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Booth L, Roberts JL, Spasojevic I, Baker KC, Poklepovic A, West C, Kirkwood JM, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 kills PDX isolates of uveal melanoma. Oncotarget 2024; 15:328-344. [PMID: 38758815 PMCID: PMC11101052 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02 has undergone phase I evaluation in patients with solid tumors (NCT03775525). The RP2D is 375 mg PO BID, with an uveal melanoma patient exhibiting a 15% reduction in tumor mass for 5 months at this dose. Studies in this manuscript have defined the biology of GZ17-6.02 in PDX isolates of uveal melanoma cells. GZ17-6.02 killed uveal melanoma cells through multiple convergent signals including enhanced ATM-AMPK-mTORC1 activity, inactivation of YAP/TAZ and inactivation of eIF2α. GZ17-6.02 significantly enhanced the expression of BAP1, predictive to reduce metastasis, and reduced the levels of ERBB family RTKs, predicted to reduce growth. GZ17-6.02 interacted with doxorubicin or ERBB family inhibitors to significantly enhance tumor cell killing which was associated with greater levels of autophagosome formation and autophagic flux. Knock down of Beclin1, ATG5 or eIF2α were more protective than knock down of ATM, AMPKα, CD95 or FADD, however, over-expression of FLIP-s provided greater protection compared to knock down of CD95 or FADD. Expression of activated forms of mTOR and STAT3 significantly reduced tumor cell killing. GZ17-6.02 reduced the expression of PD-L1 in uveal melanoma cells to a similar extent as observed in cutaneous melanoma cells whereas it was less effective at enhancing the levels of MHCA. The components of GZ17-6.02 were detected in tumors using a syngeneic tumor model. Our data support future testing GZ17-6.02 in uveal melanoma as a single agent, in combination with ERBB family inhibitors, in combination with cytotoxic drugs, or with an anti-PD1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Jane L. Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Ivan Spasojevic
- Department of Medicine, and PK/PD Core Laboratory, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kaitlyn C. Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Andrew Poklepovic
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program, Hillman Cancer Research Pavilion Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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2
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Sun D, Zhang Z, Yu X, Li H, Wang X, Chen L. The mechanism of UNC-51-like kinase 1 and the applications of small molecule modulators in cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116273. [PMID: 38432059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is a process of self-renewal in cells, which not only provides the necessary nutrients for cells, but also clears necrotic organelles. Autophagy disorders are closely related to diseases such as cancer. UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a crucial role in receiving input from energy and nutrient sensors, activating autophagy to maintain cellular homeostasis under stressful conditions. In recent years, targeting ULK1 has become a highly promising strategy for cancer treatment. This review introduces the regulatory mechanism of ULK1 in autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway and reviews the research progress of ULK1 activators and inhibitors and their applications in cancer treatment. In addition, we analyze the binding modes between ULK1 and modulators through virtual molecular docking, which will provide a reliable basis and theoretical guidance for the design and development of new therapeutic drugs targeting ULK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejuan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Chinese People's Liberation Army Logistics Support Force, No. 967 Hospital, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Zhiqi Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Xinbo Yu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Institute of Structural Pharmacology & TCM Chemical Biology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Chinese People's Liberation Army Logistics Support Force, No. 967 Hospital, Dalian, 116021, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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3
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Booth L, Roberts JL, West C, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 interacts with proteasome inhibitors to kill multiple myeloma cells. Oncotarget 2024; 15:159-174. [PMID: 38441437 PMCID: PMC10913917 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02, a synthetically manufactured compound containing isovanillin, harmine and curcumin, has undergone phase I evaluation in patients with solid tumors (NCT03775525) with a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of 375 mg PO BID. GZ17-6.02 was more efficacious as a single agent at killing multiple myeloma cells than had previously been observed in solid tumor cell types. GZ17-6.02 interacted with proteasome inhibitors in a greater than additive fashion to kill myeloma cells and alone it killed inhibitor-resistant cells to a similar extent. The drug combination of GZ17-6.02 and bortezomib activated ATM, the AMPK and PERK and inactivated ULK1, mTORC1, eIF2α, NFκB and the Hippo pathway. The combination increased ATG13 S318 phosphorylation and the expression of Beclin1, ATG5, BAK and BIM, and reduced the levels of BCL-XL and MCL1. GZ17-6.02 interacted with bortezomib to enhance autophagosome formation and autophagic flux, and knock down of ATM, AMPKα, ULK1, Beclin1 or ATG5 significantly reduced both autophagy and tumor cell killing. Knock down of BAK and BIM significantly reduced tumor cell killing. The expression of HDACs1/2/3 was significantly reduced beyond that previously observed in solid tumor cells and required autophagy. This was associated with increased acetylation and methylation of histone H3. Combined knock down of HDACs1/2/3 caused activation of ATM and the AMPK and caused inactivation of ULK1, mTORC1, NFκB and the Hippo pathway. HDAC knock down also enhanced ATG13 phosphorylation, increased BAK levels and reduced those of BCL-XL. Collectively, our present studies support performing additional in vivo studies with multiple myeloma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Jane L. Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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4
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Booth MR, Booth L, Roberts JL, West C, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 interacts with bexarotene to kill mycosis fungoides cells. Oncotarget 2024; 15:124-133. [PMID: 38329728 PMCID: PMC10852062 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02, composed of curcumin, harmine and isovanillin, has undergone phase I evaluation in patients with solid tumors (NCT03775525) with an RP2D of 375 mg PO BID. The biology of GZ17-6.02 in malignant T cells and in particular those derived from mycosis fungoides (MF) patients, has not been studied. GZ17-6.02 alone and in combination with standard-of-care agents was effective in killing MF cells. All three components are necessary for optimal killing of MF cells. GZ17-6.02 activated ATM, the AMPK, NFκB and PERK and inactivated ERK1/2, AKT, ULK1, mTORC1, eIF2α, and reduced the expression of BCL-XL and MCL1. GZ17-6.02 increased ATG13 S318 phosphorylation and the expression of Beclin1, ATG5, BAK and BIM. GZ17-6.02 in a dose-dependent fashion enhanced autophagosome formation and autophagic flux, and tumor cell killing. Signaling by ATM and AMPK were both required for efficient killing but not for the dose-response effect whereas ER stress (eIF2α) and macroautophagy (Beclin1, ATG5) were required for both efficient killing and the dose-response. Knock down of the death receptor CD95 reduced killing by ~20% and interacted with autophagy inhibition to further reduce killing, collectively, by ~70%. Inhibition of autophagy and knock down of death-mediators downstream of the mitochondrion, AIF and caspase 3, almost abolished tumor cell killing. Hence in MF cells, GZ17-6.02 is a multi-factorial killer, utilizing ER stress, macroautophagy, death receptor signaling and directly causing mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Jane L. Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Hutchinson, KS 67502, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Bordeaux ZA, Reddy SV, Choi J, Braun G, McKeel J, Lu W, Yossef SM, Ma EZ, West CE, Kwatra SG, Kwatra MM. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of tumor suppressive effects of GZ17-6.02 against mycosis fungoides. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1955. [PMID: 38263212 PMCID: PMC10805783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52544-z] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Despite having a wide variety of therapeutic agents available for the treatment of MF, patients often suffer from a significant decrease in quality of life and rarely achieve long-term remission or complete cure, highlighting a need to develop novel therapeutic agents for this disease. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a novel anti-tumor agent, GZ17-6.02, which is composed of curcumin, harmine, and isovanillin, against MF in vitro and in murine models. Treatment of HH and MyLa cells with GZ17-6.02 inhibited the growth of both cell lines with IC50 ± standard errors for growth inhibition of 14.37 ± 1.19 µg/mL and 14.56 ± 1.35 µg/mL, respectively, and increased the percentage of cells in late apoptosis (p = .0304 for HH; p = .0301 for MyLa). Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that GZ17-6.02 suppressed several pathways, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-ɑ signaling via nuclear factor (NF)-kB, mammalian target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)1, and Pi3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. In a subcutaneous tumor model, GZ17-6.02 decreased tumor volume (p = .002) and weight (p = .009) compared to control conditions. Proteomic analysis of tumor samples showed that GZ17-6.02 suppressed the expression of several proteins that may promote CTCL growth, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)1, MAPK3, Growth factor receptor bound protein (GRB)2, and Mediator of RAP80 interactions and targeting subunit of 40 kDa (MERIT)40.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Bordeaux
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 206 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Sriya V Reddy
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 206 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Justin Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 206 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Gabriella Braun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Jaimie McKeel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Weiying Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 206 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Selina M Yossef
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 206 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Emily Z Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 206 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Cameron E West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Hutchinson, USA
- US Dermatology Partners, Wichita, USA
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Building II, Suite 206 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Madan M Kwatra
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
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6
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Chen X, Gu J, Huang J, Wen K, Zhang G, Chen Z, Wang Z. Characterization of circRNAs in established osimertinib‑resistant non‑small cell lung cancer cell lines. Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:102. [PMID: 37681495 PMCID: PMC10619537 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is an urgent problem to be solved in the treatment of non‑small‑cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Osimertinib is a third‑generation EGFR‑tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which can improve the efficacy and quality of life of patients; however, the inevitable resistance after long‑term use of osimertinib often leads to treatment failure. Cell lines are key tools for basic and preclinical studies. At present, few osimertinib‑resistant cell lines (HCC827‑OR and H1975‑OR) have been established. In the present study, osimertinib‑resistant cell lines were established by gradually increasing the drug concentration. Half‑maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), cell morphology, whole exon sequencing, Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, EdU staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the osimertinib‑resistant cell lines. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of key proteins involved in osimertinib resistance. The circular RNA (circRNA) expression profile was identified by RNA sequencing (RNA‑seq) analysis of HCC827, HCC827‑OR, H1975 and H1975‑OR cells. Subsequently, the biological roles of differentially expressed circRNAs were explored in in vitro studies. Osimertinib‑resistant cell lines were successfully established via treatment with an increasing concentration of osimertinib. Osimertinib IC50 and proliferation of resistant cells were much higher than those of sensitive cells. Notably, phosphorylated (p)‑AKT and p‑ERK were markedly activated in resistant cells, and the inhibitory effect of osimertinib on p‑AKT and p‑ERK was weaker in resistant cells than that in parental cells. RNA‑seq analysis identified differentially expressed circRNAs in HCC827, HCC827‑OR, H1975 and H1975‑OR cells. The most dysregulated circRNAs (circPDLIM5 and circPPP4R1) were selected for further functional study. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs were associated with 'endocytosis' and 'regulation of autophagy'. In conclusion, the present study established osimertinib‑resistant cell lines and revealed that circRNAs may serve as a promising biomarker in NSCLC osimertinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011
| | - Jingyao Gu
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011
| | - Jiali Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering,
China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009
| | - Kang Wen
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011
| | - Ge Zhang
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011
| | - Zhenyao Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032,
P.R. China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011
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Bordeaux ZA, Kwatra SG, Booth L, Dent P. A novel combination of isovanillin, curcumin, and harmine (GZ17-6.02) enhances cell death and alters signaling in actinic keratoses cells when compared to individual components and two-component combinations. Anticancer Drugs 2023; 34:544-550. [PMID: 36847046 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Actinic keratosis is a pre-malignant skin disease caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. The present studies further defined the biology of a novel combination of isovanillin, curcumin, and harmine in actinic keratosis cells in vitro . An oral formulation (GZ17-6.02) and topical preparation (GZ21T) comprised of the same fixed, stoichiometric ratio have been developed. Together, the three active ingredients killed actinic keratosis cells more effectively than any of its component parts as either individual agents or when combined in pairs. The three active ingredients caused greater levels of DNA damage than any of its component parts as either individual agents or when combined in pairs. As a single agent, compared to isolated components, GZ17-6.02/GZ21T caused significantly greater activation of PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase, the AMP-dependent protein kinase, and ULK1 and significantly reduced the activities of mTORC1, AKT, and YAP. Knockdown of the autophagy-regulatory proteins ULK1, Beclin1, or ATG5 significantly reduced the lethality of GZ17-6.02/GZ21T alone. Expression of an activated mammalian target of rapamycin mutant suppressed autophagosome formation and autophagic flux and reduced tumor cell killing. Blockade of both autophagy and death receptor signaling abolished drug-induced actinic keratosis cell death. Our data demonstrate that the unique combination of isovanillin, curcumin, and harmine represents a novel therapeutic with the potential to treat actinic keratosis in a manner different from the individual components or pairs of the components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Bordeaux
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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8
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Booth L, Roberts JL, West C, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 kills prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1045459. [PMCID: PMC9671078 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1045459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02 is undergoing clinical evaluation in solid tumors and lymphoma. We defined the biology of GZ17-6.02 in prostate cancer cells and determined whether it interacted with the PARP1 inhibitor olaparib to enhance tumor cell killing. GZ17-6.02 interacted in a greater than additive fashion with olaparib to kill prostate cancer cells, regardless of androgen receptor expression or loss of PTEN function. Mechanistically, GZ17-6.02 initially caused peri-nuclear activation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) that was followed after several hours by activation of nuclear ATM, and which at this time point was associated with increased levels of DNA damage. Directly downstream of ATM, GZ17-6.02 and olaparib cooperated to activate the AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) which then activated the kinase ULK1, resulting in autophagosome formation that was followed by autophagic flux. Knock down of ATM, AMPKα or the autophagy-regulatory proteins Beclin1 or ATG5 significantly reduced tumor cell killing. GZ17-6.02 and olaparib cooperated to activate protein kinase R which phosphorylated and inactivated eIF2α, i.e., enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling. Knock down of eIF2α also significantly reduced autophagosome formation and tumor cell killing. We conclude that GZ17-6.02 and olaparib interact to kill prostate cancer cells in vitro by increasing autophagy and by enhancing ER stress signaling. In vivo, GZ17-6.02 as a single agent profoundly reduced tumor growth and significantly prolonged animal survival. GZ17-6.02 interacted with olaparib to further suppress the growth of LNCaP tumors without ultimately enhancing animal survival. Our data support the consideration of GZ17-6.02 as a possible therapeutic agent in patients with AR+ prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jane L. Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Sterling, KS, United States
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Paul Dent,
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Choi J, Bordeaux ZA, McKeel J, Nanni C, Sutaria N, Braun G, Davis C, Miller MN, Alphonse MP, Kwatra SG, West CE, Kwatra MM. GZ17-6.02 Inhibits the Growth of EGFRvIII+ Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084174. [PMID: 35456993 PMCID: PMC9030248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is amplified in over 50% of glioblastomas and promotes tumor formation and progression. However, attempts to treat glioblastoma with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been unsuccessful thus far. The current standard of care is especially poor in patients with a constitutively active form of EGFR, EGFRvIII, which is associated with shorter survival time. This study examined the effect of GZ17-6.02, a novel anti-cancer agent undergoing phase 1 studies, on two EGFRvIII+ glioblastoma stem cells: D10-0171 and D317. In vitro analyses showed that GZ17-6.02 inhibited the growth of both D10-0171 and D317 cells with IC50 values of 24.84 and 28.28 µg/mL respectively. RNA sequencing and reverse phase protein array analyses revealed that GZ17-6.02 downregulates pathways primarily related to steroid synthesis and cell cycle progression. Interestingly, G17-6.02’s mechanism of action involves the downregulation of the recently identified glioblastoma super-enhancer genes WSCD1, EVOL2, and KLHDC8A. Finally, a subcutaneous xenograft model showed that GZ17-6.02 inhibits glioblastoma growth in vivo. We conclude that GZ17-6.02 is a promising combination drug effective at inhibiting the growth of a subset of glioblastomas and our data warrants further preclinical studies utilizing xenograft models to identify patients that may respond to this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.C.); (Z.A.B.); (N.S.); (M.P.A.); (S.G.K.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.M.); (C.N.); (G.B.); (C.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Zachary A. Bordeaux
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.C.); (Z.A.B.); (N.S.); (M.P.A.); (S.G.K.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.M.); (C.N.); (G.B.); (C.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Jaimie McKeel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.M.); (C.N.); (G.B.); (C.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Cory Nanni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.M.); (C.N.); (G.B.); (C.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Nishadh Sutaria
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.C.); (Z.A.B.); (N.S.); (M.P.A.); (S.G.K.)
| | - Gabriella Braun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.M.); (C.N.); (G.B.); (C.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Cole Davis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.M.); (C.N.); (G.B.); (C.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Meghan N. Miller
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.M.); (C.N.); (G.B.); (C.D.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Martin P. Alphonse
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.C.); (Z.A.B.); (N.S.); (M.P.A.); (S.G.K.)
| | - Shawn G. Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (J.C.); (Z.A.B.); (N.S.); (M.P.A.); (S.G.K.)
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Madan M. Kwatra
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.M.); (C.N.); (G.B.); (C.D.); (M.N.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(919)-681-4782
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Booth L, West C, Moore RP, Hoff DV, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 and axitinib interact to kill renal carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2022; 13:281-290. [PMID: 35136485 PMCID: PMC8815785 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02 is undergoing clinical evaluation in solid tumors and lymphoma. The present studies were performed to define its biology in renal carcinoma cells and to determine whether it interacted with axitinib to enhance tumor cell killing. GZ17-6.02 interacted in an arithmetically greater than additive fashion with axitinib to kill kidney cancer cells. GZ17-6.02 and axitinib cooperated to inactivate ERBB2, c-MET, c-KIT, c-SRC, the AMPK, STAT3, STAT5 and eIF2α and to activate PERK, ULK1 and ATG13. The drugs interacted to increase the expression of FAS-L and to decrease the levels of MCL1, BCL-XL, and HDACs 1-3. The drugs as single agents inactivated the Hippo pathway. GZ17-6.02 and axitinib interacted to enhance autophagosome formation and autophagic flux. Knock down of Beclin1, ATG5, eIF2α, toxic BH3 domain proteins or CD95/FADD significantly reduced drug combination lethality. GZ17-6.02 and axitinib increased the expression of BAK, BIM, Beclin1 and ATG5, effects blocked by knock down of eIF2α. The drugs increased phosphorylation of ULK1 S757 and ATG13 S318 and decreased the phosphorylation of mTORC1 and mTORC2, effects blocked by knock down of AMPKα. Knock down of Beclin1 or ATG5 prevented the drug combination reducing expression of HDACs 1-3 and from enhancing the expression of MHCA. Knock down of HDACs 1-3 enhanced MHCA expression. We conclude that GZ17-6.02 and axitinib interact to kill requiring ER stress signaling, autophagy and death receptor signaling. Autophagic degradation of HDACs played a key role in enhancing MHCA expression and of a potential improved response to checkpoint inhibitory immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Sterling, KS 67579, USA
| | | | - Daniel Von Hoff
- Physician-in-Chief, Distinguished Professor, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN), Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Booth L, West C, Moore RP, Von Hoff D, Dent P. GZ17-6.02 and palbociclib interact to kill ER+ breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2022; 13:92-104. [PMID: 35035775 PMCID: PMC8754587 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GZ17-6.02 is presently undergoing clinical evaluation in solid tumors and lymphoma. The present studies were performed to define its biology in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells and to determine whether it interacted with palbociclib to enhance tumor cell killing. GZ17-6.02 interacted in an additive fashion with palbociclib to kill ER+ breast cancer cells. GZ17-6.02 and palbociclib cooperated to inactivate mTOR and AKT and to activate ULK1 and PERK. The drugs interacted to increase the expression of FAS-L and BAX, and to decrease the levels of MCL1, the estrogen receptor, and HDACs 1–3. Palbociclib activated ERBB3, an effect blocked by GZ17-6.02. GZ17-6.02 and palbociclib interacted to increase the expression of multiple toxic BH3 domain proteins and to reduce MCL1 and BCL-XL expression. Knock down of FAS-L reduced the lethality of [GZ17-6.02 + palbociclib]. GZ17-6.02 and palbociclib interacted to enhance autophagosome formation and autophagic flux. Knock down of Beclin1, ATG5, BAG3, eIF2α, toxic BH3 domain proteins or CD95 significantly reduced drug combination lethality. GZ17-6.02 and palbociclib increased the expression of Beclin1 and ATG5, effects blocked by knock down of eIF2α. The drugs also increased the phosphorylation of the AMPK and ATG13, effects blocked by knock down of ATM. Knock down of ATM or the AMPK, or expression of activated mTOR significantly reduced the abilities of GZ17-6.02 and palbociclib to enhance autophagosome formation and autophagic flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Cameron West
- Genzada Pharmaceuticals, Sterling, KS 67579, USA
| | | | - Daniel Von Hoff
- Physician-in-Chief, Distinguished Professor, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN), Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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