1
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Kim CL, Lim SB, Kim DH, Sim YE, Kang LJ, Park SJ, Kim H, Roh TH, Mo JS, Jeong HS. Regulation of Hippo-YAP signaling axis by Isoalantolactone suppresses tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:101971. [PMID: 38797019 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating malignancy characterized by aggressive tumor growth and limited treatment options. Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway and its downstream effector, Yes-associated protein (YAP), has been implicated in CCA development and progression. In this study, we investigated the effects of Isoalantolactone (IALT) on CCA cells to elucidate its effect on YAP activity and its potential clinical significance. Our findings demonstrate that IALT exerts cytotoxic effects, induces apoptosis, and modulates YAP signaling in SNU478 cells. We further confirmed the involvement of the canonical Hippo pathway by generating LATS1/LATS2 knockout cells, highlighting the dependence of IALT-mediated apoptosis and YAP phosphorylation on the Hippo-LATS signaling axis. In addition, IALT suppressed cell growth and migration, partially dependent on YAP-TEAD activity. These results provide insights into the therapeutic potential of targeting YAP in CCA and provide a rationale for developing of YAP-targeted therapies for this challenging malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Long Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea
| | - Su-Bin Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea
| | - Ye Eun Sim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea
| | - Li-Jung Kang
- Three-Dimensional Immune System Imaging Core Facility, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, South Korea
| | - Su Jung Park
- Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, South Korea
| | - Hyungwoo Kim
- Division of Pharmacology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, South Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Roh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea
| | - Jung-Soon Mo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea; Institute of Medical Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, South Korea.
| | - Han-Sol Jeong
- Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, South Korea.
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2
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Zhu Y, Koleilat MKI, Roszik J, Kwong MK, Wang Z, Maru DM, Kopetz S, Kwong LN. A Gold Standard-Derived Modular Barcoding Approach to Cancer Transcriptomics. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1886. [PMID: 38791964 PMCID: PMC11120226 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101886] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
A challenge with studying cancer transcriptomes is in distilling the wealth of information down into manageable portions of information. In this resource, we develop an approach that creates and assembles cancer type-specific gene expression modules into flexible barcodes, allowing for adaptation to a wide variety of uses. Specifically, we propose that modules derived organically from high-quality gold standards such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) can accurately capture and describe functionally related genes that are relevant to specific cancer types. We show that such modules can: (1) uncover novel gene relationships and nominate new functional memberships, (2) improve and speed up analysis of smaller or lower-resolution datasets, (3) re-create and expand known cancer subtyping schemes, (4) act as a "decoder" to bridge seemingly disparate established gene signatures, and (5) efficiently apply single-cell RNA sequencing information to other datasets. Moreover, such modules can be used in conjunction with native spreadsheet program commands to create a powerful and rapid approach to hypothesis generation and testing that is readily accessible to non-bioinformaticians. Finally, we provide tools for users to create and interpret their own modules. Overall, the flexible modular nature of the proposed barcoding provides a user-friendly approach to rapidly decoding transcriptome-wide data for research or, potentially, clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhu
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.K.I.K.)
| | - Mohamad Karim I. Koleilat
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.K.I.K.)
| | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Man Kam Kwong
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Zhonglin Wang
- Social Science Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
| | - Dipen M. Maru
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Lawrence N. Kwong
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.K.I.K.)
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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3
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Miyashita H, Kato S, Hong DS. KRAS G12C inhibitor combination therapies: current evidence and challenge. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1380584. [PMID: 38756650 PMCID: PMC11097198 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1380584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Although KRAS G12C inhibitors have proven that KRAS is a "druggable" target of cancer, KRAS G12C inhibitor monotherapies have demonstrated limited clinical efficacy due to primary and acquired resistance mechanisms. Multiple combinations of KRAS G12C inhibitors with other targeted therapies, such as RTK, SHP2, and MEK inhibitors, have been investigated in clinical trials to overcome the resistance. They have demonstrated promising efficacy especially by combining KRAS G12C and EGFR inhibitors for KRAS G12C-mutated colorectal cancer. Many clinical trials of combinations of KRAS G12C inhibitors with other targeted therapies, such as SOS1, ERK, CDK4/6, and wild-type RAS, are ongoing. Furthermore, preclinical data have suggested additional promising KRAS G12C combinations with YAP/TAZ-TEAD inhibitors, FAK inhibitors, and farnesyltransferase inhibitors. The combinations of KRAS G12C inhibitors with immunotherapies and chemotherapies have also been investigated, and the preliminary results were reported. More recently, KRAS-targeted therapies not limited to KRAS G12C are being developed, potentially broadening the treatment landscape of KRAS-mutated cancers. Rationally combining KRAS inhibitors with other therapeutics is likely to play a significant role in future treatment for KRAS-mutated solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Miyashita
- Hematology and Oncology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - David S. Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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4
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Ash LJ, Busia-Bourdain O, Okpattah D, Kamel A, Liberchuk A, Wolfe AL. KRAS: Biology, Inhibition, and Mechanisms of Inhibitor Resistance. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2024-2046. [PMID: 38668053 PMCID: PMC11049385 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31040150] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS is a small GTPase that is among the most commonly mutated oncogenes in cancer. Here, we discuss KRAS biology, therapeutic avenues to target it, and mechanisms of resistance that tumors employ in response to KRAS inhibition. Several strategies are under investigation for inhibiting oncogenic KRAS, including small molecule compounds targeting specific KRAS mutations, pan-KRAS inhibitors, PROTACs, siRNAs, PNAs, and mutant KRAS-specific immunostimulatory strategies. A central challenge to therapeutic effectiveness is the frequent development of resistance to these treatments. Direct resistance mechanisms can involve KRAS mutations that reduce drug efficacy or copy number alterations that increase the expression of mutant KRAS. Indirect resistance mechanisms arise from mutations that can rescue mutant KRAS-dependent cells either by reactivating the same signaling or via alternative pathways. Further, non-mutational forms of resistance can take the form of epigenetic marks, transcriptional reprogramming, or alterations within the tumor microenvironment. As the possible strategies to inhibit KRAS expand, understanding the nuances of resistance mechanisms is paramount to the development of both enhanced therapeutics and innovative drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J. Ash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Ottavia Busia-Bourdain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daniel Okpattah
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Avrosina Kamel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ariel Liberchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew L. Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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5
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Chapeau EA, Sansregret L, Galli GG, Chène P, Wartmann M, Mourikis TP, Jaaks P, Baltschukat S, Barbosa IAM, Bauer D, Brachmann SM, Delaunay C, Estadieu C, Faris JE, Furet P, Harlfinger S, Hueber A, Jiménez Núñez E, Kodack DP, Mandon E, Martin T, Mesrouze Y, Romanet V, Scheufler C, Sellner H, Stamm C, Sterker D, Tordella L, Hofmann F, Soldermann N, Schmelzle T. Direct and selective pharmacological disruption of the YAP-TEAD interface by IAG933 inhibits Hippo-dependent and RAS-MAPK-altered cancers. NATURE CANCER 2024:10.1038/s43018-024-00754-9. [PMID: 38565920 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00754-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction mediates YAP oncogenic functions downstream of the Hippo pathway. To date, available YAP-TEAD pharmacologic agents bind into the lipid pocket of TEAD, targeting the interaction indirectly via allosteric changes. However, the consequences of a direct pharmacological disruption of the interface between YAP and TEADs remain largely unexplored. Here, we present IAG933 and its analogs as potent first-in-class and selective disruptors of the YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction with suitable properties to enter clinical trials. Pharmacologic abrogation of the interaction with all four TEAD paralogs resulted in YAP eviction from chromatin and reduced Hippo-mediated transcription and induction of cell death. In vivo, deep tumor regression was observed in Hippo-driven mesothelioma xenografts at tolerated doses in animal models as well as in Hippo-altered cancer models outside mesothelioma. Importantly this also extended to larger tumor indications, such as lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancer, in combination with RTK, KRAS-mutant selective and MAPK inhibitors, leading to more efficacious and durable responses. Clinical evaluation of IAG933 is underway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Bauer
- Novartis BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Pascal Furet
- Novartis BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Harlfinger
- Novartis BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- AstraZeneca, Oncology R&D, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Hofmann
- Novartis BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Pierre Fabre Group, R&D Medical Care, Toulouse, France
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6
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Tate EW, Soday L, de la Lastra AL, Wang M, Lin H. Protein lipidation in cancer: mechanisms, dysregulation and emerging drug targets. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:240-260. [PMID: 38424304 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Protein lipidation describes a diverse class of post-translational modifications (PTMs) that is regulated by over 40 enzymes, targeting more than 1,000 substrates at over 3,000 sites. Lipidated proteins include more than 150 oncoproteins, including mediators of cancer initiation, progression and immunity, receptor kinases, transcription factors, G protein-coupled receptors and extracellular signalling proteins. Lipidation regulates the physical interactions of its protein substrates with cell membranes, regulating protein signalling and trafficking, and has a key role in metabolism and immunity. Targeting protein lipidation, therefore, offers a unique approach to modulate otherwise undruggable oncoproteins; however, the full spectrum of opportunities to target the dysregulation of these PTMs in cancer remains to be explored. This is attributable in part to the technological challenges of identifying the targets and the roles of protein lipidation. The early stage of drug discovery for many enzymes in the pathway contrasts with efforts for drugging similarly common PTMs such as phosphorylation and acetylation, which are routinely studied and targeted in relevant cancer contexts. Here, we review recent advances in identifying targetable protein lipidation pathways in cancer, the current state-of-the-art in drug discovery, and the status of ongoing clinical trials, which have the potential to deliver novel oncology therapeutics targeting protein lipidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
| | - Lior Soday
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mei Wang
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hening Lin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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7
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Kumarasamy V, Wang J, Frangou C, Wan Y, Dynka A, Rosenheck H, Dey P, Abel EV, Knudsen ES, Witkiewicz AK. The Extracellular Niche and Tumor Microenvironment Enhance KRAS Inhibitor Efficacy in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:1115-1132. [PMID: 38294344 PMCID: PMC10982648 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2504] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease that lacks effective treatment options, highlighting the need for developing new therapeutic interventions. Here, we assessed the response to pharmacologic inhibition of KRAS, the central oncogenic driver of PDAC. In a panel of PDAC cell lines, inhibition of KRASG12D with MRTX1133 yielded variable efficacy in suppressing cell growth and downstream gene expression programs in 2D cultures. On the basis of CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screens, ITGB1 was identified as a target to enhance the therapeutic response to MRTX1133 by regulating mechanotransduction signaling and YAP/TAZ expression, which was confirmed by gene-specific knockdown and combinatorial drug synergy. Interestingly, MRTX1133 was considerably more efficacious in 3D cell cultures. Moreover, MRTX1133 elicited a pronounced cytostatic effect in vivo and controlled tumor growth in PDAC patient-derived xenografts. In syngeneic models, KRASG12D inhibition led to tumor regression that did not occur in immune-deficient hosts. Digital spatial profiling on tumor tissues indicated that MRTX1133-mediated KRAS inhibition enhanced IFNγ signaling and induced antigen presentation that modulated the tumor microenvironment. Further investigation of the immunologic response using single-cell sequencing and multispectral imaging revealed that tumor regression was associated with suppression of neutrophils and influx of effector CD8+ T cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that both tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic events contribute to response to MRTX1133 and credential KRASG12D inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for a large percentage of patients with PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE Pharmacologic inhibition of KRAS elicits varied responses in pancreatic cancer 2D cell lines, 3D organoid cultures, and xenografts, underscoring the importance of mechanotransduction and the tumor microenvironment in regulating therapeutic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Kumarasamy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jianxin Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Costakis Frangou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Yin Wan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Andrew Dynka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Hanna Rosenheck
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Prasenjit Dey
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ethan V. Abel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Erik S. Knudsen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Agnieszka K. Witkiewicz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
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Kumar R, Hong W. Hippo Signaling at the Hallmarks of Cancer and Drug Resistance. Cells 2024; 13:564. [PMID: 38607003 PMCID: PMC11011035 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070564] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster in 1995, the Hippo signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in organ size control and tumor suppression by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Large tumor suppressors 1 and 2 (LATS1/2) directly phosphorylate the Yki orthologs YAP (yes-associated protein) and its paralog TAZ (also known as WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 [WWTR1]), thereby inhibiting their nuclear localization and pairing with transcriptional coactivators TEAD1-4. Earnest efforts from many research laboratories have established the role of mis-regulated Hippo signaling in tumorigenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), oncogenic stemness, and, more recently, development of drug resistances. Hippo signaling components at the heart of oncogenic adaptations fuel the development of drug resistance in many cancers for targeted therapies including KRAS and EGFR mutants. The first U.S. food and drug administration (US FDA) approval of the imatinib tyrosine kinase inhibitor in 2001 paved the way for nearly 100 small-molecule anti-cancer drugs approved by the US FDA and the national medical products administration (NMPA). However, the low response rate and development of drug resistance have posed a major hurdle to improving the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of cancer patients. Accumulating evidence has enabled scientists and clinicians to strategize the therapeutic approaches of targeting cancer cells and to navigate the development of drug resistance through the continuous monitoring of tumor evolution and oncogenic adaptations. In this review, we highlight the emerging aspects of Hippo signaling in cross-talk with other oncogenic drivers and how this information can be translated into combination therapy to target a broad range of aggressive tumors and the development of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore;
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9
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Li X, Zhong H, Shi Q, Ruan R, Huang C, Wen Q, Zeng S, Xia Y, Zeng Q, Xiong J, Wang S, Chen J, Lei W, Deng J. YAP1-CPNE3 positive feedback pathway promotes gastric cancer cell progression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:143. [PMID: 38493426 PMCID: PMC10944813 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05178-3] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Hippo-Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) plays an important role in gastric cancer (GC) progression; however, its regulatory network remains unclear. In this study, we identified Copine III (CPNE3) was identified as a novel direct target gene regulated by the YAP1/TEADs transcription factor complex. The downregulation of CPNE3 inhibited proliferation and invasion, and increased the chemosensitivity of GC cells, whereas the overexpression of CPNE3 had the opposite biological effects. Mechanistically, CPNE3 binds to the YAP1 protein in the cytoplasm, inhibiting YAP1 ubiquitination and degradation mediated by the E3 ubiquitination ligase β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TRCP). Thereby activating the transcription of YAP1 downstream target genes, which creates a positive feedback cycle to facilitate GC progression. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated significant upregulation of CPNE3 in GC tissues. Survival and Cox regression analyses indicated that high CPNE3 expression was an independent prognostic marker for GC. This study elucidated the pivotal involvement of an aberrantly activated CPNE3/YAP1 positive feedback loop in the malignant progression of GC, thereby uncovering novel prognostic factors and therapeutic targets in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongguang Zhong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiwen Ruan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunye Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Wen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaocheng Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinru Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Xiong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wan Lei
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Individual Cancer Therapy, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
- Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Rosell R, Pedraz-Valdunciel C, Jain A, Shivamallu C, Aguilar A. Deterministic reprogramming and signaling activation following targeted therapy in non-small cell lung cancer driven by mutations or oncogenic fusions. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:171-182. [PMID: 38372666 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2320710] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeted therapy is used to treat lung adenocarcinoma caused by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain and rare subtypes (<5%) of non-small cell lung cancer. These subtypes include fusion oncoproteins like anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS1, rearranged during transfection (RET), and other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The use of diverse selective oral inhibitors, including those targeting rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations, has significantly improved clinical responses, extending progression-free and overall survival. AREAS COVERED Resistance remains a critical issue in lung adenocarcinoma, notably in EGFR mutant, echinoderm microtubule associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK fusion, and KRAS mutant tumors, often associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EXPERT OPINION Despite advancements in next generation EGFR inhibitors and EML4-ALK therapies with enhanced brain penetrance and identifying resistance mutations, overcoming resistance has not been abated. Various strategies are being explored to overcome this issue to achieve prolonged cancer remission and delay resistance. Targeting yes-associated protein (YAP) and the mechanisms associated with YAP activation through Hippo-dependent or independent pathways, is desirable. Additionally, the exploration of liquid-liquid phase separation in fusion oncoproteins forming condensates in the cytoplasm for oncogenic signaling is a promising field for the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rosell
- Cancer Biology & Precision Medicine Program, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Service, IOR, Dexeus University Hospital Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anisha Jain
- Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandan Shivamallu
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Dandikere, Karnataka, India
| | - Andrés Aguilar
- Medical Oncology Service, IOR, Dexeus University Hospital Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Kanai R, Norton E, Stern P, Hynes RO, Lamar JM. Identification of a Gene Signature That Predicts Dependence upon YAP/TAZ-TEAD. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:852. [PMID: 38473214 PMCID: PMC10930532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050852] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are effective cancer treatments when accompanied by accurate diagnostic tests that can help identify patients that will respond to those therapies. The YAP/TAZ-TEAD axis is activated and plays a causal role in several cancer types, and TEAD inhibitors are currently in early-phase clinical trials in cancer patients. However, a lack of a reliable way to identify tumors with YAP/TAZ-TEAD activation for most cancer types makes it difficult to determine which tumors will be susceptible to TEAD inhibitors. Here, we used a combination of RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis of metastatic melanoma cells to develop a YAP/TAZ gene signature. We found that the genes in this signature are TEAD-dependent in several melanoma cell lines, and that their expression strongly correlates with YAP/TAZ activation in human melanomas. Using DepMap dependency data, we found that this YAP/TAZ signature was predictive of melanoma cell dependence upon YAP/TAZ or TEADs. Importantly, this was not limited to melanoma because this signature was also predictive when tested on a panel of over 1000 cancer cell lines representing numerous distinct cancer types. Our results suggest that YAP/TAZ gene signatures like ours may be effective tools to predict tumor cell dependence upon YAP/TAZ-TEAD, and thus potentially provide a means to identify patients likely to benefit from TEAD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Kanai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Emily Norton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Patrick Stern
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Richard O. Hynes
- Department of Biology, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - John M. Lamar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
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12
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Wei D, Wang L, Zuo X, Maitra A, Bresalier RS. A Small Molecule with Big Impact: MRTX1133 Targets the KRASG12D Mutation in Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:655-662. [PMID: 37831007 PMCID: PMC10922474 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations drive oncogenic alterations in numerous cancers, particularly in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). About 93% of PDACs have KRAS mutations, with G12D (∼42% of cases) and G12V (∼32% of cases) being the most common. The recent approval of sotorasib (AMG510), a small-molecule, covalent, and selective KRASG12C inhibitor, for treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer represents a breakthrough in KRAS targeted therapy. However, there is a need to develop other much-needed KRAS-mutant inhibitors for PDAC therapy. Notably, Mirati Therapeutics recently developed MRTX1133, a small-molecule, noncovalent, and selective KRASG12D inhibitor through extensive structure-based drug design. MRTX1133 has demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy against KRASG12D-mutant cancer cells, especially in PDAC, leading to its recent initiation of a phase I/II clinical trial. Here, we provide a summary of the recent advancements related to the use of MRTX1133 for treating KRASG12D-mutant PDAC, focusing on its efficacy and underlying mechanistic actions. In addition, we discuss potential challenges and future directions for MRTX1133 therapy for PDAC, including overcoming intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, developing effective combination therapies, and improving MRTX1133's oral bioavailability and target spectrum. The promising results obtained from preclinical studies suggest that MRTX1133 could revolutionize the treatment of PDAC, bringing about a paradigm shift in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Xiangsheng Zuo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Robert S. Bresalier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
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13
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An L, De Bruyn T, Pang J, Ubhayakar S, Salphati L, Zhang X, Liu L, Li R, Chan B, Dey A, Levy ES. Early Stage Preclinical Formulation Strategies to Alter the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Two Small Molecule Therapeutics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:179. [PMID: 38399394 PMCID: PMC10892288 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020179] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Early stage chemical development presents numerous challenges, and achieving a functional balance is a major hurdle, with many early compounds not meeting the clinical requirements for advancement benchmarks due to issues like poor oral bioavailability. There is a need to develop strategies for achieving the desired systemic concentration for these compounds. This will enable further evaluation of the biological response upon a compound-target interaction, providing deeper insight into the postulated biological pathways. Our study elucidates alternative drug delivery paradigms by comparing formulation strategies across oral (PO), intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous (SC), and intravenous (IV) routes. While each modality boasts its own set of merits and constraints, it is the drug's formulation that crucially influences its pharmacokinetic (PK) trajectory and the maintenance of its therapeutic levels. Our examination of model compounds G7883 and G6893 highlighted their distinct physio-chemical attributes. By harnessing varied formulation methods, we sought to fine-tune their PK profiles. PK studies showcased G7883's extended half-life using an SC oil formulation, resulting in a 4.5-fold and 2.5-fold enhancement compared with the IP and PO routes, respectively. In contrast, with G6893, we achieved a prolonged systemic coverage time above the desired target concentration through a different approach using an IV infusion pump. These outcomes underscore the need for tailored formulation strategies, which are dictated by the compound's innate properties, to reach the optimal in vivo systemic concentrations. Prioritizing formulation and delivery optimization early on is pivotal for effective systemic uptake, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of biological pathways and expediting the overall clinical drug development timeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le An
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
| | - Tom De Bruyn
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (T.D.B.); (J.P.); (S.U.); (L.S.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Jodie Pang
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (T.D.B.); (J.P.); (S.U.); (L.S.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Savita Ubhayakar
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (T.D.B.); (J.P.); (S.U.); (L.S.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Laurent Salphati
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (T.D.B.); (J.P.); (S.U.); (L.S.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Xing Zhang
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (T.D.B.); (J.P.); (S.U.); (L.S.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Liling Liu
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (T.D.B.); (J.P.); (S.U.); (L.S.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Ruina Li
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (T.D.B.); (J.P.); (S.U.); (L.S.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Bryan Chan
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
| | - Anwesha Dey
- Discovery Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
| | - Elizabeth S. Levy
- Small Molecules Pharmaceutics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
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14
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Zhou W, Lim A, Edderkaoui M, Osipov A, Wu H, Wang Q, Pandol S. Role of YAP Signaling in Regulation of Programmed Cell Death and Drug Resistance in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:15-28. [PMID: 38164167 PMCID: PMC10750275 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Although recent advances in cancer treatment significantly improved the prognosis of patients, drug resistance remains a major challenge. Targeting programmed cell death is a major approach of antitumor drug development. Deregulation of programmed cell death (PCD) contributes to resistance to a variety of cancer therapeutics. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralog TAZ, the main downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, are aberrantly activated in a variety of human malignancies. The Hippo-YAP pathway, which was originally identified in Drosophila, is well conserved in humans and plays a defining role in regulation of cell fate, tissue growth and regeneration. Activation of YAP signaling has emerged as a key mechanism involved in promoting cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Understanding the role of YAP/TAZ signaling network in PCD and drug resistance could facilitate the development of effective strategies for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Adrian Lim
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mouad Edderkaoui
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Arsen Osipov
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Heshui Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephen Pandol
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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15
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Mukhopadhyay S, Huang HY, Lin Z, Ranieri M, Li S, Sahu S, Liu Y, Ban Y, Guidry K, Hu H, Lopez A, Sherman F, Tan YJ, Lee YT, Armstrong AP, Dolgalev I, Sahu P, Zhang T, Lu W, Gray NS, Christensen JG, Tang TT, Velcheti V, Khodadadi-Jamayran A, Wong KK, Neel BG. Genome-Wide CRISPR Screens Identify Multiple Synthetic Lethal Targets That Enhance KRASG12C Inhibitor Efficacy. Cancer Res 2023; 83:4095-4111. [PMID: 37729426 PMCID: PMC10841254 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-small lung cancers (NSCLC) frequently (∼30%) harbor KRAS driver mutations, half of which are KRASG12C. KRAS-mutant NSCLC with comutated STK11 and/or KEAP1 is particularly refractory to conventional, targeted, and immune therapy. Development of KRASG12C inhibitors (G12Ci) provided a major therapeutic advance, but resistance still limits their efficacy. To identify genes whose deletion augments efficacy of the G12Cis adagrasib (MRTX-849) or adagrasib plus TNO155 (SHP2i), we performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens on KRAS/STK11-mutant NSCLC lines. Recurrent, potentially targetable, synthetic lethal (SL) genes were identified, including serine-threonine kinases, tRNA-modifying and proteoglycan synthesis enzymes, and YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway components. Several SL genes were confirmed by siRNA/shRNA experiments, and the YAP/TAZ/TEAD pathway was extensively validated in vitro and in mice. Mechanistic studies showed that G12Ci treatment induced gene expression of RHO paralogs and activators, increased RHOA activation, and evoked ROCK-dependent nuclear translocation of YAP. Mice and patients with acquired G12Ci- or G12Ci/SHP2i-resistant tumors showed strong overlap with SL pathways, arguing for the relevance of the screen results. These findings provide a landscape of potential targets for future combination strategies, some of which can be tested rapidly in the clinic. SIGNIFICANCE Identification of synthetic lethal genes with KRASG12C using genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening and credentialing of the ability of TEAD inhibition to enhance KRASG12C efficacy provides a roadmap for combination strategies. See related commentary by Johnson and Haigis, p. 4005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Mukhopadhyay
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Hsin-Yi Huang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Ziyan Lin
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, Office of Science and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Michela Ranieri
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Shuai Li
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Soumyadip Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Yingzhuo Liu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Yi Ban
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Kayla Guidry
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Hai Hu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Alfonso Lopez
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Fiona Sherman
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Yi Jer Tan
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Yeuan Ting Lee
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Amanda P. Armstrong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Igor Dolgalev
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Priyanka Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, United States
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, United States
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, ChEM-H, Stanford Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, United States
| | | | - Tracy T. Tang
- Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., San Mateo, California, United States
| | - Vamsidhar Velcheti
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Alireza Khodadadi-Jamayran
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, Office of Science and Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
| | - Benjamin G. Neel
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, United States
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16
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Edwards AC, Stalnecker CA, Morales AJ, Taylor KE, Klomp JE, Klomp JA, Waters AM, Sudhakar N, Hallin J, Tang TT, Olson P, Post L, Christensen JG, Cox AD, Der CJ. TEAD Inhibition Overcomes YAP1/TAZ-Driven Primary and Acquired Resistance to KRASG12C Inhibitors. Cancer Res 2023; 83:4112-4129. [PMID: 37934103 PMCID: PMC10821578 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary/intrinsic and treatment-induced acquired resistance limit the initial response rate to and long-term efficacy of direct inhibitors of the KRASG12C mutant in cancer. To identify potential mechanisms of resistance, we applied a CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function screen and observed loss of multiple components of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, which acts to suppress YAP1/TAZ-regulated gene transcription. YAP1/TAZ activation impaired the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of KRASG12C inhibitor (G12Ci) treatment in KRASG12C-mutant cancer cell lines. Conversely, genetic suppression of YAP1/WWTR1 (TAZ) enhanced G12Ci sensitivity. YAP1/TAZ activity overcame KRAS dependency through two distinct TEAD transcription factor-dependent mechanisms, which phenocopy KRAS effector signaling. First, TEAD stimulated ERK-independent transcription of genes normally regulated by ERK (BIRC5, CDC20, ECT2, FOSL1, and MYC) to promote progression through the cell cycle. Second, TEAD caused activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling to overcome apoptosis. G12Ci treatment-induced acquired resistance was also caused by YAP1/TAZ-TEAD activation. Accordingly, concurrent treatment with pharmacologic inhibitors of TEAD synergistically enhanced KRASG12C inhibitor antitumor activity in vitro and prolonged tumor suppression in vivo. In summary, these observations reveal YAP1/TAZ-TEAD signaling as a crucial driver of primary and acquired resistance to KRAS inhibition and support the use of TEAD inhibitors to enhance the antitumor efficacy of KRAS-targeted therapies. SIGNIFICANCE YAP1/TAZ-TEAD activation compensates for loss of KRAS effector signaling, establishing a mechanistic basis for concurrent inhibition of TEAD to enhance the efficacy of KRASG12C-selective inhibitor treatment of KRASG12C-mutant cancers. See related commentary by Johnson and Haigis, p. 4005.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Cole Edwards
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Clint A. Stalnecker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alexis Jean Morales
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Khalilah E. Taylor
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer E. Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey A. Klomp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Andrew M. Waters
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Jill Hallin
- Mirati Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Peter Olson
- Mirati Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California
| | - Leonard Post
- Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., San Mateo, California
| | | | - Adrienne D. Cox
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Channing J. Der
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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17
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Fnaiche A, Chan HC, Paquin A, González Suárez N, Vu V, Li F, Allali-Hassani A, Cao MA, Szewczyk MM, Bolotokova A, Allemand F, Gelin M, Barsyte-Lovejoy D, Santhakumar V, Vedadi M, Guichou JF, Annabi B, Gagnon A. Development of HC-258, a Covalent Acrylamide TEAD Inhibitor That Reduces Gene Expression and Cell Migration. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1746-1753. [PMID: 38116405 PMCID: PMC10726447 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00386] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor YAP-TEAD is the downstream effector of the Hippo pathway which controls cell proliferation, apoptosis, tissue repair, and organ growth. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway has been correlated with carcinogenic processes. A co-crystal structure of TEAD with its endogenous ligand palmitic acid (PA) as well as with flufenamic acid (FA) has been disclosed. Here we report the development of HC-258, which derives from FA and possesses an oxopentyl chain that mimics a molecule of PA as well as an acrylamide that reacts covalently with TEAD's cysteine. HC-258 reduces the CTGF, CYR61, AXL, and NF2 transcript levels and inhibits the migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Co-crystallization with hTEAD2 confirmed that HC-258 binds within TEAD's PA pocket, where it forms a covalent bond with its cysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Fnaiche
- Département
de Chimie, Université du Québec
à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Hwai-Chien Chan
- Département
de Chimie, Université du Québec
à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Alexis Paquin
- Département
de Chimie, Université du Québec
à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Narjara González Suárez
- Département
de Chimie, Université du Québec
à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Victoria Vu
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Michelle Ada Cao
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Magdalena M. Szewczyk
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Albina Bolotokova
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Frédéric Allemand
- Centre
de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Univ.
Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Muriel Gelin
- Centre
de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Univ.
Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Masoud Vedadi
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Jean-François Guichou
- Centre
de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Univ.
Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Borhane Annabi
- Département
de Chimie, Université du Québec
à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Alexandre Gagnon
- Département
de Chimie, Université du Québec
à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
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18
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Evsen L, Morris PJ, Thomas CJ, Ceribelli M. Comparative Assessment and High-Throughput Drug-Combination Profiling of TEAD-Palmitoylation Inhibitors in Hippo Pathway Deficient Mesothelioma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1635. [PMID: 38139762 PMCID: PMC10747288 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121635] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippo signaling pathway is a central tumor suppressor cascade frequently inactivated in selected human cancers, leading to the aberrant activation of TEAD transcription factors. Whereas several TEAD auto-palmitoylation inhibitors are currently in development, a comprehensive assessment of this novel drug-modality is missing. Here, we report a comparative analysis among six TEADi(s) using cell-based and biochemical assays in Hippo pathway deficient mesothelioma. Our analysis revealed varying potency and selectivity across TEADi, also highlighting their limited efficacy. To overcome this limitation, we performed an unbiased, quantitative high-throughput drug screening by combining the TEADi VT-103 with a library of approximately 3000 oncology-focused drugs. By exploiting this library's mechanistic redundancy, we identified several drug-classes robustly synergized with TEADi. These included glucocorticoid-receptor (GR) agonists, Mek1/2 inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and PI3K inhibitors, among others. Altogether, we report a coherent single-agent dataset informing on potency and selectivity of TEAD-palmitoylation inhibitors as single-agents. We also describe a rational pipeline enabling the systematic identification of TEAD druggable co-dependencies. This data should support the pre-clinical development of drug combination strategies for the treatment of Hippo-deficient mesothelioma, and more broadly, for other cancers dependent on the oncogenic activity of YAP/TEAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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19
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Talukdar PD, Chatterji U. Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:427. [PMID: 37953273 PMCID: PMC10641101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01651-w] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey Talukdar
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Urmi Chatterji
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India.
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20
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Sodir NM, Pathria G, Adamkewicz JI, Kelley EH, Sudhamsu J, Merchant M, Chiarle R, Maddalo D. SHP2: A Pleiotropic Target at the Interface of Cancer and Its Microenvironment. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2339-2355. [PMID: 37682219 PMCID: PMC10618746 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0383] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The protein phosphatase SHP2/PTPN11 has been reported to be a key modulator of proliferative pathways in a wide range of malignancies. Intriguingly, SHP2 has also been described as a critical regulator of the tumor microenvironment. Based on this evidence SHP2 is considered a multifaceted target in cancer, spurring the notion that the development of direct inhibitors of SHP2 would provide the twofold benefit of tumor intrinsic and extrinsic inhibition. In this review, we will discuss the role of SHP2 in cancer and the tumor microenvironment, and the clinical strategies in which SHP2 inhibitors are leveraged as combination agents to improve therapeutic response. SIGNIFICANCE The SHP2 phosphatase functions as a pleiotropic factor, and its inhibition not only hinders tumor growth but also reshapes the tumor microenvironment. Although their single-agent activity may be limited, SHP2 inhibitors hold the potential of being key combination agents to enhance the depth and the durability of tumor response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M. Sodir
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | - Gaurav Pathria
- Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Elizabeth H. Kelley
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | - Jawahar Sudhamsu
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | - Roberto Chiarle
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Danilo Maddalo
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California
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21
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Fnaiche A, Mélin L, Suárez NG, Paquin A, Vu V, Li F, Allali-Hassani A, Bolotokova A, Allemand F, Gelin M, Cotelle P, Woo S, LaPlante SR, Barsyte-Lovejoy D, Santhakumar V, Vedadi M, Guichou JF, Annabi B, Gagnon A. Development of LM-41 and AF-2112, two flufenamic acid-derived TEAD inhibitors obtained through the replacement of the trifluoromethyl group by aryl rings. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 95:129488. [PMID: 37770003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway regulates organ size and tissue homeostasis by controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis. The YAP-TEAD transcription factor, the downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, regulates the expression of genes such as CTGF, Cyr61, Axl and NF2. Aberrant Hippo activity has been identified in multiple types of cancers. Flufenamic acid (FA) was reported to bind in a liphophilic TEAD palmitic acid (PA) pocket, leading to reduction of the expression of Axl and NF2. Here, we show that the replacement of the trifluoromethyl moiety in FA by aromatic groups, directly connected to the scaffold or separated by a linker, leads to compounds with better affinity to TEAD. Co-crystallization studies show that these compounds bind similarly to FA, but deeper within the PA pocket. Our studies identified LM-41 and AF-2112 as two TEAD binders that strongly reduce the expression of CTGF, Cyr61, Axl and NF2. LM-41 gave the strongest reduction of migration of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Fnaiche
- Département de chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Léa Mélin
- Département de chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Narjara González Suárez
- Département de chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Alexis Paquin
- Département de chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Victoria Vu
- Structural Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Albina Bolotokova
- Structural Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Frédéric Allemand
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Muriel Gelin
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Cotelle
- Université de Lille, CHU Lille, INSERM-UMR-S-1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert, Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Simon Woo
- INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Steven R LaPlante
- INRS-Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
- Structural Genomics Consortium, 101 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | | | - Masoud Vedadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Drug Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-François Guichou
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Borhane Annabi
- Département de chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | - Alexandre Gagnon
- Département de chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada.
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22
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Ott CA, Aplin AE. Targeting TEAD-ious resistance. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:780-781. [PMID: 37543514 PMCID: PMC10530112 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.016] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in targeting mutant KRAS are limited by resistance. A recent study in Nature Cancer by Hagenbeek et al. utilizes a novel inhibitor that targets the TEAD transcription factor, GNE-7883, to overcome resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Thus, TEAD inhibitors may maximize the durability of KRAS inhibitors in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor A Ott
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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23
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The never-abating excitement for targeted therapies. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1397-1398. [PMID: 37880413 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00664-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
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24
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Thrash HL, Pendergast AM. Multi-Functional Regulation by YAP/TAZ Signaling Networks in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4701. [PMID: 37835395 PMCID: PMC10572014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway transcriptional co-activators, YES-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional Co-Activator with PDZ Binding Motif (TAZ), have both been linked to tumor progression and metastasis. These two proteins possess overlapping and distinct functions, and their activities lead to the expression of genes involved in multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and migration. The dysregulation of YAP/TAZ-dependent cellular processes can result in altered tumor growth and metastasis. In addition to their well-documented roles in the regulation of cancer cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, the YAP/TAZ-dependent signaling pathways have been more recently implicated in cellular processes that promote metastasis and therapy resistance in several solid tumor types. This review highlights the role of YAP/TAZ signaling networks in the regulation of tumor cell plasticity mediated by hybrid and reversible epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states, and the promotion of cancer stem cell/progenitor phenotypes. Mechanistically, YAP and TAZ regulate these cellular processes by targeting transcriptional networks. In this review, we detail recently uncovered mechanisms whereby YAP and TAZ mediate tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance, and discuss new therapeutic strategies to target YAP/TAZ function in various solid tumor types. Understanding the distinct and overlapping roles of YAP and TAZ in multiple cellular processes that promote tumor progression to metastasis is expected to enable the identification of effective therapies to treat solid tumors through the hyper-activation of YAP and TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Marie Pendergast
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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25
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Bum-Erdene K, Ghozayel MK, Zhang MJ, Gonzalez-Gutierrez G, Meroueh SO. Chloroacetamide fragment library screening identifies new scaffolds for covalent inhibition of the TEAD·YAP1 interaction. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1803-1816. [PMID: 37731696 PMCID: PMC10507800 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00264k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) binding to co-activator yes-associated protein (YAP1) leads to a transcription factor of the Hippo pathway. TEADs are regulated by S-palmitoylation of a conserved cysteine located in a deep well-defined hydrophobic pocket outside the TEAD·YAP1 interaction interface. Previously, we reported the discovery of a small molecule based on the structure of flufenamic acid that binds to the palmitate pocket, forms a covalent bond with the conserved cysteine, and inhibits TEAD4 binding to YAP1. Here, we screen a fragment library of chloroacetamide electrophiles to identify new scaffolds that bind to the palmitate pocket of TEADs and disrupt their interaction with YAP1. Time- and concentration-dependent studies with wild-type and mutant TEAD1-4 provided insight into their reaction rates and binding constants and established the compounds as covalent inhibitors of TEAD binding to YAP1. Binding pose hypotheses were generated by covalent docking revealing that the fragments and compounds engage lower, middle, and upper sub-sites of the palmitate pocket. Our fragments and compounds provide new scaffolds and starting points for the design of derivatives with improved inhibition potency of TEAD palmitoylation and binding to YAP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khuchtumur Bum-Erdene
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine 635 Barnhill Drive, MS4021 Indianapolis Indiana 46202 USA +1 (317) 278 9217 +1 (317) 274 8315
| | - Mona K Ghozayel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine 635 Barnhill Drive, MS4021 Indianapolis Indiana 46202 USA +1 (317) 278 9217 +1 (317) 274 8315
| | - Mark J Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine 635 Barnhill Drive, MS4021 Indianapolis Indiana 46202 USA +1 (317) 278 9217 +1 (317) 274 8315
| | - Giovanni Gonzalez-Gutierrez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University 212 S Hawthorne Drive Bloomington IN 47405 USA
| | - Samy O Meroueh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine 635 Barnhill Drive, MS4021 Indianapolis Indiana 46202 USA +1 (317) 278 9217 +1 (317) 274 8315
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26
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Marabitti V, Caruana I, Nazio F. Should I stay or should I go? Spatio-temporal control of cellular anchorage by hematopoietic factors orchestrates tumor metastatic cascade. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:149. [PMID: 37679813 PMCID: PMC10483703 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01851-6] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The term "metastatic cascade" defines a process whereby few tumor cells complete a sequence of steps to leave the primary tumor to reach one or more sites elsewhere in the body, usually through the bloodstream to develop one or several metastases. Due to the nature and plasticity of cancer, unfortunately no specific and functional anti-metastatic drugs are available. In this Commentary, we are highlighting how four essential factors are able to induce adhesion-to-suspension transition (herein referred to as AST) in human cancer cells and how this process may play a key role in tumor metastasis. We further underlined the potential role of hematopoietic transcriptional regulators in reprogramming anchorage dependency of cells, supporting the possible targeting of AST factors as promising therapeutic strategy to overcome metastasis in solid tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Marabitti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Francesca Nazio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy.
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27
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Mira A, Ambrogio C. YAP and TAZ orchestrate adaptive resistance to KRAS inhibitors. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:784-786. [PMID: 37369836 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00580-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Mira
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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