1
|
Mulet-Lazaro R, Delwel R. Oncogenic Enhancers in Leukemia. Blood Cancer Discov 2024; 5:303-317. [PMID: 39093124 PMCID: PMC11369600 DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-23-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the study of leukemogenesis has traditionally focused on protein-coding genes, the role of enhancer dysregulation is becoming increasingly recognized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing, together with a better understanding of enhancer biology, has revealed how various genetic and epigenetic lesions produce oncogenic enhancers that drive transformation. These aberrations include translocations that lead to enhancer hijacking, point mutations that modulate enhancer activity, and copy number alterations that modify enhancer dosage. In this review, we describe these mechanisms in the context of leukemia and discuss potential therapeutic avenues to target these regulatory elements. Significance: Large-scale sequencing projects have uncovered recurrent gene mutations in leukemia, but the picture remains incomplete: some patients harbor no such aberrations, whereas others carry only a few that are insufficient to bring about transformation on their own. One of the missing pieces is enhancer dysfunction, which only recently has emerged as a critical driver of leukemogenesis. Knowledge of the various mechanisms of enhancer dysregulation is thus key for a complete understanding of leukemia and its causes, as well as the development of targeted therapies in the era of precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger Mulet-Lazaro
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Ruud Delwel
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang G, Zhang W, Ren J, Zeng Y, Dang X, Tian X, Yu W, Li Z, Ma Y, Yang P, Lu J, Zheng J, Lu B, Xu J, Liang A. The DNA damage-independent ATM signalling maintains CBP/DOT1L axis in MLL rearranged acute myeloid leukaemia. Oncogene 2024; 43:1900-1916. [PMID: 38671157 PMCID: PMC11178498 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02998-2] [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] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The long-term maintenance of leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) is responsible for the high degree of malignancy in MLL (mixed-lineage leukaemia) rearranged acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The DNA damage response (DDR) and DOT1L/H3K79me pathways are required to maintain LSCs in MLLr-AML, but little is known about their interplay. This study revealed that the DDR enzyme ATM regulates the maintenance of LSCs in MLLr-AML with a sequential protein-posttranslational-modification manner via CBP-DOT1L. We identified the phosphorylation of CBP by ATM, which confers the stability of CBP by preventing its proteasomal degradation, and characterised the acetylation of DOT1L by CBP, which mediates the high level of H3K79me2 for the expression of leukaemia genes in MLLr-AML. In addition, we revealed that the regulation of CBP-DOT1L axis in MLLr-AML by ATM was independent of DNA damage activation. Our findings provide insight into the signalling pathways involoved in MLLr-AML and broaden the understanding of the role of DDR enzymes beyond processing DNA damage, as well as identigying them as potent cancer targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
- East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
- Postdoctoral Station of Clinical Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xiuyong Dang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xiaoxue Tian
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Wenlei Yu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yuting Ma
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Pingping Yang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jinyuan Lu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Junke Zheng
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Bing Lu
- East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Jun Xu
- East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Aibin Liang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pattelli ON, Valdivia EM, Beyersdorf MS, Regan CS, Rivas M, Hebert KA, Merajver SD, Cierpicki T, Mapp AK. A Lipopeptidomimetic of Transcriptional Activation Domains Selectively Disrupts the Coactivator Med25 Protein-Protein Interactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400781. [PMID: 38527936 PMCID: PMC11134611 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400781] [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] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Short amphipathic peptides are capable of binding to transcriptional coactivators, often targeting the same binding surfaces as native transcriptional activation domains. However, they do so with modest affinity and generally poor selectivity, limiting their utility as synthetic modulators. Here we show that incorporation of a medium-chain, branched fatty acid to the N-terminus of one such heptameric lipopeptidomimetic (LPPM-8) increases the affinity for the coactivator Med25 >20-fold (Ki >100 μM to 4 μM), rendering it an effective inhibitor of Med25 protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The lipid structure, the peptide sequence, and the C-terminal functionalization of the lipopeptidomimetic each influence the structural propensity of LPPM-8 and its effectiveness as an inhibitor. LPPM-8 engages Med25 through interaction with the H2 face of its activator interaction domain and in doing so stabilizes full-length protein in the cellular proteome. Further, genes regulated by Med25-activator PPIs are inhibited in a cell model of triple-negative breast cancer. Thus, LPPM-8 is a useful tool for studying Med25 and mediator complex biology and the results indicate that lipopeptidomimetics may be a robust source of inhibitors for activator-coactivator complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia N. Pattelli
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Estefanía Martínez Valdivia
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Matthew S. Beyersdorf
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Clint S. Regan
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Mónica Rivas
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | | | - Sofia D. Merajver
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Anna K. Mapp
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Biersack B, Höpfner M. Emerging role of MYB transcription factors in cancer drug resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:15. [PMID: 38835346 PMCID: PMC11149108 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Decades ago, the viral myeloblastosis oncogene v-myb was identified as a gene responsible for the development of avian leukemia. However, the relevance of MYB proteins for human cancer diseases, in particular for solid tumors, remained basically unrecognized for a very long time. The human family of MYB transcription factors comprises MYB (c-MYB), MYBL2 (b-MYB), and MYBL1 (a-MYB), which are overexpressed in several cancers and are associated with cancer progression and resistance to anticancer drugs. In addition to overexpression, the presence of activated MYB-fusion proteins as tumor drivers was described in certain cancers. The identification of anticancer drug resistance mediated by MYB proteins and their underlying mechanisms are of great importance in understanding failures of current therapies and establishing new and more efficient therapy regimens. In addition, new drug candidates targeting MYB transcription factor activity and signaling have emerged as a promising class of potential anticancer therapeutics that could tackle MYB-dependent drug-resistant cancers in a more selective way. This review describes the correlation of MYB transcription factors with the formation and persistence of cancer resistance to various approved and investigational anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
| | - Michael Höpfner
- Institute for Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mendes M, Monteiro AC, Neto E, Barrias CC, Sobrinho-Simões MA, Duarte D, Caires HR. Transforming the Niche: The Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4430. [PMID: 38674015 PMCID: PMC11050723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084430] [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] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) management remains a significant challenge in oncology due to its low survival rates and high post-treatment relapse rates, mainly attributed to treatment-resistant leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) residing in bone marrow (BM) niches. This review offers an in-depth analysis of AML progression, highlighting the pivotal role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the dynamic remodelling of BM niche intercellular communication. We explore recent advancements elucidating the mechanisms through which EVs facilitate complex crosstalk, effectively promoting AML hallmarks and drug resistance. Adopting a temporal view, we chart the evolving landscape of EV-mediated interactions within the AML niche, underscoring the transformative potential of these insights for therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, the review discusses the emerging understanding of endothelial cell subsets' impact across BM niches in shaping AML disease progression, adding another layer of complexity to the disease progression and treatment resistance. We highlight the potential of cutting-edge methodologies, such as organ-on-chip (OoC) and single-EV analysis technologies, to provide unprecedented insights into AML-niche interactions in a human setting. Leveraging accumulated insights into AML EV signalling to reconfigure BM niches and pioneer novel approaches to decipher the EV signalling networks that fuel AML within the human context could revolutionise the development of niche-targeted therapy for leukaemia eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mendes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.); (A.C.M.); (E.N.); (C.C.B.); (M.A.S.-S.); (D.D.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Monteiro
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.); (A.C.M.); (E.N.); (C.C.B.); (M.A.S.-S.); (D.D.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Estrela Neto
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.); (A.C.M.); (E.N.); (C.C.B.); (M.A.S.-S.); (D.D.)
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina C. Barrias
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.); (A.C.M.); (E.N.); (C.C.B.); (M.A.S.-S.); (D.D.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel A. Sobrinho-Simões
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.); (A.C.M.); (E.N.); (C.C.B.); (M.A.S.-S.); (D.D.)
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Delfim Duarte
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.); (A.C.M.); (E.N.); (C.C.B.); (M.A.S.-S.); (D.D.)
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedicine, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Instituto Português de Oncologia (IPO)-Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo R. Caires
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.M.); (A.C.M.); (E.N.); (C.C.B.); (M.A.S.-S.); (D.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Almeida A, T'Sas S, Pagliaro L, Fijalkowski I, Sleeckx W, Van Steenberge H, Zamponi R, Lintermans B, Van Loocke W, Palhais B, Reekmans A, Bardelli V, Demoen L, Reunes L, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Kentsis A, Ntziachristos P, Van Roy N, De Moerloose B, Mecucci C, La Starza R, Roti G, Goossens S, Van Vlierberghe P, Pieters T. Myb overexpression synergizes with the loss of Pten and is a dependency factor and therapeutic target in T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. Hemasphere 2024; 8:e51. [PMID: 38463444 PMCID: PMC10924755 DOI: 10.1002/hem3.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy that accounts for 10%-15% of pediatric and 25% of adult ALL cases. Although the prognosis of T-ALL has improved over time, the outcome of T-ALL patients with primary resistant or relapsed leukemia remains poor. Therefore, further progress in the treatment of T-ALL requires a better understanding of its biology and the development of more effective precision oncologic therapies. The proto-oncogene MYB is highly expressed in diverse hematologic malignancies, including T-ALLs with genomic aberrations that further potentiate its expression and activity. Previous studies have associated MYB with a malignant role in the pathogenesis of several cancers. However, its role in the induction and maintenance of T-ALL remains relatively poorly understood. In this study, we found that an increased copy number of MYB is associated with higher MYB expression levels, and might be associated with inferior event-free survival of pediatric T-ALL patients. Using our previously described conditional Myb overexpression mice, we generated two distinct MYB-driven T-ALL mouse models. We demonstrated that the overexpression of Myb synergizes with Pten deletion but not with the overexpression of Lmo2 to accelerate the development of T-cell lymphoblastic leukemias. We also showed that MYB is a dependency factor in T-ALL since RNA interference of Myb blocked cell cycle progression and induced apoptosis in both human and murine T-ALL cell lines. Finally, we provide preclinical evidence that targeting the transcriptional activity of MYB can be a useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of T-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Almeida
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
| | - Sara T'Sas
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Luca Pagliaro
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Igor Fijalkowski
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Leukemia Therapy Resistance Laboratory and Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Wouter Sleeckx
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Hannah Van Steenberge
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | | | - Béatrice Lintermans
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
| | - Wouter Van Loocke
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
| | - Bruno Palhais
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Leukemia Therapy Resistance Laboratory and Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Alexandra Reekmans
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Valentina Bardelli
- Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato‐Oncology ResearchUniversity of Perugia and S.M. Misericordia HospitalPerugiaItaly
| | - Lisa Demoen
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
| | - Lindy Reunes
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Leukemia Therapy Resistance Laboratory and Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | | | - Alex Kentsis
- Tow Center for Developmental Oncology, Sloan Kettering Institute and Department of PediatricsMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Leukemia Therapy Resistance Laboratory and Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Nadine Van Roy
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Lab for Translational Oncogenomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Pediatric Precision Oncology Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Department of Pediatric Hematology‐OncologyGhent University HospitalGhentBelgium
| | - Cristina Mecucci
- Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato‐Oncology ResearchUniversity of Perugia and S.M. Misericordia HospitalPerugiaItaly
| | - Roberta La Starza
- Institute of Hematology and Center for Hemato‐Oncology ResearchUniversity of Perugia and S.M. Misericordia HospitalPerugiaItaly
| | - Giovanni Roti
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
| | - Tim Pieters
- Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis Lab, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG)GhentBelgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Leukemia Therapy Resistance Laboratory and Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular MedicineGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu Y, Joy ST, Henley MJ, Croskey A, Yates JA, Merajver SD, Mapp AK. Inhibition of CREB Binding and Function with a Dual-Targeting Ligand. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1-8. [PMID: 38086054 PMCID: PMC10836052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
CBP/p300 is a master transcriptional coactivator that regulates gene activation by interacting with multiple transcriptional activators. Dysregulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between the CBP/p300 KIX domain and its activators is implicated in a number of cancers, including breast, leukemia, and colorectal cancer. However, KIX is typically considered "undruggable" because of its shallow binding surfaces lacking both significant topology and promiscuous binding profiles. We previously reported a dual-targeting peptide (MybLL-tide) that inhibits the KIX-Myb interaction with excellent specificity and potency. Here, we demonstrate a branched, second-generation analogue, CREBLL-tide, that inhibits the KIX-CREB PPI with higher potency and selectivity. Additionally, the best of these CREBLL-tide analogues shows excellent and selective antiproliferation activity in breast cancer cells. These results indicate that CREBLL-tide is an effective tool for assessing the role of KIX-activator interactions in breast cancer and expanding the dual-targeting strategy for inhibiting KIX and other coactivators that contain multiple binding surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yejun Liu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Stephen T Joy
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Madeleine J Henley
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ayza Croskey
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Joel A Yates
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Sofia D Merajver
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Anna K Mapp
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Clarke ML, Gabrielsen OS, Frampton J. MYB as a Critical Transcription Factor and Potential Therapeutic Target in AML. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1459:341-358. [PMID: 39017851 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62731-6_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Myb was identified over four decades ago as the transforming component of acute leukemia viruses in chickens. Since then it has become increasingly apparent that dysregulated MYB activity characterizes many blood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia, and that it represents the most "addictive" oncoprotein in many, if not all, such diseases. As a consequence of this tumor-specific dependency for MYB, it has become a major focus of efforts to develop specific antileukemia drugs. Much attention is being given to ways to interrupt the interaction between MYB and cooperating factors, in particular EP300/KAT3B and CBP/KAT3A. Aside from candidates identified through screening of small molecules, the most exciting prospect for novel drugs seems to be the design of peptide mimetics that interfere directly at the interface between MYB and its cofactors. Such peptides combine a high degree of target specificity with good efficacy including minimal effects on normal hematopoietic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Louise Clarke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine & Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Cancer & Genomic Sciences, College of Medicine & Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Jon Frampton
- Department of Cancer & Genomic Sciences, College of Medicine & Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Haubner S, Mansilla-Soto J, Nataraj S, Kogel F, Chang Q, de Stanchina E, Lopez M, Ng MR, Fraser K, Subklewe M, Park JH, Wang X, Rivière I, Sadelain M. Cooperative CAR targeting to selectively eliminate AML and minimize escape. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1871-1891.e6. [PMID: 37802054 PMCID: PMC11006543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) poses a singular challenge for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy owing to its phenotypic heterogeneity and similarity to normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Here we expound a CAR strategy intended to efficiently target AML while minimizing HSPC toxicity. Quantification of target expression in relapsed/refractory patient samples and normal HSPCs reveals a therapeutic window for gated co-targeting of ADGRE2 and CLEC12A: We combine an attenuated ADGRE2-CAR with a CLEC12A-chimeric costimulatory receptor (ADCLEC.syn1) to preferentially engage ADGRE2posCLEC12Apos leukemic stem cells over ADGRE2lowCLEC12Aneg normal HSPCs. ADCLEC.syn1 prevents antigen escape in AML xenograft models, outperforms the ADGRE2-CAR alone and eradicates AML despite proximate myelopoiesis in humanized mice. Off-target HSPC toxicity is similar to that of a CD19-CAR and can be mitigated by reducing CAR T cell-derived interferon-γ. Overall, we demonstrate the ability of target density-adapted cooperative CAR targeting to selectively eliminate AML and potentially obviate the need for hematopoietic rescue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Haubner
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jorge Mansilla-Soto
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sarah Nataraj
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Friederike Kogel
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael Lopez
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mei Rosa Ng
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Kathryn Fraser
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Marion Subklewe
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jae H Park
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Cellular Therapy Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xiuyan Wang
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Michael G. Harris Cell Therapy and Cell Engineering Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Isabelle Rivière
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Michael G. Harris Cell Therapy and Cell Engineering Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Harada T, Perez MW, Kalfon J, Braes FD, Batley R, Eagle K, Nabet B, Leifer B, Kruell J, Paralkar VR, Stegmaier K, Koehler AN, Orkin SH, Pimkin M. Rapid-kinetics degron benchmarking reveals off-target activities and mixed agonism-antagonism of MYB inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.07.536032. [PMID: 37066194 PMCID: PMC10104119 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.07.536032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Attenuating aberrant transcriptional circuits holds great promise for the treatment of numerous diseases, including cancer. However, development of transcriptional inhibitors is hampered by the lack of a generally accepted functional cellular readout to characterize their target specificity and on-target activity. We benchmarked the direct gene-regulatory signatures of six agents reported as inhibitors of the oncogenic transcription factor MYB against targeted MYB degradation in a nascent transcriptomics assay. The inhibitors demonstrated partial specificity for MYB target genes but displayed significant off-target activity. Unexpectedly, the inhibitors displayed bimodal on-target effects, acting as mixed agonists-antagonists. Our data uncover unforeseen agonist effects of small molecules originally developed as TF inhibitors and argue that rapid-kinetics benchmarking against degron models should be used for functional characterization of transcriptional modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taku Harada
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Monika W. Perez
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jérémie Kalfon
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Flora Dievenich Braes
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Rashad Batley
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kenneth Eagle
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Ken Eagle Consulting, Houston, TX, 77494, USA
| | - Behnam Nabet
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Becky Leifer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jasmin Kruell
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Vikram R. Paralkar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Angela N. Koehler
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Stuart H. Orkin
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Maxim Pimkin
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tejera Nevado P, Tešan Tomić T, Atefyekta A, Fehr A, Stenman G, Andersson MK. Synthetic oleanane triterpenoids suppress MYB oncogene activity and sensitize T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells to chemotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1126354. [PMID: 37077825 PMCID: PMC10106619 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1126354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with poor prognosis. The MYB oncogene encodes a master transcription factor that is activated in the majority of human T-ALLs. In the present study, we have performed a large-scale screening with small-molecule drugs to find clinically useful inhibitors of MYB gene expression in T-ALL. We identified several pharmacological agents that potentially could be used to treat MYB-driven malignancies. In particular, treatment with the synthetic oleanane triterpenoids (OTs) bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone decreased MYB gene activity and expression of MYB downstream target genes in T-ALL cells with constitutive MYB gene activation. Notably, treatment with bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone led to a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability and induction of apoptosis at low nanomolar concentrations. In contrast, normal bone marrow-derived cells were unaffected at these concentrations. Bardoxolone methyl and omaveloxolone treatment downregulated the expression of DNA repair genes and sensitized T-ALL cells to doxorubicin, a drug that is part of the standard therapy of T-ALL. OT treatment may thus potentiate DNA-damaging chemotherapy through attenuation of DNA repair. Taken together, our results indicate that synthetic OTs may be useful in the treatment of T-ALL and potentially also in other MYB-driven malignancies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Pattelli ON, Valdivia EM, Beyersdorf MS, Regan CS, Rivas M, Merajver SD, Cierpicki T, Mapp AK. A lipopeptidomimetic of transcriptional activation domains selectively disrupts Med25 PPIs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.24.534168. [PMID: 36993479 PMCID: PMC10055422 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.24.534168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Short amphipathic peptides are capable of binding to transcriptional coactivators, often targeting the same binding surfaces as native transcriptional activation domains. However, they do so with modest affinity and generally poor selectivity, limiting their utility as synthetic modulators. Here we show that incorporation of a medium-chain, branched fatty acid to the N-terminus of one such heptameric lipopeptidomimetic (34913-8) increases the affinity for the coactivator Med25 >10-fold ( Ki >>100 μM to 10 μM). Importantly, the selectivity of 34913-8 for Med25 compared to other coactivators is excellent. 34913-8 engages Med25 through interaction with the H2 face of its Ac tivator I nteraction D omain and in doing so stabilizes full-length protein in the cellular proteome. Further, genes regulated by Med25-activator PPIs are inhibited in a cell model of triple-negative breast cancer. Thus, 34913-8 is a useful tool for studying Med25 and the Mediator complex biology and the results indicate that lipopeptidomimetics may be a robust source of inhibitors for activator-coactivator complexes.
Collapse
|
13
|
Klempnauer KH. C/EBPβ cooperates with MYB to maintain the oncogenic program of AML cells. Oncotarget 2023; 14:174-177. [PMID: 36913305 PMCID: PMC10010626 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28377] [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: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the role of transcription factor MYB in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have identified MYB as a key regulator of a transcriptional program for self-renewal of AML cells. Recent work summarized here has now highlighted the CCAAT-box/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) as an essential factor and potential therapeutic target that cooperates with MYB and coactivator p300 in the maintenance of the leukemic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Heinz Klempnauer
- Correspondence to:Karl-Heinz Klempnauer, Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Muenster D-48149, Germany email
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jones M, Grosche P, Floersheimer A, André J, Gattlen R, Oser D, Tinchant J, Wille R, Chie-Leon B, Gerspacher M, Ertl P, Ostermann N, Altmann E, Manchado E, Vorherr T, Chène P. Design and Biochemical Characterization of Peptidic Inhibitors of the Myb/p300 Interaction. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1321-1329. [PMID: 36883372 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The Myb transcription factor is involved in the proliferation of hematopoietic cells, and deregulation of its expression can lead to cancers such as leukemia. Myb interacts with various proteins, including the histone acetyltransferases p300 and CBP. Myb binds to a small domain of p300, the KIX domain (p300KIX), and inhibiting this interaction is a potential new drug discovery strategy in oncology. The available structures show that Myb binds to a very shallow pocket of the KIX domain, indicating that it might be challenging to identify inhibitors of this interaction. Here, we report the design of Myb-derived peptides which interact with p300KIX. We show that by mutating only two Myb residues that bind in or near a hotspot at the surface of p300KIX, it is possible to obtain single-digit nanomolar peptidic inhibitors of the Myb/p300KIX interaction that bind 400-fold tighter to p300KIX than wildtype Myb. These findings suggest that it might also be possible to design potent low molecular-weight compounds to disrupt the Myb/p300KIX interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Jones
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Grosche
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Floersheimer
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Jérome André
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Gattlen
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Oser
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Juliette Tinchant
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Roman Wille
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Chie-Leon
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Marc Gerspacher
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Peter Ertl
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Nils Ostermann
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, California 94608, United States
| | - Eva Altmann
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Eusebio Manchado
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Vorherr
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Chène
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xia Y, An J, Li J, Gu W, Zhang Y, Zhao S, Zhao C, Xu Y, Li B, Zhong Z, Meng F. Transferrin-guided intelligent nanovesicles augment the targetability and potency of clinical PLK1 inhibitor to acute myeloid leukemia. Bioact Mater 2023; 21:499-510. [PMID: 36185744 PMCID: PMC9494038 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a most lethal hematological malignancy, partly because of its slow development of targeted therapies compared with other cancers. PLK1 inhibitor, volasertib (Vol), is among the few molecular targeted drugs granted breakthrough therapy status for AML; however, its fast clearance and dose-limiting toxicity greatly restrain its clinical benefits. Here, we report that transferrin-guided polymersomes (TPs) markedly augment the targetability, potency and safety of Vol to AML. Vol-loaded TPs (TPVol) with 4% transferrin exhibited best cellular uptake, effective down-regulation of p-PLK1, p-PTEN and p-AKT and superior apoptotic activity to free Vol in MV-4-11 leukemic cells. Intravenous injection of TPVol gave 6-fold higher AUC than free Vol and notable accumulation in AML-residing bone marrow. The efficacy studies in orthotopic MV-4-11 leukemic model demonstrated that TPVol significantly reduced leukemic cell proportions in periphery blood, bone marrow, liver and spleen, effectively enhanced mouse survival rate, and impeded bone loss. This transferrin-guided nano-delivery of molecular targeted drugs appears to be an interesting strategy towards the development of novel treatments for AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Xia
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Jingnan An
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Jiaying Li
- Orthopedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, PR China
| | - Wenxing Gu
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Songsong Zhao
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Cenzhu Zhao
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yang Xu
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Bin Li
- Orthopedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215007, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Fenghua Meng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rosa S, Tagliani A, Bertaso C, Tadini L, Visentin C, Gourlay LJ, Pricl S, Feni L, Pellegrino S, Pesaresi P, Masiero S. The cyclic peptide G4CP2 enables the modulation of galactose metabolism in yeast by interfering with GAL4 transcriptional activity. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1017757. [PMID: 36936986 PMCID: PMC10014601 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1017757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically-encoded combinatorial peptide libraries are convenient tools to identify peptides to be used as therapeutics, antimicrobials and functional synthetic biology modules. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a cyclic peptide, G4CP2, that interferes with the GAL4 protein, a transcription factor responsible for the activation of galactose catabolism in yeast and widely exploited in molecular biology. G4CP2 was identified by screening CYCLIC, a Yeast Two-Hybrid-based combinatorial library of cyclic peptides developed in our laboratory. G4CP2 interferes with GAL4-mediated activation of galactose metabolic enzymes both when expressed intracellularly, as a recombinant peptide, and when provided exogenously, as a chemically-synthesized cyclic peptide. Our results support the application of G4CP2 in microbial biotechnology and, additionally, demonstrate that CYCLIC can be used as a tool for the rapid identification of peptides, virtually without any limitations with respect to the target protein. The possible biotechnological applications of cyclic peptides are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Rosa
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Tagliani
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertaso
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Tadini
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Visentin
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sabrina Pricl
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@Units), DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of General Biophysics, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Lucia Feni
- DISFARM-Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Pellegrino
- DISFARM-Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Pesaresi
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Masiero
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Eldeeb M, Yuan O, Guzzi N, Thi Ngoc PC, Konturek-Ciesla A, Kristiansen TA, Muthukumar S, Magee J, Bellodi C, Yuan J, Bryder D. A fetal tumor suppressor axis abrogates MLL-fusion-driven acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112099. [PMID: 36763502 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
MLL-rearrangements (MLL-r) are recurrent genetic events in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and frequently associate with poor prognosis. In infants, MLL-r can be sufficient to drive transformation. However, despite the prenatal origin of MLL-r in these patients, congenital leukemia is very rare with transformation usually occurring postnatally. The influence of prenatal signals on leukemogenesis, such as those mediated by the fetal-specific protein LIN28B, remains controversial. Here, using a dual-transgenic mouse model that co-expresses MLL-ENL and LIN28B, we investigate the impact of LIN28B on AML. LIN28B impedes the progression of MLL-r AML through compromised leukemia-initiating cell activity and suppression of MYB signaling. Mechanistically, LIN28B directly binds to MYBBP1A mRNA, resulting in elevated protein levels of this MYB co-repressor. Functionally, overexpression of MYBBP1A phenocopies the tumor-suppressor effects of LIN28B, while its perturbation omits it. Thereby, we propose that developmentally restricted expression of LIN28B provides a layer of protection against MYB-dependent AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Eldeeb
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ouyang Yuan
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Nicola Guzzi
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Phuong Cao Thi Ngoc
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Konturek-Ciesla
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Trine A Kristiansen
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sowndarya Muthukumar
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey Magee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Cristian Bellodi
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Joan Yuan
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - David Bryder
- Division of Molecular Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Faculty of Medical, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhu Y, Wang Z, Li Y, Peng H, Liu J, Zhang J, Xiao X. The Role of CREBBP/EP300 and Its Therapeutic Implications in Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041219. [PMID: 36831561 PMCID: PMC9953837 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Disordered histone acetylation has emerged as a key mechanism in promoting hematological malignancies. CREB-binding protein (CREBBP) and E1A-binding protein P300 (EP300) are two key acetyltransferases and transcriptional cofactors that regulate gene expression by regulating the acetylation levels of histone proteins and non-histone proteins. CREBBP/EP300 dysregulation and CREBBP/EP300-containing complexes are critical for the initiation, progression, and chemoresistance of hematological malignancies. CREBBP/EP300 also participate in tumor immune responses by regulating the differentiation and function of multiple immune cells. Currently, CREBBP/EP300 are attractive targets for drug development and are increasingly used as favorable tools in preclinical studies of hematological malignancies. In this review, we summarize the role of CREBBP/EP300 in normal hematopoiesis and highlight the pathogenic mechanisms of CREBBP/EP300 in hematological malignancies. Moreover, the research basis and potential future therapeutic implications of related inhibitors were also discussed from several aspects. This review represents an in-depth insight into the physiological and pathological significance of CREBBP/EP300 in hematology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Hongling Peng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (X.X.); Tel.: +86-734-8279050 (J.Z.); +86-731-84805449 (X.X.)
| | - Xiaojuan Xiao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Molecular Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (X.X.); Tel.: +86-734-8279050 (J.Z.); +86-731-84805449 (X.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gomari MM, Abkhiz S, Pour TG, Lotfi E, Rostami N, Monfared FN, Ghobari B, Mosavi M, Alipour B, Dokholyan NV. Peptidomimetics in cancer targeting. Mol Med 2022; 28:146. [PMID: 36476230 PMCID: PMC9730693 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00577-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The low efficiency of treatment strategies is one of the main obstacles to developing cancer inhibitors. Up to now, various classes of therapeutics have been developed to inhibit cancer progression. Peptides due to their small size and easy production compared to proteins are highly regarded in designing cancer vaccines and oncogenic pathway inhibitors. Although peptides seem to be a suitable therapeutic option, their short lifespan, instability, and low binding affinity for their target have not been widely applicable against malignant tumors. Given the peptides' disadvantages, a new class of agents called peptidomimetic has been introduced. With advances in physical chemistry and biochemistry, as well as increased knowledge about biomolecule structures, it is now possible to chemically modify peptides to develop efficient peptidomimetics. In recent years, numerous studies have been performed to the evaluation of the effectiveness of peptidomimetics in inhibiting metastasis, angiogenesis, and cancerous cell growth. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of designed peptidomimetics to diagnose and treat cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahmoudi Gomari
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Abkhiz
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taha Ghantab Pour
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Lotfi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Rostami
- grid.411425.70000 0004 0417 7516Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nafe Monfared
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Ghobari
- grid.412831.d0000 0001 1172 3536Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mona Mosavi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behruz Alipour
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Medical Biotechnology Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- grid.240473.60000 0004 0543 9901Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA USA ,grid.240473.60000 0004 0543 9901Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Song H, Liu Y, Tan Y, Zhang Y, Jin W, Chen L, Wu S, Yan J, Li J, Chen Z, Chen S, Wang K. Recurrent noncoding somatic and germline WT1 variants converge to disrupt MYB binding in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Blood 2022; 140:1132-1144. [PMID: 35653587 PMCID: PMC9461475 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alternations can occur at noncoding regions, but how they contribute to cancer pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we established a mutational landscape of cis-regulatory regions (CREs) in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) based on whole-genome sequencing analysis of paired tumor and germline samples from 24 patients and epigenetic profiling of 16 patients. Mutations occurring in CREs occur preferentially in active enhancers bound by the complex of master transcription factors in APL. Among significantly enriched mutated CREs, we found a recurrently mutated region located within the third intron of WT1, an essential regulator of normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Focusing on noncoding mutations within this WT1 intron, an analysis on 169 APL patients revealed that somatic mutations were clustered into a focal hotspot region, including one site identified as a germline polymorphism contributing to APL risk. Significantly decreased WT1 expression was observed in APL patients bearing somatic and/or germline noncoding WT1 variants. Furthermore, biallelic WT1 inactivation was recurrently found in APL patients with noncoding WT1 variants, which resulted in the complete loss of WT1. The high incidence of biallelic inactivation suggested the tumor suppressor activity of WT1 in APL. Mechanistically, noncoding WT1 variants disrupted MYB binding on chromatin and suppressed the enhancer activity and WT1 expression through destroying the chromatin looping formation. Our study highlights the important role of noncoding variants in the leukemogenesis of APL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Song
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yabin Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Tan
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Jin
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and
| | - Li Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shishuang Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinsong Yan
- Department of Hematology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junmin Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Saijuan Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kankan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bašová P, Paszeková H, Minařík L, Dluhošová M, Burda P, Stopka T. Combined Approach to Leukemic Differentiation Using Transcription Factor PU.1-Enhancing Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126729. [PMID: 35743167 PMCID: PMC9224232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor PU.1 (Purine-rich DNA binding, SPI1) is a key regulator of hematopoiesis, whose level is influenced by transcription through its enhancers and its post-transcriptional degradation via microRNA-155 (miR-155). The degree of transcriptional regulation of the PU.1 gene is influenced by repression via DNA methylation, as well as other epigenetic factors, such as those related to progenitor maturation status, which is modulated by the transcription factor Myeloblastosis oncogene (MYB). In this work, we show that combinatorial treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with DNA methylation inhibitors (5-Azacytidine), MYB inhibitors (Celastrol), and anti-miR-155 (AM155) ideally leads to overproduction of PU.1. We also show that PU.1 reactivation can be compensated by miR-155 and that only a combined approach leads to sustained PU.1 derepression, even at the protein level. The triple effect on increasing PU.1 levels in myeloblasts stimulates the myeloid transcriptional program while inhibiting cell survival and proliferation, leading to partial leukemic differentiation.
Collapse
|
22
|
Myb drives B-cell neoplasms and myeloid malignancies in vivo. Blood Adv 2022; 6:2987-2991. [PMID: 35020834 PMCID: PMC9131915 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
|
23
|
Biyanee A, Yusenko MV, Klempnauer KH. Src-Family Protein Kinase Inhibitors Suppress MYB Activity in a p300-Dependent Manner. Cells 2022; 11:1162. [PMID: 35406726 PMCID: PMC8997952 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have disclosed transcription factor MYB as a potential drug target for malignancies that are dependent on deregulated MYB function, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Although transcription factors are often regarded as undruggable, successful targeting of MYB by low-molecular-weight compounds has recently been demonstrated. In an attempt to repurpose known drugs as novel MYB-inhibitory agents, we have screened libraries of approved drugs and drug-like compounds for molecules with MYB-inhibitory potential. Here, we present initial evidence for the MYB-inhibitory activity of the protein kinase inhibitors bosutinib, PD180970 and PD161570, that we identified in a recent screen. We show that these compounds interfere with the activity of the MYB transactivation domain, apparently by disturbing the ability of MYB to cooperate with the coactivator p300. We show that treatment of the AML cell line HL60 with these compounds triggers the up-regulation of the myeloid differentiation marker CD11b and induces cell death. Importantly, we show that these effects are significantly dampened by forced expression of an activated version of MYB, confirming that the ability to suppress MYB function is a relevant activity of these compounds. Overall, our work identifies several protein kinase inhibitors as novel MYB-inhibitory agents and suggests that the inhibition of MYB function may play a role in their pharmacological impact on leukemic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karl-Heinz Klempnauer
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, D-48149 Münster, Germany; (A.B.); (M.V.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
An oncogenic enhancer encodes selective selenium dependency in AML. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:386-399.e7. [PMID: 35108519 PMCID: PMC8903199 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Deregulation of transcription is a hallmark of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that drives oncogenic expression programs and presents opportunities for therapeutic targeting. By integrating comprehensive pan-cancer enhancer landscapes with genetic dependency mapping, we find that AML-enriched enhancers encode for more selective tumor dependencies. We hypothesized that this approach could identify actionable dependencies downstream of oncogenic driver events and discovered a MYB-regulated AML-enriched enhancer regulating SEPHS2, a key component of the selenoprotein production pathway. Using a combination of patient samples and mouse models, we show that this enhancer upregulates SEPHS2, promoting selenoprotein production and antioxidant function required for AML survival. SEPHS2 and other selenoprotein pathway genes are required for AML growth in vitro. SEPHS2 knockout and selenium dietary restriction significantly delay leukemogenesis in vivo with little effect on normal hematopoiesis. These data validate the utility of enhancer mapping in target identification and suggest that selenoprotein production is an actionable target in AML.
Collapse
|
25
|
LncRNA BC200/miR-150-5p/MYB positive feedback loop promotes the malignant proliferation of myelodysplastic syndrome. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:126. [PMID: 35136029 PMCID: PMC8825806 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of heterogeneous hematologic malignancies with a risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the specific roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in MDS would create novel ways to identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets. The lncRNA BC200 is upregulated and acts as an oncogene in various cancers; however, its expression, clinical significance, and roles in MDS remain unclear. Here, we found that BC200 was highly expressed in MDS patients compared with normal individuals. Knockdown of BC200 inhibited MDS cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell cycle progression in vitro and suppressed the growth and invasiveness of MDS cells in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that BC200 functioned as a miRNA sponge to positively regulate the expression of MYB through sponging miR-150-5p and subsequently promoted malignant proliferation of MDS cells. Conversely, we found that BC200 was a direct transcriptional target of MYB, and knockdown of MYB abolished the oncogenic effect of BC200/miR-150-5p. Taken together, our results revealed that the BC200/miR-150-5p/MYB positive feedback loop promoted the proliferation of MDS cells and is expected to be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in MDS.
Collapse
|
26
|
Man CH, Mercier FE, Liu N, Dong W, Stephanopoulos G, Jiang L, Jung Y, Lin CP, Leung AYH, Scadden DT. Proton export alkalinizes intracellular pH and reprograms carbon metabolism to drive normal and malignant cell growth. Blood 2022; 139:502-522. [PMID: 34610101 PMCID: PMC8796654 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021011563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Proton export is often considered a detoxifying process in animal cells, with monocarboxylate symporters coexporting excessive lactate and protons during glycolysis or the Warburg effect. We report a novel mechanism by which lactate/H+ export is sufficient to induce cell growth. Increased intracellular pH selectively activates catalysis by key metabolic gatekeeper enzymes HK1/PKM2/G6PDH, thereby enhancing glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway carbon flux. The result is increased nucleotide levels, NADPH/NADP+ ratio, and cell proliferation. Simply increasing the lactate/proton symporter monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) or the sodium-proton antiporter NHE1 was sufficient to increase intracellular pH and give normal hematopoietic cells a significant competitive growth advantage in vivo. This process does not require additional cytokine triggers and is exploited in malignancy, where leukemogenic mutations epigenetically increase MCT4. Inhibiting MCT4 decreased intracellular pH and carbon flux and eliminated acute myeloid leukemia-initiating cells in mice without cytotoxic chemotherapy. Intracellular alkalization is a primitive mechanism by which proton partitioning can directly reprogram carbon metabolism for cell growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheuk Him Man
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Ludwig Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Francois E Mercier
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Ludwig Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nian Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Wentao Dong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Gregory Stephanopoulos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Yookyung Jung
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
| | - Charles P Lin
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
| | - Anskar Y H Leung
- Division of Haematology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - David T Scadden
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA
- Ludwig Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Modell AE, Marrone F, Panigrahi NR, Zhang Y, Arora PS. Peptide Tethering: Pocket-Directed Fragment Screening for Peptidomimetic Inhibitor Discovery. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:1198-1204. [PMID: 35029987 PMCID: PMC8959088 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Constrained peptides have proven to be a rich source of ligands for protein surfaces, but are often limited in their binding potency. Deployment of nonnatural side chains that access unoccupied crevices on the receptor surface offers a potential avenue to enhance binding affinity. We recently described a computational approach to create topographic maps of protein surfaces to guide the design of nonnatural side chains [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 15560]. The computational method, AlphaSpace, was used to predict peptide ligands for the KIX domain of the p300/CBP coactivator. KIX has been the subject of numerous ligand discovery strategies, but potent inhibitors of its interaction with transcription factors remain difficult to access. Although the computational approach provided a significant enhancement in the binding affinity of the peptide, fine-tuning of nonnatural side chains required an experimental screening method. Here we implement a peptide-tethering strategy to screen fragments as nonnatural side chains on conformationally defined peptides. The combined computational-experimental approach offers a general framework for optimizing peptidomimetics as inhibitors of protein-protein interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Modell
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Frank Marrone
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Nihar R Panigrahi
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Yingkai Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Paramjit S Arora
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Rational design of a helical peptide inhibitor targeting c-Myb–KIX interaction. Sci Rep 2022; 12:816. [PMID: 35058484 PMCID: PMC8776815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04497-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor c-Myb promotes the proliferation of hematopoietic cells by interacting with the KIX domain of CREB-binding protein; however, its aberrant expression causes leukemia. Therefore, inhibitors of the c-Myb–KIX interaction are potentially useful as antitumor drugs. Since the intrinsically disordered transactivation domain (TAD) of c-Myb binds KIX via a conformational selection mechanism where helix formation precedes binding, stabilizing the helical structure of c-Myb TAD is expected to increase the KIX-binding affinity. Here, to develop an inhibitor of the c-Myb–KIX interaction, we designed mutants of the c-Myb TAD peptide fragment where the helical structure is stabilized, based on theoretical predictions using AGADIR. Three of the four initially designed peptides each had a different Lys-to-Arg substitution on the helix surface opposite the KIX-binding interface. Furthermore, the triple mutant with three Lys-to-Arg substitutions, named RRR, showed a high helical propensity and achieved three-fold higher affinity to KIX than the wild-type TAD with a dissociation constant of 80 nM. Moreover, the RRR inhibitor efficiently competed out the c-Myb–KIX interaction. These results suggest that stabilizing the helical structure based on theoretical predictions, especially by conservative Lys-to-Arg substitutions, is a simple and useful strategy for designing helical peptide inhibitors of protein–protein interactions.
Collapse
|
29
|
Klempnauer KH. C/EBPβ sustains the oncogenic program of AML cells by cooperating with MYB and co-activator p300 in a transcriptional module. Exp Hematol 2022; 108:8-15. [PMID: 35032593 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor MYB is a key regulator of gene expression in hematopoietic cells and has emerged as a novel drug target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Studies aiming to identify potential MYB inhibitors have shown that the natural compound helenalin acetate (HA) inhibits viability and induces cell death and differentiation of AML cells by disrupting the MYB-induced gene expression program. Interestingly, CCAAT-box/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ), a transcription factor known to cooperate with MYB and the co-activator p300 in myeloid cells, rather than MYB itself, was identified as the primary target of HA. This supports a model in which MYB, C/EBPβ and p300 form the core of a transcriptional module that is essential for the maintenance of proliferative potential of AML cells, highlighting a novel role of C/EBPβ as a pro-leukemogenic factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Heinz Klempnauer
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Su BG, Henley MJ. Drugging Fuzzy Complexes in Transcription. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:795743. [PMID: 34993233 PMCID: PMC8724552 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.795743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are one of the most promising but underutilized classes of drug targets. The high degree of intrinsic disorder in both the structure and the interactions (i.e., “fuzziness”) of TFs is one of the most important challenges to be addressed in this context. Here, we discuss the impacts of fuzziness on transcription factor drug discovery, describing how disorder poses fundamental problems to the typical drug design, and screening approaches used for other classes of proteins such as receptors or enzymes. We then speculate on ways modern biophysical and chemical biology approaches could synergize to overcome many of these challenges by directly addressing the challenges imposed by TF disorder and fuzziness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie G Su
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Matthew J Henley
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ghani LA, Yusenko MV, Frank D, Moorthy R, Widen JC, Dörner W, Khandanpour C, Harki DA, Klempnauer KH. A synthetic covalent ligand of the C/EBPβ transactivation domain inhibits acute myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Lett 2022; 530:170-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
32
|
Yusenko MV, Klempnauer KH. Characterization of the MYB-inhibitory potential of the Pan-HDAC inhibitor LAQ824. BBA ADVANCES 2022; 2:100034. [PMID: 37082582 PMCID: PMC10074929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2021.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of work has shown that MYB acts as a master transcription regulator in hematopoietic cells and has pinpointed MYB as a potential drug target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we have examined the MYB-inhibitory potential of the HDAC inhibitor LAQ824, which was identified in a screen for novel MYB inhibitors. We show that nanomolar concentrations of LAQ824 and the related HDAC inhibitors vorinostat and panobinostat interfere with MYB function in two ways, by inducing its degradation and inhibiting its activity. Reporter assays show that the inhibition of MYB activity by LAQ824 involves the MYB transactivation domain and the cooperation of MYB with co-activator p300, a key MYB interaction partner and driver of MYB activity. In AML cells, LAQ824-induced degradation of MYB is accompanied by expression of myeloid differentiation markers and apoptotic and necrotic cell death. The ability of LAQ824 to inhibit MYB activity is supported by the observation that down-regulation of direct MYB target genes MYC and GFI1 occurs without apparent decrease of MYB expression already after 2 h of treatment with LAQ824. Furthermore, ectopic expression of an activated version of MYB In HL60 cells counteracts the induction of myeloid differentiation by LAQ824. Overall, our data identify LAQ824 and related HDAC inhibitors as potent MYB-inhibitory agents that exert dual effects on MYB expression and activity in AML cells.
Collapse
|
33
|
Identification of a c-MYB-directed therapeutic for acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2022; 36:1541-1549. [PMID: 35368048 PMCID: PMC9162920 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot be cured by conventional chemotherapy, relapsed disease being a common problem. Molecular targeting of essential oncogenic mediators is an attractive approach to improving outcomes for this disease. The hematopoietic transcription factor c-MYB has been revealed as a central component of complexes maintaining aberrant gene expression programs in AML. We have previously screened the Connectivity Map database to identify mebendazole as an anti-AML therapeutic targeting c-MYB. In the present study we demonstrate that another hit from this screen, the steroidal lactone withaferin A (WFA), induces rapid ablation of c-MYB protein and consequent inhibition of c-MYB target gene expression, loss of leukemia cell viability, reduced colony formation and impaired disease progression. Although WFA has been reported to have pleiotropic anti-cancer effects, we demonstrate that its anti-AML activity depends on c-MYB modulation and can be partially reversed by a stabilized c-MYB mutant. c-MYB ablation results from disrupted HSP/HSC70 chaperone protein homeostasis in leukemia cells following induction of proteotoxicity and the unfolded protein response by WFA. The widespread use of WFA in traditional medicines throughout the world indicates that it represents a promising candidate for repurposing into AML therapy.
Collapse
|
34
|
Yusenko MV, Biyanee A, Frank D, Köhler LHF, Andersson MK, Khandanpour C, Schobert R, Stenman G, Biersack B, Klempnauer KH. Bcr-TMP, a Novel Nanomolar-Active Compound That Exhibits Both MYB- and Microtubule-Inhibitory Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010043. [PMID: 35008207 PMCID: PMC8750090 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent work has identified the transcription regulator MYB as an interesting therapeutic target for the treatment of certain leukemias and other cancers that are dependent on deregulated MYB activity, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Here we report the identification and characterization of 2-amino-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile (Bcr-TMP), a novel highly active MYB inhibitory compound. We show that nanomolar concentrations of Bcr-TMP are sufficient to down-regulate the expression of MYB target genes and induce both cell-death and differentiation in AML cell lines. Importantly, Bcr-TMP also and exerts stronger anti-proliferative effects on MYB-addicted primary AML cells and patient-derived ACC cells than on their non-oncogenic counterparts. Preliminary work shows that Bcr-TMP acts through p300, a protein interacting with MYB and stimulating its activity. Interestingly, Bcr-TMP has an additional activity as an anti-microtubule agent. Overall, Bcr-TMP is an interesting compound that warrants further research to understand its mechanism of action and its therapeutic potential for MYB-dependent malignancies. Abstract Studies of the role of MYB in human malignancies have highlighted MYB as a potential drug target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Here, we present the initial characterization of 2-amino-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile (Bcr-TMP), a nanomolar-active MYB-inhibitory compound identified in a screen for novel MYB inhibitors. Bcr-TMP affects MYB function in a dual manner by inducing its degradation and suppressing its transactivation potential by disrupting its cooperation with co-activator p300. Bcr-TMP also interferes with the p300-dependent stimulation of C/EBPβ, a transcription factor co-operating with MYB in myeloid cells, indicating that Bcr-TMP is a p300-inhibitor. Bcr-TMP reduces the viability of AML cell lines at nanomolar concentrations and induces cell-death and expression of myeloid differentiation markers. It also down-regulates the expression of MYB target genes and exerts stronger anti-proliferative effects on MYB-addicted primary murine AML cells and patient-derived ACC cells than on their non-oncogenic counterparts. Surprisingly, we observed that Bcr-TMP also has microtubule-disrupting activity, pointing to a possible link between MYB-activity and microtubule stability. Overall, Bcr-TMP is a highly potent multifunctional MYB-inhibitory agent that warrants further investigation of its therapeutic potential and mechanism(s) of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Yusenko
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (M.V.Y.); (A.B.)
| | - Abhiruchi Biyanee
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (M.V.Y.); (A.B.)
| | - Daria Frank
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (D.F.); (C.K.)
| | - Leonhard H. F. Köhler
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; (L.H.F.K.); (R.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Mattias K. Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden; (M.K.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Cyrus Khandanpour
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (D.F.); (C.K.)
| | - Rainer Schobert
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; (L.H.F.K.); (R.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Göran Stenman
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden; (M.K.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; (L.H.F.K.); (R.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Karl-Heinz Klempnauer
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (M.V.Y.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-251-8333203; Fax: +49-251-8333206
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Masibag AN, Bergin CJ, Haebe JR, Zouggar A, Shah MS, Sandouka T, Mendes da Silva A, Desrochers FM, Fournier-Morin A, Benoit YD. Pharmacological targeting of Sam68 functions in colorectal cancer stem cells. iScience 2021; 24:103442. [PMID: 34877499 PMCID: PMC8633986 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are documented to play a key role in tumorigenesis and therapy resistance. Despite significant progress in clinical oncology, CSC reservoirs remain elusive and difficult to eliminate. Reverse-turn peptidomimetics were characterized as disruptors of CBP/beta-Catenin interactions and represent a promising avenue to curb hyperactive canonical Wnt/beta-Catenin signaling in CSCs. Recent studies suggested Sam68 as a critical mediator of reverse-turn peptidomimetics response in CSC populations. Using computational and biochemical approaches we confirmed Sam68 as a primary target of reverse-turn peptidomimetics. Furthermore, we executed an in silico drug discovery pipeline to identify yet uncharacterized reverse-turn peptidomimetic structures displaying superior anti-CSC activity in transformed pluripotent and colorectal cancer cell models. Thus, we identified YB-0158 as a reverse-turn peptidomimetic small molecule with enhanced translational potential, altering key hallmarks of human colorectal CSCs in patient-derived ex vivo organoids and in vivo serial tumor transplantation. Sam68 is a direct protein target of reverse-turn peptidomimetic small molecules YB-0158 is a peptidomimetic structure with high predicted affinity for Sam68 YB-0158 elicits a cancer-selective response impeding main cancer stem cell hallmarks YB-0158 blocks cancer stem cell activity in tumor organoids and in vivo systems
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelique N Masibag
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Christopher J Bergin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Joshua R Haebe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Aïcha Zouggar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Muhammad S Shah
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Tamara Sandouka
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Amanda Mendes da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - François M Desrochers
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Aube Fournier-Morin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yannick D Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhu Y, Zhou Y, Jiang H, Chen Z, Lu B. Analysis of core genes for colorectal cancer prognosis based on immune and stromal scores. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12452. [PMID: 34820188 PMCID: PMC8607933 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies.An early diagnosis and an accurate prognosis are major focuses of CRC research. Tumor microenvironment cells and the extent of infiltrating immune and stromal cells contribute significantly to the tumor prognosis. Methods Immune and stromal scores were calculated based on the ESTIMATE algorithm using the sample expression profile of the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. GSE102479 was used as the validation database. Differentially expressed genes whose expression was significantly associated with the prognosis of CRC patients were identified based on the immune matrix score. Survival analysis was conducted on the union of the differentially expressed genes. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database to identify the closely connected modules. To conduct functional enrichment analysis of the relevant genes, GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed with Cluster Profiler. Pivot analysis of the ncRNAs and TFs was performed by using the RAID2.0 database and TRRUST v2 database. TF-mRNA regulatory relationships were analyzed in the TRRUST V2 database. Hubgene targeting relationships were screened in the TargetScan, miRTarBase and miRDB databases. The SNV data of the hub genes were analyzed by using the R maftools package. A ROC curve was drawn based on the TCGA database. The proportion of immune cells was estimated using CIBERSORT and the LM22 feature matrix. Results The results showed that the matrix score was significantly correlated with colorectal cancer stage T. A total of 789 differentially expressed genes and 121 survival-related prognostic genes were identified. The PPI network showed that 22 core genes were related to the CRC prognosis. Furthermore, four ncRNAs that regulated the core prognosis genes, 11 TFs with regulatory effects on the core prognosis genes, and two drugs, quercetin and pseudoephedrine, that have regulatory effects on colorectal cancer were also identified. Conclusions We obtained a list of tumor microenvironment-related genes for CRC patients. These genes could be useful for determining the prognosis of CRC patients. To confirm the function of these genes, additional experiments are necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - HongGang Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - ZhiHeng Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - BoHao Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tsakaneli A, Williams O. Drug Repurposing for Targeting Acute Leukemia With KMT2A ( MLL)-Gene Rearrangements. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:741413. [PMID: 34594227 PMCID: PMC8478155 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.741413] [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: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment failure rates of acute leukemia with rearrangements of the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene highlight the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Taking into consideration the limitations of the current therapies and the advantages of novel strategies for drug discovery, drug repurposing offers valuable opportunities to identify treatments and develop therapeutic approaches quickly and effectively for acute leukemia with MLL-rearrangements. These approaches are complimentary to de novo drug discovery and have taken advantage of increased knowledge of the mechanistic basis of MLL-fusion protein complex function as well as refined drug repurposing screens. Despite the vast number of different leukemia associated MLL-rearrangements, the existence of common core oncogenic pathways holds the promise that many such therapies will be broadly applicable to MLL-rearranged leukemia as a whole.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Tsakaneli
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Williams
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Joy ST, Henley MJ, De Salle SN, Beyersdorf MS, Vock IW, Huldin AJL, Mapp AK. A Dual-Site Inhibitor of CBP/p300 KIX is a Selective and Effective Modulator of Myb. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:15056-15062. [PMID: 34491719 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c04432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The protein-protein interaction between the KIX motif of the transcriptional coactivator CBP/p300 and the transcriptional activator Myb is a high-value target due to its established role in certain acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and potential contributions to other cancers. However, the CBP/p300 KIX domain has multiple binding sites, several structural homologues, many binding partners, and substantial conformational plasticity, making it challenging to specifically target using small-molecule inhibitors. Here, we report a picomolar dual-site inhibitor (MybLL-tide) of the Myb-CBP/p300 KIX interaction. MybLL-tide has higher affinity for CBP/p300 KIX than any previously reported compounds while also possessing 5600-fold selectivity for the CBP/p300 KIX domain over other coactivator domains. MybLL-tide blocks the association of CBP and p300 with Myb in the context of the proteome, leading to inhibition of key Myb·KIX-dependent genes in AML cells. These results show that MybLL-tide is an effective, modifiable tool to selectively target the KIX domain and assess transcriptional effects in AML cells and potentially other cancers featuring aberrant Myb behavior. Additionally, the dual-site design has applicability to the other challenging coactivators that bear multiple binding surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Joy
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Madeleine J Henley
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Samantha N De Salle
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Matthew S Beyersdorf
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Isaac W Vock
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Interdisciplinary Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Allison J L Huldin
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Anna K Mapp
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sahara S, Herzog AE, Nör JE. Systemic therapies for salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4092-4110. [PMID: 34659878 PMCID: PMC8493384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a slow growing, but relentless cancer. Due to its rarity and lack of understanding of its molecular etiology, no standard chemotherapy for ACC currently exists and many patients suffer from recurrent and/or metastatic disease. As such, development of safe and effective therapies is imperative. To describe and summarize existing clinical trial studies and preclinical discoveries, we surveyed the PubMed on developmental therapeutics for ACC. Objective response rates to monotherapy with cytotoxic agents were approximately 10% with cisplatin, 5-FU, gemcitabine, mitoxantrone, epirubicin, vinorelbine and paclitaxel. The most studied combination therapies were cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-cisplatin (CAP) and cisplatin-vinorelbine, with an objective response rate of 18-31%. Among molecularly targeted drugs, the most studied drugs are inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Among those, lenvatinib and axitinib showed a relatively high objective response rate of 11-16% and 9-17%, respectively. Given high recurrence rates and chemoresistance of ACC, treatments targeting cancer stem cells (CSC), which function as tumor-initiating cells and drive chemoresistance, may be particularly valuable. CSC have been shown to be targetable via MYB, Notch1, p53 and epigenetic mechanisms. Myb overexpression is characteristic in ACC but was previously thought to present a difficult target due to its nature as a transcription factor. However, due to the development Myb-targeted inhibitors and an ongoing clinical trial of MYB-targeted cancer vaccine therapy, MYB is becoming an increasingly attractive therapeutic target. Drugs targeting NOTCH signaling demonstrated 5-17% response rate in phase I clinical trials. Within the field of epigenetics, treatment with PRMT5 inhibitors has shown 21% partial response rate in phase I clinical trial. Immunotherapies, such as PD-1 inhibitors, are also associated with CSC, but have not been effective against ACC. However, clinical trials of cancer vaccine therapies are actively being conducted. In addition to conventional chemotherapies and inhibitors of angiogenesis, the emergence of new therapies such as immunotherapy and those targeting cancer stemness is expected to bring clinical benefits to patients in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sosuke Sahara
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of DentistryAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of MedicineHamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Alexandra E Herzog
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of DentistryAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
| | - Jacques E Nör
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of DentistryAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Michigan School of MedicineAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan College of EngineeringAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer CenterAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Porazzi P, De Dominici M, Salvino J, Calabretta B. Targeting the CDK6 Dependence of Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091355. [PMID: 34573335 PMCID: PMC8467343 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ph+ ALL is a poor-prognosis leukemia subtype driven by the BCR-ABL1 oncogene, either the p190- or the p210-BCR/ABL isoform in a 70:30 ratio. Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the drugs of choice in the therapy of Ph+ ALL. In combination with standard chemotherapy, TKIs have markedly improved the outcome of Ph+ ALL, in particular if this treatment is followed by bone marrow transplantation. However, resistance to TKIs develops with high frequency, causing leukemia relapse that results in <5-year overall survival. Thus, new therapies are needed to address relapsed/TKI-resistant Ph+ ALL. We have shown that expression of cell cycle regulatory kinase CDK6, but not of the highly related CDK4 kinase, is required for the proliferation and survival of Ph+ ALL cells. Comparison of leukemia suppression induced by treatment with the clinically-approved dual CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib versus CDK6 silencing revealed that the latter treatment was markedly more effective, probably reflecting inhibition of CDK6 kinase-independent effects. Thus, we developed CDK4/6-targeted proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that preferentially degrade CDK6 over CDK4. One compound termed PROTAC YX-2-107, which degrades CDK6 by recruiting the Cereblon ubiquitin ligase, markedly suppressed leukemia burden in mice injected with de novo or TKI-resistant Ph+ ALL. The effect of PROTAC YX-2-107 was comparable or superior to that of palbociclib. The development of CDK6-selective PROTACs represents an effective strategy to exploit the “CDK6 dependence” of Ph+ ALL cells while sparing a high proportion of normal hematopoietic progenitors that depend on both CDK6 and CDK6 for their survival. In combination with other agents, CDK6-selective PROTACs may be valuable components of chemotherapy-free protocols for the therapy of Ph+ ALL and other CDK6-dependent hematological malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Porazzi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marco De Dominici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | | | - Bruno Calabretta
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yusenko MV, Biyanee A, Andersson MK, Radetzki S, von Kries JP, Stenman G, Klempnauer KH. Proteasome inhibitors suppress MYB oncogenic activity in a p300-dependent manner. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:132-142. [PMID: 34256093 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.010] [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: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the role of MYB in human malignancies have highlighted MYB as a potential drug target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Although transcription factors are often considered un-druggable, recent work has demonstrated successful targeting of MYB by low molecular weight compounds. This has fueled the notion that inhibition of MYB has potential as a therapeutic approach against MYB-driven malignancies. Here, we have used a MYB reporter cell line to screen a library of FDA-approved drugs for novel MYB inhibitors. We demonstrate that proteasome inhibitors have significant MYB-inhibitory activity, prompting us to characterize the proteasome inhibitor oprozomib in more detail. Oprozomib was shown to interfere with the ability of the co-activator p300 to stimulate MYB activity and to exert anti-proliferative effects on human AML and ACC cells. Overall, our work demonstrated suppression of oncogenic MYB activity as a novel result of proteasome inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Yusenko
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Abhiruchi Biyanee
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Mattias K Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Silke Radetzki
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens P von Kries
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Göran Stenman
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
The Novel Oral BET-CBP/p300 Dual Inhibitor NEO2734 Is Highly Effective in Eradicating Acute Myeloid Leukemia Blasts and Stem/Progenitor Cells. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e610. [PMID: 34258514 PMCID: PMC8265862 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease characterized by transcriptional dysregulation that results in a block in differentiation and aberrant self-renewal. Inhibitors directed to epigenetic modifiers, aiming at transcriptional reprogramming of AML cells, are currently in clinical trials for AML patients. Several of these inhibitors target bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, cyclic AMP response binding protein-binding protein (CBP), and the E1A-interacting protein of 300 kDa (p300), affecting histone acetylation. Unfortunately, single epigenetic inhibitors showed limited efficacy due to appearance of resistance and lack of effective eradication of leukemic stem cells. Here, we describe the efficacy of 2 novel, orally available inhibitors targeting both the BET and CBP/p300 proteins, NEO1132 and NEO2734, in primary AML. NEO2734 and NEO1132 efficiently reduced the viability of AML cell lines and primary AML cells by inducing apoptosis. Importantly, both NEO drugs eliminated leukemic stem/progenitor cells from AML patient samples, and NEO2734 increased the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy treatment in an in vivo AML patient-derived mouse model. Thus, dual inhibition of BET and CBP/p300 using NEO2734 is a promising therapeutic strategy for AML patients, making it a focus for clinical translation.
Collapse
|
43
|
Yusenko MV, Trentmann A, Casolari DA, Abdel Ghani L, Lenz M, Horn M, Dörner W, Klempnauer S, Mootz HD, Arteaga MF, Mikesch JH, D'Andrea RJ, Gonda TJ, Müller-Tidow C, Schmidt TJ, Klempnauer KH. C/EBPβ is a MYB- and p300-cooperating pro-leukemogenic factor and promising drug target in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncogene 2021; 40:4746-4758. [PMID: 33958723 PMCID: PMC8298201 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01800-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factor MYB has recently emerged as a promising drug target for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we have characterized a group of natural sesquiterpene lactones (STLs), previously shown to suppress MYB activity, for their potential to decrease AML cell proliferation. Unlike what was initially thought, these compounds inhibit MYB indirectly via its cooperation partner C/EBPβ. C/EBPβ-inhibitory STLs affect the expression of a large number of MYB-regulated genes, suggesting that the cooperation of MYB and C/EBPβ broadly shapes the transcriptional program of AML cells. We show that expression of GFI1, a direct MYB target gene, is controlled cooperatively by MYB, C/EBPβ, and co-activator p300, and is down-regulated by C/EBPβ-inhibitory STLs, exemplifying that they target the activity of composite MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 transcriptional modules. Ectopic expression of GFI1, a zinc-finger protein that is required for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, partially abrogated STL-induced myelomonocytic differentiation, implicating GFI1 as a relevant target of C/EBPβ-inhibitory STLs. Overall, our data identify C/EBPβ as a pro-leukemogenic factor in AML and suggest that targeting of C/EBPβ may have therapeutic potential against AML.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Humans
- CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta/metabolism
- CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myb/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Cell Proliferation
- E1A-Associated p300 Protein/metabolism
- E1A-Associated p300 Protein/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Lactones/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Yusenko
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Amke Trentmann
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Debora A Casolari
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Luca Abdel Ghani
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Mairin Lenz
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Melanie Horn
- Department of Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Dörner
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Maria Francisca Arteaga
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan-Henrik Mikesch
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Richard J D'Andrea
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Thomas J Gonda
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas J Schmidt
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
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: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Smeenk L, Ottema S, Mulet-Lazaro R, Ebert A, Havermans M, Arricibita Varea A, Fellner M, Pastoors D, van Herk S, Erpelinck-Verschueren C, Grob T, Hoogenboezem RM, Kavelaars FG, Matson DR, Bresnick EH, Bindels EM, Kentsis A, Zuber J, Delwel R. Selective requirement of MYB for oncogenic hyperactivation of a translocated enhancer in leukemia. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:2868-2883. [PMID: 33980539 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with inv(3)(q21;q26) or t(3;3)(q21;q26), a translocated GATA2 enhancer drives oncogenic expression of EVI1. We generated an EVI1-GFP AML model and applied an unbiased CRISPR/Cas9 enhancer scan to uncover sequence motifs essential for EVI1 transcription. Using this approach, we pinpointed a single regulatory element in the translocated GATA2 enhancer that is critically required for aberrant EVI1 expression. This element contained a DNA binding motif for the transcription factor MYB which specifically occupied this site at the translocated allele and was dispensable for GATA2 expression. MYB knockout as well as peptidomimetic blockade of CBP/p300-dependent MYB functions resulted in downregulation of EVI1 but not of GATA2. Targeting MYB or mutating its DNA-binding motif within the GATA2 enhancer resulted in myeloid differentiation and cell death, suggesting that interference with MYB-driven EVI1 transcription provides a potential entry point for therapy of inv(3)/t(3;3) AMLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Smeenk
- Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute and Oncode Institute
| | - Sophie Ottema
- Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute and Oncode Institute
| | | | - Anja Ebert
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
| | | | | | - Michaela Fellner
- Immunology and Cancer, Research Institute of Molecular Pathology
| | - Dorien Pastoors
- Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute and Oncode Institute
| | | | | | - Tim Grob
- Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute
| | | | | | - Daniel R Matson
- Cell and Regenerative Biology, Paul Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
| | - Emery H Bresnick
- Cell and Regenerative Biology, Paul Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
| | | | - Alex Kentsis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Immunology and Cancer, Research Institute of Molecular Pathology
| | - Ruud Delwel
- Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute and Oncode Institute
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
MYB oncoproteins: emerging players and potential therapeutic targets in human cancer. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:19. [PMID: 33637673 PMCID: PMC7910556 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
MYB transcription factors are highly conserved from plants to vertebrates, indicating that their functions embrace fundamental mechanisms in the biology of cells and organisms. In humans, the MYB gene family is composed of three members: MYB, MYBL1 and MYBL2, encoding the transcription factors MYB, MYBL1, and MYBL2 (also known as c-MYB, A-MYB, and B-MYB), respectively. A truncated version of MYB, the prototype member of the MYB family, was originally identified as the product of the retroviral oncogene v-myb, which causes leukaemia in birds. This led to the hypothesis that aberrant activation of vertebrate MYB could also cause cancer. Despite more than three decades have elapsed since the isolation of v-myb, only recently investigators were able to detect MYB genes rearrangements and mutations, smoking gun evidence of the involvement of MYB family members in human cancer. In this review, we will highlight studies linking the activity of MYB family members to human malignancies and experimental therapeutic interventions tailored for MYB-expressing cancers.
Collapse
|
47
|
Adenoid cystic carcinoma: a review of clinical features, treatment targets and advances in improving the immune response to monoclonal antibody therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188523. [PMID: 33600823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The natural history of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is relentless, defined by treatment failure heralded by locoregional recurrence and distant metastatic disease. In this review, we present an update of clinical features, molecular classification, current targeted therapies, immune landscapes and novel treatment targets with their respective clinical trials. The presented results are defined by a lack of overall response rate and limited progression free survival, with restriction to stable disease. In addition, ACC is resistant to immune checkpoint inhibition due to low tumour immunogenicity and lack of PD-L1 expression. Here we present a new prospective research paradigm for ACC, including the potential to target prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and the potential for manipulation of target receptors in the clinic. The presentation of this review aims to promote future research to improve response rates and outcomes for therapeutics undergoing clinical trial in ACC.
Collapse
|
48
|
Takao S, Forbes L, Uni M, Cheng S, Pineda JMB, Tarumoto Y, Cifani P, Minuesa G, Chen C, Kharas MG, Bradley RK, Vakoc CR, Koche RP, Kentsis A. Convergent organization of aberrant MYB complex controls oncogenic gene expression in acute myeloid leukemia. eLife 2021; 10:65905. [PMID: 33527899 PMCID: PMC7886351 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated gene expression contributes to most prevalent features in human cancers. Here, we show that most subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) depend on the aberrant assembly of MYB transcriptional co-activator complex. By rapid and selective peptidomimetic interference with the binding of CBP/P300 to MYB, but not CREB or MLL1, we find that the leukemic functions of MYB are mediated by CBP/P300 co-activation of a distinct set of transcription factor complexes. These MYB complexes assemble aberrantly with LYL1, E2A, C/EBP family members, LMO2, and SATB1. They are organized convergently in genetically diverse subtypes of AML and are at least in part associated with inappropriate transcription factor co-expression. Peptidomimetic remodeling of oncogenic MYB complexes is accompanied by specific proteolysis and dynamic redistribution of CBP/P300 with alternative transcription factors such as RUNX1 to induce myeloid differentiation and apoptosis. Thus, aberrant assembly and sequestration of MYB:CBP/P300 complexes provide a unifying mechanism of oncogenic gene expression in AML. This work establishes a compelling strategy for their pharmacologic reprogramming and therapeutic targeting for diverse leukemias and possibly other human cancers caused by dysregulated gene control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumiko Takao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States.,Tow Center for Developmental Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Lauren Forbes
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States.,Tow Center for Developmental Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Masahiro Uni
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States.,Tow Center for Developmental Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Shuyuan Cheng
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States.,Tow Center for Developmental Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Jose Mario Bello Pineda
- Computational Biology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, United States.,Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Yusuke Tarumoto
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, United States.,Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Paolo Cifani
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States
| | - Gerard Minuesa
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States
| | - Celine Chen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States
| | - Michael G Kharas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States.,Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Robert K Bradley
- Computational Biology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States.,Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | | | - Richard P Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States
| | - Alex Kentsis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, United States.,Tow Center for Developmental Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gu W, Liu T, Fan D, Zhang J, Xia Y, Meng F, Xu Y, Cornelissen JJ, Liu Z, Zhong Z. A6 peptide-tagged, ultra-small and reduction-sensitive polymersomal vincristine sulfate as a smart and specific treatment for CD44+ acute myeloid leukemia. J Control Release 2021; 329:706-716. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
50
|
Schnatwinkel J, Herrmann C. The interaction strength of an intrinsically disordered protein domain with its binding partner is little affected by very different cosolutes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:27903-27911. [PMID: 33284914 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp03040f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A common feature of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is a disorder-to-order transition upon binding to other proteins, which has been tied to multiple benefits, including accelerated association rates or binding with low affinity, yet high specificity. Given the balanced equilibrium concentrations of folded and unfolded state of an IDP we asked the question if changes in the chemical environment, such as the presence of osmolytes or crowding agents, have a strong influence on the interaction of an IDP. Here, we demonstrate the impact of cosolutes on the interaction of the intrinsically disordered transcription factor c-Myb and its binding partner, the kinase-inducible interaction domain (KIX) of the CREB-binding protein. Temperature jump relaxation kinetics and microscale thermophoresis were employed in order to quantify the rate constants and the binding affinity of the c-Myb/KIX complex, respectively, in the presence of various cosolutes. We find the binding free energy of the c-Myb/KIX complex only marginally modulated by cosolutes, whereas the enthalpy and entropy of the interaction are very sensitive to the respective solvent conditions. For different cosolutes we observe substantial changes in enthalpy, both favorable and unfavorable, which are going with entropy changes largely compensating the enthalpy effects in each case. These characteristics might reflect a potential mechanism by which c-Myb offsets changes in the physico-chemical environment to maintain a roughly unaltered binding affinity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schnatwinkel
- Physical Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|