1
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Parashara P, Medina-Pritchard B, Abad MA, Sotelo-Parrilla P, Thamkachy R, Grundei D, Zou J, Spanos C, Kumar CN, Basquin C, Das V, Yan Z, Al-Murtadha AA, Kelly DA, McHugh T, Imhof A, Rappsilber J, Jeyaprakash AA. PLK1-mediated phosphorylation cascade activates Mis18 complex to ensure centromere inheritance. Science 2024; 385:1098-1104. [PMID: 39236175 DOI: 10.1126/science.ado8270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Accurate chromosome segregation requires the attachment of microtubules to centromeres, epigenetically defined by the enrichment of CENP-A nucleosomes. During DNA replication, CENP-A nucleosomes undergo dilution. To preserve centromere identity, correct amounts of CENP-A must be restored in a cell cycle-controlled manner orchestrated by the Mis18 complex (Mis18α-Mis18β-Mis18BP1). We demonstrate here that PLK1 interacts with the Mis18 complex by recognizing self-primed phosphorylations of Mis18α (Ser54) and Mis18BP1 (Thr78 and Ser93) through its Polo-box domain. Disrupting these phosphorylations perturbed both centromere recruitment of the CENP-A chaperone HJURP and new CENP-A loading. Biochemical and functional analyses showed that phosphorylation of Mis18α and PLK1 binding were required to activate Mis18α-Mis18β and promote Mis18 complex-HJURP interaction. Thus, our study reveals key molecular events underpinning the licensing role of PLK1 in ensuring accurate centromere inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Parashara
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | | | - Maria Alba Abad
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | | | - Reshma Thamkachy
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - David Grundei
- Gene Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Juan Zou
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Christos Spanos
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Chandni Natalia Kumar
- Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Centre Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 82152 Munich, Germany
| | - Claire Basquin
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Vimal Das
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Zhaoyue Yan
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | | | - David A Kelly
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Toni McHugh
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Axel Imhof
- Department of Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany
| | - A Arockia Jeyaprakash
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Gene Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
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2
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Jin H, Kim J, Lee O, Kim H, No KT. Leveraging the Fragment Molecular Orbital Method to Explore the PLK1 Kinase Binding Site and Polo-Box Domain for Potent Small-Molecule Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15639. [PMID: 37958623 PMCID: PMC10650754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115639] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays a pivotal role in cell division regulation and emerges as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Consequently, the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting PLK1 has become a focal point in contemporary research. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding site and the polo-box domain in PLK1 present crucial interaction sites for these inhibitors, aiming to disrupt the protein's function. However, designing potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of protein-ligand interaction mechanisms at these binding sites. In this context, our study leverages the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method to explore these site-specific interactions in depth. Using the FMO approach, we used the FMO method to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of small-molecule drugs binding to these sites to design PLK1 inhibitors that are both potent and selective. Our investigation further entailed a comparative analysis of various PLK1 inhibitors, each characterized by distinct structural attributes, helping us gain a better understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity. The FMO method was particularly effective in identifying key binding features and predicting binding modes for small-molecule ligands. Our research also highlighted specific "hot spot" residues that played a critical role in the selective and robust binding of PLK1. These findings provide valuable insights that can be used to design new and effective PLK1 inhibitors, which can have significant implications for developing anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jin
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
| | - Jongwan Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
| | - Onju Lee
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
| | - Hyein Kim
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kyoung Tai No
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
- Baobab AiBIO Co., Ltd., Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
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3
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Park JE, Kirsch K, Lee H, Oliva P, Ahn JI, Ravishankar H, Zeng Y, Fox SD, Kirby SA, Badhwar P, Andresson T, Jacobson KA, Lee KS. Specific inhibition of an anticancer target, polo-like kinase 1, by allosterically dismantling its mechanism of substrate recognition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305037120. [PMID: 37603740 PMCID: PMC10629583 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305037120] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is considered an attractive target for anticancer therapy. Over the years, studies on the noncatalytic polo-box domain (PBD) of Plk1 have raised the expectation of generating highly specific protein-protein interaction inhibitors. However, the molecular nature of the canonical PBD-dependent interaction, which requires extensive water network-mediated interactions with its phospholigands, has hampered efforts to identify small molecules suitable for Plk1 PBD drug discovery. Here, we report the identification of the first allosteric inhibitor of Plk1 PBD, called Allopole, a prodrug that can disrupt intracellular interactions between PBD and its cognate phospholigands, delocalize Plk1 from centrosomes and kinetochores, and induce mitotic block and cancer cell killing. At the structural level, its unmasked active form, Allopole-A, bound to a deep Trp-Phe-lined pocket occluded by a latch-like loop, whose adjoining region was required for securely retaining a ligand anchored to the phospho-binding cleft. Allopole-A binding completely dislodged the L2 loop, an event that appeared sufficient to trigger the dissociation of a phospholigand and inhibit PBD-dependent Plk1 function during mitosis. Given Allopole's high specificity and antiproliferative potency, this study is expected to open an unexplored avenue for developing Plk1 PBD-specific anticancer therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Klara Kirsch
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Hobin Lee
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Paola Oliva
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jong Il Ahn
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Harsha Ravishankar
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Yan Zeng
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Stephen D. Fox
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD21702
| | - Samuel A. Kirby
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Pooja Badhwar
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Thorkell Andresson
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD21702
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Kyung S. Lee
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
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4
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Moore XTR, Gheghiani L, Fu Z. The Role of Polo-Like Kinase 1 in Regulating the Forkhead Box Family Transcription Factors. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091344. [PMID: 37174744 PMCID: PMC10177174 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091344] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase with more than 600 phosphorylation substrates through which it regulates many biological processes, including mitosis, apoptosis, metabolism, RNA processing, vesicle transport, and G2 DNA-damage checkpoint recovery, among others. Among the many PLK1 targets are members of the FOX family of transcription factors (FOX TFs), including FOXM1, FOXO1, FOXO3, and FOXK1. FOXM1 and FOXK1 have critical oncogenic roles in cancer through their antagonism of apoptotic signals and their promotion of cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and therapeutic resistance. In contrast, FOXO1 and FOXO3 have been identified to have broad functions in maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this review, we discuss PLK1-mediated regulation of FOX TFs, highlighting the effects of PLK1 on the activity and stability of these proteins. In addition, we review the prognostic and clinical significance of these proteins in human cancers and, more importantly, the different approaches that have been used to disrupt PLK1 and FOX TF-mediated signaling networks. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting PLK1-regulated FOX TFs in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier T R Moore
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Lilia Gheghiani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Zheng Fu
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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5
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Park JE, Lee H, Oliva P, Kirsch K, Kim B, Ahn JI, Alverez CN, Gaikwad S, Krausz KW, O’Connor R, Rai G, Simeonov A, Mock BA, Gonzalez FJ, Lee KS, Jacobson KA. Structural Optimization and Anticancer Activity of Polo-like Kinase 1 (Plk1) Polo-Box Domain (PBD) Inhibitors and Their Prodrugs. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:422-446. [PMID: 36926457 PMCID: PMC10012257 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00250] [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: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a mitotic kinase whose activity is widely upregulated in various human cancers, is considered an attractive target for anticancer drug discovery. Aside from the kinase domain, the C-terminal noncatalytic polo-box domain (PBD), which mediates the interaction with the enzyme's binding targets or substrates, has emerged as an alternative target for developing a new class of inhibitors. Various reported small molecule PBD inhibitors exhibit poor cellular efficacy and/or selectivity. Here, we report structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on triazoloquinazolinone-derived inhibitors, such as 43 (a 1-thioxo-2,4-dihydrothieno[2,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidin-5(1H)-one) that effectively block Plk1, but not Plk2 and Plk3 PBDs, with improved affinity and drug-like properties. The range of prodrug moieties needed for thiol group masking of the active drugs has been expanded to increase cell permeability and mechanism-based cancer cell (L363 and HeLa) death. For example, a 5-thio-1-methyl-4-nitroimidazolyl prodrug 80, derived from 43, showed an improved cellular potency (GI50 4.1 μM). As expected, 80 effectively blocked Plk1 from localizing to centrosomes and kinetochores and consequently induced potent mitotic block and apoptotic cell death. Another prodrug 78 containing 9-fluorophenyl in place of the thiophene-containing heterocycle in 80 also induced a comparable degree of anti-Plk1 PBD effect. However, orally administered 78 was rapidly converted in the bloodstream to parent drug 15, which was shown be relatively stable toward in vivo oxidation due to its 9-fluorophenyl group in comparison to unsubstituted phenyl. Further derivatization of these inhibitors, particularly to improve the systemic prodrug stability, could lead to a new class of therapeutics against Plk1-addicted cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Hobin Lee
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Paola Oliva
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Klara Kirsch
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Bora Kim
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Jong Il Ahn
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Celeste N. Alverez
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Division
of Preclinical Innovation, National Center
for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Snehal Gaikwad
- Laboratory
of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kristopher W. Krausz
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Robert O’Connor
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Division
of Preclinical Innovation, National Center
for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Anton Simeonov
- Division
of Preclinical Innovation, National Center
for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Beverly A. Mock
- Laboratory
of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Frank J. Gonzalez
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kyung S. Lee
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute
of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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6
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Stafford JM, Wyatt MD, McInnes C. Inhibitors of the PLK1 polo-box domain: drug design strategies and therapeutic opportunities in cancer. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:65-81. [PMID: 36524399 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2159942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polo Like Kinase 1 (PLK1) is a key regulator of mitosis and its overexpression is frequently observed in a wide variety of human cancers, while often being associated with poor survival rates. Therefore, it is considered a potential and attractive target for cancer therapeutic development. The Polo like kinase family is characterized by the presence of a unique C terminal polobox domain (PBD) involved in regulating kinase activity and subcellular localization. Among the two functionally essential, druggable sites with distinct properties that PLK1 offers, targeting the PBD presents an alternative approach for therapeutic development. AREAS COVERED Significant progress has been made in progressing from the peptidic PBD inhibitors first identified, to peptidomimetic and recently drug-like small molecules. In this review, the rationale for targeting the PBD over the ATP binding site is discussed, along with recent progress, challenges, and outlook. EXPERT OPINION The PBD has emerged as a viable alternative target for the inhibition of PLK1, and progress has been made in using compounds to elucidate mechanistic aspects of activity regulation and in determining roles of the PBD. Studies have resulted in proof of concept of in vivo efficacy suggesting promise for PBD binders in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessy M Stafford
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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7
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Kliche J, Ivarsson Y. Orchestrating serine/threonine phosphorylation and elucidating downstream effects by short linear motifs. Biochem J 2022; 479:1-22. [PMID: 34989786 PMCID: PMC8786283 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cellular function is based on protein-protein interactions. A large proportion of these interactions involves the binding of short linear motifs (SLiMs) by folded globular domains. These interactions are regulated by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, that create and break motif binding sites or tune the affinity of the interactions. In addition, motif-based interactions are involved in targeting serine/threonine kinases and phosphatases to their substrate and contribute to the specificity of the enzymatic actions regulating which sites are phosphorylated. Here, we review how SLiM-based interactions assist in determining the specificity of serine/threonine kinases and phosphatases, and how phosphorylation, in turn, affects motif-based interactions. We provide examples of SLiM-based interactions that are turned on/off, or are tuned by serine/threonine phosphorylation and exemplify how this affects SLiM-based protein complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Kliche
- Department of Chemistry – BMC, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 576 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ylva Ivarsson
- Department of Chemistry – BMC, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 576 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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8
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Fujimitsu K, Yamano H. Dynamic regulation of mitotic ubiquitin ligase APC/C by coordinated Plx1 kinase and PP2A phosphatase action on a flexible Apc1 loop. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107516. [PMID: 34291488 PMCID: PMC8441438 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a multi-subunit ubiquitin ligase essential for cell cycle control, is regulated by reversible phosphorylation. APC/C phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) promotes Cdc20 co-activator loading in mitosis to form active APC/C-Cdc20. However, detailed phospho-regulation of APC/C dynamics through other kinases and phosphatases is still poorly understood. Here, we show that an interplay between polo-like kinase (Plx1) and PP2A-B56 phosphatase on a flexible loop domain of the subunit Apc1 (Apc1-loop500 ) controls APC/C activity and mitotic progression. Plx1 directly binds to the Apc1-loop500 in a phosphorylation-dependent manner and promotes the formation of APC/C-Cdc20 via Apc3 phosphorylation. Upon phosphorylation of loop residue T532, PP2A-B56 is recruited to the Apc1-loop500 and differentially promotes dissociation of Plx1 and PP2A-B56 through dephosphorylation of Plx1-binding sites. Stable Plx1 binding, which prevents PP2A-B56 recruitment, prematurely activates the APC/C and delays APC/C dephosphorylation during mitotic exit. Furthermore, the phosphorylation status of the Apc1-loop500 is controlled by distant Apc3-loop phosphorylation. Our study suggests that phosphorylation-dependent feedback regulation through flexible loop domains within a macromolecular complex coordinates the activity and dynamics of the APC/C during the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Fujimitsu
- Cell Cycle Control GroupUCL Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Hiroyuki Yamano
- Cell Cycle Control GroupUCL Cancer InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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9
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Chapagai D, Ramamoorthy G, Varghese J, Nurmemmedov E, McInnes C, Wyatt MD. Nonpeptidic, Polo-Box Domain-Targeted Inhibitors of PLK1 Block Kinase Activity, Induce Its Degradation and Target-Resistant Cells. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9916-9925. [PMID: 34210138 PMCID: PMC10451095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PLK1, polo-like kinase 1, is a central player regulating mitosis. Inhibition of the subcellular localization and kinase activity of PLK1 through the PBD, polo-box domain, is a viable alternative to ATP-competitive inhibitors, for which the development of resistance and inhibition of related PLK family members are concerns. We describe novel nonpeptidic PBD-binding inhibitors, termed abbapolins, identified through successful application of the REPLACE strategy and demonstrate their potent antiproliferative activity in prostate tumors and other cell lines. Furthermore, abbapolins show PLK1-specific binding and inhibitory activity, as measured by a cellular thermal shift assay and an ability to block phosphorylation of TCTP, a validated target of PLK1-mediated kinase activity. Additional evidence for engagement of PLK1 was obtained through the unique observation that abbapolins induce PLK1 degradation in a manner that closely matches antiproliferative activity. Moreover, abbapolins demonstrate antiproliferative activity in cells that are dramatically resistant to ATP-competitive PLK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danda Chapagai
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Gurusankar Ramamoorthy
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Jessy Varghese
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Elmar Nurmemmedov
- John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California 90404-2312, United States
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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10
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Zhang Z, Xing X, Guan P, Song S, You G, Xia C, Liu T. Recent progress in agents targeting polo-like kinases: Promising therapeutic strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 217:113314. [PMID: 33765606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (PLKs) play important roles in regulating multiple aspects of cell cycle and cell proliferation. In many cancer types, PLK family members are often dysregulated, which can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and aberrant cell division and has been shown to associate with poor prognosis of cancers. The key roles of PLK kinases in cancers lead to an enhanced interest in them as promising targets for anticancer drug development. In consideration of PLK inhibitors and some other anticancer agents, such as BRD4, EEF2K and Aurora inhibitors, exert synergy effects in cancer cells, dual-targeting of PLK and other cancer-related targets is regarded as an rational and potent strategy to enhance the effectiveness of single-targeting therapy for cancer treatment. This review introduces the PLK family members at first and then focuses on the recent advances of single-target PLK inhibitors and summarizes the corresponding SARs of them. Moreover, we discuss the synergisms between PLK and other anti-tumor targets, and sum up the current dual-target agents based on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China
| | - Xiaolan Xing
- Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group Shanghai Haini Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Pudong, Shanghai, 201100, PR China
| | - Peng Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Shubin Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, PR China
| | - Guirong You
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China
| | - Chengcai Xia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, Shandong, 271016, PR China.
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11
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Cordeiro MH, Smith RJ, Saurin AT. Kinetochore phosphatases suppress autonomous Polo-like kinase 1 activity to control the mitotic checkpoint. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:e202002020. [PMID: 33125045 PMCID: PMC7608062 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202002020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Local phosphatase regulation is needed at kinetochores to silence the mitotic checkpoint (a.k.a. spindle assembly checkpoint [SAC]). A key event in this regard is the dephosphorylation of MELT repeats on KNL1, which removes SAC proteins from the kinetochore, including the BUB complex. We show here that PP1 and PP2A-B56 phosphatases are primarily required to remove Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) from the BUB complex, which can otherwise maintain MELT phosphorylation in an autocatalytic manner. This appears to be their principal role in the SAC because both phosphatases become redundant if PLK1 is inhibited or BUB-PLK1 interaction is prevented. Surprisingly, MELT dephosphorylation can occur normally under these conditions even when the levels or activities of PP1 and PP2A are strongly inhibited at kinetochores. Therefore, these data imply that kinetochore phosphatase regulation is critical for the SAC, but primarily to restrain and extinguish autonomous PLK1 activity. This is likely a conserved feature of the metazoan SAC, since the relevant PLK1 and PP2A-B56 binding motifs have coevolved in the same region on MADBUB homologues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adrian T. Saurin
- Division of Cellular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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12
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Alverez CN, Park JE, Toti KS, Xia Y, Krausz KW, Rai G, Bang JK, Gonzalez FJ, Jacobson KA, Lee KS. Identification of a New Heterocyclic Scaffold for Inhibitors of the Polo-Box Domain of Polo-like Kinase 1. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14087-14117. [PMID: 33175530 PMCID: PMC7769008 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As a mitotic-specific target widely deregulated in various human cancers, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) has been extensively explored for anticancer activity and drug discovery. Although multiple catalytic domain inhibitors were tested in preclinical and clinical studies, their efficacies are limited by dose-limiting cytotoxicity, mainly from off-target cross reactivity. The C-terminal noncatalytic polo-box domain (PBD) of Plk1 has emerged as an attractive target for generating new protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Here, we identified a 1-thioxo-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5(1H)-one scaffold that efficiently inhibits Plk1 PBD but not its related Plk2 and Plk3 PBDs. Structure-activity relationship studies led to multiple inhibitors having ≥10-fold higher inhibitory activity than the previously characterized Plk1 PBD-specific phosphopeptide, PLHSpT (Kd ∼ 450 nM). In addition, S-methyl prodrugs effectively inhibited mitotic progression and cell proliferation and their metabolic stability was determined. These data describe a novel class of small-molecule inhibitors that offer a promising avenue for future drug discovery against Plk1-addicted cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste N Alverez
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kiran S Toti
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Yangliu Xia
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kristopher W Krausz
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jeong K Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kyung S Lee
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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13
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Baxter M, Chapagai D, Craig S, Hurtado C, Varghese J, Nurmemmedov E, Wyatt MD, McInnes C. Peptidomimetic Polo-Box-Targeted Inhibitors that Engage PLK1 in Tumor Cells and Are Selective against the PLK3 Tumor Suppressor. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1058-1066. [PMID: 32232973 PMCID: PMC7703809 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The polo-box domain (PBD) of PLK1 determines mitotic substrate recognition and subcellular localization. Compounds that target PLK1 selectively are required due to the tumor-suppressor roles of PLK3. A structure-activity analysis of the PBD phosphopeptide binding motif has identified potent peptides that delineate the determinants required for mimicry by nonpeptidic inhibitors and provide insights into the structural basis for the selectivity of inhibitors for the PLK1 PBD. Fragment-ligated inhibitory peptides (FLIPs) obtained through REPLACE have been optimized to enhance in vitro binding and a systematic analysis of selectivity for PLK1 vs PLK3 has been carried out for peptides and peptidomimetics. Furthermore, these more drug-like non-ATP-competitive inhibitors had on-target engagement in a cellular context, as evidenced by stabilization of PLK1 in a thermal-shift assay and by inhibition of the phosphorylation of TCTP, a target of PLK1. Investigation in cells expressing a mutant PLK1 showed that these cells are sensitive to PBD inhibitors but dramatically resistant to clinically investigated ATP-competitive compounds. These results further validate targeting the PBD binding site in the move towards PLK1 inhibitors that are active against tumors resistant to ATP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merissa Baxter
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: NCI Shady Grove, Rockville, MD 20850-9702, USA
| | - Danda Chapagai
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Sandra Craig
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - Cecilia Hurtado
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Jessy Varghese
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Elmar Nurmemmedov
- John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Huang
- School of Food & Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Zhouling Xie
- School of Food & Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- School of Food & Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
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15
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Huggins DJ, Hardwick BS, Sharma P, Emery A, Laraia L, Zhang F, Narvaez AJ, Roberts-Thomson M, Crooks AT, Boyle RG, Boyce R, Walker DW, Mateu N, McKenzie GJ, Spring DR, Venkitaraman AR. Development of a Novel Cell-Permeable Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor for the Polo-box Domain of Polo-like Kinase 1. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:822-831. [PMID: 31956833 PMCID: PMC6964520 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a key regulator of mitosis and a recognized drug target for cancer therapy. Inhibiting the polo-box domain of PLK1 offers potential advantages of increased selectivity and subsequently reduced toxicity compared with targeting the kinase domain. However, many if not all existing polo-box domain inhibitors have been shown to be unsuitable for further development. In this paper, we describe a novel compound series, which inhibits the protein-protein interactions of PLK1 via the polo-box domain. We combine high throughput screening with molecular modeling and computer-aided design, synthetic chemistry, and cell biology to address some of the common problems with protein-protein interaction inhibitors, such as solubility and potency. We use molecular modeling to improve the solubility of a hit series with initially poor physicochemical properties, enabling biophysical and biochemical characterization. We isolate and characterize enantiomers to improve potency and demonstrate on-target activity in both cell-free and cell-based assays, entirely consistent with the proposed binding model. The resulting compound series represents a promising starting point for further progression along the drug discovery pipeline and a new tool compound to study kinase-independent PLK functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Huggins
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
- TCM
Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University
of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson
Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Bryn S. Hardwick
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Pooja Sharma
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Emery
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Laraia
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Fengzhi Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Ana J. Narvaez
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Meredith Roberts-Thomson
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alex T. Crooks
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
| | - Robert G. Boyle
- Sentinel
Oncology Ltd., Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0EY, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Boyce
- Sentinel
Oncology Ltd., Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0EY, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Walker
- Sentinel
Oncology Ltd., Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0EY, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Mateu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Grahame J. McKenzie
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
| | - David R. Spring
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Ashok R. Venkitaraman
- Medical
Research Council Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XZ, United Kingdom
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