The Novel PKCθ from Benchtop to Clinic

Cancer-associated mutations in protein kinase C theta are loss-of-function

The Ca2+-independent, but diacylglycerol-regulated, novel protein kinase C (PKC) theta (θ) is highly expressed in hematopoietic cells where it participates in immune signaling and platelet function. Mounting evidence suggests that PKCθ may be involved in cancer, particularly blood cancers, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, yet how to target this kinase (as an oncogene or as a tumor suppressor) has not been established. Here, we examine the effect of four cancer-associated mutations, R145H/C in the autoinhibitory pseudosubstrate, E161K in the regulatory C1A domain, and R635W in the regulatory C-terminal tail, on the cellular activity and stability of PKCθ. Live-cell imaging studies using the genetically-encoded fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based reporter for PKC activity, C kinase activity reporter 2 (CKAR2), revealed that the pseudosubstrate and C1A domain mutations impaired autoinhibition to increase basal signaling. This impaired autoinhibition resulted in decreased stability of the protein, consistent with the well-characterized behavior of Ca2+-regulated PKC isozymes wherein mutations that impair autoinhibition are paradoxically loss-of-function because the mutant protein is degraded. In marked contrast, the C-terminal tail mutation resulted in enhanced autoinhibition and enhanced stability. Thus, the examined mutations were loss-of-function by different mechanisms: mutations that impaired autoinhibition promoted the degradation of PKC, and those that enhanced autoinhibition stabilized an inactive PKC. Supporting a general loss-of-function of PKCθ in cancer, bioinformatics analysis revealed that protein levels of PKCθ are reduced in diverse cancers, including lung, renal, head and neck, and pancreatic. Our results reveal that PKCθ function is lost in cancer.

The molecular basis of the dichotomous functionality of MAP4K4 in proliferation and cell motility control in cancer

The finely tuned integration of intra- and extracellular cues by components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways controls the mutually exclusive phenotypic manifestations of uncontrolled growth and tumor cell dissemination. The Ser/Thr kinase MAP4K4 is an upstream integrator of extracellular cues involved in both proliferation and cell motility control. Initially identified as an activator of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the discovery of diverse functions and additional effectors of MAP4K4 beyond JNK signaling has considerably broadened our understanding of this complex kinase. The implication of MAP4K4 in the regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics and cell motility provided essential insights into its role as a pro-metastatic kinase in cancer. However, the more recently revealed role of MAP4K4 as an activator of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway has complicated the understanding of MAP4K4 as an oncogenic driver kinase. To develop a better understanding of the diverse functions of MAP4K4 and their potential significance in oncogenesis and tumor progression, we have collected and assessed the current evidence of MAP4K4 implication in molecular mechanisms that control proliferation and promote cell motility. A better understanding of these mechanisms is particularly relevant in the brain, where MAP4K4 is highly expressed and under pathological conditions either drives neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases or cell dissemination in malignant tumors. We review established effectors and present novel interactors of MAP4K4, which offer mechanistic insights into MAP4K4 function and may inspire novel intervention strategies. We discuss possible implications of novel interactors in tumor growth and dissemination and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies to selectively repress pro-oncogenic functions of MAP4K4.

Molecular Taxonomy of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Through Data-Driven Patient Stratification: Molecular Endotypes and Cluster-Tailored Drugs

Objectives

Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by a largely empirical approach and relative paucity of novel compound development. We sought to stratify SLE patients based on their molecular phenotype and identify putative therapeutic compounds for each molecular fingerprint.

Methods

By the use of whole blood RNA-seq data from 120 SLE patients, and in a data-driven, clinically unbiased manner, we established modules of commonly regulated genes (molecular endotypes) and re-stratified patients through hierarchical clustering. Disease activity and severity were assessed using SLEDAI-2K and Lupus Severity Index, respectively. Through an in silico drug prediction pipeline, we investigated drugs currently in use, tested in lupus clinical trials, and listed in the iLINCS prediction databases, for their ability to reverse the gene expression signatures in each molecular endotype. Drug repurposing analysis was also performed to identify perturbagens that counteract group-specific SLE signatures.

Results

Molecular taxonomy identified five lupus endotypes, each characterized by a unique gene module enrichment pattern. Neutrophilic signature group consisted primarily of patients with active lupus nephritis, while the B-cell expression group included patients with constitutional features. Patients with moderate severity and serologic activity exhibited a signature enriched for metabolic processes. Mild disease was distributed in two groups, exhibiting enhanced basic cellular functions, myelopoiesis, and autophagy. Bortezomib was predicted to reverse disturbances in the "neutrophilic" cluster, azathioprine and ixazomib in the "B-cell" cluster, and fostamatinib in the "metabolic" patient subgroup.

Conclusion

The clinical spectrum of SLE encompasses distinct molecular endotypes, each defined by unique pathophysiologic aberrancies potentially reversible by distinct compounds.

Anti-inflammatory effects of anemonin on acute ulcerative colitis via targeted regulation of protein kinase C-θ

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes continuous mucosal inflammation. Anemonin is a natural molecule from the Ranunculaceae and Gramineae plants that exerts anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of anemonin on UC.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were administered dextran sulphate sodium (DSS; 3% [w/v]) to establish an animal model of UC. Mice were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of anemonin. Body weight and the disease activity index (DAI) were recorded. Haematoxylin and eosin staining, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and western blotting were performed to evaluate the histopathological changes and tissue inflammation. HT-29 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and anemonin. Cell inflammation was evaluated using RT-qPCR and western blotting. The target proteins of anemonin were predicted using bioinformatics analysis and confirmed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Anemonin improved DSS-induced body weight loss, shortened colon length, increased DAI, and induced pathological changes in the colon tissue of mice. Anemonin inhibited DSS-induced colon tissue inflammation as the release of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 was significantly suppressed. Additionally, anemonin attenuated LPS-induced cytokine production in HT-29 cells. PKC-θ was predicted as a target protein of anemonin. Anemonin did not affect PRKCQ gene transcription, but inhibited its translation. PRKCQ overexpression partially reversed the protective effects of anemonin on HT-29 cells. Adeno-associated virus delivery of the PRKCQ vector significantly reversed the protective effects of anemonin on the mouse colon.

Conclusions

Anemonin has the potential to treat UC. The anti-inflammatory effects of anemonin may be mediated through targeting PKC-θ.

Inhibition of PKCθ Improves Dystrophic Heart Phenotype and Function in a Novel Model of DMD Cardiomyopathy

Chronic cardiac muscle inflammation and subsequent fibrotic tissue deposition are key features in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The treatment of choice for delaying DMD progression both in skeletal and cardiac muscle are corticosteroids, supporting the notion that chronic inflammation in the heart plays a pivotal role in fibrosis deposition and subsequent cardiac dysfunction. Nevertheless, considering the adverse effects associated with long-term corticosteroid treatments, there is a need for novel anti-inflammatory therapies. In this study, we used our recently described exercised mdx (ex mdx) mouse model characterised by accelerated heart pathology, and the specific PKCθ inhibitor Compound 20 (C20), to show that inhibition of this kinase leads to a significant reduction in the number of immune cells infiltrating the heart, as well as necrosis and fibrosis. Functionally, C20 treatment also prevented the reduction in left ventricle fractional shortening, which was typically observed in the vehicle-treated ex mdx mice. Based on these findings, we propose that PKCθ pharmacological inhibition could be an attractive therapeutic approach to treating dystrophic cardiomyopathy

PKCθ-mediated serine/threonine phosphorylations of FAK govern adhesion and protrusion dynamics within the lamellipodia of migrating breast cancer cells

The cytoskeleton and cell-matrix adhesions constitute a dynamic network that controls cellular behavior during development and cancer. The Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a central actor of these cell dynamics, promoting cell-matrix adhesion turnover and active membrane fluctuations. However, the initial steps leading to FAK activation and subsequent promotion of cell dynamics remain elusive. Here, we report that the serine/threonine kinase PKCθ participates in the initial steps of FAK activation. PKCθ, which is strongly expressed in aggressive human breast cancers, controls the dynamics of cell-matrix adhesions and active protrusions through direct FAK activation, thereby promoting cell invasion and lung metastases. Using various tools for in vitro and live cell studies, we precisely decipher the molecular mechanisms of FAK activation. PKCθ directly interacts with the FAK FERM domain to open FAK conformation through PKCθ's specific V3 domain, while phosphorylating FAK at newly identified serine/threonine residues within nascent adhesions, inducing cell dynamics and aggressive behavior. This study thus places PKCθ-directed FAK opening and phosphorylations as an original mechanism controlling dynamic, migratory, and invasive abilities of aggressive breast cancer cells, further strengthening the emerging oncogenic function of PKCθ.

Discovery of the Selective Protein Kinase C-θ Kinase Inhibitor, CC-90005

The PKC-θ isoform of protein kinase C is selectively expressed in T lymphocytes and plays an important role in the T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-triggered activation of mature T cells, T cell proliferation, and the subsequent release of cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2). Herein, we report the synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a novel series of PKC-θ inhibitors. Through a combination of structure-guided design and exploratory SAR, suitable replacements for the basic C4 amine of the original lead (3) were identified. Property-guided design enabled the identification of appropriately substituted C2 groups to afford potent analogs with metabolic stability and permeability to support in vivo testing. With exquisite general kinase selectivity, cellular inhibition of T cell activation as assessed by IL-2 expression, a favorable safety profile, and demonstrated in vivo efficacy in models of acute and chronic T cell activation with oral dosing, CC-90005 (57) was selected for clinical development.

The Emerging Function of PKCtheta in Cancer

Protein Kinase C theta (PKCθ) is a serine/threonine kinase that belongs to the novel PKC subfamily. In normal tissue, its expression is restricted to skeletal muscle cells, platelets and T lymphocytes in which PKCθ controls several essential cellular processes such as survival, proliferation and differentiation. Particularly, PKCθ has been extensively studied for its role in the immune system where its translocation to the immunological synapse plays a critical role in T cell activation. Beyond its physiological role in immune responses, increasing evidence implicates PKCθ in the pathology of various diseases, especially autoimmune disorders and cancers. In this review, we discuss the implication of PKCθ in various types of cancers and the PKCθ-mediated signaling events controlling cancer initiation and progression. In these types of cancers, the high PKCθ expression leads to aberrant cell proliferation, migration and invasion resulting in malignant phenotype. The recent development and application of PKCθ inhibitors in the context of autoimmune diseases could benefit the emergence of treatment for cancers in which PKCθ has been implicated.

AEB-071 Ameliorates Muscle Weakness by Altering Helper T Lymphocytes in an Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis Rat Model

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neurological disorder of neuromuscular junctions. In this study we established experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) rat models to investigate the effects of AEB-071 (AEB), which is a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C that prevents T lymphocyte activation.

Material/Methods

We utilized animals divided into 4 groups: (1) control rats, (2) EAMG, (3) AEB-071+EAMG, and (4) AZP+EAMG. Drug treatment was continued for 10 days. Ten weeks after immunization we measured body weights, assessed mortality rates, and used Lennon scores to evaluate EAMG grades. We also assessed the proportions of T_reg, T_h1, T_h2, T_h17, and lymphocytes using flow cytometry.

Results

In the absence of drug treatment, we found a significant decline in body weights in the EAMG group in comparison to control rats, and EAMG group rats also had higher Lennon scores (P<0.05). Interestingly, we found that AEB-071 restored the body weight of EAMG rats and the decreased mortality rate compared to AZP treatment. Although a decrease in the number of T_reg cells was observed, the proportion of T_h lymphocytes was significantly increased in the EAMG group, and AEB-071 treatment decreased the proportion of T_h lymphocytes.

Conclusions

We concluded that AEB-071 treatment imparts beneficial effects in EAMG rat models by reducing mortality rate and restoring T_h lymphocyte balance, and thus may be an attractive candidate for use in MG treatment.

PRKCQ inhibition enhances chemosensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer by regulating Bim

BACKGROUND

Protein kinase C theta, (PRKCQ/PKCθ) is a serine/threonine kinase that is highly expressed in a subset of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) and promotes their growth, anoikis resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasion. Here, we show that PRKCQ regulates the sensitivity of TNBC cells to apoptosis triggered by standard-of-care chemotherapy by regulating levels of pro-apoptotic Bim.

METHODS

To determine the effects of PRKCQ expression on chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, shRNA and cDNA vectors were used to modulate the PRKCQ expression in MCF-10A breast epithelial cells or triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB231Luc, HCC1806). A novel PRKCQ small-molecule inhibitor, 17k, was used to inhibit kinase activity. Viability and apoptosis of cells treated with PRKCQ cDNA/shRNA/inhibitor +/-chemotherapy were measured. Expression levels of Bcl2 family members were assessed.

RESULTS

Enhanced expression of PRKCQ is sufficient to suppress apoptosis triggered by paclitaxel or doxorubicin treatment. Downregulation of PRKCQ also enhanced the apoptosis of chemotherapy-treated TNBC cells. Regulation of chemotherapy sensitivity by PRKCQ mechanistically occurs via regulation of levels of Bim, a pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member; suppression of Bim prevents the enhanced apoptosis observed with combined PRKCQ downregulation and chemotherapy treatment. Regulation of Bim and chemotherapy sensitivity is significantly dependent on PRKCQ kinase activity; overexpression of a catalytically inactive PRKCQ does not suppress Bim or chemotherapy-associated apoptosis. Furthermore, PRKCQ kinase inhibitor treatment suppressed growth, increased anoikis and Bim expression, and enhanced apoptosis of chemotherapy-treated TNBC cells, phenocopying the effects of PRKCQ downregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies support PRKCQ inhibition as an attractive therapeutic strategy and complement to chemotherapy to inhibit the growth and survival of TNBC cells.

Discovery of Selective, Orally Bioavailable Pyrazolopyridine Inhibitors of Protein Kinase Cθ (PKCθ) That Ameliorate Symptoms of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

PKCθ plays an important role in T cell biology and is a validated target for a number of disease states. A series of potent and selective PKCθ inhibitors were designed and synthesized starting from a HTS hit compound. Cell activity, while initially a challenge to achieve, was built into the series by transforming the nitrile unit of the scaffold into a primary amine, the latter predicted to form a new hydrogen bond to Asp508 near the entrance of the ATP binding site of PKCθ. Significant improvements in physiochemical parameters were observed on introduction of an oxetane group proximal to a primary amine leading to compound 22, which demonstrated a reduction of symptoms in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

LPS Induces mTORC1 and mTORC2 Activation During Monocyte Adhesion

Monocyte adhesion is a crucial step in transmigration and can be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Here, we studied the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, and PKC in this process. We used THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line, to investigate monocyte adhesion under static and flow conditions. We observed that 1.0 μg/mL LPS increased PI3K/mTORC2 pathway and PKC activity after 1 h of incubation. WYE-354 10⁻⁶ M (mTORC2/mTORC1 inhibitor) and 10⁻⁶ M wortmannin avoided monocyte adhesion in culture plates. In addition, WYE also blocked LPS-induced CD11a expression. Interestingly, rapamycin and WYE-354 blocked both LPS-induced monocyte adhesion in a cell monolayer and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, confirming mTORC1 involvement in this process. Once activated, PKC activates mTORC1/S6K pathway in a similar effect observed to LPS. Activation of the mTORC1/S6K pathway was attenuated by 10⁻⁶ M U0126, an MEK/ERK inhibitor, and 10⁻⁶ M calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, indicating that the MEK/ERK/TSC2 axis acts as a mediator. In agreement, 80 nM PMA (a PKC activator) mimicked the effect of LPS on the activation of the MEK/ERK/TSC2/mTORC1/S6K pathway, monocyte adhesion to ECV cells and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Our findings show that LPS induces activation of mTOR complexes. This signaling pathway led to integrin expression and cytoskeleton rearrangement resulting in monocyte adhesion. These results describe a new molecular mechanism involved in monocyte adhesion in immune-based diseases.

Evolving mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction highlight key targets in vascular disease

Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) plays an important role in the regulation of vascular function. Identifying the mechanisms of VSM contraction has been a major research goal in order to determine the causes of vascular dysfunction and exaggerated vasoconstriction in vascular disease. Major discoveries over several decades have helped to better understand the mechanisms of VSM contraction. Ca2+ has been established as a major regulator of VSM contraction, and its sources, cytosolic levels, homeostatic mechanisms and subcellular distribution have been defined. Biochemical studies have also suggested that stimulation of Gq protein-coupled membrane receptors activates phospholipase C and promotes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids into inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). IP3 stimulates initial Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and is buttressed by Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent, receptor-operated, transient receptor potential and store-operated channels. In order to prevent large increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c), Ca2+ removal mechanisms promote Ca2+ extrusion via the plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and Ca2+ uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and the coordinated activities of these Ca2+ handling mechanisms help to create subplasmalemmal Ca2+ domains. Threshold increases in [Ca2+]c form a Ca2+-calmodulin complex, which activates myosin light chain (MLC) kinase, and causes MLC phosphorylation, actin-myosin interaction, and VSM contraction. Dissociations in the relationships between [Ca2+]c, MLC phosphorylation, and force have suggested additional Ca2+ sensitization mechanisms. DAG activates protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, which directly or indirectly via mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylate the actin-binding proteins calponin and caldesmon and thereby enhance the myofilaments force sensitivity to Ca2+. PKC-mediated phosphorylation of PKC-potentiated phosphatase inhibitor protein-17 (CPI-17), and RhoA-mediated activation of Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibit MLC phosphatase and in turn increase MLC phosphorylation and VSM contraction. Abnormalities in the Ca2+ handling mechanisms and PKC and ROCK activity have been associated with vascular dysfunction in multiple vascular disorders. Modulators of [Ca2+]c, PKC and ROCK activity could be useful in mitigating the increased vasoconstriction associated with vascular disease.

Membrane Receptor-Induced Changes of the Protein Kinases A and C Activity May Play a Leading Role in Promoting Developmental Synapse Elimination at the Neuromuscular Junction

Synapses that are overproduced during histogenesis in the nervous system are eventually lost and connectivity is refined. Membrane receptor signaling leads to activity-dependent mutual influence and competition between axons directly or with the involvement of the postsynaptic cell and the associated glial cell/s. Presynaptic muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (subtypes mAChR; M₁, M₂ and M₄), adenosine receptors (AR; A₁ and A_2A) and the tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor (TrkB), among others, all cooperate in synapse elimination. Between these receptors there are several synergistic, antagonic and modulatory relations that clearly affect synapse elimination. Metabotropic receptors converge in a limited repertoire of intracellular effector kinases, particularly serine protein kinases A and C (PKA and PKC), to phosphorylate protein targets and bring about structural and functional changes leading to axon loss. In most cells A₁, M₁ and TrkB operate mainly by stimulating PKC whereas A_2A, M₂ and M₄ inhibit PKA. We hypothesize that a membrane receptor-induced shifting in the protein kinases A and C activity (inhibition of PKA and/or stimulation of PKC) in some nerve endings may play an important role in promoting developmental synapse elimination at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). This hypothesis is supported by: (i) the tonic effect (shown by using selective inhibitors) of several membrane receptors that accelerates axon loss between postnatal days P5-P9; (ii) the synergistic, antagonic and modulatory effects (shown by paired inhibition) of the receptors on axonal loss; (iii) the fact that the coupling of these receptors activates/inhibits the intracellular serine kinases; and (iv) the increase of the PKA activity, the reduction of the PKC activity or, in most cases, both situations simultaneously that presumably occurs in all the situations of singly and paired inhibition of the mAChR, AR and TrkB receptors. The use of transgenic animals and various combinations of selective and specific PKA and PKC inhibitors could help to elucidate the role of these kinases in synapse maturation.

Pharmacological Inhibition of PKCθ Counteracts Muscle Disease in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Inflammation plays a considerable role in the progression of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe muscle disease caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene. We previously showed that genetic ablation of Protein Kinase C θ (PKCθ) in mdx, the mouse model of DMD, improves muscle healing and regeneration, preventing massive inflammation. To establish whether pharmacological targeting of PKCθ in DMD can be proposed as a therapeutic option, in this study we treated young mdx mice with the PKCθ inhibitor Compound 20 (C20). We show that C20 treatment led to a significant reduction in muscle damage associated with reduced immune cells infiltration, reduced inflammatory pathways activation, and maintained muscle regeneration. Importantly, C20 treatment is efficient in recovering muscle performance in mdx mice, by preserving muscle integrity. Together, these results provide proof of principle that pharmacological inhibition of PKCθ in DMD can be considered an attractive strategy to modulate immune response and prevent the progression of the disease.

Research in context

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle disease affecting 1:3500 male births. DMD is caused by a mutation in dystrophin gene, coding for a protein required for skeletal and cardiac muscle integrity. Lack of a functional dystrophin is primarily responsible for the muscle eccentric contraction-induced muscle damage, observed in dystrophic muscle. However, inflammation plays a considerable role in the progression of DMD. Glucocorticoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, are being used to treat DMD with some success; however, long term treatment with these drugs induces muscle atrophy and wasting, outweighing their benefit. The identification of specific targets for anti-inflammatory therapies is one of the ongoing therapeutic options. Although blunting inflammation would not be a “cure” for the disease, the emerging clue is that multiple strategies, addressing different aspects of the pathology, which may eventually converge, may be successful. In this context, we previously showed that genetic ablation of Protein Kinase C θ (PKCθ), an enzyme known to be involved in immune response, in mdx, the mouse model of DMD, improves muscle healing and regeneration, preventing massive inflammation. To establish whether pharmacological targeting of PKCθ in DMD can be proposed as a therapeutic option, in this study we treated young mdx mice with the PKCθ inhibitor Compound 20 (C20). We show that C20 treatment led to a significant reduction in muscle damage associated with reduced immune cells infiltration, reduced inflammatory pathways activation, and maintained muscle regeneration. Importantly, C20 treatment is efficient in recovering muscle performance in mdx mice, by preserving muscle integrity. Together, these results provide proof of principle that pharmacological inhibition of PKCθ in DMD can be considered an attractive strategy to modulate immune response and prevent the progression of the disease.

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Immune-cell intrinsic PKCθ activity might play a hitherto unrecognized role of in the development of DMD.

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Mdx dystrophic mice were treated with the PKCθ inhibitor C20.

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C20 treatment prevents damage and inflammation in dystrophic muscle, while improving muscle regeneration.

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C20 treatment prevents drop in force and ameliorates fatigue resistance in dystrophic mice.

Enantioselective synthesis of an octahydroindolizine (indolizidine) alcohol using an enzymatic resolution

A homo-chiral synthesis of (7R,8aS)-octahydro-5,5-dimethylindolizin-7-amine 8 and (7S,8aS)-octahydro-5,5-dimethylindolizin-7-ol 9, amine building blocks which have found applications within the pharmaceutical industry, is presented.

High quality, small molecule-activity datasets for kinase research

Kinases regulate cell growth, movement, and death. Deregulated kinase activity is a frequent cause of disease. The therapeutic potential of kinase inhibitors has led to large amounts of published structure activity relationship (SAR) data. Bioactivity databases such as the Kinase Knowledgebase (KKB), WOMBAT, GOSTAR, and ChEMBL provide researchers with quantitative data characterizing the activity of compounds across many biological assays. The KKB, for example, contains over 1.8M kinase structure-activity data points reported in peer-reviewed journals and patents. In the spirit of fostering methods development and validation worldwide, we have extracted and have made available from the KKB 258K structure activity data points and 76K associated unique chemical structures across eight kinase targets. These data are freely available for download within this data note.

Intracellular Delivery of Anti-pPKCθ (Thr538) via Protein Transduction Domain Mimics for Immunomodulation

Targeting cellular proteins with antibodies, to better understand cellular signaling pathways in the context of disease modulation, is a fast-growing area of investigation. Humanized antibodies are increasingly gaining attention for their therapeutic potential, but the collection of cellular targets is limited to those secreted from cells or expressed on the cell surface. This approach leaves a wealth of intracellular proteins unexplored as putative targets for antibody binding. Protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) is essential to T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation, and its phosphorylation at specific residues is required for its activity. Here we report on the design, synthesis, and characterization of a protein transduction domain mimic capable of efficiently delivering an antibody against phosphorylated PKCθ (Thr538) into human peripheral mononuclear blood cells and altering expression of downstream indicators of T cell activation and differentiation. We used a humanized, lymphocyte transfer model of graft-versus-host disease, to evaluate the durability of protein transduction domain mimic:Anti-pPKCθ modulation, when delivered into human peripheral mononuclear blood cells ex vivo. We demonstrate that protein transduction domain mimic:Antibody complexes can be readily introduced with high efficacy into hard-to-transfect human peripheral mononuclear blood cells, eliciting a biological response sufficient to alter disease progression. Thus, protein transduction domain mimic:Antibody delivery may represent an efficient ex vivo approach to manipulating cellular responses by targeting intracellular proteins.

Genetic insights into the mechanisms of Fgf signaling

The fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) family of ligands and receptor tyrosine kinases is required throughout embryonic and postnatal development and also regulates multiple homeostatic functions in the adult. Here, Brewer et al. review the mechanisms of Fgf signaling by focusing on genetic strategies that enable in vivo analysis.

The fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) family of ligands and receptor tyrosine kinases is required throughout embryonic and postnatal development and also regulates multiple homeostatic functions in the adult. Aberrant Fgf signaling causes many congenital disorders and underlies multiple forms of cancer. Understanding the mechanisms that govern Fgf signaling is therefore important to appreciate many aspects of Fgf biology and disease. Here we review the mechanisms of Fgf signaling by focusing on genetic strategies that enable in vivo analysis. These studies support an important role for Erk1/2 as a mediator of Fgf signaling in many biological processes but have also provided strong evidence for additional signaling pathways in transmitting Fgf signaling in vivo.

Protein Kinase C as Regulator of Vascular Smooth Muscle Function and Potential Target in Vascular Disorders

Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) plays an important role in maintaining vascular tone. In addition to Ca2+-dependent myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, protein kinase C (PKC) is a major regulator of VSM function. PKC is a family of conventional Ca2+-dependent α, β, and γ, novel Ca2+-independent δ, ɛ, θ, and η, and atypical ξ, and ι/λ isoforms. Inactive PKC is mainly cytosolic, and upon activation it undergoes phosphorylation, maturation, and translocation to the surface membrane, the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and other cell organelles; a process facilitated by scaffold proteins such as RACKs. Activated PKC phosphorylates different substrates including ion channels, pumps, and nuclear proteins. PKC also phosphorylates CPI-17 leading to inhibition of MLC phosphatase, increased MLC phosphorylation, and enhanced VSM contraction. PKC could also initiate a cascade of protein kinases leading to phosphorylation of the actin-binding proteins calponin and caldesmon, increased actin-myosin interaction, and VSM contraction. Increased PKC activity has been associated with vascular disorders including ischemia-reperfusion injury, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetic vasculopathy. PKC inhibitors could test the role of PKC in different systems and could reduce PKC hyperactivity in vascular disorders. First-generation PKC inhibitors such as staurosporine and chelerythrine are not very specific. Isoform-specific PKC inhibitors such as ruboxistaurin have been tested in clinical trials. Target delivery of PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptides and PKC siRNA may be useful in localized vascular disease. Further studies of PKC and its role in VSM should help design isoform-specific PKC modulators that are experimentally potent and clinically safe to target PKC in vascular disease.

High quality, small molecule-activity datasets for kinase research

Kinases regulate cell growth, movement, and death. Deregulated kinase activity is a frequent cause of disease. The therapeutic potential of kinase inhibitors has led to large amounts of published structure activity relationship (SAR) data. Bioactivity databases such as the Kinase Knowledgebase (KKB), WOMBAT, GOSTAR, and ChEMBL provide researchers with quantitative data characterizing the activity of compounds across many biological assays. The KKB, for example, contains over 1.8M kinase structure-activity data points reported in peer-reviewed journals and patents. In the spirit of fostering methods development and validation worldwide, we have extracted and have made available from the KKB 258K structure activity data points and 76K associated unique chemical structures across eight kinase targets. These data are freely available for download within this data note.

High quality, small molecule-activity datasets for kinase research

Kinases regulate cell growth, movement, and death. Deregulated kinase activity is a frequent cause of disease. The therapeutic potential of kinase inhibitors has led to large amounts of published structure activity relationship (SAR) data. Bioactivity databases such as the Kinase Knowledgebase (KKB), WOMBAT, GOSTAR, and ChEMBL provide researchers with quantitative data characterizing the activity of compounds across many biological assays. The KKB, for example, contains over 1.8M kinase structure-activity data points reported in peer-reviewed journals and patents. In the spirit of fostering methods development and validation worldwide, we have extracted and have made available from the KKB 258K structure activity data points and 76K associated unique chemical structures across eight kinase targets. These data are freely available for download within this data note.

The Role of PKC-θ in CD4+ T Cells and HIV Infection: To the Nucleus and Back Again

Protein kinase C (PKC)-θ is the only member of the PKC family that has the ability to translocate to the immunological synapse between T cells and antigen-presenting cells upon T cell receptor and MHC-II recognition. PKC-θ interacts functionally and physically with other downstream effector molecules to mediate T cell activation, differentiation, and migration. It plays a critical role in the generation of Th2 and Th17 responses and is less important in Th1 and CTL responses. PKC-θ has been recently shown to play a role in the nucleus, where it mediates inducible gene expression in the development of memory CD4+ T cells. This novel PKC (nPKC) can up-regulate HIV-1 transcription and PKC-θ activators such as Prostratin have been used in early HIV-1 reservoir eradication studies. The exact manner of the activation of virus by these compounds and the role of PKC-θ, particularly its nuclear form and its association with NF-κB in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, needs further precise elucidation especially given the very important role of NF-κB in regulating transcription from the integrated retrovirus. Continued studies of this nPKC isoform will give further insight into the complexity of T cell signaling kinases.