1
|
Bhuiyan AI, Choi AH, Ghoshal S, Adiele UA, Dana D, Choi JY, Fath KR, Talele TT, Pathak SK. Identification of a novel spirocyclic Nek2 inhibitor using high throughput virtual screening. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 88:129288. [PMID: 37094724 PMCID: PMC10246433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
NIMA Related Kinase 2 (Nek2) kinase is an attractive target for the development of therapeutic agents for several types of highly invasive cancers. Despite this, no small molecule inhibitor has advanced to the late clinical stages thus far. In this work, we have identified a novel spirocyclic inhibitor (V8) of Nek2 kinase, utilizing a high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) approach. Using recombinant Nek2 enzyme assays, we show that V8 can inhibit Nek2 kinase activity (IC50 = 2.4 ± 0.2 µM) by binding to the enzyme's ATP pocket. The inhibition is selective, reversible and is not time dependent. To understand the key chemotype features responsible for Nek2 inhibition, a detailed structure-activity relationships (SAR) was performed. Using molecular models of the energy-minimized structures of Nek2-inhibitory complexes, we identify key hydrogen-bonding interactions, including two from the hinge-binding region, likely responsible for the observed affinity. Finally, using cell-based studies, we show that V8 attenuates (a) pAkt/PI3 Kinase signaling in a dose-dependent manner, and (b) proliferative and migratory phenotypes of highly aggressive human MDA-MB-231 breast and A549 lung cancer cell lines. Thus, V8 is an important novel lead compound for the development of highly potent and selective Nek2 inhibitory agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashif I Bhuiyan
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Athena H Choi
- Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
| | - Sarbani Ghoshal
- Queensborough Community College of the City University of New York, 222-02 56(th) Avenue, Bayside, NY 11364, USA
| | - Ugochi A Adiele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Dibyendu Dana
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Jun Yong Choi
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA; Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Karl R Fath
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Department of Biology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tanaji T Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Sanjai K Pathak
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA; Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
In Mitosis You Are Not: The NIMA Family of Kinases in Aspergillus, Yeast, and Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074041. [PMID: 35409400 PMCID: PMC8999480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA) family of serine/threonine kinases is a diverse group of protein kinases implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes, including cilia regulation, microtubule dynamics, mitotic processes, cell growth, and DNA damage response. The founding member of this family was initially identified in Aspergillus and was found to play important roles in mitosis and cell division. The yeast family has one member each, Fin1p in fission yeast and Kin3p in budding yeast, also with functions in mitotic processes, but, overall, these are poorly studied kinases. The mammalian family, the main focus of this review, consists of 11 members named Nek1 to Nek11. With the exception of a few members, the functions of the mammalian Neks are poorly understood but appear to be quite diverse. Like the prototypical NIMA, many members appear to play important roles in mitosis and meiosis, but their functions in the cell go well beyond these well-established activities. In this review, we explore the roles of fungal and mammalian NIMA kinases and highlight the most recent findings in the field.
Collapse
|
3
|
Dana D, Das T, Choi A, Bhuiyan AI, Das TK, Talele TT, Pathak SK. Nek2 Kinase Signaling in Malaria, Bone, Immune and Kidney Disorders to Metastatic Cancers and Drug Resistance: Progress on Nek2 Inhibitor Development. Molecules 2022; 27:347. [PMID: 35056661 PMCID: PMC8779408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle kinases represent an important component of the cell machinery that controls signal transduction involved in cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Nek2 is a mitotic Ser/Thr kinase that localizes predominantly to centrosomes and kinetochores and orchestrates centrosome disjunction and faithful chromosomal segregation. Its activity is tightly regulated during the cell cycle with the help of other kinases and phosphatases and via proteasomal degradation. Increased levels of Nek2 kinase can promote centrosome amplification (CA), mitotic defects, chromosome instability (CIN), tumor growth, and cancer metastasis. While it remains a highly attractive target for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics, several new roles of the Nek2 enzyme have recently emerged: these include drug resistance, bone, ciliopathies, immune and kidney diseases, and parasitic diseases such as malaria. Therefore, Nek2 is at the interface of multiple cellular processes and can influence numerous cellular signaling networks. Herein, we provide a critical overview of Nek2 kinase biology and discuss the signaling roles it plays in both normal and diseased human physiology. While the majority of research efforts over the last two decades have focused on the roles of Nek2 kinase in tumor development and cancer metastasis, the signaling mechanisms involving the key players associated with several other notable human diseases are highlighted here. We summarize the efforts made so far to develop Nek2 inhibitory small molecules, illustrate their action modalities, and provide our opinion on the future of Nek2-targeted therapeutics. It is anticipated that the functional inhibition of Nek2 kinase will be a key strategy going forward in drug development, with applications across multiple human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Dana
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- KemPharm Inc., 2200 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Tuhin Das
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
| | - Athena Choi
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
| | - Ashif I. Bhuiyan
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tirtha K. Das
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Tanaji T. Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439, USA;
| | - Sanjai K. Pathak
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Baumann G, Meckel T, Böhm K, Shih YH, Dickhaut M, Reichardt T, Pilakowski J, Pehl U, Schmidt B. Illuminating a Dark Kinase: Structure-Guided Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of a Potent Nek1 Inhibitor and Its Effects on the Embryonic Zebrafish Pronephros. J Med Chem 2021; 65:1265-1282. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Baumann
- Clemens Schöpf−Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tobias Meckel
- Clemens Schöpf−Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Kevin Böhm
- Clemens Schöpf−Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Yung-Hsin Shih
- Clemens Schöpf−Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Mirco Dickhaut
- Clemens Schöpf−Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Torben Reichardt
- Clemens Schöpf−Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Johannes Pilakowski
- Clemens Schöpf−Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pehl
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Biopharma R&D, Discovery and Development Technologies, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Boris Schmidt
- Clemens Schöpf−Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Matheson CJ, Coxon CR, Bayliss R, Boxall K, Carbain B, Fry AM, Hardcastle IR, Harnor SJ, Mas-Droux C, Newell DR, Richards MW, Sivaprakasam M, Turner D, Griffin RJ, Golding BT, Cano C. 2-Arylamino-6-ethynylpurines are cysteine-targeting irreversible inhibitors of Nek2 kinase. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:707-731. [PMID: 33479670 PMCID: PMC7649933 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00074d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Renewed interest in covalent inhibitors of enzymes implicated in disease states has afforded several agents targeted at protein kinases of relevance to cancers. We now report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 6-ethynylpurines that act as covalent inhibitors of Nek2 by capturing a cysteine residue (Cys22) close to the catalytic domain of this protein kinase. Examination of the crystal structure of the non-covalent inhibitor 3-((6-cyclohexylmethoxy-7H-purin-2-yl)amino)benzamide in complex with Nek2 indicated that replacing the alkoxy with an ethynyl group places the terminus of the alkyne close to Cys22 and in a position compatible with the stereoelectronic requirements of a Michael addition. A series of 6-ethynylpurines was prepared and a structure activity relationship (SAR) established for inhibition of Nek2. 6-Ethynyl-N-phenyl-7H-purin-2-amine [IC50 0.15 μM (Nek2)] and 4-((6-ethynyl-7H-purin-2-yl)amino)benzenesulfonamide (IC50 0.14 μM) were selected for determination of the mode of inhibition of Nek2, which was shown to be time-dependent, not reversed by addition of ATP and negated by site directed mutagenesis of Cys22 to alanine. Replacement of the ethynyl group by ethyl or cyano abrogated activity. Variation of substituents on the N-phenyl moiety for 6-ethynylpurines gave further SAR data for Nek2 inhibition. The data showed little correlation of activity with the nature of the substituent, indicating that after sufficient initial competitive binding to Nek2 subsequent covalent modification of Cys22 occurs in all cases. A typical activity profile was that for 2-(3-((6-ethynyl-9H-purin-2-yl)amino)phenyl)acetamide [IC50 0.06 μM (Nek2); GI50 (SKBR3) 2.2 μM] which exhibited >5-10-fold selectivity for Nek2 over other kinases; it also showed > 50% growth inhibition at 10 μM concentration against selected breast and leukaemia cell lines. X-ray crystallographic analysis confirmed that binding of the compound to the Nek2 ATP-binding site resulted in covalent modification of Cys22. Further studies confirmed that 2-(3-((6-ethynyl-9H-purin-2-yl)amino)phenyl)acetamide has the attributes of a drug-like compound with good aqueous solubility, no inhibition of hERG at 25 μM and a good stability profile in human liver microsomes. It is concluded that 6-ethynylpurines are promising agents for cancer treatment by virtue of their selective inhibition of Nek2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Matheson
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - Christopher R Coxon
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - Richard Bayliss
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology , The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology , University of Leeds , UK
- Section of Structural Biology , The Institute of Cancer Research , Sutton , UK
| | - Kathy Boxall
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit , The Institute of Cancer Research , Sutton , UK
| | - Benoit Carbain
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - Andrew M Fry
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology , The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology , University of Leeds , UK
| | - Ian R Hardcastle
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - Suzannah J Harnor
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - Corine Mas-Droux
- Section of Structural Biology , The Institute of Cancer Research , Sutton , UK
| | - David R Newell
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Translational and Clinical Research Institute , Newcastle University Centre for Cancer , Faculty of Medical Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Mark W Richards
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology , The Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology , University of Leeds , UK
| | - Mangaleswaran Sivaprakasam
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - David Turner
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - Roger J Griffin
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - Bernard T Golding
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| | - Céline Cano
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit , Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK . ; Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7060
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Byrne MJ, Nasir N, Basmadjian C, Bhatia C, Cunnison RF, Carr KH, Mas-Droux C, Yeoh S, Cano C, Bayliss R. Nek7 conformational flexibility and inhibitor binding probed through protein engineering of the R-spine. Biochem J 2020; 477:1525-1539. [PMID: 32242624 PMCID: PMC7200626 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nek7 is a serine/threonine-protein kinase required for proper spindle formation and cytokinesis. Elevated Nek7 levels have been observed in several cancers, and inhibition of Nek7 might provide a route to the development of cancer therapeutics. To date, no selective and potent Nek7 inhibitors have been identified. Nek7 crystal structures exhibit an improperly formed regulatory-spine (R-spine), characteristic of an inactive kinase. We reasoned that the preference of Nek7 to crystallise in this inactive conformation might hinder attempts to capture Nek7 in complex with Type I inhibitors. Here, we have introduced aromatic residues into the R-spine of Nek7 with the aim to stabilise the active conformation of the kinase through R-spine stacking. The strong R-spine mutant Nek7SRS retained catalytic activity and was crystallised in complex with compound 51, an ATP-competitive inhibitor of Nek2 and Nek7. Subsequently, we obtained the same crystal form for wild-type Nek7WT in apo form and bound to compound 51. The R-spines of the three well-ordered Nek7WT molecules exhibit variable conformations while the R-spines of the Nek7SRS molecules all have the same, partially stacked configuration. Compound 51 bound to Nek2 and Nek7 in similar modes, but differences in the precise orientation of a substituent highlights features that could be exploited in designing inhibitors that are selective for particular Nek family members. Although the SRS mutations are not required to obtain a Nek7-inhibitor structure, we conclude that it is a useful strategy for restraining the conformation of a kinase in order to promote crystallogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Byrne
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - Nazia Nasir
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - Christine Basmadjian
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Chitra Bhatia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, U.K
| | - Rory F. Cunnison
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, U.K
| | - Katherine H. Carr
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, U.K
| | - Corine Mas-Droux
- Section of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, U.K
| | - Sharon Yeoh
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - Céline Cano
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, U.K
| | - Richard Bayliss
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Deb B, Sengupta P, Sambath J, Kumar P. Bioinformatics Analysis of Global Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Data Sets Revealed Activation of NEK2 and AURKA in Cancers. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020237. [PMID: 32033228 PMCID: PMC7072708 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity attributes substantial challenges in determining the treatment regimen. Along with the conventional treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, targeted therapy has greater impact in cancer management. Owing to the recent advancements in proteomics, we aimed to mine and re-interrogate the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) data sets which contain deep scale, mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic and phosphoproteomic data sets conducted on human tumor samples. Quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic data sets of tumor samples were explored and downloaded from the CPTAC database for six different cancers types (breast cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC), colon cancer, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), ovarian cancer, and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC)). We identified 880 phosphopeptide signatures for differentially regulated phosphorylation sites across five cancer types (breast cancer, colon cancer, LUAD, ovarian cancer, and UCEC). We identified the cell cycle to be aberrantly activated across these cancers. The correlation of proteomic and phosphoproteomic data sets identified changes in the phosphorylation of 12 kinases with unchanged expression levels. We further investigated phosphopeptide signature across five cancer types which led to the prediction of aurora kinase A (AURKA) and kinases-serine/threonine-protein kinase Nek2 (NEK2) as the most activated kinases targets. The drug designed for these kinases could be repurposed for treatment across cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barnali Deb
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; (B.D.); (J.S.)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, India
| | - Pratyay Sengupta
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Mahatma Gandhi Avenue, Durgapur, West Bengal 713209, India;
| | - Janani Sambath
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; (B.D.); (J.S.)
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore 560066, India; (B.D.); (J.S.)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-802-841-6140; Fax: +91-802-841-6132
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kaowinn S, Oh S, Moon J, Yoo AY, Kang HY, Lee MR, Kim JE, Hwang DY, Youn SE, Koh SS, Chung YH. CGK062, a small chemical molecule, inhibits cancer upregulated gene 2‑induced oncogenesis through NEK2 and β‑catenin. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1295-1305. [PMID: 30968157 PMCID: PMC6411349 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms through which cancer‑upregulated gene 2 (CUG2), a novel oncogene, affects Wnt/β‑catenin signaling, essential for tumorigenesis, are unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate some of these mechanisms in A549 lung cancer cells. Under the overexpression of CUG2, the protein levels and activity of β‑catenin were evaluated by western blot analysis and luciferase assay. To examine a biological consequence of β‑catenin under CUG2 overexpression, cell migration, invasion and sphere formation assay were performed. The upregulation of β‑catenin induced by CUG2 overexpression was also accessed by xenotransplantation in mice. We first found that CUG2 overexpression increased β‑catenin expression and activity. The suppression of β‑catenin decreased cancer stem cell (CSC)‑like phenotypes, indicating that β‑catenin is involved in CUG2‑mediated CSC‑like phenotypes. Notably, CUG2 overexpression increased the phosphorylation of β‑catenin at Ser33/Ser37, which is known to recruit E3 ligase for β‑catenin degradation. Moreover, CUG2 interacted with and enhanced the expression and kinase activity of never in mitosis gene A‑related kinase 2 (NEK2). Recombinant NEK2 phosphorylated β‑catenin at Ser33/Ser37, while NEK2 knockdown decreased the phosphorylation of β‑catenin, suggesting that NEK2 is involved in the phosphorylation of β‑catenin at Ser33/Ser37. Treatment with CGK062, a small chemical molecule, which promotes the phosphorylation of β‑catenin at Ser33/Ser37 through protein kinase C (PKC)α to induce its degradation, reduced β‑catenin levels and inhibited the CUG2‑induced features of malignant tumors, including increased cell migration, invasion and sphere formation. Furthermore, CGK062 treatment suppressed CUG2‑mediated tumor formation in nude mice. Taken together, the findings of this study suggest that CUG2 enhances the phosphorylation of β‑catenin at Ser33/Ser37 by activating NEK2, thus stabilizing β‑catenin. CGK062 may thus have potential for use as a therapeutic drug against CUG2‑overexpressing lung cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sirichat Kaowinn
- BK21 Plus, Department of Cogno‑Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangtaek Oh
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Moon
- BK21 Plus, Department of Cogno‑Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Young Yoo
- Department of Microbiology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Young Kang
- Department of Microbiology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Rim Lee
- Department of Biomaterials, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Department of Biomaterials, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Youn Hwang
- Department of Biomaterials, Pusan National University, Miryang 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - So Eun Youn
- Department of Biosciences, Dong‑A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Seok Koh
- Department of Biosciences, Dong‑A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hwa Chung
- BK21 Plus, Department of Cogno‑Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wells CI, Kapadia NR, Couñago RM, Drewry DH. In depth analysis of kinase cross screening data to identify chemical starting points for inhibition of the Nek family of kinases. MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:44-66. [PMID: 30108900 PMCID: PMC6071746 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00510e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Potent, selective, and cell active small molecule kinase inhibitors are useful tools to help unravel the complexities of kinase signaling. As the biological functions of individual kinases become better understood, they can become targets of drug discovery efforts. The small molecules used to shed light on function can also then serve as chemical starting points in these drug discovery efforts. The Nek family of kinases has received very little attention, as judged by number of citations in PubMed, yet they appear to play many key roles and have been implicated in disease. Here we present our work to identify high quality chemical starting points that have emerged due to the increased incidence of broad kinome screening. We anticipate that this analysis will allow the community to progress towards the generation of chemical probes and eventually drugs that target members of the Nek family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C I Wells
- Structural Genomics Consortium , Eshelman School of Pharmacy , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC , 27599 USA .
| | - N R Kapadia
- Structural Genomics Consortium , Eshelman School of Pharmacy , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC , 27599 USA .
| | - R M Couñago
- Structural Genomics Consortium , Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP , Campinas , SP , 13083 Brazil
| | - D H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium , Eshelman School of Pharmacy , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC , 27599 USA .
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fry AM, Bayliss R, Roig J. Mitotic Regulation by NEK Kinase Networks. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:102. [PMID: 29250521 PMCID: PMC5716973 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies in yeast and Drosophila led to identification of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), Polo-like kinases (PLKs) and Aurora kinases as essential regulators of mitosis. These enzymes have since been found in the majority of eukaryotes and their cell cycle-related functions characterized in great detail. However, genetic studies in another fungal species, Aspergillus nidulans, identified a distinct family of protein kinases, the NEKs, that are also widely conserved and have key roles in the cell cycle, but which remain less well studied. Nevertheless, it is now clear that multiple NEK family members act in networks to regulate specific events of mitosis, including centrosome separation, spindle assembly and cytokinesis. Here, we describe our current understanding of how the NEK kinases contribute to these processes, particularly through targeted phosphorylation of proteins associated with the microtubule cytoskeleton. We also present the latest findings on molecular events that control the activation state of the NEKs and how these are revealing novel modes of enzymatic regulation relevant not only to other kinases but also to pathological mechanisms of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Bayliss
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Roig
- Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|