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Tang R, Liu J, Li S, Zhang J, Yu C, Liu H, Chen F, Lv L, Zhang Q, Yuan K, Shao H. A patent and literature review of CDK12 inhibitors. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:1055-1065. [PMID: 36120913 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2126765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) belongs to the CDK family of serine/threonine protein kinases and associates with cyclin K to exert its biological functions, including regulating gene transcription, mRNA processing and translation. Increasing evidences demonstrate the importance of CDK12 in various human cancers, illustrating its potential as both biomarker and therapeutic target. In addition, CDK12 is also a promising target for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1. Efforts have been taken to discover small molecule inhibitors to validate this important therapeutic target. AREAS COVERED This review covers the patented CDK12 inhibitors from 2016 to present, as well as these from peer-reviewed literature. It provides the reader an update of the discovery strategies, chemical structures and molecular profiling of all available CDK12 inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION CDK12 inhibitors with various mechanism of actions have been discovered and it is a great set of tools to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CDK12 in different disease models. CDK12 inhibitors have shown promising results in myotonic dystrophy type 1 mouse model and several preclinical cancer models either as single agent or combination with other anti-cancer agents. Its therapeutic value awaits more rigorous preclinical testing and further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijun Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Center for Clinical Biorepositories and Biospecimen & Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shuyao Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chunhong Yu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Honglu Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Lu Lv
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,The Biobank of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hao Shao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Department of Oncology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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2
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Chilà R, Chiappa M, Guffanti F, Panini N, Conconi D, Rinaldi A, Cascione L, Bertoni F, Fratelli M, Damia G. Stable CDK12 Knock-Out Ovarian Cancer Cells Do Not Show Increased Sensitivity to Cisplatin and PARP Inhibitor Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:903536. [PMID: 35912188 PMCID: PMC9328802 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.903536] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in the regulation of RNA polymerase II and in the transcription of a subset of genes involved in the DNA damage response. CDK12 is one of the most mutated genes in ovarian carcinoma. These mutations result in loss-of-function and can predict the responses to PARP1/2 inhibitor and platinum. To investigate the role of CDK12 in ovarian cancer, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to generate a stable CDK12 knockout (KO) clone in A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells. This is the first report on a CDK12 null cell line. The clone had slower cell growth and was less clonogenic than parental cells. These data were confirmed in vivo, where CDK12 KO transplanted cells had a much longer time lag and slightly slower growth rate than CDK12-expressing cells. The slower growth was associated with a higher basal level of apoptosis, but there were no differences in the basal level of autophagy and senescence. While cell cycle distribution was similar in parental and knockout cells, there was a doubling in DNA content, with an almost double modal number of chromosomes in the CDK12 KO clone which, however did not display any increase in γH2AX, a marker of DNA damage. We found partial down-regulation of the expression of DNA repair genes at the mRNA level and, among the down-regulated genes, an enrichment in the G2/M checkpoint genes. Although the biological features of CDK12 KO cells are compatible with the function of CDK12, contrary to some reports, we could not find any difference in the sensitivity to cisplatin and olaparib between wild-type and CDK12 KO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Chilà
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituito di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Chiappa
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituito di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Guffanti
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituito di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Panini
- Laboratory of Cancer Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Conconi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Rinaldi
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luciano Cascione
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Maddalena Fratelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituito di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanna Damia,
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3
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Lei P, Zhang J, Liao P, Ren C, Wang J, Wang Y. Current progress and novel strategies that target CDK12 for drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 240:114603. [PMID: 35868123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CDK12 is a cyclin-dependent kinase that plays critical roles in DNA replication, transcription, mRNA splicing, and DNA damage repair. CDK12 genomic changes, including mutation, amplification, deletion, and fusion, lead to various cancers, such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and ovarian cancer. An increasing number of CDK12 inhibitors have been reported since CDK12 was identified as a biomarker and cancer therapeutic target. A major challenge lies in that CDK12 and CDK13 share highly similar sequences, which leads to great difficulties in the development of highly selective CDK12 inhibitors. In recent years, great efforts were made in developing selective CDK12 blockers. Techniques including PROTAC and molecular glue degraders were also applied to facilitate their development. Also, the drug combination strategy of CDK12 small molecule inhibitors were studied. This review discusses the latest studies on CDK12 inhibitors and analyzes their structure-activity relationships, shedding light on their further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lei
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Peiyu Liao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Changyu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Noncovalent CDK12/13 dual inhibitors-based PROTACs degrade CDK12-Cyclin K complex and induce synthetic lethality with PARP inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:114012. [PMID: 34864331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) plays a crucial role in DNA-damage response gene transcription and has recently been validated as a promising target in cancer therapy. However, existing CDK12 inhibitors potently inhibit its closest isoform CDK13, which could cause potential toxicity. Therefore, the development of CDK12 inhibitors with isoform-selectivity against CDK13 continues to be a challenge. By taking advantage of the emerging PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) approach, we have synthesized a potent PROTAC degrader PP-C8 based on the noncovalent dual inhibitors of CDK12/13 and demonstrated its specificity for CDK12 over CDK13. Notably, PP-C8 induces profound degradation of cyclin K simultaneously and downregulates the mRNA level of DNA-damage response genes. Global proteomics profiling revealed PP-C8 is highly selective toward CDK12-cyclin K complex. Importantly, PP-C8 demonstrates profound synergistic antiproliferative effects with PARP inhibitor in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The potent and selective CDK12 PROTAC degrader developed in this study could potentially be used to treat CDK12-dependent cancers as combination therapy.
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5
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Jiang B, Gao Y, Che J, Lu W, Kaltheuner IH, Dries R, Kalocsay M, Berberich MJ, Jiang J, You I, Kwiatkowski N, Riching KM, Daniels DL, Sorger PK, Geyer M, Zhang T, Gray NS. Discovery and resistance mechanism of a selective CDK12 degrader. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:675-683. [PMID: 33753926 PMCID: PMC8590456 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is an emerging therapeutic target due to its role in regulating transcription of DNA-damage response (DDR) genes. However, development of selective small molecules targeting CDK12 has been challenging due to the high degree of homology between kinase domains of CDK12 and other transcriptional CDKs, most notably CDK13. In the present study, we report the rational design and characterization of a CDK12-specific degrader, BSJ-4-116. BSJ-4-116 selectively degraded CDK12 as assessed through quantitative proteomics. Selective degradation of CDK12 resulted in premature cleavage and poly(adenylation) of DDR genes. Moreover, BSJ-4-116 exhibited potent antiproliferative effects, alone and in combination with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib, as well as when used as a single agent against cell lines resistant to covalent CDK12 inhibitors. Two point mutations in CDK12 were identified that confer resistance to BSJ-4-116, demonstrating a potential mechanism that tumor cells can use to evade bivalent degrader molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baishan Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Baishan Jiang, Yang Gao and Jianwei Che
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Baishan Jiang, Yang Gao and Jianwei Che
| | - Jianwei Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Baishan Jiang, Yang Gao and Jianwei Che
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Ruben Dries
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Computational Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marian Kalocsay
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew J. Berberich
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Inchul You
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas Kwiatkowski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Peter K. Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Correspondence should be addressed to Tinghu Zhang (); Nathanael S. Gray ()
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Correspondence should be addressed to Tinghu Zhang (); Nathanael S. Gray ()
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6
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Łukasik P, Załuski M, Gutowska I. Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDK) and Their Role in Diseases Development-Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062935. [PMID: 33805800 PMCID: PMC7998717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are involved in many crucial processes, such as cell cycle and transcription, as well as communication, metabolism, and apoptosis. The kinases are organized in a pathway to ensure that, during cell division, each cell accurately replicates its DNA, and ensure its segregation equally between the two daughter cells. Deregulation of any of the stages of the cell cycle or transcription leads to apoptosis but, if uncorrected, can result in a series of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease), and stroke. This review presents the current state of knowledge about the characteristics of cyclin-dependent kinases as potential pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Łukasik
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Michał Załuski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Izabela Gutowska
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstancow Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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The promise and current status of CDK12/13 inhibition for the treatment of cancer. Future Med Chem 2020; 13:117-141. [PMID: 33295810 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CDK12 and CDK13 are Ser/Thr protein kinases that regulate transcription and co-transcriptional processes. Genetic silencing of CDK12 is associated with genomic instability in a variety of cancers, including difficult-to-treat breast, ovarian, colorectal, brain and pancreatic cancers, and is synthetic lethal with PARP, MYC or EWS/FLI inhibition. CDK13 is amplified in hepatocellular carcinoma. Consequently, selective CDK12/13 inhibitors constitute powerful research tools as well as promising anti-cancer therapeutics, either alone or in combination therapy. Herein the authors discuss the role of CDK12 and CDK13 in normal and cancer cells, describe their utility as a biomarker and therapeutic target, review the medicinal chemistry optimization of existing CDK12/13 inhibitors and outline strategies for the rational design of CDK12/13 selective inhibitors.
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8
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Beyond Kinases: Targeting Replication Stress Proteins in Cancer Therapy. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:430-446. [PMID: 33203609 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA replication stress describes a state of impaired replication fork progress that triggers a cellular stress response to maintain genome stability and complete DNA synthesis. Replication stress is a common state that must be tolerated in many cancers. One promising therapeutic approach is targeting replication stress response factors such as the ataxia telangiectasia and rad 3-related kinase (ATR) or checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) kinases that some cancers depend upon to survive endogenous replication stress. However, research revealing the complexity of the replication stress response suggests new genetic interactions and candidate therapeutic targets. Many of these candidates regulate DNA transactions around reversed replication forks, including helicases, nucleases and alternative polymerases that promote fork stability and restart. Here we review emerging strategies to exploit replication stress for cancer therapy.
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Wengner AM, Scholz A, Haendler B. Targeting DNA Damage Response in Prostate and Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8273. [PMID: 33158305 PMCID: PMC7663807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormone signaling induces vast gene expression programs which necessitate the local formation of transcription factories at regulatory regions and large-scale alterations of the genome architecture to allow communication among distantly related cis-acting regions. This involves major stress at the genomic DNA level. Transcriptionally active regions are generally instable and prone to breakage due to the torsional stress and local depletion of nucleosomes that make DNA more accessible to damaging agents. A dedicated DNA damage response (DDR) is therefore essential to maintain genome integrity at these exposed regions. The DDR is a complex network involving DNA damage sensor proteins, such as the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase and the ATM and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase, as central regulators. The tight interplay between the DDR and steroid hormone receptors has been unraveled recently. Several DNA repair factors interact with the androgen and estrogen receptors and support their transcriptional functions. Conversely, both receptors directly control the expression of agents involved in the DDR. Impaired DDR is also exploited by tumors to acquire advantageous mutations. Cancer cells often harbor germline or somatic alterations in DDR genes, and their association with disease outcome and treatment response led to intensive efforts towards identifying selective inhibitors targeting the major players in this process. The PARP-1 inhibitors are now approved for ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer with specific genomic alterations. Additional DDR-targeting agents are being evaluated in clinical studies either as single agents or in combination with treatments eliciting DNA damage (e.g., radiation therapy, including targeted radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) or addressing targets involved in maintenance of genome integrity. Recent preclinical and clinical findings made in addressing DNA repair dysfunction in hormone-dependent and -independent prostate and breast tumors are presented. Importantly, the combination of anti-hormonal therapy with DDR inhibition or with radiation has the potential to enhance efficacy but still needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bernard Haendler
- Preclinical Research, Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.W.); (A.S.)
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Voutsadakis IA. Further Understanding of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinogenesis: Potential Therapeutic Targets. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:10423-10437. [PMID: 33116896 PMCID: PMC7585777 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s249540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer and the most lethal gynecologic malignancy due to advanced stage at presentation. Recent years have witnessed progress in the therapy of HGSOC with the introduction of PARP (poly-adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase) inhibitors and the anti-angiogenic monoclonal antibody bevacizumab to the backbone of chemotherapy or as maintenance therapy after chemotherapy. The improved molecular understanding of ovarian cancer pathogenesis, which has brought these therapies into the clinic, aspires to extend the boundaries of therapies through elucidation of other molecular aspects of ovarian carcinogenesis. This accumulating knowledge has started to be translated to additional targeted therapies that are in various stages of development. These include inhibitors of the function of other proteins involved in homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), such as WEE1 kinase, ATM/ATR kinases and CDK12 inhibitors. Despite disappointing results with immune checkpoint inhibitors monotherapy, harnessing the immune system in HGSOC with combination therapies that promote antigen production and immune cell activation is an avenue being explored. This paper examines arising HGSOC therapies based on molecular understanding of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Voutsadakis
- Algoma District Cancer Program, Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
- Section of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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11
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CDK12: a potential therapeutic target in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2257-2267. [PMID: 33038524 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 12 engages in diversified biological functions, from transcription, post-transcriptional modification, cell cycle, and translation to cellular proliferation. Moreover, it regulates the expression of cancer-related genes involved in DNA damage response (DDR) and replication, which are responsible for maintaining genomic stability. CDK12 emerges as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in different cellular contexts, where its dysregulation results in tumorigenesis. Current CDK12 inhibitors are nonselective, which impedes the process of pharmacological target validation and drug development. Herein, we discuss the latest understanding of the biological roles of CDK12 in cancers and provide molecular analyses of CDK12 inhibitors to guide the rational design of selective inhibitors.
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12
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Liu H, Liu K, Dong Z. Targeting CDK12 for Cancer Therapy: Function, Mechanism, and Drug Discovery. Cancer Res 2020; 81:18-26. [PMID: 32958547 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is a member of the CDK family of proteins (CDK) and is critical for cancer development. Years of study into CDK12 have generated much information regarding the intricacy of its function and mechanism as well as inhibitors against it for oncological research. However, there remains a lack of understanding regarding the role of CDK12 in carcinogenesis and cancer prevention. An exhaustive comprehension of CDK12 will highly stimulate the development of new strategies for treating and preventing cancer. Here, we review the literature of CDK12, with a focus on its function, its role in signaling, and how to use it as a target for discovery of novel drugs for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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13
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Heidler CL, Roth EK, Thiemann M, Blattmann C, Perez RL, Huber PE, Kovac M, Amthor B, Neu‐Yilik G, Kulozik AE. Prexasertib (LY2606368) reduces clonogenic survival by inducing apoptosis in primary patient-derived osteosarcoma cells and synergizes with cisplatin and talazoparib. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:1059-1070. [PMID: 31782150 PMCID: PMC7384073 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Progress in the systemic control of osteosarcoma has been limited over the past decades thus indicating the urgent clinical need for the development of novel treatment strategies. Therefore, we have recently developed new preclinical models to study promising novel agents for the treatment of pediatric osteosarcoma. The checkpoint kinase (chk) inhibitor prexasertib (LY2606368) and its salt form (LSN2940930) have recently been shown to be active in adult and pediatric malignancies, including sarcoma. We have now tested the potency of prexasertib in clonogenic survival assays in two new lines of primary patient-derived osteosarcoma cells and in two established osteosarcoma cell lines as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin and the poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor talazoparib. Prexasertib alone results in strongly reduced clonogenic survival at low nanomolar concentrations and acts by affecting cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis and induction of double-stranded DNA breakage at concentrations that are well below clinically tolerable and safe plasma concentrations. In combination with cisplatin and talazoparib, prexasertib acts in a synergistic fashion. Chk1 inhibition by prexasertib and its combination with the DNA damaging agent cisplatin and the PARP-inhibitor talazoparib thus emerges as a potential new treatment option for pediatric osteosarcoma which will now have to be tested in preclinical primary patient derived in vivo models and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Heidler
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Hopp Children's Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (KiTZ)Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Eva K. Roth
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Hopp Children's Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (KiTZ)Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Markus Thiemann
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Hopp Children's Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (KiTZ)Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Claudia Blattmann
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Hopp Children's Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (KiTZ)Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- Pediatrics 5 (Oncology, Hematology, Immunology)Klinikum Stuttgart OlgahospitalStuttgartGermany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Ramon L. Perez
- Department of Molecular and Radiation OncologyGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO)National Center for Radiation Research in OncologyHeidelbergGermany
| | - Peter E. Huber
- Department of Molecular and Radiation OncologyGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO)National Center for Radiation Research in OncologyHeidelbergGermany
- Department of Radiation OncologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Michal Kovac
- Bone Tumour Reference Center, Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital Basel and University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Beate Amthor
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Hopp Children's Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (KiTZ)Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Gabriele Neu‐Yilik
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Hopp Children's Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (KiTZ)Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Andreas E. Kulozik
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Hopp Children's Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (KiTZ)Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and University of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
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14
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Liang S, Hu L, Wu Z, Chen Z, Liu S, Xu X, Qian A. CDK12: A Potent Target and Biomarker for Human Cancer Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1483. [PMID: 32570740 PMCID: PMC7349380 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a group of serine/threonine protein kinases and play crucial roles in various cellular processes by regulating cell cycle and gene transcription. Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is an important transcription-associated CDK. It shows versatile roles in regulating gene transcription, RNA splicing, translation, DNA damage response (DDR), cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Recently, increasing evidence demonstrates the important role of CDK12 in various human cancers, illustrating it as both a biomarker of cancer and a potential target for cancer therapy. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of CDK12, and review the research advances of CDK12's biological functions, especially its role in human cancers and as a potential target and biomarker for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Liang
- Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.L.); (L.H.); (Z.W.); (Z.C.); (S.L.); (X.X.)
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Lifang Hu
- Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.L.); (L.H.); (Z.W.); (Z.C.); (S.L.); (X.X.)
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Zixiang Wu
- Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.L.); (L.H.); (Z.W.); (Z.C.); (S.L.); (X.X.)
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Zhihao Chen
- Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.L.); (L.H.); (Z.W.); (Z.C.); (S.L.); (X.X.)
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Shuyu Liu
- Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.L.); (L.H.); (Z.W.); (Z.C.); (S.L.); (X.X.)
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Xia Xu
- Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.L.); (L.H.); (Z.W.); (Z.C.); (S.L.); (X.X.)
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Airong Qian
- Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Special Medicine and Health Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China; (S.L.); (L.H.); (Z.W.); (Z.C.); (S.L.); (X.X.)
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences and Biotechnology, Research Center for Special Medicine and Health Systems Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- NPU-UAB Joint Laboratory for Bone Metabolism, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
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15
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Gralewska P, Gajek A, Marczak A, Rogalska A. Participation of the ATR/CHK1 pathway in replicative stress targeted therapy of high-grade ovarian cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:39. [PMID: 32316968 PMCID: PMC7175546 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00874-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies reported throughout the world. The initial, standard-of-care, adjuvant chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer is usually a platinum drug, such as cisplatin or carboplatin, combined with a taxane. However, despite surgical removal of the tumor and initial high response rates to first-line chemotherapy, around 80% of women will develop cancer recurrence. Effective strategies, including chemotherapy and new research models, are necessary to improve the prognosis. The replication stress response (RSR) is characteristic of the development of tumors, including ovarian cancer. Hence, RSR pathway and DNA repair proteins have emerged as a new area for anticancer drug development. Although clinical trials have shown poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) response rates of around 40% in women who carry a mutation in the BRCA1/2 genes, PARPi is responsible for tumor suppression, but not for complete tumor regression. Recent reports suggest that cells with impaired homologous recombination (HR) activities due to mutations in TP53 gene or specific DNA repair proteins are specifically sensitive to ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) inhibitors. Replication stress activates DNA repair checkpoint proteins (ATR, CHK1), which prevent further DNA damage. This review describes the use of DNA repair checkpoint inhibitors as single agents and strategies combining these inhibitors with DNA-damaging compounds for ovarian cancer therapy, as well as the new platforms used for optimizing ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Gralewska
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biophysics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Gajek
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biophysics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Marczak
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biophysics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Aneta Rogalska
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biophysics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236, Lodz, Poland.
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16
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Wang C, Wang H, Lieftink C, du Chatinier A, Gao D, Jin G, Jin H, Beijersbergen RL, Qin W, Bernards R. CDK12 inhibition mediates DNA damage and is synergistic with sorafenib treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut 2020; 69:727-736. [PMID: 31519701 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies and a major leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Several therapeutic options like sorafenib and regorafenib provide only modest survival benefit to patients with HCC. This study aims to identify novel druggable candidate genes for patients with HCC. DESIGN A non-biased CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) loss-of-function genetic screen targeting all known human kinases was performed to identify vulnerabilities of HCC cells. Whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) and bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore the mechanisms of the action of a cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) inhibitor in HCC cells. Multiple in vitro and in vivo assays were used to study the synergistic effects of the combination of CDK12 inhibition and sorafenib. RESULTS We identify CDK12 as critically required for most HCC cell lines. Suppression of CDK12 using short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or its inhibition by the covalent small molecule inhibitor THZ531 leads to robust proliferation inhibition. THZ531 preferentially suppresses the expression of DNA repair-related genes and induces strong DNA damage response in HCC cell lines. The combination of THZ531 and sorafenib shows striking synergy by inducing apoptosis or senescence in HCC cells. The synergy between THZ531 and sorafenib may derive from the notion that THZ531 impairs the adaptive responses of HCC cells induced by sorafenib treatment. CONCLUSION Our data highlight the potential of CDK12 as a drug target for patients with HCC. The striking synergy of THZ531 and sorafenib suggests a potential combination therapy for this difficult to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cun Wang
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cor Lieftink
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aimee du Chatinier
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangzhi Jin
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haojie Jin
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Roderick L Beijersbergen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - René Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Pilarova K, Herudek J, Blazek D. CDK12: cellular functions and therapeutic potential of versatile player in cancer. NAR Cancer 2020; 2:zcaa003. [PMID: 34316683 PMCID: PMC8210036 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II and is needed for the optimal transcription elongation and translation of a subset of human protein-coding genes. The kinase has a pleiotropic effect on the maintenance of genome stability, and its inactivation in prostate and ovarian tumours results in focal tandem duplications, a CDK12-unique genome instability phenotype. CDK12 aberrations were found in many other malignancies and have the potential to be used as biomarkers for therapeutic intervention. Moreover, the inhibition of CDK12 emerges as a promising strategy for treatment in several types of cancers. In this review, we summarize mechanisms that CDK12 utilizes for the regulation of gene expression and discuss how the perturbation of CDK12-sensitive genes contributes to the disruption of cell cycle progression and the onset of genome instability. Furthermore, we describe tumour-suppressive and oncogenic functions of CDK12 and its potential as a biomarker and inhibition target in anti-tumour treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kveta Pilarova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Herudek
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Blazek
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
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18
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Chou J, Quigley DA, Robinson TM, Feng FY, Ashworth A. Transcription-Associated Cyclin-Dependent Kinases as Targets and Biomarkers for Cancer Therapy. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:351-370. [DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Chirackal Manavalan AP, Pilarova K, Kluge M, Bartholomeeusen K, Rajecky M, Oppelt J, Khirsariya P, Paruch K, Krejci L, Friedel CC, Blazek D. CDK12 controls G1/S progression by regulating RNAPII processivity at core DNA replication genes. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e47592. [PMID: 31347271 PMCID: PMC6727028 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201847592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
CDK12 is a kinase associated with elongating RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and is frequently mutated in cancer. CDK12 depletion reduces the expression of homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair genes, but comprehensive insight into its target genes and cellular processes is lacking. We use a chemical genetic approach to inhibit analog‐sensitive CDK12, and find that CDK12 kinase activity is required for transcription of core DNA replication genes and thus for G1/S progression. RNA‐seq and ChIP‐seq reveal that CDK12 inhibition triggers an RNAPII processivity defect characterized by a loss of mapped reads from 3′ends of predominantly long, poly(A)‐signal‐rich genes. CDK12 inhibition does not globally reduce levels of RNAPII‐Ser2 phosphorylation. However, individual CDK12‐dependent genes show a shift of P‐Ser2 peaks into the gene body approximately to the positions where RNAPII occupancy and transcription were lost. Thus, CDK12 catalytic activity represents a novel link between regulation of transcription and cell cycle progression. We propose that DNA replication and HR DNA repair defects as a consequence of CDK12 inactivation underlie the genome instability phenotype observed in many cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kveta Pilarova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Kluge
- Institut für Informatik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Koen Bartholomeeusen
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Rajecky
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Prashant Khirsariya
- Department of Chemistry, CZ Openscreen, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Center of Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Paruch
- Department of Chemistry, CZ Openscreen, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Center of Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lumir Krejci
- Center of Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Caroline C Friedel
- Institut für Informatik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Dalibor Blazek
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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20
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Lin X, Beckers E, Mc Cafferty S, Gansemans Y, Joanna Szymańska K, Chaitanya Pavani K, Catani JP, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, De Sutter P, Van Soom A, Peelman L. Bovine Embryo-Secreted microRNA-30c Is a Potential Non-invasive Biomarker for Hampered Preimplantation Developmental Competence. Front Genet 2019; 10:315. [PMID: 31024625 PMCID: PMC6459987 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) have received a lot of attention since they may act as autocrine factors. However, how secreted miRNAs influence embryonic development is still poorly understood. We identified 294 miRNAs, 114 known, and 180 novel, in the conditioned medium of individually cultured bovine embryos. Of these miRNAs, miR-30c and miR-10b were much more abundant in conditioned medium of slow cleaving embryos compared to intermediate cleaving ones. MiR-10b, miR-novel-44, and miR-novel-45 were higher expressed in the conditioned medium of degenerate embryos compared to blastocysts, while the reverse was observed for miR-novel-113 and miR-novel-139. Supplementation of miR-30c mimics into the culture medium confirmed the uptake of miR-30c mimics by embryos and resulted in increased cell apoptosis, as also shown after delivery of miR-30c mimics in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (MDBKs). We also demonstrated that miR-30c directly targets Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) through its 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) and inhibits its expression. Overexpression and downregulation of CDK12 revealed the opposite results of the delivery of miRNA-30c mimics and inhibitor. The significant down-regulation of several tested DNA damage response (DDR) genes, after increasing miR-30c or reducing CDK12 expression, suggests a possible role for miR-30c in regulating embryo development through DDR pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evy Beckers
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Séan Mc Cafferty
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - João Portela Catani
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Uro-Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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21
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Lui GYL, Grandori C, Kemp CJ. CDK12: an emerging therapeutic target for cancer. J Clin Pathol 2018; 71:957-962. [PMID: 30104286 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2018-205356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) belongs to the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family of serine/threonine protein kinases that regulate transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes, thereby modulating multiple cellular functions. Early studies characterised CDK12 as a transcriptional CDK that complexes with cyclin K to mediate gene transcription by phosphorylating RNA polymerase II. CDK12 has been demonstrated to specifically upregulate the expression of genes involved in response to DNA damage, stress and heat shock. More recent studies have implicated CDK12 in regulating mRNA splicing, 3' end processing, pre-replication complex assembly and genomic stability during embryonic development. Genomic alterations in CDK12 have been detected in oesophageal, stomach, breast, endometrial, uterine, ovarian, bladder, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, ranging from 5% to 15% of sequenced cases. An increasing number of studies point to CDK12 inhibition as an effective strategy to inhibit tumour growth, and synthetic lethal interactions have been described with MYC, EWS/FLI and PARP/CHK1 inhibition. Herein, we discuss the present literature on CDK12 in cell function and human cancer, highlighting important roles for CDK12 as a clinical biomarker for treatment response and potential as an effective therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldie Y L Lui
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Human Biology Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Christopher J Kemp
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Human Biology Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
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22
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Mirza-Aghazadeh-Attari M, Darband SG, Kaviani M, Mihanfar A, Aghazadeh Attari J, Yousefi B, Majidinia M. DNA damage response and repair in colorectal cancer: Defects, regulation and therapeutic implications. DNA Repair (Amst) 2018; 69:34-52. [PMID: 30055507 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
DNA damage response, a key factor involved in maintaining genome integrity and stability, consists of several kinase-dependent signaling pathways, which sense and transduce DNA damage signal. The severity of damage appears to determine DNA damage responses, which can include cell cycle arrest, damage repair and apoptosis. A number of recent studies have demonstrated that defection in signaling through this network is thought to be an underlying mechanism behind the development and progression of various types of human malignancies, including colorectal cancer. In this review, colorectal cancer and its molecular pathology as well as DNA damage response is briefly introduced. Finally, the involvement of key components of this network in the initiation/progression, prognosis, response to treatment and development of drug resistance is comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mirza-Aghazadeh-Attari
- Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saber Ghazizadeh Darband
- Danesh Pey Hadi Co., Health Technology Development Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kaviani
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ainaz Mihanfar
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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