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Ghasemi N, Azizi H. Exploring Myc puzzle: Insights into cancer, stem cell biology, and PPI networks. Gene 2024; 916:148447. [PMID: 38583818 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148447] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
"The grand orchestrator," "Universal Amplifier," "double-edged sword," and "Undruggable" are just some of the Myc oncogene so-called names. It has been around 40 years since the discovery of the Myc, and it remains in the mainstream of cancer treatment drugs. Myc is part of basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) superfamily proteins, and its dysregulation can be seen in many malignant human tumors. It dysregulates critical pathways in cells that are connected to each other, such as proliferation, growth, cell cycle, and cell adhesion, impacts miRNAs action, intercellular metabolism, DNA replication, differentiation, microenvironment regulation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Myc, surprisingly, is used in stem cell research too. Its family includes three members, MYC, MYCN, and MYCL, and each dysfunction was observed in different cancer types. This review aims to introduce Myc and its function in the body. Besides, Myc deregulatory mechanisms in cancer cells, their intricate aspects will be discussed. We will look at promising drugs and Myc-based therapies. Finally, Myc and its role in stemness, Myc pathways based on PPI network analysis, and future insights will be explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ghasemi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran.
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2
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Banerjee A, Mathew S, Naqvi MM, Yilmaz SZ, Zacharopoulou M, Doruker P, Kumita JR, Yang SH, Gur M, Itzhaki LS, Gordon R, Bahar I. Influence of point mutations on PR65 conformational adaptability: Insights from molecular simulations and nanoaperture optical tweezers. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn2208. [PMID: 38820156 PMCID: PMC11141623 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
PR65 is the HEAT repeat scaffold subunit of the heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and an archetypal tandem repeat protein. Its conformational mechanics plays a crucial role in PP2A function by opening/closing substrate binding/catalysis interface. Using in silico saturation mutagenesis, we identified PR65 "hinge" residues whose substitutions could alter its conformational adaptability and thereby PP2A function, and selected six mutations that were verified to be expressed and soluble. Molecular simulations and nanoaperture optical tweezers revealed consistent results on the specific effects of the mutations on the structure and dynamics of PR65. Two mutants observed in simulations to stabilize extended/open conformations exhibited higher corner frequencies and lower translational scattering in experiments, indicating a shift toward extended conformations, whereas another displayed the opposite features, confirmed by both simulations and experiments. The study highlights the power of single-molecule nanoaperture-based tweezers integrated with in silico approaches for exploring the effect of mutations on protein structure and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Banerjee
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Samuel Mathew
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Mohsin M. Naqvi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Sema Z. Yilmaz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 34437 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Maria Zacharopoulou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Pemra Doruker
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Janet R. Kumita
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Shang-Hua Yang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Mert Gur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 34437 Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Laura S. Itzhaki
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Reuven Gordon
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ivet Bahar
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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3
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Tinsley SL, Shelley RA, Mall GK, Chianis ERD, Dhiman A, Baral G, Kothandaraman H, Thoma MC, Daniel CJ, Lanman NA, di Magliano MP, Narla G, Solorio L, Dykhuizen EC, Sears RC, Allen-Petersen BL. KRAS-mediated upregulation of CIP2A promotes suppression of PP2A-B56α to initiate pancreatic cancer development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.01.547283. [PMID: 38826439 PMCID: PMC11142131 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.01.547283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in KRAS are present in approximately 95% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and are considered the initiating event of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) precursor lesions. While it is well established that KRAS mutations drive the activation of oncogenic kinase cascades during pancreatic oncogenesis, the effects of oncogenic KRAS signaling on regulation of phosphatases during this process is not fully appreciated. Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) has been implicated in suppressing KRAS-driven cellular transformation. However, low PP2A activity is observed in PDAC cells compared to non-transformed cells, suggesting that suppression of PP2A activity is an important step in the overall development of PDAC. In the current study, we demonstrate that KRASG12D induces the expression of both an endogenous inhibitor of PP2A activity, Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A), and the PP2A substrate, c-MYC. Consistent with these findings, KRASG12D sequestered the specific PP2A subunit responsible for c-MYC degradation, B56α, away from the active PP2A holoenzyme in a CIP2A-dependent manner. During PDAC initiation in vivo, knockout of B56α promoted KRASG12D tumorigenesis by accelerating acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and the formation of PanIN lesions. The process of ADM was attenuated ex vivo in response to pharmacological re-activation of PP2A utilizing direct small molecule activators of PP2A (SMAPs). Together, our results suggest that suppression of PP2A-B56α through KRAS signaling can promote the MYC-driven initiation of pancreatic tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Tinsley
- Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Program (PULSe), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Rebecca A. Shelley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Gaganpreet K. Mall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | | | - Alisha Dhiman
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Garima Baral
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Harish Kothandaraman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Mary C. Thoma
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Colin J. Daniel
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Nadia Atallah Lanman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Goutham Narla
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Luis Solorio
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Emily C. Dykhuizen
- Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Program (PULSe), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Rosalie C. Sears
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Brittany L. Allen-Petersen
- Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Program (PULSe), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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4
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Ando S, Tanaka K, Matsumoto M, Oyama Y, Tomabechi Y, Yamagata A, Shirouzu M, Nakagawa R, Okimoto N, Taiji M, Sato K, Ohama T. The luciferase-based in vivo protein-protein interaction assay revealed that CHK1 promotes PP2A and PME-1 interaction. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107277. [PMID: 38588804 PMCID: PMC11098961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107277] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an essential serine/threonine protein phosphatase, and its dysfunction is involved in the onset of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. PP2A functions as a trimeric holoenzyme whose composition is regulated by the methyl-esterification (methylation) of the PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac). Protein phosphatase methylesterase-1 (PME-1) is the sole PP2Ac methylesterase, and the higher PME-1 expression is observed in various cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Apart from serving as a methylesterase, PME-1 acts as a PP2A inhibitory protein, binding directly to PP2Ac and suppressing its activity. The intricate function of PME-1 hinders drug development by targeting the PME-1/PP2Ac axis. This study applied the NanoBiT system, a bioluminescence-based protein interaction assay, to elucidate the molecular mechanism that modulates unknown PME-1/PP2Ac protein-protein interaction (PPI). Compound screening identified that the CHK1 inhibitors inhibited PME-1/PP2Ac association without affecting PP2Ac methylation levels. CHK1 directly phosphorylates PP2Ac to promote PME-1 association. Phospho-mass spectrometry identified multiple phospho-sites on PP2Ac, including the Thr219, that affect PME-1 interaction. An anti-phospho-Thr219 PP2Ac antibody was generated and showed that CHK1 regulates the phosphorylation levels of this site in cells. On the contrary, in vitro phosphatase assay showed that CHK1 is the substrate of PP2A, and PME-1 hindered PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of CHK1. Our data provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing the PME-1/PP2Ac PPI and the triad relationship between PP2A, PME-1, and CHK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Ando
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Keiko Tanaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Maharu Matsumoto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yuki Oyama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yuri Tomabechi
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yamagata
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Reiko Nakagawa
- Laboratory for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Noriaki Okimoto
- Laboratory for Computational Molecular Design, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Osaka, Japan; Drug Discovery Molecular Simulation Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Taiji
- Laboratory for Computational Molecular Design, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Osaka, Japan; Drug Discovery Molecular Simulation Platform Unit, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Sato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan; Research Institute for Cell Design Medical Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan; Research Institute for Cell Design Medical Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan.
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Runa F, Ortiz-Soto G, de Barros NR, Kelber JA. Targeting SMAD-Dependent Signaling: Considerations in Epithelial and Mesenchymal Solid Tumors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:326. [PMID: 38543112 PMCID: PMC10975212 DOI: 10.3390/ph17030326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SMADs are the canonical intracellular effector proteins of the TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β). SMADs translocate from plasma membrane receptors to the nucleus regulated by many SMAD-interacting proteins through phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications that govern their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and subsequent transcriptional activity. The signaling pathway of TGF-β/SMAD exhibits both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting phenotypes in epithelial-derived solid tumors. Collectively, the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β/SMAD signaling presents significant challenges for the development of effective cancer therapies. Here, we review preclinical studies that evaluate the efficacy of inhibitors targeting major SMAD-regulating and/or -interacting proteins, particularly enzymes that may play important roles in epithelial or mesenchymal compartments within solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Runa
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan A Kelber
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
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Nagelli S, Westermarck J. CIP2A coordinates phosphosignaling, mitosis, and the DNA damage response. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:52-64. [PMID: 37793965 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.09.001] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Human cancers share requirements for phosphorylation-dependent signaling, mitotic hyperactivity, and survival after DNA damage. The oncoprotein CIP2A (cancerous inhibitor of PP2A) can coordinate all these cancer cell characteristics. In addition to controlling cancer cell phosphoproteomes via inhibition of protein phosphatase PP2A, CIP2A directly interacts with the DNA damage protein TopBP1 (topoisomerase II-binding protein 1). Consequently, CIP2A allows DNA-damaged cells to enter mitosis and is essential for mitotic cells that are defective in homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair (e.g., BRCA mutants). The CIP2A-TopBP1 complex is also important for clustering fragmented chromosomes at mitosis. Clinically, CIP2A is a disease driver for basal-like triple-negative breast cancer (BL-TNBC) and a promising cancer therapy target across many cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikar Nagelli
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine and FICANWest Cancer Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine and FICANWest Cancer Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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7
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Daley BR, Vieira HM, Rao C, Hughes JM, Beckley ZM, Huisman DH, Chatterjee D, Sealover NE, Cox K, Askew JW, Svoboda RA, Fisher KW, Lewis RE, Kortum RL. SOS1 and KSR1 modulate MEK inhibitor responsiveness to target resistant cell populations based on PI3K and KRAS mutation status. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2313137120. [PMID: 37972068 PMCID: PMC10666034 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313137120] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene. Targeted therapies have been developed against mediators of key downstream signaling pathways, predominantly components of the RAF/MEK/ERK kinase cascade. Unfortunately, single-agent efficacy of these agents is limited both by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Survival of drug-tolerant persister cells within the heterogeneous tumor population and/or acquired mutations that reactivate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS signaling can lead to outgrowth of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and drive therapeutic resistance. Here, we show that targeting the key RTK/RAS pathway signaling intermediates SOS1 (Son of Sevenless 1) or KSR1 (Kinase Suppressor of RAS 1) both enhances the efficacy of, and prevents resistance to, the MEK inhibitor trametinib in KRAS-mutated lung (LUAD) and colorectal (COAD) adenocarcinoma cell lines depending on the specific mutational landscape. The SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406 enhanced the efficacy of trametinib and prevented trametinib resistance by targeting spheroid-initiating cells in KRASG12/G13-mutated LUAD and COAD cell lines that lacked PIK3CA comutations. Cell lines with KRASQ61 and/or PIK3CA mutations were insensitive to trametinib and BI-3406 combination therapy. In contrast, deletion of the RAF/MEK/ERK scaffold protein KSR1 prevented drug-induced SIC upregulation and restored trametinib sensitivity across all tested KRAS mutant cell lines in both PIK3CA-mutated and PIK3CA wild-type cancers. Our findings demonstrate that vertical inhibition of RTK/RAS signaling is an effective strategy to prevent therapeutic resistance in KRAS-mutated cancers, but therapeutic efficacy is dependent on both the specific KRAS mutant and underlying comutations. Thus, selection of optimal therapeutic combinations in KRAS-mutated cancers will require a detailed understanding of functional dependencies imposed by allele-specific KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna R. Daley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Heidi M. Vieira
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Chaitra Rao
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Jacob M. Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Zaria M. Beckley
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Dianna H. Huisman
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Deepan Chatterjee
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Nancy E. Sealover
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - Katherine Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
| | - James W. Askew
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert A. Svoboda
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Kurt W. Fisher
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert E. Lewis
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Robert L. Kortum
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD20814
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Bahar I, Banerjee A, Mathew S, Naqvi M, Yilmaz S, Zachoropoulou M, Doruker P, Kumita J, Yang SH, Gur M, Itzhaki L, Gordon R. Influence of Point Mutations on PR65 Conformational Adaptability: Insights from Nanoaperture Optical Tweezer Experiments and Molecular Simulations. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3599809. [PMID: 38014259 PMCID: PMC10680943 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3599809/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
PR65 is the HEAT-repeat scaffold subunit of the heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and an archetypal tandem-repeat protein, forming a spring-like architecture. PR65 conformational mechanics play a crucial role in PP2A function by opening/closing the substrate-binding/catalysis interface. Using in-silico saturation mutagenesis we identified "hinge" residues of PR65, whose substitutions are predicted to restrict its conformational adaptability and thereby disrupt PP2A function. Molecular simulations revealed that a subset of hinge mutations stabilized the extended/open conformation, whereas another had the opposite effect. By trapping in nanoaperture optical tweezer, we characterized PR65 motion and showed that the former mutants exhibited higher corner frequencies and lower translational scattering, indicating a shift towards extended conformations, whereas the latter showed the opposite behavior. Thus, experiments confirm the conformations predicted computationally. The study highlights the utility of nanoaperture-based tweezers for exploring structure and dynamics, and the power of integrating this single-molecule method with in silico approaches.
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Denisova OV, Merisaari J, Huhtaniemi R, Qiao X, Yetukuri L, Jumppanen M, Kaur A, Pääkkönen M, von Schantz‐Fant С, Ohlmeyer M, Wennerberg K, Kauko O, Koch R, Aittokallio T, Taipale M, Westermarck J. PP2A-based triple-strike therapy overcomes mitochondrial apoptosis resistance in brain cancer cells. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:1803-1820. [PMID: 37458534 PMCID: PMC10483611 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial glycolysis and hyperactivity of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (AKT) pathway are hallmarks of malignant brain tumors. However, kinase inhibitors targeting AKT (AKTi) or the glycolysis master regulator pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDKi) have failed to provide clinical benefits for brain tumor patients. Here, we demonstrate that heterogeneous glioblastoma (GB) and medulloblastoma (MB) cell lines display only cytostatic responses to combined AKT and PDK targeting. Biochemically, the combined AKT and PDK inhibition resulted in the shutdown of both target pathways and priming to mitochondrial apoptosis but failed to induce apoptosis. In contrast, all tested brain tumor cell models were sensitive to a triplet therapy, in which AKT and PDK inhibition was combined with the pharmacological reactivation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) by NZ-8-061 (also known as DT-061), DBK-1154, and DBK-1160. We also provide proof-of-principle evidence for in vivo efficacy in the intracranial GB and MB models by the brain-penetrant triplet therapy (AKTi + PDKi + PP2A reactivator). Mechanistically, PP2A reactivation converted the cytostatic AKTi + PDKi response to cytotoxic apoptosis, through PP2A-elicited shutdown of compensatory mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and by increased proton leakage. These results encourage the development of triple-strike strategies targeting mitochondrial metabolism to overcome therapy tolerance in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana V. Denisova
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Joni Merisaari
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuFinland
| | - Riikka Huhtaniemi
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Xi Qiao
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Laxman Yetukuri
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFEUniversity of HelsinkiFinland
- Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE)University of OsloNorway
| | - Mikael Jumppanen
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Amanpreet Kaur
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | - Mirva Pääkkönen
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | | | - Michael Ohlmeyer
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Atux Iskay LLCPlainsboroNJUSA
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFEUniversity of HelsinkiFinland
- Biotech Research & Innovation CentreUniversity of CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Otto Kauko
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
| | | | - Tero Aittokallio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFEUniversity of HelsinkiFinland
- Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE)University of OsloNorway
- Institute for Cancer ResearchOslo University HospitalNorway
| | - Mikko Taipale
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular ResearchUniversity of TorontoCanada
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience CentreUniversity of Turku and Åbo Akademi UniversityFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuFinland
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10
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Rasool RU, O'Connor CM, Das CK, Alhusayan M, Verma BK, Islam S, Frohner IE, Deng Q, Mitchell-Velasquez E, Sangodkar J, Ahmed A, Linauer S, Mudrak I, Rainey J, Zawacki KP, Suhan TK, Callahan CG, Rebernick R, Natesan R, Siddiqui J, Sauter G, Thomas D, Wang S, Taylor DJ, Simon R, Cieslik M, Chinnaiyan AM, Busino L, Ogris E, Narla G, Asangani IA. Loss of LCMT1 and biased protein phosphatase 2A heterotrimerization drive prostate cancer progression and therapy resistance. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5253. [PMID: 37644036 PMCID: PMC10465527 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40760-6] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of the tumor suppressive activity of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is associated with cancer, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. PP2A holoenzyme comprises a heterodimeric core, a scaffolding A subunit and a catalytic C subunit, and one of over 20 distinct substrate-directing regulatory B subunits. Methylation of the C subunit regulates PP2A heterotrimerization, affecting B subunit binding and substrate specificity. Here, we report that the leucine carboxy methyltransferase (LCMT1), which methylates the L309 residue of the C subunit, acts as a suppressor of androgen receptor (AR) addicted prostate cancer (PCa). Decreased methyl-PP2A-C levels in prostate tumors is associated with biochemical recurrence and metastasis. Silencing LCMT1 increases AR activity and promotes castration-resistant prostate cancer growth. LCMT1-dependent methyl-sensitive AB56αCme heterotrimers target AR and its critical coactivator MED1 for dephosphorylation, resulting in the eviction of the AR-MED1 complex from chromatin and loss of target gene expression. Mechanistically, LCMT1 is regulated by S6K1-mediated phosphorylation-induced degradation requiring the β-TRCP, leading to acquired resistance to anti-androgens. Finally, feedforward stabilization of LCMT1 by small molecule activator of phosphatase (SMAP) results in attenuation of AR-signaling and tumor growth inhibition in anti-androgen refractory PCa. These findings highlight methyl-PP2A-C as a prognostic marker and that the loss of LCMT1 is a major determinant in AR-addicted PCa, suggesting therapeutic potential for AR degraders or PP2A modulators in prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyaz Ur Rasool
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Caitlin M O'Connor
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Chandan Kanta Das
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mohammed Alhusayan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Brijesh Kumar Verma
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sehbanul Islam
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ingrid E Frohner
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/2, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Qu Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Erick Mitchell-Velasquez
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jaya Sangodkar
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Aqila Ahmed
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sarah Linauer
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/2, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Ingrid Mudrak
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/2, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | - Jessica Rainey
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kaitlin P Zawacki
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tahra K Suhan
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Catherine G Callahan
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Ryan Rebernick
- Department of Pathology and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ramakrishnan Natesan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Javed Siddiqui
- Department of Pathology and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dafydd Thomas
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Derek J Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcin Cieslik
- Department of Pathology and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Department of Pathology and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luca Busino
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Egon Ogris
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs, Medical University of Vienna, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/2, Vienna, 1030, Austria.
| | - Goutham Narla
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Irfan A Asangani
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRBII/III, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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11
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van Pelt J, Meeusen B, Derua R, Guffens L, Van Cutsem E, Janssens V, Verslype C. Human pancreatic cancer patients with Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and an aggressive phenotype show a disturbed balance in Protein Phosphatase Type 2A expression and functionality. J Transl Med 2023; 21:317. [PMID: 37170215 PMCID: PMC10176933 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04145-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a low survival, its incidence is rising and little therapeutic improvements are expected in the near future. It has been observed that Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes (including in PDAC) to a more aggressive cancer phenotype. Additionally, largely unexplored, studies indicate a mechanistic interplay between Protein Phosphatase Type 2A (PP2A) enzymes and EMT that could offer treatment opportunities. The aim was to investigate the relation of a PP2A expression signature (encompassing all PP2A subunits, endogenous inhibitors and activators) with EMT and aggressive pancreatic cancer, and to discuss possible implications. METHODS We retrieved different PDAC expression datasets from NCBI to capture the variation in patients, and analyzed these using datamining, survival analysis, differential gene and protein expression. We determined genes highly associated with aggressive PDAC. For in vitro evaluation, Panc-1 cells were treated with the pharmacologic PP2A inhibitor Okadaic Acid (OA). Additionally, two OA-resistant Panc-1 clones were developed and characterized. RESULTS In patients, there is a strong correlation between EMT and aggressive PDAC, and between aggressive PDAC and PP2A, with a significant upregulation of PP2A inhibitor genes. Several PP2A genes significantly correlated with decreased survival. In vitro, short-term exposure to OA induced EMT in Panc-1 cells. This shift towards EMT was further pronounced in the OA-resistant Panc-1 clones, morphologically and by pathway analysis. Proteomic analysis and gene sequencing showed that the advanced OA-resistant model most resembles the clinical PDAC presentation (with EMT signature, and with several specific PP2A genes upregulated, and others downregulated). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a strong association between EMT, altered PP2A expression and aggressive PDAC in patients. Also, in vitro, PP2A inhibition induces EMT. Overall, statistics suggests the mechanistic importance of PP2A dysregulation for PDAC progression. Translationally, our observations indicate that pharmacologic restoration of PP2A activity could be an attractive therapeutic strategy to block or reverse progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos van Pelt
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven & University Hospitals Leuven, Geb. Onderwijs & Navorsing 4, Room 07.465, Herestraat 49, Bus 603, B3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bob Meeusen
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, O&N1, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Bus 901, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rita Derua
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, O&N1, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Bus 901, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
- SyBioMa (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Guffens
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, O&N1, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Bus 901, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eric Van Cutsem
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven & University Hospitals Leuven, Geb. Onderwijs & Navorsing 4, Room 07.465, Herestraat 49, Bus 603, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Janssens
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, O&N1, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Bus 901, B3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Chris Verslype
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven & University Hospitals Leuven, Geb. Onderwijs & Navorsing 4, Room 07.465, Herestraat 49, Bus 603, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Aakula A, Sharma M, Tabaro F, Nätkin R, Kamila J, Honkanen H, Schapira M, Arrowsmith C, Nykter M, Westermarck J. RAS and PP2A activities converge on epigenetic gene regulation. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301928. [PMID: 36858798 PMCID: PMC9979842 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS-mediated human cell transformation requires inhibition of the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). However, the phosphoprotein targets and cellular processes in which RAS and PP2A activities converge in human cancers have not been systematically analyzed. Here, we discover that phosphosites co-regulated by RAS and PP2A are enriched on proteins involved in epigenetic gene regulation. As examples, RAS and PP2A co-regulate the same phosphorylation sites on HDAC1/2, KDM1A, MTA1/2, RNF168, and TP53BP1. We validate RAS- and PP2A-elicited regulation of HDAC1/2 chromatin recruitment, of RNF168-TP53BP1 interaction, and of gene expression. Consistent with their known synergistic effects in cancer, RAS activation and PP2A inhibition resulted in epigenetic reporter derepression and activation of oncogenic transcription. Transcriptional derepression by PP2A inhibition was associated with an increase in euchromatin and a decrease in global DNA methylation. Collectively, the results indicate that epigenetic protein complexes constitute a significant point of convergence for RAS hyperactivity and PP2A inhibition in cancer. Furthermore, the work provides an important resource for future studies focusing on phosphoregulation of epigenetic gene regulation in cancer and in other RAS/PP2A-regulated cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aakula
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Mukund Sharma
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Francesco Tabaro
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere, Finland
| | - Reetta Nätkin
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jesse Kamila
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Henrik Honkanen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthieu Schapira
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cheryl Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matti Nykter
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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13
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Cai Z, Zhang W, Zhou R, Wang Y, Feng Y. Protein Phosphatase 2a Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Glycolysis by Reducing MYC Signaling. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:59-68. [PMID: 36324030 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-022-01112-1] [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: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, has emerged as a hallmark of cancer and is associated with tumor progression and unfavorable clinical outcomes in cancer patients. PP2A is a highly conserved eukaryotic serine/threonine protein phosphatase that functions as a tumor suppressor in a variety of human cancers. However, the relationship between PP2A and the Warburg effect in gastric cancer has yet to be fully understood. In this study, the expression profile of two endogenous inhibitors of PP2A, SET and CIP2A, in gastric cancer, were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies were performed to investigate the roles of PP2A in gastric cancer cell proliferation and glycolysis. Cell biological, molecular, and biochemical approaches were employed to uncover the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that SET and CIP2A were overexpressed in gastric cancer and associated with a decreased PP2A activity. Pharmacological activation of PP2A with FTY-720 and DT-061 in two gastric cancer cell lines significantly reduced gastric cancer cell proliferation and glycolytic ability. Importantly, inhibition of PP2A activity by genetic silencing of PPP2R5A resulted in a growth advantage, which can be largely compromised by the addition of the glycolysis inhibitor 2-Deoxy-D-glucose, suggesting a glycolysis-dependent effect of PP2A in gastric cancer. Mechanistically, the well-known transcription factor and glycolysis regulator c-Myc was discovered as the functional mediator of PP2A in regulating cell glycolysis. Ectopic expression of a phosphorylation-mutant c-Myc resistant to PP2A (MycT58A) restored the inhibitory effect of FTY-720 and DT-061 on lactate production and glucose uptake. Furthermore, there was a close association between SET and CIP2A expression and c-Myc gene signatures in gastric cancer samples. Collectively, this study provides strong evidence of the involvement of PP2A in the Warburg effect and indicates that it could be a novel antitumor strategy to target tumor metabolism in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Cai
- Department of Operating Room, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery Clinic 7, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, 056001, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Ruiqing Zhou
- Handan Hanshan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Handan, 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yuhong Wang
- Department of General Surgery Clinic 7, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, 056001, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yunzhang Feng
- Department of General Surgery Clinic 7, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, 056001, Hebei Province, China
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14
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Pavic K, Gupta N, Omella JD, Derua R, Aakula A, Huhtaniemi R, Määttä JA, Höfflin N, Okkeri J, Wang Z, Kauko O, Varjus R, Honkanen H, Abankwa D, Köhn M, Hytönen VP, Xu W, Nilsson J, Page R, Janssens V, Leitner A, Westermarck J. Structural mechanism for inhibition of PP2A-B56α and oncogenicity by CIP2A. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1143. [PMID: 36854761 PMCID: PMC9974998 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36693-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) heterotrimer PP2A-B56α is a human tumour suppressor. However, the molecular mechanisms inhibiting PP2A-B56α in cancer are poorly understood. Here, we report molecular level details and structural mechanisms of PP2A-B56α inhibition by an oncoprotein CIP2A. Upon direct binding to PP2A-B56α trimer, CIP2A displaces the PP2A-A subunit and thereby hijacks both the B56α, and the catalytic PP2Ac subunit to form a CIP2A-B56α-PP2Ac pseudotrimer. Further, CIP2A competes with B56α substrate binding by blocking the LxxIxE-motif substrate binding pocket on B56α. Relevant to oncogenic activity of CIP2A across human cancers, the N-terminal head domain-mediated interaction with B56α stabilizes CIP2A protein. Functionally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated single amino acid mutagenesis of the head domain blunted MYC expression and MEK phosphorylation, and abrogated triple-negative breast cancer in vivo tumour growth. Collectively, we discover a unique multi-step hijack and mute protein complex regulation mechanism resulting in tumour suppressor PP2A-B56α inhibition. Further, the results unfold a structural determinant for the oncogenic activity of CIP2A, potentially facilitating therapeutic modulation of CIP2A in cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pavic
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Nikhil Gupta
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Judit Domènech Omella
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rita Derua
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
- SyBioMa, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Aakula
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Riikka Huhtaniemi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha A Määttä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland and Fimlab Laboratories, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nico Höfflin
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juha Okkeri
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Otto Kauko
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Roosa Varjus
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Henrik Honkanen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Maja Köhn
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland and Fimlab Laboratories, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Wenqing Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jakob Nilsson
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Page
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Veerle Janssens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander Leitner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland.
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland.
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15
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Chen Y, León-Letelier RA, Abdel Sater AH, Vykoukal J, Dennison JB, Hanash S, Fahrmann JF. c-MYC-Driven Polyamine Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Early Detection and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:623. [PMID: 36765581 PMCID: PMC9913358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030623] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
c-MYC and its paralogues MYCN and MYCL are among the most frequently amplified and/or overexpressed oncoproteins in ovarian cancer. c-MYC plays a key role in promoting ovarian cancer initiation and progression. The polyamine pathway is a bona fide target of c-MYC signaling, and polyamine metabolism is strongly intertwined with ovarian malignancy. Targeting of the polyamine pathway via small molecule inhibitors has garnered considerable attention as a therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer. Herein, we discuss the involvement of c-MYC signaling and that of its paralogues in promoting ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. We highlight the potential of targeting c-MYC-driven polyamine metabolism for the treatment of ovarian cancers and the utility of polyamine signatures in biofluids for early detection applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Johannes F. Fahrmann
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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16
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Baietti MF, Sewduth RN. Novel Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Post-Translational Modifications in Lung Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010206. [PMID: 36678835 PMCID: PMC9865455 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It consists of two different subtypes: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Despite novel therapeutic options such as immunotherapy, only 20% of lung cancer patients survive the disease after five years. This low survival rate is due to acquired drug resistance and severe off-target effects caused by currently used therapies. Identification and development of novel and targeted therapeutic approaches are urgently required to improve the standard of care for lung cancer patients. Here, we describe the recent development of novel drug-delivery approaches, such as adenovirus, lipid nanoparticles, and PROTACs, that have been tested in clinical trials and experimentally in the context of fundamental research. These different options show that it is now possible to target protein kinases, phosphatases, ubiquitin ligases, or protein modifications directly in lung cancer to block disease progression. Furthermore, the recent acceptance of RNA vaccines using lipid nanoparticles has further revealed therapeutic options that could be combined with chemo-/immunotherapies to improve current lung cancer therapies. This review aims to compare recent advances in the pharmaceutical research field for the development of technologies targeting post-translational modifications or protein modifiers involved in the tumorigenesis of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Baietti
- TRACE, Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (M.F.B.); (R.N.S.)
| | - Raj Nayan Sewduth
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (M.F.B.); (R.N.S.)
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17
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de los Ríos C, Viejo L, Carretero VJ, Juárez NH, Cruz-Martins N, Hernández-Guijo JM. Promising Molecular Targets in Pharmacological Therapy for Neuronal Damage in Brain Injury. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:118. [PMID: 36670980 PMCID: PMC9854812 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex etiopathogenesis of brain injury associated with neurodegeneration has sparked a lot of studies in the last century. These clinical situations are incurable, and the currently available therapies merely act on symptoms or slow down the course of the diseases. Effective methods are being sought with an intent to modify the disease, directly acting on the properly studied targets, as well as to contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies, opening the possibility of refocusing on drug development for disease management. In this sense, this review discusses the available evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Ca2+ miscommunication in neurons, as well as how targeting phosphorylation events may be used to modulate protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity in the treatment of neuronal damage. Ca2+ tends to be the catalyst for mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the synaptic deficiency seen in brain injury. Additionally, emerging data have shown that PP2A-activating drugs (PADs) suppress inflammatory responses by inhibiting different signaling pathways, indicating that PADs may be beneficial for the management of neuronal damage. In addition, a few bioactive compounds have also triggered the activation of PP2A-targeted drugs for this treatment, and clinical studies will help in the authentication of these compounds. If the safety profiles of PADs are proven to be satisfactory, there is a case to be made for starting clinical studies in the setting of neurological diseases as quickly as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristóbal de los Ríos
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, University Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. Atenas s/n, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Lucía Viejo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Jiménez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Hernández Juárez
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Jesús M. Hernández-Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic and Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University Autónoma de Madrid, C/. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research, IRYCIS, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Ctra. de Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9,100, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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18
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Huang C, Su L, Chen Y, Wu S, Sun R, Xu Q, Qiu X, Yang C, Kong X, Qin H, Zhao X, Jiang X, Wang K, Zhu Y, Wong PP. Ceramide kinase confers tamoxifen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by altering sphingolipid metabolism. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106558. [PMID: 36410675 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism contributes to ER+ breast cancer progression and therapeutic response, whereas its underlying mechanism and contribution to tamoxifen resistance (TAMR) is unknown. Here, we establish sphingolipid metabolic enzyme CERK as a regulator of TAMR in breast cancer. Multi-omics analysis reveals an elevated CERK driven sphingolipid metabolic reprogramming in TAMR cells, while high CERK expression associates with worse patient prognosis in ER+ breast cancer. CERK overexpression confers tamoxifen resistance and promotes tumorigenicity in ER+ breast cancer cells. Knocking out CERK inhibits the orthotopic breast tumor growth of TAMR cells while rescuing their tamoxifen sensitivity. Mechanistically, the elevated EHF expression transcriptionally up-regulates CERK expression to prohibit tamoxifen-induced sphingolipid ceramide accumulation, which then inhibits tamoxifen-mediated repression on PI3K/AKT dependent cell proliferation and its driven p53/caspase-3 mediated apoptosis in TAMR cells. This work provides insight into the regulation of sphingolipid metabolism in tamoxifen resistance and identifies a potential therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Liangping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yitian Chen
- Department of Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Sangqing Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ruipu Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Qiuping Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaoyi Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ciqiu Yang
- Department of Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiangzhan Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Hongquan Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xinbao Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Yinghua Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China; Laboratory Department, Dongguan Children's Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523000, China.
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China.
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19
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Farnsworth DA, Inoue Y, Johnson FD, de Rappard-Yuswack G, Lu D, Shi R, Ma LIJ, Mattar MS, Somwar R, Ladanyi M, Unni AM, Lockwood WW. MEK inhibitor resistance in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with addiction to sustained ERK suppression. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:88. [PMID: 36418460 PMCID: PMC9684561 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MEK inhibitors (MEKi) have limited efficacy in KRAS mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, and this is attributed to both intrinsic and adaptive mechanisms of drug resistance. While many studies have focused on the former, there remains a dearth of data regarding acquired resistance to MEKi in LUAD. We established trametinib-resistant KRAS mutant LUAD cells through dose escalation and performed targeted MSK-IMPACT sequencing to identify drivers of MEKi resistance. Comparing resistant cells to their sensitive counterparts revealed alteration of genes associated with trametinib response. We describe a state of "drug addiction" in resistant cases where cells are dependent on continuous culture in trametinib for survival. We show that dependence on ERK2 suppression underlies this phenomenon and that trametinib removal hyperactivates ERK, resulting in ER stress and apoptosis. Amplification of KRASG12C occurs in drug-addicted cells and blocking mutant-specific activity with AMG 510 rescues the lethality associated with trametinib withdrawal. Furthermore, we show that increased KRASG12C expression is lethal to other KRAS mutant LUAD cells, consequential to ERK hyperactivation. Our study determines the drug-addicted phenotype in lung cancer is associated with KRAS amplification and demonstrates that toxic acquired genetic changes can develop de novo in the background of MAPK suppression with MEK inhibitors. We suggest that the presence of mutant KRAS amplification in patients may identify those that may benefit from a "drug holiday" to circumvent drug resistance. These findings demonstrate the toxic potential of hyperactive ERK signaling and highlight potential therapeutic opportunities in patients bearing KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan A. Farnsworth
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Yusuke Inoue
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Fraser D. Johnson
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Lu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rocky Shi
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lok In Josephine Ma
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marissa S. Mattar
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Romel Somwar
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA ,grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA ,grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Arun M. Unni
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XMeyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - William W. Lockwood
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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20
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Haanen TJ, O'Connor CM, Narla G. Biased holoenzyme assembly of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A): From cancer to small molecules. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102656. [PMID: 36328247 PMCID: PMC9707111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a family of serine threonine phosphatases responsible for regulating protein phosphorylation, thus opposing the activity of cellular kinases. PP2A is composed of a catalytic subunit (PP2A Cα/β) and scaffolding subunit (PP2A Aα/β) and various substrate-directing B regulatory subunits. PP2A biogenesis is regulated at multiple levels. For example, the sequestration of the free catalytic subunit during the process of biogenesis avoids promiscuous phosphatase activity. Posttranslational modifications of PP2A C direct PP2A heterotrimeric formation. Additionally, PP2A functions as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor, where attenuated PP2A enzymatic activity creates a permissive environment for oncogenic transformation. Recent work studying PP2A in cancer showed that its role in tumorigenesis is more nuanced, with some holoenzymes being tumor suppressive, while others are required for oncogenic transformation. In cancer biology, PP2A function is modulated through various mechanisms including the displacement of specific B regulatory subunits by DNA tumor viral antigens, by recurrent mutations, and through loss of carboxymethyl-sensitive heterotrimeric complexes. In aggregate, these alterations bias PP2A activity away from its tumor suppressive functions and toward oncogenic ones. From a therapeutic perspective, molecular glues and disruptors present opportunities for both the selective stabilization of tumor-suppressive holoenzymes and disruption of holoenzymes that are pro-oncogenic. Collectively, these approaches represent an attractive cancer therapy for a wide range of tumor types. This review will discuss the mechanisms by which PP2A holoenzyme formation is dysregulated in cancer and the current therapies that are aimed at biasing heterotrimer formation of PP2A for the treatment of cancer.
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21
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Teng M, Young DW, Tan Z. The Pursuit of Enzyme Activation: A Snapshot of the Gold Rush. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14289-14304. [PMID: 36265019 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A range of enzymes drive human physiology, and their activities are tightly regulated through numerous signaling pathways. Depending on the context, these pathways may activate or inhibit an enzyme as a way to ensure proper execution of cellular functions. From a drug discovery and development perspective, pharmacological inhibition of enzymes has been a focus of interest, as many diseases are associated with the upregulation of enzyme function. On the other hand, however, pharmacological activation of enzymes such as kinases and phosphatases has been of increasing interest. In this review, we discuss seven case studies that highlight pharmacological activation strategy, describe the binding modes and pharmacology of the activators, and comment on how this on-demand activation strategy complements the commonly pursued inhibition strategy, thus jointly enabling bidirectional modulation of specific target of interest. Going forward, we expect activators to play important roles as chemical probes and drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Teng
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Damian W Young
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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22
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De Falco F, Rompietti C, Sorcini D, Esposito A, Scialdone A, Baldoni S, Del Papa B, Adamo FM, Silva Barcelos EC, Dorillo E, Stella A, Di Ianni M, Screpanti I, Sportoletti P, Rosati E. GSK3β is a critical, druggable component of the network regulating the active NOTCH1 protein and cell viability in CLL. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:755. [PMID: 36050315 PMCID: PMC9436923 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05178-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
NOTCH1 alterations have been associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but the molecular mechanisms underlying NOTCH1 activation in CLL cells are not completely understood. Here, we show that GSK3β downregulates the constitutive levels of the active NOTCH1 intracellular domain (N1-ICD) in CLL cells. Indeed, GSK3β silencing by small interfering RNA increases N1-ICD levels, whereas expression of an active GSK3β mutant reduces them. Additionally, the GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 enhances N1-ICD stability at a concentration at which it also increases CLL cell viability. We also show that N1-ICD is physically associated with GSK3β in CLL cells. SB216763 reduces GSK3β/N1-ICD interactions and the levels of ubiquitinated N1-ICD, indicating a reduction in N1-ICD proteasomal degradation when GSK3β is less active. We then modulated the activity of two upstream regulators of GSK3β and examined the impact on N1-ICD levels and CLL cell viability. Specifically, we inhibited AKT that is a negative regulator of GSK3β and is constitutively active in CLL cells. Furthermore, we activated the protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) that is a positive regulator of GSK3β, and has an impaired activity in CLL. Results show that either AKT inhibition or PP2A activation reduce N1-ICD expression and CLL cell viability in vitro, through mechanisms mediated by GSK3β activity. Notably, for PP2A activation, we used the highly specific activator DT-061, that also reduces leukemic burden in peripheral blood, spleen and bone marrow in the Eµ-TCL1 adoptive transfer model of CLL, with a concomitant decrease in N1-ICD expression. Overall, we identify in GSK3β a key component of the network regulating N1-ICD stability in CLL, and in AKT and PP2A new druggable targets for disrupting NOTCH1 signaling with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena De Falco
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Rompietti
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Daniele Sorcini
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Esposito
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Annarita Scialdone
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Baldoni
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy ,grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Beatrice Del Papa
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Adamo
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Estevão Carlos Silva Barcelos
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Erica Dorillo
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Stella
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mauro Di Ianni
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy ,grid.461844.bDepartment of Oncology and Hematology, Ospedale Civile “Santo Spirito”, ASL Pescara, Pescara, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Sportoletti
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rosati
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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23
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Development of actionable targets of multi-kinase inhibitors (AToMI) screening platform to dissect kinase targets of staurosporines in glioblastoma cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13796. [PMID: 35963891 PMCID: PMC9376105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18118-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance to kinase inhibitors constitutes a major unresolved clinical challenge in cancer and especially in glioblastoma. Multi-kinase inhibitors may be used for simultaneous targeting of multiple target kinases and thereby potentially overcome kinase inhibitor resistance. However, in most cases the identification of the target kinases mediating therapeutic effects of multi-kinase inhibitors has been challenging. To tackle this important problem, we developed an actionable targets of multi-kinase inhibitors (AToMI) strategy and used it for characterization of glioblastoma target kinases of staurosporine derivatives displaying synergy with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) reactivation. AToMI consists of interchangeable modules combining drug-kinase interaction assay, siRNA high-throughput screening, bioinformatics analysis, and validation screening with more selective target kinase inhibitors. As a result, AToMI analysis revealed AKT and mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase PDK1 and PDK4 as kinase targets of staurosporine derivatives UCN-01, CEP-701, and K252a that synergized with PP2A activation across heterogeneous glioblastoma cells. Based on these proof-of-principle results, we propose that the application and further development of AToMI for clinically applicable multi-kinase inhibitors could provide significant benefits in overcoming the challenge of lack of knowledge of the target specificity of multi-kinase inhibitors.
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24
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Gu Y, Wei C, Chung M, Li H, Guo Z, Long M, Li Y, Wang W, Aimaier R, Li Q, Wang Z. Concurrent inhibition of FAK/SRC and MEK overcomes MEK inhibitor resistance in Neurofibromatosis Type I related malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:910505. [PMID: 35965583 PMCID: PMC9372505 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.910505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas which lack effective drugs. Loss of the RAS GTPase-activating protein NF1 and subsequent overactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPK) signaling exist nearly uniformly in MPNST, making MAPK inhibition a promising therapeutic intervention. However, the efficacy of MEK inhibitor (MEKi) monotherapy was limited in MPNST and the relative mechanisms remained largely unexplored. In this study, we generated three MEKi-resistant cell models and investigated the mechanisms of MEKi resistance using high-throughput transcriptomic sequencing. We discovered that cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by MEKi were rescued in MEKi-resistant cells and the upregulation of LAMA4/ITGB1/FAK/SRC signaling conferred resistance to MEKi. In addition, concurrent inhibition of MAPK signaling and FAK/SRC cascade could sensitize MPNST cells to MEKi. Our findings provide potential solutions to overcome MEKi resistance and effective combination therapeutic strategies for treating MPNSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengjiang Wei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manhon Chung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zizhen Guo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manmei Long
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rehanguli Aimaier
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhichao Wang, ; ; Qingfeng Li, ;
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhichao Wang, ; ; Qingfeng Li, ;
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25
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Wang Q, Xu C, Cai R, An W, Yuan H, Xu M. Fbxo45-mediated NP-STEP 46 degradation via K6-linked ubiquitination sustains ERK activity in lung cancer. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3017-3033. [PMID: 35838331 PMCID: PMC9394119 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most threatening malignant tumors to human health. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted therapy is a common and essential means for the clinical treatment of lung cancer. However, drug resistance has always affected the therapeutic effect and survival rate in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tumor heterogeneity is a significant reason, yielding various drug resistance mechanisms, such as EGFR‐dependent or ‐independent extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and/or 2 (ERK1/2) activation in NSCLC. To examine whether this aberrant activation of ERK1/2 is related to the loss of function of its specific phosphatase, a series of in vitro and in vivo assays were performed. We found that F‐box/SPRY domain‐containing protein 1 (Fbxo45) induces ubiquitination of NP‐STEP46, an active form of striatal‐enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase, with a K6‐linked poly‐ubiquitin chain. This ubiquitination led to proteasome degradation in the nucleus, which then sustains the aberrant level of phosphorylated‐ERK (pERK) and promotes tumor growth of NSCLC. Fbxo45 silencing can significantly inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth. Moreover, NSCLC cells with silenced Fbxo45 showed great sensitivity to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) afatinib. Here, we first report this critical pERK maintenance mechanism, which might be independent of the upstream kinase activity in NSCLC. We propose that inhibiting Fbxo45 may combat the issue of drug resistance in NSCLC patients, especially combining with EGFR‐TKI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Ci Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai 201999, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Renjie Cai
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Weishu An
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Haihua Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai 201999, China
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Gu Y, Wang W, Li Y, Li H, Guo Z, Wei C, Long M, Chung M, Aimaier R, Li Q, Wang Z. Preclinical Assessment of MEK Inhibitors for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors Reveals Differences in Efficacy and Adaptive Response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:903177. [PMID: 35875109 PMCID: PMC9303010 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.903177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare soft-tissue sarcomas refractory to standard therapies. Inactivation of NF1 and subsequent upregulation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling exist in the majority of MPNSTs. However, the lack of preclinical assessment of MEK inhibitors in MPNSTs hinders the clinical application as well as the development of combination therapy. To guide further clinical studies, we evaluated different MEK inhibitors in terms of efficacy, safety, and mechanism of adaptive response in treating MPNSTs. Using a MPNST tissue microarray, we found that p-ERK could serve as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of MPNST patients as well as an effective therapeutic target. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we identified trametinib as the most potent MEK inhibitor for the treatment of MPNSTs. Mechanistically, reduced reactivation of the MAPK pathway and compensatory activation of the parallel pathways contributed to better efficacy. Our results provide a basis for the further clinical application of MEK inhibitors as single agents or combinational therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zizhen Guo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengjiang Wei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manmei Long
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manhon Chung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rehanguli Aimaier
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhichao Wang, ; ; Qingfeng Li, ;
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhichao Wang, ; ; Qingfeng Li, ;
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27
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Cvrljevic AN, Butt U, Huhtinen K, Grönroos TJ, Böckelman C, Lassus H, Butzow R, Haglund C, Kaipio K, Arsiola T, Laajala TD, Connolly DC, Ristimäki A, Carpen O, Pouwels J, Westermarck J. Ovarian Cancers with Low CIP2A Tumor Expression Constitute an APR-246-Sensitive Disease Subtype. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1236-1245. [PMID: 35364610 PMCID: PMC9256766 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0622] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Identification of ovarian cancer patient subpopulations with increased sensitivity to targeted therapies could offer significant clinical benefit. We report that 22% of the high-grade ovarian cancer tumors at diagnosis express CIP2A oncoprotein at low levels. Furthermore, regardless of their significantly lower likelihood of disease relapse after standard chemotherapy, a portion of relapsed tumors retain their CIP2A-deficient phenotype. Through a screen for therapeutics that would preferentially kill CIP2A-deficient ovarian cancer cells, we identified reactive oxygen species inducer APR-246, tested previously in ovarian cancer clinical trials. Consistent with CIP2A-deficient ovarian cancer subtype in humans, CIP2A is dispensable for development of MISIIR-Tag-driven mouse ovarian cancer tumors. Nevertheless, CIP2A-null ovarian cancer tumor cells from MISIIR-Tag mice displayed APR-246 hypersensitivity both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the lack of CIP2A expression hypersensitizes the ovarian cancer cells to APR-246 by inhibition of NF-κB activity. Accordingly, combination of APR-246 and NF-κB inhibitor compounds strongly synergized in killing of CIP2A-positive ovarian cancer cells. Collectively, the results warrant consideration of clinical testing of APR-246 for CIP2A-deficient ovarian cancer tumor subtype patients. Results also reveal CIP2A as a candidate APR-246 combination therapy target for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N. Cvrljevic
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Umar Butt
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tove J. Grönroos
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Camilla Böckelman
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heini Lassus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ralf Butzow
- Department of Pathology and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki,HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Kaipio
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tiina Arsiola
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Teemu D. Laajala
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Denise C. Connolly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ari Ristimäki
- Department of Pathology and Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki,HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Carpen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jeroen Pouwels
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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28
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Che L, Wu JS, Xu CY, Cai YX, Lin JX, Du ZB, Shi JZ, Han T, He YQ, Lin YC, Lin ZN. Protein phosphatase 2A-B56γ-Drp1-Rab7 signaling axis regulates mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk to sensitize the anti-cancer therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 202:115132. [PMID: 35697120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk is an intercellular communication platform regulating mitochondrial quality control (MQC). Activated dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) with phosphorylation at serine 616 (p-Drp1Ser616) plays a critical role in mitophagy-dependent cell survival and anti-cancer therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms that p-Drp1Ser616 involved in regulating mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk and mediating anti-HCC therapy remain unknown. HCC cells and mouse xenograft models were conducted to evaluate the relationship between p-Drp1Ser616 and Ras-associated protein 7 (Rab7) and the underlying mechanism by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-B56γ regulating mitophagy via dephosphorylation of p-Drp1Ser616 in HCC. Herein, we found that Drp1 was frequently upregulated and was associated with poor prognosis in HCC. Mitochondrial p-Drp1Ser616 was a novel inter-organelle tethering protein localized to mitochondrion and lysosome membrane contact sites (MCSs) via interaction with Rab7 to trigger an increase in the mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk, resulting in PINK1-Parkin-dependent mitophagy and anti-apoptosis in HCC cells under the treatment of chemotherapy drugs. Moreover, we demonstrate that B56γ-mediated direct dephosphorylation of p-Drp1Ser616 inhibited mitophagy and thus increased mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Overall, our findings demonstrated that activation of B56γ sensitizes the anti-cancer effect of HCC chemoprevention via dephosphorylated regulation of p-Drp1Ser616 in inhibiting the interaction between p-Drp1Ser616 and Rab7, which may provide a novel mechanism underlying the theranostics for targeting intervention in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Che
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jia-Shen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chi-Yu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yu-Xin Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jin-Xian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ze-Bang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jia-Zhang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Tun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yu-Qiao He
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Zhong-Ning Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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Manoharan GB, Okutachi S, Abankwa D. Potential of phenothiazines to synergistically block calmodulin and reactivate PP2A in cancer cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268635. [PMID: 35617282 PMCID: PMC9135253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenothiazines (PTZ) were developed as inhibitors of monoamine neurotransmitter receptors, notably dopamine receptors. Because of this activity they have been used for decades as antipsychotic drugs. In addition, they possess significant anti-cancer properties and several attempts for their repurposing were made. However, their incompletely understood polypharmacology is challenging. Here we examined the potential of the PTZ fluphenazine (Flu) and its mustard derivative (Flu-M) to synergistically act on two cancer associated targets, calmodulin (CaM) and the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Both proteins are known to modulate the Ras- and MAPK-pathway, cell viability and features of cancer cell stemness. Consistently, we show that the combination of a CaM inhibitor and the PP2A activator DT-061 synergistically inhibited the 3D-spheroid formation of MDA-MB-231 (K-Ras-G13D), NCI-H358 (K-Ras-G12C) and A375 (B-raf-V600E) cancer cells, and increased apoptosis in MDA-MB-231. We reasoned that these activities remain combined in PTZ, which were the starting point for PP2A activator development, while several PTZ are known CaM inhibitors. We show that both Flu and Flu-M retained CaM inhibitory activity in vitro and in cells, with a higher potency of the mustard derivative in cells. In line with the CaM dependence of Ras plasma membrane organization, the mustard derivative potently reduced the functional membrane organization of oncogenic Ras, while DT-061 had a negligible effect. Like DT-061, both PTZ potently decreased c-MYC levels, a hallmark of PP2A activation. Benchmarking against the KRAS-G12C specific inhibitor AMG-510 in MIA PaCa-2 cells revealed a higher potency of Flu-M than combinations of DT-061 and a CaM inhibitor on MAPK-output and a strong effect on cell proliferation. While our study is limited, our results suggest that improved PTZ derivatives that retain both, their CaM inhibitory and PP2A activating properties, but have lost their neurological side-effects, may be interesting to pursue further as anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Babu Manoharan
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Sunday Okutachi
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- * E-mail:
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30
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Faraji F, Ramirez SI, Anguiano Quiroz PY, Mendez-Molina AN, Gutkind JS. Genomic Hippo Pathway Alterations and Persistent YAP/TAZ Activation: New Hallmarks in Head and Neck Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:1370. [PMID: 35456049 PMCID: PMC9028246 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a highly prevalent and deadly malignancy worldwide. The prognosis for locoregionally advanced HNSCC has not appreciably improved over the past 30 years despite advances in surgical, radiation, and targeted therapies and less than 20% of HNSCC patients respond to recently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors. The Hippo signaling pathway, originally discovered as a mechanism regulating tissue growth and organ size, transduces intracellular and extracellular signals to regulate the transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ. Alterations in the Hippo pathway resulting in persistent YAP and TAZ activation have emerged as major oncogenic drivers. Our analysis of the human HNSCC oncogenome revealed multiple genomic alterations impairing Hippo signaling and activating YAP and TAZ, which in turn contribute to HNSCC development. This includes mutations and deletions of the FAT1 gene (29%) and amplification of the WWTR1 (encoding TAZ, 14%) and YAP1 genes (8%), together representing one of the most genetically altered signaling mechanisms in this malignancy. Here, we discuss key elements of the mammalian Hippo pathway, detail mechanisms by which perturbations in Hippo signaling promote HNSCC initiation and progression and outline emerging strategies to target Hippo signaling vulnerabilities as part of novel multimodal precision therapies for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhoud Faraji
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Sydney I. Ramirez
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Public Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | | | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
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31
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Bownes LV, Marayati R, Quinn CH, Beierle AM, Hutchins SC, Julson JR, Erwin MH, Stewart JE, Mroczek-Musulman E, Ohlmeyer M, Aye JM, Yoon KJ, Beierle EA. Pre-Clinical Study Evaluating Novel Protein Phosphatase 2A Activators as Therapeutics for Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1952. [PMID: 35454859 PMCID: PMC9026148 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) functions as an inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation, and its tumor suppressor function is attenuated in many cancers. Previous studies utilized FTY720, an immunomodulating compound known to activate PP2A, and demonstrated a decrease in the malignant phenotype in neuroblastoma. We wished to investigate the effects of two novel PP2A activators, ATUX-792 (792) and DBK-1154 (1154). METHODS Long-term passage neuroblastoma cell lines and human neuroblastoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells were used. Cells were treated with 792 or 1154, and viability, proliferation, and motility were examined. The effect on tumor growth was investigated using a murine flank tumor model. RESULTS Treatment with 792 or 1154 resulted in PP2A activation, decreased cell survival, proliferation, and motility in neuroblastoma cells. Immunoblotting revealed a decrease in MYCN protein expression with increasing concentrations of 792 and 1154. Treatment with 792 led to tumor necrosis and decreased tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS PP2A activation with 792 or 1154 decreased survival, proliferation, and motility of neuroblastoma in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Both compounds resulted in decreased expression of the oncogenic protein MYCN. These findings indicate a potential therapeutic role for these novel PP2A activators in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V. Bownes
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (L.V.B.); (R.M.); (C.H.Q.); (A.M.B.); (J.R.J.); (M.H.E.); (J.E.S.)
| | - Raoud Marayati
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (L.V.B.); (R.M.); (C.H.Q.); (A.M.B.); (J.R.J.); (M.H.E.); (J.E.S.)
| | - Colin H. Quinn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (L.V.B.); (R.M.); (C.H.Q.); (A.M.B.); (J.R.J.); (M.H.E.); (J.E.S.)
| | - Andee M. Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (L.V.B.); (R.M.); (C.H.Q.); (A.M.B.); (J.R.J.); (M.H.E.); (J.E.S.)
| | - Sara C. Hutchins
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (S.C.H.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Janet R. Julson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (L.V.B.); (R.M.); (C.H.Q.); (A.M.B.); (J.R.J.); (M.H.E.); (J.E.S.)
| | - Michael H. Erwin
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (L.V.B.); (R.M.); (C.H.Q.); (A.M.B.); (J.R.J.); (M.H.E.); (J.E.S.)
| | - Jerry E. Stewart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (L.V.B.); (R.M.); (C.H.Q.); (A.M.B.); (J.R.J.); (M.H.E.); (J.E.S.)
| | | | | | - Jamie M. Aye
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (S.C.H.); (J.M.A.)
| | - Karina J. Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
| | - Elizabeth A. Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (L.V.B.); (R.M.); (C.H.Q.); (A.M.B.); (J.R.J.); (M.H.E.); (J.E.S.)
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32
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Sanaei MJ, Razi S, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Bashash D. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in lung cancer; oncogenic alterations, therapeutic opportunities, challenges, and a glance at the application of nanoparticles. Transl Oncol 2022; 18:101364. [PMID: 35168143 PMCID: PMC8850794 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common and deadliest human malignancies. The alterations of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway are related to lung cancer progression. PI3K axis regulates proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and EMT of lung cancer. Agents inhibiting components of PI3K axis diminish lung tumor growth and invasion. Low efficacy and off-target toxicity could be improved by nanoparticle application.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway has recently been considered as one of the most altered molecular pathways in this malignancy, few articles reviewed the task. In this review, we aim to summarize the original data obtained from international research laboratories on the oncogenic alterations in each component of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in lung cancer. This review also responds to questions on how aberrant activation in this axis contributes to uncontrolled growth, drug resistance, sustained angiogenesis, as well as tissue invasion and metastatic spread. Besides, we provide a special focus on pharmacologic inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis, either as monotherapy or in a combined-modal strategy, in the context of lung cancer. Despite promising outcomes achieved by using these agents, however, the presence of drug resistance as well as treatment-related adverse events is the other side of the coin. The last section allocates a general overview of the challenges associated with the inhibitors of the PI3K pathway in lung cancer patients. Finally, we comment on the future research aspects, especially in which nano-based drug delivery strategies might increase the efficacy of the therapy in this malignancy.
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33
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Goswami S, Mani R, Nunes J, Chiang CL, Zapolnik K, Hu E, Frissora F, Mo X, Walker LA, Yan P, Bundschuh R, Beaver L, Devine R, Tsai YT, Ventura A, Xie Z, Chen M, Lapalombella R, Walker A, Mims A, Larkin K, Grieselhuber N, Bennett C, Phelps M, Hertlein E, Behbehani G, Vasu S, Byrd JC, Muthusamy N. PP2A is a therapeutically targetable driver of cell fate decisions via a c-Myc/p21 axis in human and murine acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2022; 139:1340-1358. [PMID: 34788382 PMCID: PMC8900275 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020010344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated cellular differentiation is a hallmark of acute leukemogenesis. Phosphatases are widely suppressed in cancers but have not been traditionally associated with differentiation. In this study, we found that the silencing of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) directly blocks differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Gene expression and mass cytometric profiling revealed that PP2A activation modulates cell cycle and transcriptional regulators that program terminal myeloid differentiation. Using a novel pharmacological agent, OSU-2S, in parallel with genetic approaches, we discovered that PP2A enforced c-Myc and p21 dependent terminal differentiation, proliferation arrest, and apoptosis in AML. Finally, we demonstrated that PP2A activation decreased leukemia-initiating stem cells, increased leukemic blast maturation, and improved overall survival in murine Tet2-/-Flt3ITD/WT and human cell-line derived xenograft AML models in vivo. Our findings identify the PP2A/c-Myc/p21 axis as a critical regulator of the differentiation/proliferation switch in AML that can be therapeutically targeted in malignancies with dysregulated maturation fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swagata Goswami
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Jessica Nunes
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Chi-Ling Chiang
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Kevan Zapolnik
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Eileen Hu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Frank Frissora
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Logan A Walker
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Pearlly Yan
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Ralf Bundschuh
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Larry Beaver
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Raymond Devine
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Yo-Ting Tsai
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Ann Ventura
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Zhiliang Xie
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Min Chen
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Alison Walker
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Alice Mims
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Karilyn Larkin
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Nicole Grieselhuber
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Chad Bennett
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Mitch Phelps
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Erin Hertlein
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Gregory Behbehani
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Sumithira Vasu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - John C Byrd
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Selumetinib: a selective MEK1 inhibitor for solid tumor treatment. Clin Exp Med 2022; 23:229-244. [PMID: 35171389 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00783-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer incidence is rapidly growing. Solid tumors are responsible for a majority of cancers. Recently, molecular-targeted agents have played a significant role in cancer treatment. Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, is a substantial element in the survival, propagation, and drug resistance of human cancers. MEK is a specific part of the so-called cascade, and ERK proteins are its sole target. Furthermore, their downstream position in the Ras-ERK cascade, is noteworthy to direct their function in patients with upstream mutated genes. MEK1 mutations are responsible for initiating several solid tumors. Selumetinib (AZD6244) is a second-generation, selective, potent, and non-ATP competitive allosteric MEK1 inhibitor. The efficacy of selumetinib in various solid tumors such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, neurofibroma, and melanoma is investigated. The present paper provides an overview of the MAPK cascade, the role of selumetinib as a MEK1/2 inhibitor, and the related findings of clinical trials for solid tumor treatment.
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Yin S, Chen Y, Tong H, Li T, Qin Z, Zhu J, He W. PP2A promotes apoptosis and facilitates docetaxel sensitivity via the PP2A/p‑eIF4B/XIAP signaling pathway in prostate cancer. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:101. [PMID: 35154432 PMCID: PMC8822497 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a protein that has a wide range of biological functions. As prostate cancer progresses from hormone-sensitive prostate cancer to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the expression level of PP2A has been found to decrease. The present study aimed to determine the roles that PP2A may play in prostate cancer and its association with the downstream factor, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). First, the mRNA and protein expression levels of PP2A in LNCaP, DU145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines were measured. Next, the population of PP2A heterodimers was increased using a PP2A agonist, DT061, in the DU145 and PC-3 cell lines. PP2A expression was then knocked down in the LNCaP cell line. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the association between PP2A, phosphorylated (p)-eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) and XIAP. The results revealed that following the increase in PP2A expression, the DU145 and PC-3 cell lines were more sensitive to docetaxel according to Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and had an increased apoptotic rate as assessed by flow cytometry. Conversely, following the transfection of small interfering (si)PP2A into the LNCaP cell line, the sensitivity to docetaxel decreased, as well as the apoptotic rate. In addition, following treatment with the PP2A agonist, DT061, PP2A expression was found to be significantly upregulated, while p-eIF4B and XIAP protein expression levels were significantly downregulated. By contrast, following the transfection of siPP2A into the LNCaP cell line, PP2A protein expression levels were found to be downregulated, while p-eIF4B and XIAP expression levels were significantly upregulated. In conclusion, by affecting the downstream factor XIAP, PP2A may play a key role in promoting apoptosis and facilitating docetaxel sensitivity in prostate cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Yin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Hang Tong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Tinghao Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Zijia Qin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Junlong Zhu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Weiyang He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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Zandi Z, Kashani B, Alishahi Z, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Esmaeili F, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D, Momeny M. Dual-specificity phosphatases: therapeutic targets in cancer therapy resistance. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:57-70. [PMID: 34981193 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Therapy resistance is the principal obstacle to achieving cures in cancer patients and its successful tackling requires a deep understanding of the resistance mediators. Increasing evidence indicates that tumor phosphatases are novel and druggable targets in translational oncology and their modulation may hinder tumor growth and motility and potentiate therapeutic sensitivity in various neoplasms via regulation of various signal transduction pathways. Dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) are key players of cell growth, survival and death and have essential roles in tumor initiation, malignant progression and therapy resistance through regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. In this review, different aspects of DUSPs are discussed. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed using various websites including PubMed. RESULTS We provide mechanistic insights into the roles of well-known DUSPs in resistance to a wide range of cancer therapeutic approaches including chemotherapy, radiation and molecular targeted therapy in human malignancies. Moreover, we discuss the development of DUSP modulators, with a focus on DUSP1 and 6 inhibitors. Ultimately, the preclinical investigations of small molecule inhibitors of DUSP1 and 6 are outlined. CONCLUSION Emerging evidence indicates that the DUSP family is aberrantly expressed in human malignancies and plays critical roles in determining sensitivity to a wide range of cancer therapeutic strategies through regulation of the MAPK signaling pathways. Consequently, targeting DUSPs and their downstream molecules can pave the way for more effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Zandi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kashani
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zivar Alishahi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Esmaeili
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Momeny
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Vervoort SJ, Devlin JR, Kwiatkowski N, Teng M, Gray NS, Johnstone RW. Targeting transcription cycles in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:5-24. [PMID: 34675395 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Accurate control of gene expression is essential for normal development and dysregulation of transcription underpins cancer onset and progression. Similar to cell cycle regulation, RNA polymerase II-driven transcription can be considered as a unidirectional multistep cycle, with thousands of unique transcription cycles occurring in concert within each cell. Each transcription cycle comprises recruitment, initiation, pausing, elongation, termination and recycling stages that are tightly controlled by the coordinated action of transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases and their cognate cyclins as well as the opposing activity of transcriptional phosphatases. Oncogenic dysregulation of transcription can entail defective control of gene expression, either at select loci or more globally, impacting a large proportion of the genome. The resultant dependency on the core-transcriptional machinery is believed to render 'transcriptionally addicted' cancers sensitive to perturbation of transcription. Based on these findings, small molecules targeting transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases and associated proteins hold promise for the treatment of cancer. Here, we utilize the transcription cycles concept to explain how dysregulation of these finely tuned gene expression processes may drive tumorigenesis and how therapeutically beneficial responses may arise from global or selective transcriptional perturbation. This conceptual framework helps to explain tumour-selective transcriptional dependencies and facilitates the rational design of combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephin J Vervoort
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Devlin
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Kwiatkowski
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingxing Teng
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, CHEM-H and SCI, Stanford Medical School, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Ricky W Johnstone
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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The MYC oncogene - the grand orchestrator of cancer growth and immune evasion. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:23-36. [PMID: 34508258 PMCID: PMC9083341 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 136.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The MYC proto-oncogenes encode a family of transcription factors that are among the most commonly activated oncoproteins in human neoplasias. Indeed, MYC aberrations or upregulation of MYC-related pathways by alternate mechanisms occur in the vast majority of cancers. MYC proteins are master regulators of cellular programmes. Thus, cancers with MYC activation elicit many of the hallmarks of cancer required for autonomous neoplastic growth. In preclinical models, MYC inactivation can result in sustained tumour regression, a phenomenon that has been attributed to oncogene addiction. Many therapeutic agents that directly target MYC are under development; however, to date, their clinical efficacy remains to be demonstrated. In the past few years, studies have demonstrated that MYC signalling can enable tumour cells to dysregulate their microenvironment and evade the host immune response. Herein, we discuss how MYC pathways not only dictate cancer cell pathophysiology but also suppress the host immune response against that cancer. We also propose that therapies targeting the MYC pathway will be key to reversing cancerous growth and restoring antitumour immune responses in patients with MYC-driven cancers.
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Hou P, Wang YA. Conquering oncogenic KRAS and its bypass mechanisms. Theranostics 2022; 12:5691-5709. [PMID: 35966590 PMCID: PMC9373815 DOI: 10.7150/thno.71260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of KRAS signaling is common in cancer, which has catalyzed heroic drug development efforts to target KRAS directly or its downstream signaling effectors. Recent works have yielded novel small molecule drugs with promising preclinical and clinical activities. Yet, no matter how a cancer is addicted to a specific target - cancer's genetic and biological plasticity fashions a variety of resistance mechanisms as a fait accompli, limiting clinical benefit of targeted interventions. Knowledge of these mechanisms may inform combination strategies to attack both oncogenic KRAS and subsequent bypass mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Hou
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Lead contact
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Kokot T, Hoermann B, Helm D, Chojnacki JE, Savitski MM, Köhn M. PLDMS: Phosphopeptide Library Dephosphorylation Followed by Mass Spectrometry Analysis to Determine the Specificity of Phosphatases for Dephosphorylation Site Sequences. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2499:43-64. [PMID: 35696074 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2317-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A detailed understanding of the sequence preference surrounding phosphorylation sites is essential for deciphering the function of the human phosphoproteome . Whereas the mechanisms for substrate site recognition by kinases are relatively well understood, the selection mechanisms for the corresponding phosphatases pose several obstacles. However, multiple pieces of evidence point towards a role of the amino acid sequence in the direct vicinity of the phosphorylation site for recognition by phosphatase enzymes. Peptide library-based studies for enzymes attaching posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are relatively straight forward to carry out. However, studying enzymes removing PTMs pose a challenge in that libraries with a PTM attached are needed as a starting point. Here, we present our methodology using large synthetic phosphopeptide libraries to study the preferred sequence context of protein phosphatases. The approach, termed "phosphopeptide library dephosphorylation followed by mass spectrometry" (PLDMS), allows for the exact control of phosphorylation site incorporation and the synthetic route is capable of covering several thousand peptides in a single tube reaction. Furthermore, it enables the user to analyze MS data tailored to the needs of a specific library and thereby increase data quality. We therefore expect a wide applicability of this technique for a range of enzymes catalyzing the removal of PTMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kokot
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hoermann
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominic Helm
- Protein Analysis Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeremy E Chojnacki
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mikhail M Savitski
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Proteomics Core Facility, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maja Köhn
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Llombart V, Mansour MR. Therapeutic targeting of "undruggable" MYC. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103756. [PMID: 34942444 PMCID: PMC8713111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
c-MYC controls global gene expression and regulates cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell cycle, metabolism and apoptosis. According to some estimates, MYC is dysregulated in ≈70% of human cancers and strong evidence implicates aberrantly expressed MYC in both tumor initiation and maintenance. In vivo studies show that MYC inhibition elicits a prominent anti-proliferative effect and sustained tumor regression while any alteration on healthy tissue remains reversible. This opens an exploitable window for treatment that makes MYC one of the most appealing therapeutic targets for cancer drug development. This review describes the main functional and structural features of the protein structure of MYC and provides a general overview of the most relevant or recently identified interactors that modulate MYC oncogenic activity. This review also summarizes the different approaches aiming to abrogate MYC oncogenic function, with a particular focus on the prototype inhibitors designed for the direct and indirect targeting of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Llombart
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Department of Haematology, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Marc R Mansour
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Department of Haematology, London WC1E 6DD, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Developmental Biology and Cancer, London, UK.
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42
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Sergienko NM, Donner DG, Delbridge LMD, McMullen JR, Weeks KL. Protein phosphatase 2A in the healthy and failing heart: New insights and therapeutic opportunities. Cell Signal 2021; 91:110213. [PMID: 34902541 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphatases have emerged as critical regulators of phosphoprotein homeostasis in settings of health and disease. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) encompasses a large subfamily of enzymes that remove phosphate groups from serine/threonine residues within phosphoproteins. The heterogeneity in PP2A structure, which arises from the grouping of different catalytic, scaffolding and regulatory subunit isoforms, creates distinct populations of catalytically active enzymes (i.e. holoenzymes) that localise to different parts of the cell. This structural complexity, combined with other regulatory mechanisms, such as interaction of PP2A heterotrimers with accessory proteins and post-translational modification of the catalytic and/or regulatory subunits, enables PP2A holoenzymes to target phosphoprotein substrates in a highly specific manner. In this review, we summarise the roles of PP2A in cardiac physiology and disease. PP2A modulates numerous processes that are vital for heart function including calcium handling, contractility, β-adrenergic signalling, metabolism and transcription. Dysregulation of PP2A has been observed in human cardiac disease settings, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Efforts are underway, particularly in the cancer field, to develop therapeutics targeting PP2A activity. The development of small molecule activators of PP2A (SMAPs) and other compounds that selectively target specific PP2A holoenzymes (e.g. PP2A/B56α and PP2A/B56ε) will improve understanding of the function of different PP2A species in the heart, and may lead to the development of therapeutics for normalising aberrant protein phosphorylation in settings of cardiac remodelling and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Sergienko
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Daniel G Donner
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia; Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lea M D Delbridge
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Julie R McMullen
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia; Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Physiology and Department of Medicine Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora VIC 3086, Australia; Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Kate L Weeks
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia; Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia.
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43
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Targeting T-type channels in cancer: What is on and what is off? Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:743-758. [PMID: 34838727 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, various studies have demonstrated a pivotal role of T-type calcium channels (TTCCs) in tumor progression. Cytotoxic effects of TTCC pharmacological blockers have been reported in vitro and in preclinical models. However, their roles in cancer physiology are only beginning to be understood. In this review, we discuss evidence for the signaling pathways and cellular processes stemming from TTCC activity, mainly inferred by inverse reasoning from pharmacological blocks and, only in a few studies, by gene silencing or channel activation. A thorough analysis indicates that drug-induced cytotoxicity is partially an off-target effect. Dissection of on/off-target activity is paramount to elucidate the physiological roles of TTCCs, and to deliver efficacious therapies suited to different cancer types and stages.
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Hollenstein DM, Gérecová G, Romanov N, Ferrari J, Veis J, Janschitz M, Beyer R, Schüller C, Ogris E, Hartl M, Ammerer G, Reiter W. A phosphatase-centric mechanism drives stress signaling response. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52476. [PMID: 34558777 PMCID: PMC8567219 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Changing environmental cues lead to the adjustment of cellular physiology by phosphorylation signaling networks that typically center around kinases as active effectors and phosphatases as antagonistic elements. Here, we report a signaling mechanism that reverses this principle. Using the hyperosmotic stress response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system, we find that a phosphatase-driven mechanism causes induction of phosphorylation. The key activating step that triggers this phospho-proteomic response is the Endosulfine-mediated inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A-Cdc55 (PP2ACdc55 ), while we do not observe concurrent kinase activation. In fact, many of the stress-induced phosphorylation sites appear to be direct substrates of the phosphatase, rendering PP2ACdc55 the main downstream effector of a signaling response that operates in parallel and independent of the well-established kinase-centric stress signaling pathways. This response affects multiple cellular processes and is required for stress survival. Our results demonstrate how a phosphatase can assume the role of active downstream effectors during signaling and allow re-evaluating the impact of phosphatases on shaping the phosphorylome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Maria Hollenstein
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyMax Perutz LabsVienna BioCenter (VBC)University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Gabriela Gérecová
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyMax Perutz LabsVienna BioCenter (VBC)University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Jessica Ferrari
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyMax Perutz LabsVienna BioCenter (VBC)University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jiri Veis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyMax Perutz LabsVienna BioCenter (VBC)University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Center for Medical BiochemistryMax Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenterMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Marion Janschitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyMax Perutz LabsVienna BioCenter (VBC)University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Reinhard Beyer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ)University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)ViennaAustria
- Research Platform Bioactive Microbial Metabolites (BiMM)Tulln a.d. DonauAustria
| | - Christoph Schüller
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ)University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU)ViennaAustria
- Research Platform Bioactive Microbial Metabolites (BiMM)Tulln a.d. DonauAustria
| | - Egon Ogris
- Center for Medical BiochemistryMax Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenterMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Markus Hartl
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyMax Perutz LabsVienna BioCenter (VBC)University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Mass Spectrometry FacilityMax Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenterUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Gustav Ammerer
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyMax Perutz LabsVienna BioCenter (VBC)University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Wolfgang Reiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyMax Perutz LabsVienna BioCenter (VBC)University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Mass Spectrometry FacilityMax Perutz Labs, Vienna BioCenterUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
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A highly predictive autoantibody-based biomarker panel for prognosis in early-stage NSCLC with potential therapeutic implications. Br J Cancer 2021; 126:238-246. [PMID: 34728792 PMCID: PMC8770460 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01572-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Surgical resection remains the definitive curative treatment for early-stage disease offering an overall 5-year survival rate of 62%. Despite careful case selection, a significant proportion of early-stage cancers relapse aggressively within the first year post-operatively. Identification of these patients is key to accurate prognostication and understanding the biology that drives early relapse might open up potential novel adjuvant therapies. METHODS We performed an unsupervised interrogation of >1600 serum-based autoantibody biomarkers using an iterative machine-learning algorithm. RESULTS We identified a 13 biomarker signature that was highly predictive for survivorship in post-operative early-stage lung cancer; this outperforms currently used autoantibody biomarkers in solid cancers. Our results demonstrate significantly poor survivorship in high expressers of this biomarker signature with an overall 5-year survival rate of 7.6%. CONCLUSIONS We anticipate that the data will lead to the development of an off-the-shelf prognostic panel and further that the oncogenic relevance of the proteins recognised in the panel may be a starting point for a new adjuvant therapy.
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46
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Kim W, LeBlanc B, Matthews WL, Zhang ZY, Zhang Y. Advancements in chemical biology targeting the kinases and phosphatases of RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:68-77. [PMID: 33714893 PMCID: PMC8384638 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) coordinates the temporal progression of eukaryotic transcription. The development and application of chemical genetic methods have enhanced our ability to investigate the intricate and intertwined pathways regulated by the kinases and phosphatases targeting RNAP II to ensure transcription accuracy and efficiency. Although identifying small molecules that modulate these enzymes has been challenging due to their highly conserved structures, powerful new chemical biology strategies such as targeted covalent inhibitors and small molecule degraders have significantly improved chemical probe specificity. The recent success in discovering phosphatase holoenzyme activators and inhibitors, which demonstrates the feasibility of selective targeting of individual phosphatase complexes, opens up new avenues into the study of transcription. Herein, we summarize how chemical biology is used to delineate kinases' identities involved in RNAP II regulation and new concepts in inhibitor/activator design implemented for kinases/phosphatases involved in modulating RNAP II-mediated transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantae Kim
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Blase LeBlanc
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Wendy L Matthews
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Chemistry, and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA; The Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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47
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Cancer stem cell phosphatases. Biochem J 2021; 478:2899-2920. [PMID: 34319405 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the initiation and progression of human malignancies by enabling cancer tissue self-renewal capacity and constituting the therapy-resistant population of tumor cells. However, despite the exhausting characterization of CSC genetics, epigenetics, and kinase signaling, eradication of CSCs remains an unattainable goal in most human malignancies. While phosphatases contribute equally with kinases to cellular phosphoregulation, our understanding of phosphatases in CSCs lags severely behind our knowledge about other CSC signaling mechanisms. Many cancer-relevant phosphatases have recently become druggable, indicating that further understanding of the CSC phosphatases might provide novel therapeutic opportunities. This review summarizes the current knowledge about fundamental, but yet poorly understood involvement of phosphatases in the regulation of major CSC signaling pathways. We also review the functional roles of phosphatases in CSC self-renewal, cancer progression, and therapy resistance; focusing particularly on hematological cancers and glioblastoma. We further discuss the small molecule targeting of CSC phosphatases and their therapeutic potential in cancer combination therapies.
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48
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Chen K, Zhang Y, Qian L, Wang P. Emerging strategies to target RAS signaling in human cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:116. [PMID: 34301278 PMCID: PMC8299671 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS mutations (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) are among the most common oncogenes, and around 19% of patients with cancer harbor RAS mutations. Cells harboring RAS mutations tend to undergo malignant transformation and exhibit malignant phenotypes. The mutational status of RAS correlates with the clinicopathological features of patients, such as mucinous type and poor differentiation, as well as response to anti-EGFR therapies in certain types of human cancers. Although RAS protein had been considered as a potential target for tumors with RAS mutations, it was once referred to as a undruggable target due to the consecutive failure in the discovery of RAS protein inhibitors. However, recent studies on the structure, signaling, and function of RAS have shed light on the development of RAS-targeting drugs, especially with the approval of Lumakras (sotorasib, AMG510) in treatment of KRASG12C-mutant NSCLC patients. Therefore, here we fully review RAS mutations in human cancer and especially focus on emerging strategies that have been recently developed for RAS-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yalei Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Qian
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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49
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Vainonen JP, Momeny M, Westermarck J. Druggable cancer phosphatases. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/588/eabe2967. [PMID: 33827975 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abe2967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The phosphorylation status of oncoproteins is regulated by both kinases and phosphatases. Kinase inhibitors are rarely sufficient for successful cancer treatment, and phosphatases have been considered undruggable targets for cancer drug development. However, innovative pharmacological approaches for targeting phosphatases have recently emerged. Here, we review progress in the therapeutic targeting of oncogenic Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-2 (SHP2) and tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and select other druggable oncogenic and tumor suppressor phosphatases. We describe the modes of action for currently available small molecules that target phosphatases, their use in drug combinations, and advances in clinical development toward future cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia P Vainonen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Majid Momeny
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland. .,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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50
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Meeusen B, Cortesi EE, Domènech Omella J, Sablina A, Ventura JJ, Janssens V. PPP2R4 dysfunction promotes KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma development and mediates opposite responses to MEK and mTOR inhibition. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:57-67. [PMID: 34216687 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinomas represent the largest molecular subgroup of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and are notorious for their dismal survival perspectives. To gain more insights in etiology and therapeutic response, we focused on the tumor suppressor Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as a player in KRAS oncogenic signaling. We report that the PP2A activator PTPA (encoded by PPP2R4) is commonly affected in NSCLC by heterozygous loss and low-frequent loss-of-function mutation, and this is specifically associated with poorer overall survival of KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients. Reduced or mutant PPP2R4 expression in A549 cells increased anchorage-independent growth in vitro and xenograft growth in vivo, correlating with increased Ki67 and c-MYC expression. Moreover, KrasG12D-induced lung tumorigenesis was significantly accelerated in Ppp2r4 gene trapped mice as compared to Ppp2r4 wild-type. A confined kinase inhibitor screen revealed that PPP2R4-depletion induced resistance against selumetinib (MEK inhibitor), but unexpectedly sensitized cells for temsirolimus (mTOR inhibitor), in vitro and in vivo. Our findings underscore a clinically relevant role for PTPA loss-of-function in KRAS-mutant NSCLC etiology and kinase inhibitor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Meeusen
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela Elsa Cortesi
- Translational Cell & Tissue Research, Dept. Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Judit Domènech Omella
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Sablina
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Mechanisms of Cell Transformation, VIB Center for Cancer Biology & Dept. Oncology, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Juan-Jose Ventura
- Translational Cell & Tissue Research, Dept. Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Janssens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. Cellular & Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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