are ATP-competitive inhibitors that may have off-target side effects. The development of allosteric and dual inhibitors can overcome this drawback. These inhibitors showed higher selectivity and specificity for the CK2 enzyme compared to the ATP-competitive inhibitors. The present review summarizes the efforts exerted in the last five years in the design of CK2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa A. Al-Qadhi
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sana’a University, 18084 Sana’a, Yemen
| | - Tawfeek A. A. Yahya
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sana’a University, 18084 Sana’a,Yemen
| | - Hala B. El-Nassan
- Pharmaceutical
Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
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2
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Bancet A, Frem R, Jeanneret F, Mularoni A, Bazelle P, Roelants C, Delcros JG, Guichou JF, Pillet C, Coste I, Renno T, Battail C, Cochet C, Lomberget T, Filhol O, Krimm I. Cancer selective cell death induction by a bivalent CK2 inhibitor targeting the ATP site and the allosteric αD pocket. iScience 2024; 27:108903. [PMID: 38318383 PMCID: PMC10838953 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the involvement of protein kinase CK2 in cancer is well-documented, there is a need for selective CK2 inhibitors suitable for investigating CK2 specific roles in cancer-related biological pathways and further exploring its therapeutic potential. Here, we report the discovery of AB668, an outstanding selective inhibitor that binds CK2 through a bivalent mode, interacting both at the ATP site and an allosteric αD pocket unique to CK2. Using caspase activation assay, live-cell imaging, and transcriptomic analysis, we have compared the effects of this bivalent inhibitor to representative ATP-competitive inhibitors, CX-4945, and SGC-CK2-1. Our results show that in contrast to CX-4945 or SGC-CK2-1, AB668, by targeting the CK2 αD pocket, has a distinct mechanism of action regarding its anti-cancer activity, inducing apoptotic cell death in several cancer cell lines and stimulating distinct biological pathways in renal cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Bancet
- University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Institut Convergence Plascan, Team « Small Molecules for Biological Targets », 69373 Lyon, France
- Kairos Discovery SAS, 36 Rue Jeanne d’Arc, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Rita Frem
- University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Institut Convergence Plascan, Team « Targeting Non-canonical Protein Functions in Cancer », 69373 Lyon, France
| | - Florian Jeanneret
- Université Grenoble Alpes, IRIG, Laboratoire Biosciences et Bioingénierie pour la Santé, UA 13 INSERM-CEA-UGA, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Angélique Mularoni
- University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Institut Convergence Plascan, Team « Small Molecules for Biological Targets », 69373 Lyon, France
| | - Pauline Bazelle
- Université Grenoble Alpes, IRIG, Laboratoire Biosciences et Bioingénierie pour la Santé, UA 13 INSERM-CEA-UGA, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Roelants
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1292, CEA, UMR Biosanté, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Guy Delcros
- University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Institut Convergence Plascan, Team « Small Molecules for Biological Targets », 69373 Lyon, France
| | - Jean-François Guichou
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, University Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Pillet
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1292, CEA, UMR Biosanté, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Coste
- University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Institut Convergence Plascan, Team « Targeting Non-canonical Protein Functions in Cancer », 69373 Lyon, France
| | - Toufic Renno
- University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Institut Convergence Plascan, Team « Targeting Non-canonical Protein Functions in Cancer », 69373 Lyon, France
| | - Christophe Battail
- Université Grenoble Alpes, IRIG, Laboratoire Biosciences et Bioingénierie pour la Santé, UA 13 INSERM-CEA-UGA, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Claude Cochet
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1292, CEA, UMR Biosanté, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Thierry Lomberget
- University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5246, Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires (ICBMS), COSSBA Team, Faculté de Pharmacie-ISPB, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Odile Filhol
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1292, CEA, UMR Biosanté, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Krimm
- University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Institut Convergence Plascan, Team « Small Molecules for Biological Targets », 69373 Lyon, France
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Speckart J, Rasmusen V, Talib Z, GnanaDev DA, Rahnemai-Azar AA. Emerging Therapies in Management of Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:613. [PMID: 38339363 PMCID: PMC10854763 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030613] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a heterogeneous group of biliary tract cancers that has a poor prognosis and globally increasing incidence and mortality. While surgical resection remains the only curative option for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, the majority of cancers are unresectable at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma remains poor even with the current first-line systemic therapy regimens, highlighting the difficulty of treating locally advanced, metastatic, or unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. Through recent developments, targetable oncogenic driver mutations have been identified in the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma, leading to the utilization of molecular targeted therapeutics. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the latest molecular therapeutics for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, including emerging immunotherapies, highlighting promising developments and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Speckart
- School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA; (J.S.); (V.R.)
| | - Veronica Rasmusen
- School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA; (J.S.); (V.R.)
| | - Zohray Talib
- Department of Medicine, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA;
| | - Dev A. GnanaDev
- Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, CA 92324, USA
| | - Amir A. Rahnemai-Azar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Arrowhead Regional Cancer Center, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA
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Borad MJ, Bai LY, Richards D, Mody K, Hubbard J, Rha SY, Soong J, McCormick D, Tse E, O'Brien D, Bayat A, Ahn D, Davis SL, Park JO, Oh DY. Silmitasertib plus gemcitabine and cisplatin first-line therapy in locally advanced/metastatic cholangiocarcinoma: A Phase 1b/2 study. Hepatology 2023; 77:760-773. [PMID: 36152015 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study aimed to investigate safety and efficacy of silmitasertib, an oral small molecule casein kinase 2 inhibitor, plus gemcitabine and cisplatin (G+C) versus G+C in locally advanced/metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. APPROACH AND RESULTS This work is a Phase 1b/2 study (S4-13-001). In Phase 2, patients received silmitasertib 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days with G+C on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Primary efficacy endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in the modified intent-to-treat population (defined as patients who completed at least one cycle of silmitasertib without dose interruption/reduction) from both phases (silmitasertib/G+C n = 55, G+C n = 29). The response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1. The median PFS was 11.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.6, 14.7) versus 5.8 months (95% CI, 3.1, not evaluable [NE]) ( p = 0.0496); 10-month PFS was 56.1% (95% CI, 38.8%, 70.2%) versus 22.2% (95% CI, 1.8%, 56.7%); and median overall survival was 17.4 months (95% CI, 13.4, 25.7) versus 14.9 months (95% CI, 9.9, NE) with silmitasertib/G+C versus G+C. Overall response rate was 34.0% versus 30.8%; the disease control rate was 86.0% versus 88.5% with silmitasertib/G+C versus G+C. Almost all silmitasertib/G+C (99%) and G+C (93%) patients reported at least one treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE). The most common TEAEs (all grades) with silmitasertib/G+C versus G+C were diarrhea (70% versus 13%), nausea (59% vs. 30%), fatigue (47% vs. 47%), vomiting (39% vs. 7%), and anemia (39% vs. 30%). Twelve patients (10%) discontinued treatment because of TEAEs during the study. CONCLUSIONS Silmitasertib/G+C demonstrated promising preliminary evidence of efficacy for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced/metastatic cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitesh J Borad
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Liver and Biliary Cancer Research Program and Cancer Cell , Gene and Virus Therapy Lab, Mayo Clinic Arizona , Scottsdale , Arizona , USA
| | - Li-Yuan Bai
- China Medical University Hospital, and China Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Donald Richards
- Texas Oncology-Tyler, US Oncology Research , Tyler , Texas , USA
| | - Kabir Mody
- Division of Hematology and Oncology , Mayo Clinic Jacksonville , Jacksonville , Florida , USA
| | - Joleen Hubbard
- Department of Medical Oncology , Mayo Clinic Rochester , Rochester , Minnesota , USA
| | - Sun Young Rha
- Yonsei Cancer Center , Yonsei University College of Medicine , Seoul , South Korea
| | - John Soong
- Clinical Operations , Senhwa Biosciences Corporation , San Diego , California , USA
| | - Daniel McCormick
- Clinical Operations , Senhwa Biosciences Corporation , San Diego , California , USA
| | - Emmett Tse
- Clinical Operations , Senhwa Biosciences Corporation , San Diego , California , USA
| | - Daniel O'Brien
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , Minnesota , USA
| | - Ahmad Bayat
- Regulatory Affairs , Amarex Clinical Research , Germantown , Maryland , USA
| | - Daniel Ahn
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine , Mayo Clinic Arizona , Phoenix , Arizona , USA
| | - S Lindsey Davis
- Division of Medical Oncology , University of Colorado Cancer Center , Aurora , Colorado , USA
| | - Joon Oh Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology , Samsung Medical Centre, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Do-Youn Oh
- Cancer Research Institute , Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School , Seoul , South Korea
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5
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhou Z, Cao S, Zhang J. Strategies of Targeting CK2 in Drug Discovery: Challenges, Opportunities, and Emerging Prospects. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2257-2281. [PMID: 36745746 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CK2 (casein kinase 2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and plays important roles in a variety of cellular functions, including cell growth, apoptosis, circadian rhythms, DNA damage repair, transcription, and translation. CK2 is involved in cancer pathogenesis and the occurrence of many diseases. Therefore, targeting CK2 is a promising therapeutic strategy. Although many CK2-specific small-molecule inhibitors have been developed, only CX-4945 has progressed to clinical trials. In recent years, novel CK2 inhibitors have gradually become a research hotspot, which is expected to overcome the limitations of traditional inhibitors. Herein, we summarize the structure, biological functions, and disease relevance of CK2 and emphatically analyze the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and binding modes of small-molecule CK2 inhibitors. We also discuss the latest progress of novel strategies, providing insights into new drugs targeting CK2 for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Chen
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Zhilan Zhou
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shu Cao
- West China School of Stomatology Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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6
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Borgo C, Cesaro L, Hirota T, Kuwata K, D'Amore C, Ruppert T, Blatnik R, Salvi M, Pinna LA. Analysis of the phosphoproteome of CK2 α(-/-)/Δ α' C2C12 myoblasts compared to the wild-type cells. Open Biol 2023; 13:220220. [PMID: 36809799 PMCID: PMC9943641 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CK2 is a Ser/Thr protein kinase composed of two catalytic (α/α') subunits and a non-catalytic β-subunit dimer, whose activity is often abnormally high in cancer cells. The concept that CK2 may be dispensable for cell survival has been challenged by the finding that viable CK2α/α' knock-out myoblast clones still express small amounts of an N-terminally deleted α' subunit generated during the CRISPR/Cas9 procedure. Here we show that, although the overall CK2 activity of these CK2α(-/-)/Δα' (KO) cells is less than 10% compared to wild-type (WT) cells, the number of phosphosites with the CK2 consensus is comparable to that of WT cells. A more in-depth analysis, however, reveals that the two phosphoproteomes are not superimposable according to a number of criteria, notably a functional analysis of the phosphoproteome found in the two types of cells, and variable sensitivity of the phosphosites to two structurally unrelated CK2 inhibitors. These data support the idea that a minimal CK2 activity, as in KO cells, is sufficient to perform basic housekeeping functions essential for cell survival, but not to accomplish several specialized tasks required upon cell differentiation and transformation. From this standpoint, a controlled downregulation of CK2 would represent a safe and valuable anti-cancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Borgo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35122, Italy
| | - Luca Cesaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35122, Italy
| | - Tsuyoshi Hirota
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Keiko Kuwata
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Claudio D'Amore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35122, Italy
| | - Thomas Ruppert
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Renata Blatnik
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mauro Salvi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35122, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A. Pinna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35122, Italy,CNR Institute of Neurosciences, 35131 Padova, Italy
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7
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Trembley JH, Kren BT, Afzal M, Scaria GA, Klein MA, Ahmed K. Protein kinase CK2 – diverse roles in cancer cell biology and therapeutic promise. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 478:899-926. [PMID: 36114992 PMCID: PMC9483426 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04558-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The association of protein kinase CK2 (formerly casein kinase II or 2) with cell growth and proliferation in cells was apparent at early stages of its investigation. A cancer-specific role for CK2 remained unclear until it was determined that CK2 was also a potent suppressor of cell death (apoptosis); the latter characteristic differentiated its function in normal versus malignant cells because dysregulation of both cell growth and cell death is a universal feature of cancer cells. Over time, it became evident that CK2 exerts its influence on a diverse range of cell functions in normal as well as in transformed cells. As such, CK2 and its substrates are localized in various compartments of the cell. The dysregulation of CK2 is documented in a wide range of malignancies; notably, by increased CK2 protein and activity levels with relatively moderate change in its RNA abundance. High levels of CK2 are associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancer types, and CK2 is a target for active research and testing for cancer therapy. Aspects of CK2 cellular roles and targeting in cancer are discussed in the present review, with focus on nuclear and mitochondrial functions and prostate, breast and head and neck malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeen H Trembley
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Betsy T Kren
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Biochemistry, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - George A Scaria
- Hematology/Oncology Section, Primary Care Service Line, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Mark A Klein
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Hematology/Oncology Section, Primary Care Service Line, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Khalil Ahmed
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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8
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Wang S, Yadav AK, Han JY, Ahn KS, Jang BC. Anti-Growth, Anti-Angiogenic, and Pro-Apoptotic Effects by CX-4945, an Inhibitor of Casein Kinase 2, on HuCCT-1 Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cells via Control of Caspase-9/3, DR-4, STAT-3/STAT-5, Mcl-1, eIF-2α, and HIF-1α. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116353. [PMID: 35683032 PMCID: PMC9181600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of casein kinase 2 (CK2) has an oncogenic and pro-survival role in many cancers. CX-4945 (Silmitasertib) is a CK2 inhibitor with anti-cancerous and anti-angiogenic effects. Up to date, the anti-cancer effect and mechanism of CX-4945 on human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remain unclear. This study investigated whether CX-4945 inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of HuCCT-1 cells, a human CCA cell line. Of note, treatment with CX-4945 at 20 μM markedly reduced survival and induced apoptosis of HuCCT-1 cells, as evidenced by nuclear DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage, activation of caspase-9/3, and up-regulation of DR-4. Although CX-4945 did not affect the phosphorylation and expression of CK2, it vastly inhibited the phosphorylation of CK2 substrates, supporting the drug’s efficacy in inhibiting CK2 and its downstream pathway. Importantly, knockdown of CK2 that partially suppressed the phosphorylation of CK2 substrates resulted in a significant reduction of HuCCT-1 cell survival. In addition, CX-4945 reduced the phosphorylation and expression of STAT-3 and STAT-5 in HuCCT-1 cells, and pharmacological inhibition or respective knockdown of these proteins resulted in significant growth suppression of HuCCT-1 cells. CX-4945 also had abilities to decrease Mcl-1 expression while increasing eIF-2α phosphorylation in HuCCT-1 cells. Furthermore, there was a time-differential negative regulation of HIF-1α expression by CX-4945 in HuCCT-1 cells, and knockdown of HIF-1α caused a significant reduction of the cell survival. In summary, these results demonstrated that CX-4945 has anti-growth, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects on HuCCT-1 cells, which are mediated through control of CK2, caspase-9/3, DR-4, STAT-3/5, Mcl-1, eIF-2α, and HIF-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saini Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea; (S.W.); (A.K.Y.)
- Department of Surgery, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, 1035 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 41931, Korea;
| | - Anil Kumar Yadav
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea; (S.W.); (A.K.Y.)
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55812, USA
| | - Jin-Yi Han
- Department of Surgery, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, 1035 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 41931, Korea;
| | - Keun Soo Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, 1035 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 41931, Korea;
- Correspondence: (K.S.A.); (B.-C.J.); Tel.: +82-53-258-7878 (K.S.A.); +82-53-258-7404 (B.-C.J.)
| | - Byeong-Churl Jang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Korea; (S.W.); (A.K.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.S.A.); (B.-C.J.); Tel.: +82-53-258-7878 (K.S.A.); +82-53-258-7404 (B.-C.J.)
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9
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Jefremow A, Neurath MF, Waldner MJ. CRISPR/Cas9 in Gastrointestinal Malignancies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727217. [PMID: 34912798 PMCID: PMC8667614 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers such as colorectal cancer (CRC), gastric cancer (GC), esophageal cancer (EG), pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or hepatocellular cancer (HCC) belong to the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer and are among the most frequent causes of cancer related death worldwide. Most types of GI cancer develop in a stepwise fashion with the occurrence of various driver mutations during tumor progression. Understanding the precise function of mutations driving GI cancer development has been regarded as a prerequisite for an improved clinical management of GI malignancies. During recent years, CRISPR/Cas9 has developed into a powerful tool for genome editing in cancer research by knocking in and knocking out even multiple genes at the same time. Within this review, we discuss recent applications for CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in GI cancer research including CRC, GC, EG, PDAC and HCC. These applications include functional studies of candidate genes in cancer cell lines or organoids in vitro as well as in murine cancer models in vivo, library screening for the identification of previously unknown driver mutations and even gene therapy of GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Jefremow
- Department of Medicine 1, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus F Neurath
- Department of Medicine 1, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maximilian J Waldner
- Department of Medicine 1, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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10
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Mechanism of cholangiocellular damage and repair during cholestasis. Ann Hepatol 2021; 26:100530. [PMID: 34509686 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of damage of the biliary epithelium remains partially unexplored. However, recently many works have offered new evidence regarding the cholangiocytes' damage process, which is the main target in a broad spectrum of pathologies ranging from acute cholestasis, cholangiopathies to cholangiocarcinoma. This is encouraging since some works addressed this epithelium's relevance in health and disease until a few years ago. The biliary tree in the liver, comprised of cholangiocytes, is a pipeline for bile flow and regulates key hepatic processes such as proliferation, regeneration, immune response, and signaling. This review aimed to compile the most recent advances on the mechanisms of cholangiocellular damage during cholestasis, which, although it is present in many cholangiopathies, is not necessarily a common or conserved process in all of them, having a relevant role cAMP and PKA during obstructive cholestasis, as well as Ca2+-dependent PKC in functional cholestasis. Cholangiocellular damage could vary according to the type of cholestasis, the aggressor, or the bile ducts' location where it develops and what kind of damage can favor cholangiocellular carcinoma development.
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Pangestu NS, Chueakwon P, Talabnin K, Khiaowichit J, Talabnin C. RNF43 overexpression attenuates the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway to suppress tumour progression in cholangiocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:846. [PMID: 34733364 PMCID: PMC8561214 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RING finger protein 43 (RNF43) is a ubiquitin E3 ligase that negatively regulates Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Mutation, inactivation and downregulation of RNF43 in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are associated with a less favourable prognosis. Since the functional role of RNF43 in CCA has not yet been demonstrated, the present study aimed to assess the effect of its overexpression in mediating CCA suppression via Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway inhibition. Accordingly, RNF43 was overexpressed, and various malignant phenotypic changes studied, including cell proliferation, cell migration, chemotherapeutic sensitivity and the expression of several Wnt/β-catenin target genes. Overexpression of RNF43 in the CCA cell-line KKU-213B hindered activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, evidenced by: i) Accumulation of β-catenin in the cytoplasmic fraction and downregulation of several known Wnt target genes at the mRNA level [AXIN2, survivin (BIRC5), CCND1, MMP-7, c-MYC and ABCB1 (MDR1)]; ii) a reduction of cell proliferation; iii) a significant decrease in KKU-213B cell migration with RNF43 overexpression via upregulation of E-cadherin (CDH1); and iv) a reduction in N-cadherin (CDH2), MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9. In addition, overexpression of RNF43 increased 5-fluorouracil sensitivity and downregulation of ABC transporter genes [including ABCB1 and ABCC1 (MRP1)]. The current results demonstrate a functional role for RNF43 in CCA by: i) Blocking β-catenin nuclear translocation; and ii) the subsequent downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin target genes (the latter being involved in the progression of CCA and chemotherapeutic drug susceptibility). Therefore, the present findings suggest that RNF43 could serve a tumour suppressive role in CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Sainstika Pangestu
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Piyasiri Chueakwon
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Krajang Talabnin
- School of Pathology, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Juthamas Khiaowichit
- School of Translational Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Chutima Talabnin
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
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12
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Jayaraman PS, Gaston K. Targeting protein kinase CK2 in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:434-447. [PMID: 36045705 PMCID: PMC9400764 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a disease with a very poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Although targeted therapies directed towards specific mutations found in CCA are becoming available and are showing great potential, many tumors do not carry actionable mutations and, in those that do, the emergence of drug resistance is a likely consequence of treatment. Therapeutic targeting of enzymes and other proteins that show elevated activity in CCA cells but which are not altered by mutation is a potential strategy for the treatment of target negative and drug-resistant disease. Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is a ubiquitously expressed kinase that has increased expression and increased activity in a variety of cancer types including CCA. Several potent CK2 inhibitors are in pre-clinical development or under assessment in a variety of clinical trials often in combination with drugs that induce DNA damage. This review outlines the importance of CK2 in CCA and assesses the progress that has been made in the evaluation of CK2 inhibition as a treatment strategy in this disease. Targeting CK2 based on the expression levels or activity of this protein and/or in combination with drugs that induce DNA damage or inhibit cell cycle progression, could be a viable option for tumors that lack actionable mutations, or for tumors that develop resistance to targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma-Sheela Jayaraman
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Division of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Kevin Gaston
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Division of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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13
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Targeting CK2 in cancer: a valuable strategy or a waste of time? Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:325. [PMID: 34716311 PMCID: PMC8555718 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00717-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CK2 is a protein kinase involved in several human diseases (ranging from neurological and cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and infections, including COVID-19), but its best-known implications are in cancer, where it is considered a pharmacological target. Several CK2 inhibitors are available and clinical trials are underway in different cancer types. Recently, the suitability of CK2 as a broad anticancer target has been questioned by the finding that a newly developed compound, named SGC-CK2-1, which is more selective than any other known CK2 inhibitor, is poorly effective in reducing cell growth in different cancer lines, prompting the conclusion that the anticancer efficacy of CX-4945, the commonly used clinical-grade CK2 inhibitor, is to be attributed to its off-target effects. Here we perform a detailed scrutiny of published studies on CK2 targeting and a more in-depth analysis of the available data on SGC-CK2-1 vs. CX-4945 efficacy, providing a different perspective about the actual reliance of cancer cells on CK2. Collectively taken, our arguments would indicate that the pretended dispensability of CK2 in cancer is far from having been proved and warn against premature conclusions, which could discourage ongoing investigations on a potentially valuable drug target.
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14
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Lee Y. Roles of circadian clocks in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:1529-1538. [PMID: 34615982 PMCID: PMC8568965 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00681-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks are ubiquitous timing mechanisms that generate approximately 24-h rhythms in cellular and bodily functions across nearly all living species. These internal clock systems enable living organisms to anticipate and respond to daily changes in their environment in a timely manner, optimizing temporal physiology and behaviors. Dysregulation of circadian rhythms by genetic and environmental risk factors increases susceptibility to multiple diseases, particularly cancers. A growing number of studies have revealed dynamic crosstalk between circadian clocks and cancer pathways, providing mechanistic insights into the therapeutic utility of circadian rhythms in cancer treatment. This review will discuss the roles of circadian rhythms in cancer pathogenesis, highlighting the recent advances in chronotherapeutic approaches for improved cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yool Lee
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202 USA
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15
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Cohen P, Cross D, Jänne PA. Kinase drug discovery 20 years after imatinib: progress and future directions. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:551-569. [PMID: 34002056 PMCID: PMC8127496 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00195-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 145.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases regulate nearly all aspects of cell life, and alterations in their expression, or mutations in their genes, cause cancer and other diseases. Here, we review the remarkable progress made over the past 20 years in improving the potency and specificity of small-molecule inhibitors of protein and lipid kinases, resulting in the approval of more than 70 new drugs since imatinib was approved in 2001. These compounds have had a significant impact on the way in which we now treat cancers and non-cancerous conditions. We discuss how the challenge of drug resistance to kinase inhibitors is being met and the future of kinase drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Cohen
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | | | - Pasi A Jänne
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Iegre J, Atkinson EL, Brear PD, Cooper BM, Hyvönen M, Spring DR. Chemical probes targeting the kinase CK2: a journey outside the catalytic box. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:4380-4396. [PMID: 34037044 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob00257k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CK2 is a protein kinase that plays important roles in many physio-pathological cellular processes. As such, the development of chemical probes for CK2 has received increasing attention in the past decade with more than 40 lead compounds developed. In this review, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the chemical probes acting outside the highly-conserved ATP-site developed to date. Such probes belong to different classes of molecules spanning from small molecules to peptides, act with a range of mechanisms of action and some of them present themselves as promising tools to investigate the biology of CK2 and therefore develop therapeutics for many disease areas including cancer and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Iegre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Eleanor L Atkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Paul D Brear
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Bethany M Cooper
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
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17
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CX-4945 and siRNA-Mediated Knockdown of CK2 Improves Cisplatin Response in HPV(+) and HPV(-) HNSCC Cell Lines. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050571. [PMID: 34070147 PMCID: PMC8158385 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can be categorized into human papillomavirus (HPV) positive or negative disease. Elevated protein kinase CK2 level and activity have been historically observed in HNSCC cells. Previous studies on CK2 in HNSCC did not generally include consideration of HPV(+) and HPV(−) status. Here, we investigated the response of HPV(+) and HPV(−) HNSCC cells to CK2 targeting using CX-4945 or siRNA downregulation combined with cisplatin treatment. HNSCC cell lines were examined for CK2 expression levels and activity and response to CX-4945, with and without cisplatin. CK2 levels and NFκB p65-related activity were high in HPV(+) HNSCC cells relative to HPV(−) HNSCC cells. Treatment with CX-4945 decreased viability and cisplatin IC50 in all cell lines. Targeting of CK2 increased tumor suppressor protein levels for p21 and PDCD4 in most instances. Further study is needed to understand the role of CK2 in HPV(+) and HPV(−) HNSCC and to determine how incorporation of the CK2-targeted inhibitor CX-4945 could improve cisplatin response in HNSCC.
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18
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Protein kinase CK2: a potential therapeutic target for diverse human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:183. [PMID: 33994545 PMCID: PMC8126563 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00567-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CK2 is a constitutively active Ser/Thr protein kinase, which phosphorylates hundreds of substrates, controls several signaling pathways, and is implicated in a plethora of human diseases. Its best documented role is in cancer, where it regulates practically all malignant hallmarks. Other well-known functions of CK2 are in human infections; in particular, several viruses exploit host cell CK2 for their life cycle. Very recently, also SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has been found to enhance CK2 activity and to induce the phosphorylation of several CK2 substrates (either viral and host proteins). CK2 is also considered an emerging target for neurological diseases, inflammation and autoimmune disorders, diverse ophthalmic pathologies, diabetes, and obesity. In addition, CK2 activity has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, as cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, and cardiac hypertrophy. The hypothesis of considering CK2 inhibition for cystic fibrosis therapies has been also entertained for many years. Moreover, psychiatric disorders and syndromes due to CK2 mutations have been recently identified. On these bases, CK2 is emerging as an increasingly attractive target in various fields of human medicine, with the advantage that several very specific and effective inhibitors are already available. Here, we review the literature on CK2 implication in different human pathologies and evaluate its potential as a pharmacological target in the light of the most recent findings.
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19
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Licciardello MP, Workman P. A New Chemical Probe Challenges the Broad Cancer Essentiality of CK2. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:313-315. [PMID: 33771354 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is highly expressed in cancer and has been considered a potential therapeutic target. Wells and colleagues developed and characterized the new CK2 inhibitor SGC-CK2-1. Unexpectedly, this potent and highly selective chemical probe does not show broad antiproliferative activity in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco P Licciardello
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Paul Workman
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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20
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Wells CI, Drewry DH, Pickett JE, Tjaden A, Krämer A, Müller S, Gyenis L, Menyhart D, Litchfield DW, Knapp S, Axtman AD. Development of a potent and selective chemical probe for the pleiotropic kinase CK2. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:546-558.e10. [PMID: 33484635 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Building on the pyrazolopyrimidine CK2 (casein kinase 2) inhibitor scaffold, we designed a small targeted library. Through comprehensive evaluation of inhibitor selectivity, we identified inhibitor 24 (SGC-CK2-1) as a highly potent and cell-active CK2 chemical probe with exclusive selectivity for both human CK2 isoforms. Remarkably, despite years of research pointing to CK2 as a key driver in cancer, our chemical probe did not elicit a broad antiproliferative phenotype in >90% of >140 cell lines when tested in dose-response. While many publications have reported CK2 functions, CK2 biology is complex and an available high-quality chemical tool such as SGC-CK2-1 will be indispensable in deciphering the relationships between CK2 function and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrow I Wells
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Julie E Pickett
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Amelie Tjaden
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchman Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Krämer
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchman Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Müller
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchman Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Laszlo Gyenis
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Daniel Menyhart
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - David W Litchfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchman Institute for Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alison D Axtman
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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21
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Protein kinase CK2 inhibition as a pharmacological strategy. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 124:23-46. [PMID: 33632467 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CK2 is a constitutively active Ser/Thr protein kinase which phosphorylates hundreds of substrates. Since they are primarily related to survival and proliferation pathways, the best-known pathological roles of CK2 are in cancer, where its targeting is currently being considered as a possible therapy. However, CK2 activity has been found instrumental in many other human pathologies, and its inhibition will expectably be extended to different purposes in the near future. Here, after a description of CK2 features and implications in diseases, we analyze the different inhibitors and strategies available to target CK2, and update the results so far obtained by their in vivo application.
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22
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Cdc-Like Kinases (CLKs): Biology, Chemical Probes, and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207549. [PMID: 33066143 PMCID: PMC7593917 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases represent a very pharmacologically attractive class of targets; however, some members of the family still remain rather unexplored. The biology and therapeutic potential of cdc-like kinases (CLKs) have been explored mainly over the last decade and the first CLK inhibitor, compound SM08502, entered clinical trials only recently. This review summarizes the biological roles and therapeutic potential of CLKs and their heretofore published small-molecule inhibitors, with a focus on the compounds' potential to be utilized as quality chemical biology probes.
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Borgo C, D’Amore C, Cesaro L, Itami K, Hirota T, Salvi M, Pinna LA. A N-terminally deleted form of the CK2α’ catalytic subunit is sufficient to support cell viability. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 531:409-415. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.07.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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D'Amore C, Borgo C, Sarno S, Salvi M. Role of CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 in anti-cancer combination therapy - potential clinical relevance. Cell Oncol 2020; 43:1003-1016. [PMID: 33052585 PMCID: PMC7717057 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00566-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein kinase CK2 inhibition has long been considered as an attractive anti-cancer strategy based on the following considerations: CK2 is a pro-survival kinase, it is frequently over-expressed in human tumours and its over-expression correlates with a worse prognosis. Preclinical evidence strongly supports the feasibility of this target and, although dozens of CK2 inhibitors have been described in the literature so far, CX-4945 (silmitasertib) was the first that entered into clinical trials for the treatment of both human haematological and solid tumours. However, kinase inhibitor monotherapies turned out to be effective only in a limited number of malignancies, probably due to the multifaceted causes that underlie them, supporting the emerging view that multi-targeted approaches to treat human tumours could be more effective. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we will address combined anti-cancer therapeutic strategies described so far which involve the use of CX-4945. Data from preclinical studies clearly show the ability of CX-4945 to synergistically cooperate with different classes of anti-neoplastic agents, thereby contributing to an orchestrated anti-tumour action against multiple targets. Overall, these promising outcomes support the translation of CX-4945 combined therapies into clinical anti-cancer applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Amore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Christian Borgo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Sarno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mauro Salvi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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