1
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Marr AR, Halpin M, Corbin DL, Asemelash Y, Sher S, Gordon BK, Whipp EC, Mitchell S, Harrington BK, Orwick S, Benrashid S, Goettl VM, Yildiz V, Mitchell AD, Cahn O, Mims AS, Larkin KTM, Long M, Blachly J, Woyach JA, Lapalombella R, Grieselhuber NR. The multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib reverses bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor resistance in acute myeloid leukemia via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:27. [PMID: 38438856 PMCID: PMC10913666 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00483-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematologic cancer with poor survival across a broad range of molecular subtypes. Development of efficacious and well-tolerable therapies encompassing the range of mutations that can arise in AML remains an unmet need. The bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins represents an attractive therapeutic target in AML due to their crucial roles in many cellular functions, regardless of any specific mutation. Many BET inhibitors (BETi) are currently in pre-clinical and early clinical development, but acquisition of resistance continues to remain an obstacle for the drug class. Novel methods to circumvent this development of resistance could be instrumental for the future use of BET inhibitors in AML, both as monotherapy and in combination. To date, many investigations into possible drug combinations of BETi with CDK inhibitors have focused on CDK9, which has a known physical and functional interaction with the BET protein BRD4. Therefore, we wished to investigate possible synergy and additive effects between inhibitors of these targets in AML. Here, we describe combination therapy with the multi-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib and the BETi PLX51107 in pre-clinical models of AML. Dinaciclib and PLX51107 demonstrate additive effects in AML cell lines, primary AML samples, and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate novel activity of dinaciclib through inhibition of the canonical/β-catenin dependent Wnt signaling pathway, a known resistance mechanism to BETi in AML. We show dinaciclib inhibits Wnt signaling at multiple levels, including downregulation of β-catenin, the Wnt co-receptor LRP6, as well as many Wnt pathway components and targets. Moreover, dinaciclib sensitivity remains unaffected in a setting of BET resistance, demonstrating similar inhibitory effects on Wnt signaling when compared to BET-sensitive cells. Ultimately, our results demonstrate rationale for combination CDKi and BETi in AML. In addition, our novel finding of Wnt signaling inhibition could have potential implications in other cancers where Wnt signaling is dysregulated and demonstrates one possible approach to circumvent development of BET resistance in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Marr
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Madeline Halpin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dominique L Corbin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yerdanos Asemelash
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steven Sher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Britten K Gordon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ethan C Whipp
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Shelley Orwick
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samon Benrashid
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Virginia M Goettl
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vedat Yildiz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andrew D Mitchell
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Olivia Cahn
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alice S Mims
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karilyn T M Larkin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Meixao Long
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Blachly
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer A Woyach
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicole R Grieselhuber
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Leukemia Research Program, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Zhang H, Huang C, Gordon J, Yu S, Morton G, Childers W, Abou-Gharbia M, Zhang Y, Jelinek J, Issa JPJ. MC180295 is a highly potent and selective CDK9 inhibitor with preclinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy in cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:3. [PMID: 38172923 PMCID: PMC10765884 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01617-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a novel epigenetic target in cancer, can reactivate epigenetically silenced genes in cancer by dephosphorylating the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler BRG1. Here, we characterized the anti-tumor efficacy of MC180295, a newly developed CDK9 inhibitor. METHODS In this study, we explored the pharmacokinetics of MC180295 in mice and rats, and tested the anti-tumor efficacy of MC180295, and its enantiomers, in multiple cancer cell lines and mouse models. We also combined CDK9 inhibition with a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, decitabine, in multiple mouse models, and tested MC180295 dependence on T cells. Drug toxicity was measured by checking body weights and complete blood counts. RESULTS MC180295 had high specificity for CDK9 and high potency against multiple neoplastic cell lines (median IC50 of 171 nM in 46 cell lines representing 6 different malignancies), with the highest potency seen in AML cell lines derived from patients with MLL translocations. MC180295 is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, MC180379 and MC180380, with MC180380 showing higher potency in a live-cell epigenetic assay. Both MC180295 and MC180380 showed efficacy in in vivo AML and colon cancer xenograft models, and significant synergy with decitabine in both cancer models. Lastly, we found that CDK9 inhibition-mediated anti-tumoral effects were partially dependent on CD8 + T cells in vivo, indicating a significant immune component to the response. CONCLUSIONS MC180380, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), is an efficacious anti-cancer agent worth advancing further toward clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanghang Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Chen Huang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - John Gordon
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Sijia Yu
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - George Morton
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Wayne Childers
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Magid Abou-Gharbia
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - Jaroslav Jelinek
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre J Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
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3
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Kaplan HG, Subramaniam S, Vallières E, Barnett T. Prolonged Survival of NUT Midline Carcinoma and Current Approaches to Treatment. Oncologist 2023; 28:765-770. [PMID: 37311046 PMCID: PMC10485280 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
NUT midline carcinoma is a rare malignancy most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. The disease presents most often in the lung or head and neck area but can be seen occasionally elsewhere. The diagnosis can be difficult and requires a high degree of suspicion with demonstration of the classic fusion rearrangement mutation of the NUTM1 gene with one of a variety of partners by immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in situ hybridization, or genomic analysis. Survival is usually only a number of months with few long-term survivors. Here we report one of the longest-known survivors of this disease treated with surgery and radiation without additional therapy. Systemic treatment approaches including the use of chemotherapy and BET and histone deacetylase inhibitors have yielded modest results. Further studies of these, as well as p300 and CDK9 inhibitors and combinations of BET inhibitors with chemotherapy or CDK 4/6 inhibitors, are being evaluated. Recent reports suggest there may be a role for immune checkpoint inhibitors, even in the absence of high tumor mutation burden or PD-L1 positivity. RNA sequencing of this patient's tumor demonstrated overexpression of multiple potentially targetable genes. Given the altered transcription that results from the causative mutation multi-omic evaluation of these tumors may uncover druggable targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry G Kaplan
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Eric Vallières
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Todd Barnett
- Medical Oncology, Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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4
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French CA, Cheng ML, Hanna GJ, DuBois SG, Chau NG, Hann CL, Storck S, Salgia R, Trucco M, Tseng J, Stathis A, Piekarz R, Lauer UM, Massard C, Bennett K, Coker S, Tontsch-Grunt U, Sos ML, Liao S, Wu CJ, Polyak K, Piha-Paul SA, Shapiro GI. Report of the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2493-2505. [PMID: 35417004 PMCID: PMC9197941 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma is a rare, aggressive cancer defined by rearrangements of the NUTM1 gene. No routinely effective treatments of NUT carcinoma exist, despite harboring a targetable oncoprotein, most commonly BRD4-NUT. The vast majority of cases are fatal. Poor awareness of the disease is a major obstacle to progress in the treatment of NUT carcinoma. While the incidence likely exceeds that of Ewing sarcoma, and BRD4-NUT heralded the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor class of selective epigenetic modulators, NUT carcinoma is incorrectly perceived as "impossibly rare," and therefore receives comparatively little private or governmental funding or prioritization by pharma. To raise awareness, propagate scientific knowledge, and initiate a consensus on standard and targeted treatment of NUT carcinoma, we held the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma on March 3, 2021. This virtual event had more than eighty attendees from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Patients with NUT carcinoma and family members were represented and shared perspectives. Broadly, the four areas discussed by experts in the field included (1) the biology of NUT carcinoma; (2) standard approaches to the treatment of NUT carcinoma; (3) results of clinical trials using BET inhibitors; and (4) future directions, including novel BET bromodomain inhibitors, combinatorial approaches, and immunotherapy. It was concluded that standard chemotherapeutic approaches and first-generation BET bromodomain inhibitors, the latter complicated by a narrow therapeutic window, are only modestly effective in a minority of cases. Nonetheless, emerging second-generation targeted inhibitors, novel rational synergistic combinations, and the incorporation of immuno-oncology approaches hold promise to improve the prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA,Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole G. Chau
- British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Simone Storck
- Swabian Children’s Cancer Center, Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | - Anastasios Stathis
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Christophe Massard
- Gustave Roussy-Molecular Radiotherapy INSERM U1030, Faculty of Medicine Kremlin-Bicêtre and Paris-Saclay University , France
| | | | - Shodeinde Coker
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Martin L. Sos
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Pathology, Molecular Pathology University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department of Translational Genomics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sida Liao
- TScan Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarina A. Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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5
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Werr L, Plenker D, Dammert MA, Lorenz C, Brägelmann J, Tumbrink HL, Klein S, Schmitt A, Büttner R, Persigehl T, Shokat KM, Wunderlich FT, Schram AM, Peifer M, Sos ML, Reinhardt HC, Thomas RK. CD74-NRG1 Fusions Are Oncogenic In Vivo and Induce Therapeutically Tractable ERBB2:ERBB3 Heterodimerization. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:821-830. [PMID: 35247925 PMCID: PMC9377738 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
NRG1 fusions are recurrent somatic genome alterations occurring across several tumor types, including invasive mucinous lung adenocarcinomas and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and are potentially actionable genetic alterations in these cancers. We initially discovered CD74-NRG1 as the first NRG1 fusion in lung adenocarcinomas, and many additional fusion partners have since been identified. Here, we present the first CD74-NRG1 transgenic mouse model and provide evidence that ubiquitous expression of the CD74-NRG1 fusion protein in vivo leads to tumor development at high frequency. Furthermore, we show that ERBB2:ERBB3 heterodimerization is a mechanistic event in transformation by CD74-NRG1 binding physically to ERBB3 and that CD74-NRG1-expressing cells proliferate independent of supplemented NRG1 ligand. Thus, NRG1 gene fusions are recurrent driver oncogenes that cause oncogene dependency. Consistent with these findings, patients with NRG1 fusion-positive cancers respond to therapy targeting the ERBB2:ERBB3 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Werr
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dennis Plenker
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcel A. Dammert
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carina Lorenz
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Brägelmann
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Mildred Scheel School of Oncology, Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hannah L. Tumbrink
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Klein
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Schmitt
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Persigehl
- Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kevan M. Shokat
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - F. Thomas Wunderlich
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.,Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP) Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alison M. Schram
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Martin Peifer
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin L. Sos
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - H. Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK partner site Essen), Essen, Germany
| | - Roman K. Thomas
- Department of Translational Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,DKFZ, German Cancer Research Center, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.,Corresponding Author: Roman K. Thomas, Department of Translational Genomics, Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Weyertal 115b, Cologne, 50931, Germany. E-mail:
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6
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Saiki A, Sakamoto K, Bee Y, Izumo T. Nuclear protein of the testis midline carcinoma of the thorax. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2022; 52:531-538. [PMID: 35325167 PMCID: PMC9157292 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare tumor that typically presents in the head, neck, and chest region. NMC is characterized by rearrangement of the NUTM1 gene. It mainly affects children and young adults and is rapidly progressive and lethal. Reportedly, the prognoses of NMCs of the head and neck improve following aggressive initial surgical resection +/- postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy (RT). However, as NMC of the thorax was identified later, treatments to improve its prognosis are yet to be identified. Our review reveals that NMC is an extremely rare cancer, and most patients remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, this review outlines the clinical characteristics of NMC of the thorax and the prospects for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayae Saiki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keita Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuan Bee
- Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Izumo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Liu N, Ling R, Tang X, Yu Y, Zhou Y, Chen D. Post-Translational Modifications of BRD4: Therapeutic Targets for Tumor. Front Oncol 2022; 12:847701. [PMID: 35402244 PMCID: PMC8993501 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.847701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family, is considered to be a major driver of cancer cell growth and a new target for cancer therapy. Over 30 targeted inhibitors currently in preclinical and clinical trials have significant inhibitory effects on various tumors, including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), diffuse large B cell lymphoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer and so on. However, resistance frequently occurs, revealing the limitations of BET inhibitor (BETi) therapy and the complexity of the BRD4 expression mechanism and action pathway. Current studies believe that when the internal and external environmental conditions of cells change, tumor cells can directly modify proteins by posttranslational modifications (PTMs) without changing the original DNA sequence to change their functions, and epigenetic modifications can also be activated to form new heritable phenotypes in response to various environmental stresses. In fact, research is constantly being supplemented with regards to that the regulatory role of BRD4 in tumors is closely related to PTMs. At present, the PTMs of BRD4 mainly include ubiquitination and phosphorylation; the former mainly regulates the stability of the BRD4 protein and mediates BETi resistance, while the latter is related to the biological functions of BRD4, such as transcriptional regulation, cofactor recruitment, chromatin binding and so on. At the same time, other PTMs, such as hydroxylation, acetylation and methylation, also play various roles in BRD4 regulation. The diversity, complexity and reversibility of posttranslational modifications affect the structure, stability and biological function of the BRD4 protein and participate in the occurrence and development of tumors by regulating the expression of tumor-related genes and even become the core and undeniable mechanism. Therefore, targeting BRD4-related modification sites or enzymes may be an effective strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. This review summarizes the role of different BRD4 modification types, elucidates the pathogenesis in the corresponding cancers, provides a theoretical reference for identifying new targets and effective combination therapy strategies, and discusses the opportunities, barriers, and limitations of PTM-based therapies for future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Deyu Chen
- *Correspondence: Deyu Chen, ; Yuepeng Zhou,
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8
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Nelson LJ, Castro KE, Xu B, Li J, Dinh NB, Thompson JM, Woytash J, Kipp KR, Razorenova OV. Synthetic lethality of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Dinaciclib with VHL-deficiency allows for selective targeting of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1103-1119. [PMID: 35240916 PMCID: PMC9037521 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2041783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CC-RCC) remains one of the most deadly forms of kidney cancer despite recent advancements in targeted therapeutics, including tyrosine kinase and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Unfortunately, these therapies have not been able to show better than a 16% complete response rate. In this study we evaluated a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, Dinaciclib, as a potential new targeted therapeutic for CC-RCC. In vitro, Dinaciclib showed anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on CC-RCC cell lines in Cell Titer Glo, Crystal Violet, FACS-based cell cycle analysis, and TUNEL assays. Additionally, these responses were accompanied by a reduction in phospho-Rb and pro-survival MCL-1 cell signaling responses, as well as the induction of caspase 3 and PARP cleavage. In vivo, Dinaciclib efficiently inhibited primary tumor growth in an orthotopic, patient-derived xenograft-based CC-RCC mouse model. Importantly, Dinaciclib targeted both CD105+ cancer stem cells (CSCs) and CD105− non-CSCs in vivo. Moreover, normal cell lines, as well as a CC-RCC cell line with re-expressed von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene, were protected from Dinaciclib-induced cytotoxicity when not actively dividing, indicating an effective therapeutic window due to synthetic lethality of Dinaciclib treatment with VHL loss. Thus, Dinaciclib represents a novel potential therapeutic for CC-RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Nelson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kyleen E Castro
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Binzhi Xu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Junyi Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Nguyen B Dinh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jordan M Thompson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Jordan Woytash
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | | | - Olga V Razorenova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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9
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Abstract
Accurate control of gene expression is essential for normal development and dysregulation of transcription underpins cancer onset and progression. Similar to cell cycle regulation, RNA polymerase II-driven transcription can be considered as a unidirectional multistep cycle, with thousands of unique transcription cycles occurring in concert within each cell. Each transcription cycle comprises recruitment, initiation, pausing, elongation, termination and recycling stages that are tightly controlled by the coordinated action of transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases and their cognate cyclins as well as the opposing activity of transcriptional phosphatases. Oncogenic dysregulation of transcription can entail defective control of gene expression, either at select loci or more globally, impacting a large proportion of the genome. The resultant dependency on the core-transcriptional machinery is believed to render 'transcriptionally addicted' cancers sensitive to perturbation of transcription. Based on these findings, small molecules targeting transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases and associated proteins hold promise for the treatment of cancer. Here, we utilize the transcription cycles concept to explain how dysregulation of these finely tuned gene expression processes may drive tumorigenesis and how therapeutically beneficial responses may arise from global or selective transcriptional perturbation. This conceptual framework helps to explain tumour-selective transcriptional dependencies and facilitates the rational design of combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephin J Vervoort
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Devlin
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Kwiatkowski
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingxing Teng
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, CHEM-H and SCI, Stanford Medical School, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Ricky W Johnstone
- Gene Regulation Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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10
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Schaufler D, Ast DF, Tumbrink HL, Abedpour N, Maas L, Schwäbe AE, Spille I, Lennartz S, Fassunke J, Aldea M, Besse B, Planchard D, Nogova L, Michels S, Kobe C, Persigehl T, Westphal T, Koleczko S, Fischer R, Weber J, Altmüller J, Thomas RK, Merkelbach-bruse S, Gautschi O, Mezquita L, Büttner R, Wolf J, Peifer M, Brägelmann J, Scheffler M, Sos ML. Clonal dynamics of BRAF-driven drug resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2021; 5. [PMID: 34921211 PMCID: PMC8683498 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-021-00241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of MAPK signaling via BRAF mutations may limit the activity of EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients. However, the impact of BRAF mutations on the selection and fitness of emerging resistant clones during anti-EGFR therapy remains elusive. We tracked the evolution of subclonal mutations by whole-exome sequencing and performed clonal analyses of individual metastases during therapy. Complementary functional analyses of polyclonal EGFR-mutant cell pools showed a dose-dependent enrichment of BRAFV600E and a loss of EGFR inhibitor susceptibility. The clones remain stable and become vulnerable to combined EGFR, RAF, and MEK inhibition. Moreover, only osimertinib/trametinib combination treatment, but not monotherapy with either of these drugs, leads to robust tumor shrinkage in EGFR-driven xenograft models harboring BRAFV600E mutations. These data provide insights into the dynamics of clonal evolution of EGFR-mutant tumors and the therapeutic implications of BRAF co-mutations that may facilitate the development of treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of these patients.
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11
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Xie M, Fu X, Wang W. Clinicopathological and molecular characterizations of pulmonary NUT midline carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 10:5757-5764. [PMID: 34409758 PMCID: PMC8419746 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a aggressive cancer with t (15, 19) translocation. Here we present the clinicopathological characteristics and molecular genetics alterations of primary pulmonary NMC. Methods Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was performed to evaluate NUT translocation. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to investigate genomic landscape. A panel of 289 lung cancer tissues with undifferentiation was retrospectively screened for NUT expression by immunohistochemical (IHC) assay. Results Overall, 2136 lung cancer samples were reviewed. We consecutively identified 12 cases of primary pulmonary NMC. Computed tomography revealed centrally located bulky lung mass with ipsilateral mediastinal lymph node and pleural involvements. Tumor cells presented diffuse poor differentiation and focal squamous differentiation with positive NUT expression. NUT rearrangement was confirmed by FISH assay. Ten NMC samples were investigated by NGS. The most common alterations identified were P53, PIK3CA, AUTS2, ITIH2, and CDKL5 genes. Pulmonary NMC exhibited increased activity of PI3K/AKT pathway. In the screening study, BRD4‐NUT rearrangement was identified in two cases. Conclusion NUT rearrangement remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of pulmonary NMC. PI3K inhibition is a potential targeted therapy for pulmonary NMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinge Fu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Beijing, China
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12
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Patel SA, Singer B, Shen C, Zanation AM, Yarbrough WG, Weiss J. A case of metastatic NUT carcinoma with prolonged response on gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:e04616. [PMID: 34429997 PMCID: PMC8365542 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NUT carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy characterized by translocations in the NUTM1 gene. There are currently no consensus treatment recommendations for NUT carcinomas. METHODS Here, we describe the case of a previously healthy male diagnosed with NUT carcinoma after presenting with sinus pressure, found to have a sinonasal mass and distant metastatic disease in the lungs. While pathologic evaluation and immunohistochemistry were consistent with NUT carcinoma, initial genomic profiling did not demonstrate a NUTM1 translocation. RESULTS Whole transcriptomic RNA sequencing of the tumor revealed a YAP1-NUTM1 fusion. Based on an in vitro drug sensitivity screen, the patient was treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, achieving a partial response that persisted for 9 months. CONCLUSIONS Unbiased transcriptomic sequencing may identify previously uncharacterized NUTM1 fusion partners. Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel is a well-tolerated combination chemotherapy regimen and could offer a novel treatment approach for NUT carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shetal A. Patel
- Division of OncologyLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Bart Singer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Colette Shen
- Department of Radiation OncologyLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Adam M. Zanation
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck SurgeryLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Wendell G. Yarbrough
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck SurgeryLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jared Weiss
- Division of OncologyLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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13
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Carter T, Crook M, Murch A, Beesley AH, de Klerk N, Charles A, Kees UR. Incidence of NUT carcinoma in Western Australia from 1989 to 2014: a review of pediatric and adolescent cases from Perth Children's Hospital. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:740. [PMID: 34176480 PMCID: PMC8237419 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NUT carcinoma (NC), previously known as NUT midline carcinoma, is a rare and very aggressive cancer that occurs in both children and adults. NC is largely chemoresistant, with an overall survival of less than 7 months. Because the carcinoma is not restricted to a particular organ, diagnosis is often a challenge. In the absence of a clearly determined incidence for NC, we sought to study the diagnosis of patients in a well-defined population. Methods We systematically reviewed records of all patients that presented to the Oncology Department of the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children from 1989 to 2014. This institution in the geographically isolated state of Western Australia has a catchment population of around 2 million. We then identified all high grade undifferentiated sarcomas or carcinomas in the 0–16 year age group. Results Over 26 years, we found 14 patients of 16 years or younger with undifferentiated malignant tumors. Of these, five tumors were positive by immunohistochemistry for the NUT/NUTM1 (Nuclear Protein in Testis) protein and/or the translocation t(15;19). Three patients presented with thoracic tumors, one with a para-spinal tumor, and one had an upper airway nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In all five cases, there was an initial response to therapy and then progression. This 26-year survey was conducted in a geographically isolated state with a well-defined population, and we determined an estimated incidence of NC of around 0.41 per million child years (0–16 yrs. of age) at risk. From three patients it was feasible to derive cell lines for further genetic analyses and drug screening. Conclusions For the first time, the incidence of NC could be determined in a well-defined geographic area. The calculated rate of NC incidence is consistent with a history of under-recognition for this malignancy. These findings indicate that improved diagnostic detection of NC would enable better management and counselling of patients. Our findings emphasize the heterogeneity of NC, and they highlight the need to develop personalised therapy options, and to consider a diagnosis of NC in undifferentiated malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Carter
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, 6009, Australia.,PathWest, Nedlands, 6009, Perth, Western Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Maxine Crook
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, 6009, Australia.,PathWest, Nedlands, 6009, Perth, Western Australia
| | | | - Alex H Beesley
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Nick de Klerk
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia
| | - Adrian Charles
- Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, 6009, Australia.,PathWest, Nedlands, 6009, Perth, Western Australia.,Department of Pathology, Sidra Medical and Research Center, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ursula R Kees
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, 6009, Australia.
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14
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Anshabo AT, Milne R, Wang S, Albrecht H. CDK9: A Comprehensive Review of Its Biology, and Its Role as a Potential Target for Anti-Cancer Agents. Front Oncol 2021; 11:678559. [PMID: 34041038 PMCID: PMC8143439 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.678559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are proteins pivotal to a wide range of cellular functions, most importantly cell division and transcription, and their dysregulations have been implicated as prominent drivers of tumorigenesis. Besides the well-established role of cell cycle CDKs in cancer, the involvement of transcriptional CDKs has been confirmed more recently. Most cancers overtly employ CDKs that serve as key regulators of transcription (e.g., CDK9) for a continuous production of short-lived gene products that maintain their survival. As such, dysregulation of the CDK9 pathway has been observed in various hematological and solid malignancies, making it a valuable anticancer target. This therapeutic potential has been utilized for the discovery of CDK9 inhibitors, some of which have entered human clinical trials. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the structure and biology of CDK9, its role in solid and hematological cancers, and an updated review of the available inhibitors currently being investigated in preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Tesfaye Anshabo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert Milne
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hugo Albrecht
- Drug Discovery and Development, Centre for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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15
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Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is an extremely aggressive squamous cancer with no effective therapy. NC is driven, most commonly, by the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein. BRD4-NUT combines the chromatin-binding bromo- and extraterminal domain-containing (BET) protein, BRD4, with an unstructured, poorly understood protein, NUT, which recruits and activates the histone acetyltransferase p300. Recruitment of p300 to chromatin by BRD4 is believed to lead to the formation of hyperacetylated nuclear foci, as seen by immunofluorescence. BRD4-NUT nuclear foci correspond with massive contiguous regions of chromatin co-enriched with BRD4-NUT, p300, and acetylated histones, termed "megadomains" (MD). Megadomains stretch for as long as 2 MB. Proteomics has defined a BRD4-NUT chromatin complex in which members that associate with BRD4 also exist as rare NUT-fusion partners. This suggests that the common pathogenic denominator is the presence of both BRD4 and NUT, and that the function of BRD4-NUT may mimic that of wild-type BRD4. If so, then MDs may function as massive super-enhancers, activating transcription in a BET-dependent manner. Common targets of MDs across multiple NCs and tissues are three stem cell-related transcription factors frequently implicated in cancer: MYC, SOX2, and TP63. Recently, MDs were found to form a novel nuclear sub-compartment, called subcompartment M (subM), where MD-MD interactions occur both intra- and inter-chromosomally. Included in subM are MYC, SOX2, and TP63. Here we explore the possibility that if MDs are simply large super-enhancers, subM may exist in other cell systems, with broad implications for how 3D organization of the genome may function in gene regulation and maintenance of cell identity. Finally, we discuss how our knowledge of BRD4-NUT function has been leveraged for the therapeutic development of first-in-class BET inhibitors and other targeted strategies.
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16
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Yang L, Zhou F, Zhuang Y, Liu Y, Xu L, Zhao H, Xiang Y, Dai X, Liu Z, Huang X, Wang L, Zhao C. Acetyl-bufalin shows potent efficacy against non-small-cell lung cancer by targeting the CDK9/STAT3 signalling pathway. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:645-57. [PMID: 33122847 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01135-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target in cancers. Bufalin is an effective anti-tumour agent; however, the clinical application of bufalin is limited due to its high toxicity. Acetyl-bufalin, the bufalin prodrug, was designed and synthesised with higher efficiency and lower toxicity. METHODS Three non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, a xenograft model and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model were used to examine the effects of acetyl-bufalin. CDK9/STAT3 involvement was investigated by knockdown with siRNA, proteome microarray assay, western blot analysis and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Acute toxicity test and pharmacokinetics (PK) study were conducted to assess the safety and PK. The human NSCLC tissues were analysed to verify high CDK9 expression. RESULTS We showed that CDK9 induced NSCLC cell proliferation and that this effect was associated with STAT3 activation, specifically an increase in STAT3 phosphorylation and transcription factor activity. Acetyl-bufalin is an effective and safety inhibitor of the CDK9/STAT3 pathway, leading to the impediment of various oncogenic processes in NSCLC. Molecular docking and high-throughput proteomics platform analysis uncovered acetyl-bufalin directly binds to CDK9. Consequently, acetyl-bufalin impaired the complex formation of CDK9 and STAT3, decreased the expressions of P-STAT3, and transcribed target genes such as cyclin B1, CDC2, MCL-1, Survivin, VEGF, BCL2, and it upregulated the expression levels of BAX and caspase-3 activity. Acetyl-bufalin inhibited tumour growth in NSCLC xenograft and PDX models. CONCLUSIONS Acetyl-bufalin is a novel blocker of the CDK9/STAT3 pathway thus may have potential in therapy of NSCLC and other cancers.
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17
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Johansson P, Dierichs L, Klein-Hitpass L, Bergmann AK, Möllmann M, Menninger S, Habenberger P, Klebl B, Siveke JT, Dührsen U, Choidas A, Dürig J. Anti-leukemic effect of CDK9 inhibition in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2020; 11:2040620720933761. [PMID: 33117517 PMCID: PMC7570784 DOI: 10.1177/2040620720933761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by chemotherapy resistance and a median survival of less than 2 years. Here, we investigated the pharmacological effects of the novel highly specific cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitor LDC526 and its clinically used derivate atuveciclib employing primary T-PLL cells in an ex vivo drug sensitivity testing platform. Importantly, all T-PLL samples were sensitive to CDK9 inhibition at submicromolar concentrations, while conventional cytotoxic drugs were found to be largely ineffective. At the cellular level LDC526 inhibited the phosphorylation at serine 2 of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain resulting in decreased de novo RNA transcription. LDC526 induced apoptotic leukemic cell death through down-regulating MYC and MCL1 both at the mRNA and protein level. Microarray-based transcriptomic profiling revealed that genes down-modulated in response to CDK9 inhibition were enriched for MYC and JAK-STAT targets. By contrast, CDK9 inhibition increased the expression of the tumor suppressor FBXW7, which may contribute to decreased MYC and MCL1 protein levels. Finally, the combination of atuvecliclib and the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax exhibited synergistic anti-leukemic activity, providing the rationale for a novel targeted-agent-based treatment of T-PLL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Dierichs
- Institute for Developmental Cancer Therapeutics, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ludger Klein-Hitpass
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anke K. Bergmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Möllmann
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | | | - Bert Klebl
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Institute for Developmental Cancer Therapeutics, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dührsen
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Dürig
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, partner site Essen) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Wang S, Li J, Tong W, Li H, Feng Q, Teng B. Advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of nut carcinoma: a narrative review. Transl Cancer Res 2020; 9:6505-6515. [PMID: 35117258 PMCID: PMC8798738 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-1884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is a rare, highly invasive and fatal tumor and often misdiagnosed. It typically arises from the mediastinum and midline organs and has complicated pathogenesis and poor outcome. Genetically, its pathogenesis is related to a chromosomal rearrangement involving the NUTM1 gene. In most cases, the main oncoprotein is BRD4-NUT with a translocation between NUTM1 and BRD4 genes, but in a few cases, the oncoprotein is BRD3-NUT, or NSD3-NUT. Studies have shown that the histone hyperacetylation and BRD4 hyperphosphorylation may lead to the activation of cancer circuits. Abnormal production of microRNA, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and abnormal activation of several signaling pathways are proposed as potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NC. Currently, there is no consensus on its standard treatment for NC. Extent of surgical resection with negative margins, initial radiotherapy and part of chemotherapy regimens may significantly associated with the improvement of progression-free survival (PFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate. Some bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitors (BETis) have shown encouraging results in the clinical trials on NC, but delayed drug resistance is still an important issue that needs to be resolved. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are also found to possess the potential in the treatment of NC. Herein, we summarize recent advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchun Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinqiu Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weifang Tong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hejie Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qingjie Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Teng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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19
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He S, Fang X, Xia X, Hou T, Zhang T. Targeting CDK9: A novel biomarker in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1929-1938. [PMID: 32901849 PMCID: PMC7551504 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. Although cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) has a definitive pathogenic role in various types of cancer, little is known concerning its function in endometrial cancer. Our study was conducted to evaluate the expression and therapeutic potential of CDK9 in endometrial cancer. CDK9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in endometrial cancer tissues constructed with paired primary, metastatic, and recurrent tumor tissues from 32 endometrial cancer patients. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and inhibitors of CDK9 were used to evaluate the effect of CDK9 inhibition on the anti-apoptotic activity and proliferation in endometrial cancer cells. Colony formation assay and wound-healing assays were adopted to assess clonal formation and migratory capacity. The results of the immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CDK9 was highly expressed in the human endometrial cancer cell lines; moreover, it was elevated in metastatic and recurrent endometrial tumor tissue compared when compared with that in patient-matched primary endometrial tumor tissue. Knockdown of CDK9 with siRNA and inhibition of CDK9 activity with the inhibitor suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in endometrial cancer. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that CDK9 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of endometrial cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha He
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Hou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
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20
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Lv K, Chen W, Chen D, Mou J, Zhang H, Fan T, Li Y, Cao D, Wang X, Chen L, Shen J, Pei D, Xiong B. Rational Design and Evaluation of 6-(Pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1 H)-ones as Polypharmacological Inhibitors of BET and Kinases. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9787-9802. [PMID: 32787081 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer exhibits diverse heterogeneity with a complicated molecular basis that usually harbors genetic and epigenetic abnormality, which poses a big challenge for single-target agents. In the current work, we proposed a hybrid strategy by incorporating pharmacophores that bind to the acetylated lysine binding pocket of BET proteins with a typical kinase hinge binder to generate novel polypharmacological inhibitors of BET and kinases. Through elaborating the core structure of 6-(pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-one, we demonstrated that this rational design can produce high potent inhibitors of CDK9 and BET proteins. In this series, compound 40 was identified as the potential lead compound with balanced activities of BRD4 (IC50 = 12.7 nM) and CDK9 (IC50 = 22.4 nM), as well as good antiproliferative activities on a small cancer cell panel. Together, the current study provided a new method for the discovery of bromodomain and kinase dual inhibitors rather than only being discovered by serendipity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaikai Lv
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weicong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221006, China
| | - Danqi Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jie Mou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221006, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tiantian Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanlian Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Danyan Cao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jingkang Shen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dongsheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221006, China
| | - Bing Xiong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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21
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Virarkar M, Saleh M, Ramani NS, Morani AC, Bhosale P. Imaging spectrum of NUT carcinomas. Clin Imaging 2020; 67:198-206. [PMID: 32866821 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear protein of the testis (NUT) carcinoma (NC) (formerly known as NUT midline carcinoma) is an aggressive pleomorphic squamous cell carcinoma with a dismal prognosis. Primary NC tumors are commonly located in the chest or head and neck regions. Imaging plays an indispensable role in the staging, management, treatment response assessment, and surveillance of NC. Primary pulmonary NC usually presents as a large mass with lymphadenopathy and pleural involvement. Primary head and neck NC presents as a large expansile necrotic mass in the sinonasal region with locoregional destruction and occasional cervical lymph node involvement. These imaging features are relatively non-specific but are consistent among patients. Currently, there are no standardized guidelines for the treatment of NC. Because of its rarity, paucity of reports in the medical literature, and the lack of awareness among radiologists, NUT carcinoma (NC) has been largely underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Clinical aggressive features and pleomorphic/undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma should prompt genetic evaluation for NUT translocation to diagnose NC. In this article, we discuss NC's clinicopathologic and imaging features and treatment options, including emerging new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Virarkar
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America.
| | - Mohammed Saleh
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Nisha Subhashchandra Ramani
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Ajaykumar C Morani
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Priya Bhosale
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
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22
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Eyvazi S, Hejazi MS, Kahroba H, Abasi M, Zamiri RE, Tarhriz V. CDK9 as an Appealing Target for Therapeutic Interventions. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:453-464. [PMID: 30362418 DOI: 10.2174/1389450119666181026152221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) as a serine/threonine kinase belongs to a great number of CDKs. CDK9 is the main core of PTEF-b complex and phosphorylates RNA polymerase (RNAP) II besides other transcription factors which regulate gene transcription elongation in numerous physiological processes. Multi-functional nature of CDK9 in diverse cellular pathways proposes that it is as an appealing target. In this review, we summarized the recent findings on the molecular interaction of CDK9 with critical participant molecules to modulate their activity in various diseases. Furthermore, the presented review provides a rationale supporting the use of CDK9 as a therapeutic target in clinical developments for crucial diseases; particularly cancers will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Eyvazi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saeid Hejazi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Homan Kahroba
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mozghan Abasi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Eghdam Zamiri
- Faculty of medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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23
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Abstract
The human epigenome plays a key role in determining cellular identity and eventually function. Drug discovery undertakings have focused mainly on the role of genomics in carcinogenesis, with the focus turning to the epigenome recently. Drugs targeting DNA and histone modifications are under development with some such as 5-azacytidine, decitabine, vorinostat, and panobinostat already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This expert review offers a critical analysis of the epigenomics-guided drug discovery and development and the opportunities and challenges for the next decade. Importantly, the coupling of epigenetic editing techniques, such as clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein-9 (Cas9) and APOBEC-coupled epigenetic sequencing (ACE-seq) with epigenetic drug screens, will allow the identification of small-molecule inhibitors or drugs able to reverse epigenetic changes responsible for many diseases. In addition, concrete and sustainable innovation in cancer treatment ought to integrate epigenome targeting drugs with classic therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- 1 International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,2 Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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24
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McEvoy CR, Fox SB, Prall OWJ. Emerging entities in NUTM1-rearranged neoplasms. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 59:375-385. [PMID: 32060986 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural alterations of NUTM1 were originally thought to be restricted to poorly differentiated carcinomas with variable squamous differentiation originating in the midline organs of children and adolescents. Termed NUT carcinomas (NCs), they were defined by a t(15;19) chromosomal rearrangement that was found to result in a BRD4-NUTM1 gene fusion. However, the use of DNA and RNA-based next-generation sequencing has recently revealed a multitude of new NUTM1 fusion partners in a diverse array of neoplasms including sarcoma-like tumors, poromas, and acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs) that we propose to call NUTM1-rearranged neoplasms (NRNs). Intriguingly, the nosology of NRNs often correlates with the functional classification of the fusion partner, suggesting different oncogenic mechanisms within each NRN division. Indeed, whereas NCs are characterized by their aggressiveness and intransigence to standard therapeutic measures, the more positive clinical outcomes seen in some sarcoma and ALL NRNs may reflect these mechanistic differences. Here we provide a broad overview of the molecular, nosological, and clinical features in these newly discovered neoplastic entities. We describe how aberrant expression of NUTM1 due to fusion with an N-terminal DNA/chromatin-binding protein can generate a potentially powerful chromatin modifier that can give rise to oncogenic transformation in numerous cellular contexts. We also conclude that classification, clinical behavior, and therapeutic options may be best defined by the NUTM1 fusion partner rather than by tumor morphology or immunohistochemical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R McEvoy
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen B Fox
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Owen W J Prall
- Department of Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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25
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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26
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Sholder G, Lanz TA, Moccia R, Quan J, Aparicio-Prat E, Stanton R, Xi HS. 3'Pool-seq: an optimized cost-efficient and scalable method of whole-transcriptome gene expression profiling. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:64. [PMID: 31959126 PMCID: PMC6971924 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6478-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of Next Generation Sequencing has allowed transcriptomes to be profiled with unprecedented accuracy, but the high costs of full-length mRNA sequencing have posed a limit on the accessibility and scalability of the technology. To address this, we developed 3'Pool-seq: a simple, cost-effective, and scalable RNA-seq method that focuses sequencing to the 3'-end of mRNA. We drew from aspects of SMART-seq, Drop-seq, and TruSeq to implement an easy workflow, and optimized parameters such as input RNA concentrations, tagmentation conditions, and read depth specifically for bulk-RNA. RESULTS Thorough optimization resulted in a protocol that takes less than 12 h to perform, does not require custom sequencing primers or instrumentation, and cuts over 90% of the costs associated with TruSeq, while still achieving accurate gene expression quantification (Pearson's correlation coefficient with ERCC theoretical concentration r = 0.96) and differential gene detection (ROC analysis of 3'Pool-seq compared to TruSeq AUC = 0.921). The 3'Pool-seq dual indexing scheme was further adapted for a 96-well plate format, and ERCC spike-ins were used to correct for potential row or column pooling effects. Transcriptional profiling of troglitazone and pioglitazone treatments at multiple doses and time points in HepG2 cells was then used to show how 3'Pool-seq could distinguish the two molecules based on their molecular signatures. CONCLUSIONS 3'Pool-seq can accurately detect gene expression at a level that is on par with TruSeq, at one tenth of the total cost. Furthermore, its unprecedented TruSeq/Nextera hybrid indexing scheme and streamlined workflow can be applied in several different formats, including 96-well plates, which allows users to thoroughly evaluate biological systems under several conditions and timepoints. Care must be taken regarding experimental design and plate layout such that potential pooling effects can be accounted for and corrected. Lastly, further studies using multiple sets of ERCC spike-ins may be used to simulate differential gene expression in a system with known ground-state values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Sholder
- Computational Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Thomas A Lanz
- Computational Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Robert Moccia
- Computational Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jie Quan
- Computational Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Estel Aparicio-Prat
- Computational Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Robert Stanton
- Computational Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Hualin S Xi
- Computational Sciences, Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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27
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Chai P, Zhou C, Jia R, Wang Y. Orbital involvement by NUT midline carcinoma: new presentation and encouraging outcome managed by radiotherapy combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor: a case report. Diagn Pathol 2020; 15:2. [PMID: 31900183 PMCID: PMC6942267 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-019-0922-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a poorly differentiated squamous cancer with a median survival at less than 7 months. NMC is resistant to conventional chemotherapies and characterized by rearrangement of the NUT gene. Case presentation Here, we described a patient who initially presented with epiphora, and an orbit involved NMC. In addition, we for the first time demonstrated that local radiotherapy combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) could significantly inhibit tumor progression in orbital involvement by NMC. Conclusions Our study for the first time described an orbit involved NMC patient initially presented with epiphora. In addition, we provided an alternative to the management of orbit involved NMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuandi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yefei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China.
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28
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Shen S, Dean DC, Yu Z, Hornicek F, Kan Q, Duan Z. Aberrant CDK9 expression within chordoma tissues and the therapeutic potential of a selective CDK9 inhibitor LDC000067. J Cancer 2020; 11:132-141. [PMID: 31892980 PMCID: PMC6930393 DOI: 10.7150/jca.35426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Chordomas are slow-growing malignancies that commonly affect vital neurological structures. These neoplasms are highly resistant to current chemotherapeutic regimens and often recur after surgical intervention. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify molecular targets and more robust drugs to improve chordoma patient outcomes. It is well accepted that cyclin-dependent protein kinase 9 (CDK9) has tumorigenic roles in various cancers; however, the expression and significance of CDK9 in chordoma remains unknown. Methods: Expression of CDK9 in chordoma cell lines and tumor tissues was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The correlation between CDK9 expression in patient tissues and clinical prognosis was analyzed. The functional roles of CDK9 in chordoma were investigated after the addition of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and CDK9 inhibitor (LDC000067). Cell growth and proliferation were assessed with MTT and clonogenic assays. The effect of CDK9 inhibition on chordoma cells was further evaluated with a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model which mimics the in vivo environment. Results: CDK9 was expressed in both chordoma cell lines and chordoma tissues. High- expression of CDK9 correlated with recurrence and poor outcomes for chordoma patients. CDK9 silencing with siRNA decreased growth and proliferation of chordoma cells and lowered levels of Mcl-1 and RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) phosphorylation. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK9 with the small molecular inhibitor LDC000067 reduced cell growth, supported apoptosis, suppressed cell colony formation in a clonogenic assay, and decreased spheroid growth in 3D culture. Conclusion: We demonstrate that CDK9 expression in chordoma correlates with patient outcome, and, when inhibited, chordoma cell growth and proliferation significantly decreases. Taken together, these results support CDK9 as an emerging potential target in chordoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Shen
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zujiang Yu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Francis Hornicek
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Quancheng Kan
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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29
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Salati M, Baldessari C, Bonetti LR, Messina C, Merz V, Cerbelli B, Botticelli A. NUT midline carcinoma: Current concepts and future perspectives of a novel tumour entity. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 144:102826. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.102826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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30
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Blake DR, Vaseva AV, Hodge RG, Kline MP, Gilbert TSK, Tyagi V, Huang D, Whiten GC, Larson JE, Wang X, Pearce KH, Herring LE, Graves LM, Frye SV, Emanuele MJ, Cox AD, Der CJ. Application of a MYC degradation screen identifies sensitivity to CDK9 inhibitors in KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/590/eaav7259. [PMID: 31311847 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aav7259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stabilization of the MYC oncoprotein by KRAS signaling critically promotes the growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Thus, understanding how MYC protein stability is regulated may lead to effective therapies. Here, we used a previously developed, flow cytometry-based assay that screened a library of >800 protein kinase inhibitors and identified compounds that promoted either the stability or degradation of MYC in a KRAS-mutant PDAC cell line. We validated compounds that stabilized or destabilized MYC and then focused on one compound, UNC10112785, that induced the substantial loss of MYC protein in both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D cell cultures. We determined that this compound is a potent CDK9 inhibitor with a previously uncharacterized scaffold, caused MYC loss through both transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms, and suppresses PDAC anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth. We discovered that CDK9 enhanced MYC protein stability through a previously unknown, KRAS-independent mechanism involving direct phosphorylation of MYC at Ser62 Our study thus not only identifies a potential therapeutic target for patients with KRAS-mutant PDAC but also presents the application of a screening strategy that can be more broadly adapted to identify regulators of protein stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon R Blake
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Angelina V Vaseva
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Richard G Hodge
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - McKenzie P Kline
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Thomas S K Gilbert
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Vikas Tyagi
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Daowei Huang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gabrielle C Whiten
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jacob E Larson
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kenneth H Pearce
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Laura E Herring
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lee M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stephen V Frye
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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31
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Hashiguchi T, Bruss N, Best S, Lam V, Danilova O, Paiva CJ, Wolf J, Gilbert EW, Okada CY, Kaur P, Drew L, Cidado J, Hurlin P, Danilov AV. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-9 Is a Therapeutic Target in MYC-Expressing Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1520-1532. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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32
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Wang J, Dean DC, Hornicek FJ, Shi H, Duan Z. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target in ovarian cancer. FASEB J 2019; 33:5990-6000. [PMID: 30726104 PMCID: PMC6463912 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801789rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite surgical and chemotherapeutic advances over the past few decades, the prognosis for ovarian cancer remains very poor. Although cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 9 has an established pathogenic role in various cancers, its function in ovarian cancer remains poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of CDK9 and its therapeutic potential in ovarian cancer. CDK9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in a unique ovarian cancer tissue microarray constructed with paired primary, metastatic, and recurrent tumor tissues from 26 ovarian cancer patients. CDK9 was highly expressed in human ovarian cancer cell lines and was also elevated in metastatic and recurrent ovarian tumor tissue compared with patient-matched primary ovarian tumor tissue. In addition, increased CDK9 significantly correlated with poor patient prognosis. Inhibition of CDK9 by small interfering RNA or CDK9 inhibitor functionally suppressed RNA transcription elongation, induced apoptosis, and reduced proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Inhibition of CDK9 also suppressed ovarian cancer cell spheroid growth, clonogenicity formation, and migration activity. Our results reveal CDK9 as a novel prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for preventing metastasis and recurrence while also improving the overall clinical outcome for ovarian cancer patients.-Wang, J., Dean, D. C., Hornicek, F. J., Shi, H., Duan, Z. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China;,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dylan C. Dean
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Francis J. Hornicek
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Huirong Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China;,Correspondence: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Rd., Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China. E-mail:
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China;,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA,Correspondence: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine,University of California–Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. E-mail:
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33
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Napolitano M, Venturelli M, Molinaro E, Toss A. NUT midline carcinoma of the head and neck: current perspectives. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:3235-3244. [PMID: 31118674 PMCID: PMC6501778 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s173056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of squamous carcinoma that typically arises from midline supradiaphragmatic structures, frequently from the head and neck area. NMC is genetically driven by a chromosomal rearrangement involving the NUT gene, which forms oncoproteins considered major pathogenic drivers of cellular transformation. Diagnosis of NMC has been made remarkably easier with the availability of a commercial antibody against NUT, and can be established through positive nuclear immunohistochemical staining. Although NMC remains an underrecognized malignancy, in recent years there has appeared to be increasing awareness of disease and frequency of diagnosis in adults. To date, a standard treatment for head and neck NMC has not been established and a multimodal approach with systemic chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy is currently adopted in clinical practice. Recently, BET inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors have emerged as two promising classes of targeted agents, currently investigated in clinical trials for adults with head and neck NMC. At the same time, combination approaches and novel targeted agents, such as next-generation BET inhibitors and CDK9 inhibitors, have shown preclinical activity. The present review explores the clinical pathological characteristics of NMC of the head and neck and presents the current state of the art on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this rare but lethal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Napolitano
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - M Venturelli
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - E Molinaro
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - A Toss
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
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Elkhatib SK, Neilsen BK, Sleightholm RL, Baine MJ, Zhen W. A 47-year-old woman with nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma masquerading as a sinus infection: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2019; 13:57. [PMID: 30853030 PMCID: PMC6410502 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-019-2015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma is a rare, highly metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma that typically arises in midline structures and is characterized by having a fusion involving the nuclear protein in testis, NUT, gene. Nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma has been identified in patients of all ages and is often initially misdiagnosed due to the rapid timeline of symptom onset. CASE PRESENTATION Here we report the case of a 47-year-old Caucasian woman with a nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma that was initially mistaken for a sinus infection. After symptom progression while on an aggressive antibiotic regimen, the source of her symptoms was correctly identified as a sella mass. Comprehensive analysis of the tumor was performed, and standard cytogenetic analysis identified a translocation of 15q and 19p. Further testing identified a NUT-BRD4 fusion and confirmed the diagnosis of nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma. Despite definitive diagnosis and surgical, radiation, and, ultimately, systemic therapy, she progressed rapidly, developing widespread metastases, and ultimately died from the disease 5 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Based on this and other previous reports, aggressive therapy should be initiated once nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma is diagnosed and close surveillance employed in an attempt to prevent and/or recognize metastases as early as possible. Aggressive therapy has shown little efficacy such that the average overall survival for patients with nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma is very short, often less than 6 months. Thus, early enrollment into clinical trials testing novel therapies for the treatment of nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma should be considered. Finally, additional reports of nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma are needed to fully characterize this rare and highly aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safwan K Elkhatib
- Department of Radiation Oncology, 986861 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-686, USA
| | - Beth K Neilsen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, 986861 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-686, USA
| | - Richard L Sleightholm
- Department of Radiation Oncology, 986861 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-686, USA
| | - Michael J Baine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, 986861 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-686, USA.
| | - Weining Zhen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, 986861 Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-686, USA
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Li X, Seebacher NA, Xiao T, Hornicek FJ, Duan Z. Targeting regulation of cyclin dependent kinase 9 as a novel therapeutic strategy in synovial sarcoma. J Orthop Res 2019; 37:510-521. [PMID: 30488489 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Synovial sarcomas hold a low genomic complexity, making it distinct from other types of soft-tissue sarcomas. Many studies focused on targeting the SS18-SSX fusion protein, which presents in over 90% of human synovial sarcomas. This protein acts as an oncogenic promoter in the tumorigenesis of synovial sarcomas, making it an ideal therapeutic target. However, to date there have been no effective strategies targeting SS18-SSX for the treatment of synovial sarcomas. Therefore, it is an urgent need to identify alternative therapeutic targets. More recently, CDK9, a protein involved in RNA transcription regulation, has been investigated for its role in the pathogenesis of cancer. However, the expression and function of CDK9 in synovial sarcomas remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we found that CDK9 was to be largely localized to the cell nucleus, and highly expressed in all tested human synovial sarcoma cell lines and over 90% of human sarcoma tissue microarray samples. High-CDK9 expression was associated with a poorer patient prognosis of human sarcomas. Inhibition of CDK9, with either siRNA or a CDK9 inhibitor, prevented synovial sarcoma cell growth and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. This was also accompanied with a reduction in the phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and an increase in the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. Moreover, CDK9 inhibition decreased sarcoma cell spheroid formation and cell motility. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of CDK9 in human synovial sarcoma cell growth and proliferation. Therefore, CDK9 may represent a promising target for the treatment of synovial sarcomas. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:510-521, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Li
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young Dr. S., Los Angeles, California, 90095.,Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Nicole A Seebacher
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young Dr. S., Los Angeles, California, 90095
| | - Tao Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young Dr. S., Los Angeles, California, 90095
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young Dr. S., Los Angeles, California, 90095
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Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is a rare, aggressive subtype of squamous cell carcinoma defined by rearrangement of the NUTM1 (aka NUT) gene. NC is driven by NUT-fusion oncoproteins resulting from chromosomal translocation, most commonly BRD4-NUT. This is a nearly uniformly lethal cancer affecting patients of all ages, but predominantly teens and young adults. The cell of origin is unknown, but NC most commonly arises within the thorax and head and neck. NC typically consists of sheets of monomorphic primitive round cells that can exhibit focal abrupt squamous differentiation. Diagnosis of NC is easy, and can be established by positive NUT nuclear immunohistochemical staining. Though characterization of the NUTM1-fusion gene is desirable by molecular analysis, it is not required for the diagnosis. The increasingly widespread availability of the NUT diagnostic test is leading to increasing diagnoses of this vastly underdiagnosed disease. The NUT midline carcinoma registry (www.NMCRegistry.org) serves as a central repository that has provided the main source of clinical and outcomes data for NC. Currently there is no effective therapy for NC, however small molecules directly targeting the BRD4 portion of BRD4-NUT, termed BET bromodomain inhibitors, have shown activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A French
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Horadagoda D, Smith T, Varikatt W. Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma diagnosed using only FNA material in the absence of a histological sample. Cytopathology 2018. [PMID: 29520920 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Horadagoda
- Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Anatomical Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - T Smith
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - W Varikatt
- Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Anatomical Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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