Bimodal Degradation of MLL Protein by the Cell Cycle SCFSkp2 and APCCdc20 E3 Lilgases Assures Cell Cycle Execution: A Critical Regulatory Circuit Lost in Leukemogenic MLL-Fusions.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 828-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Liu ◽  
David Chen ◽  
Todd Westergard ◽  
Shugaku Takeda ◽  
Satoru Sasagawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Hox Genes ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Polycomb Group ◽  
Cell Cycle Gene ◽  
E3 Ligases ◽  
M Phase ◽  
Phase Progression

Abstract The MLL (mixed lineage leukemia) gene encodes a highly conserved 3,969 aa histone H3 K4 methyl transferase, of which chromosome translocations result in poor prognostic infant and therapy-related leukemias. Mysteriously, the pathognomonic MLL leukemia fusions consist of a common amino(N)-terminal ∼1400 aa of MLL fused in frame with more than 60 different partners with no shared characteristics. The most well known genetic function of MLL is to antagonize polycomb group of proteins for proper Hox gene expression. Consequently deregulated Hox genes caused by MLL translocations contribute to the MLL leukemogenesis. Besides Hox genes, it remains largely undetermined whether MLL participates in other biological processes. The 500kD MLL precursor undergoes evolutionarily conserved proteolytic maturation mediated by Taspase1 (Hsieh et al. 2003, MCB, 23, 186–194; Hsieh et al. 2003, Cell, 115, 293–303). Our recent studies on Taspase1 knockout cells established an MLL-E2F axis in orchestrating core cell cycle gene expression including Cyclins and possibly Cdk inhibitors (Takeda et al. 2006, Genes & Development, 20, 2397–2409). As MLL actively participates in the cell cycle regulation, we investigated the regulation of MLL through cell cycle transition. We uncovered a unique biphasic expression of MLL conferred by defined windows of degradation mediated by specialized cell cycle E3 ligases. Specifically, SCFSkp2 and APCCdc20 mark MLL for degradation at S phase and late M phase, respectively. Abolished peak expression of MLL incurs corresponding defects in G1/S transition and M phase progression. Conversely, over-expression of MLL blocks S phase progression. Remarkably, MLL degradation initiates at its N-terminal ∼1400 aa that is retained in all MLL leukemia fusions. We examined prevalent MLL-fusions, including MLL-AF4, MLL-AF9, MLL-ELL and MLL-ELL, and observed their increased resistance to degradation. Furthermore, the same resistance was observed with the leukemogenic MLL-lacZ but not the non-leukemogenic MLL-Myc tag fusion. Thus, non-oscillating expression of MLL-fusions through the cell cycle, resulted from impaired degradation, likely constitutes the universal mechanism underlying all MLL leukemias. Our data conclude an essential post-translational regulation of MLL by the cell cycle ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) to assure the temporal necessity of MLL in coordinating cell cycle progression. Future studies aim at providing a comprehensive analysis on the cell cycle consequences associated with MLL-fusions using genetically modified cells derived from mice carrying various MLL-fusion knockin alleles, including MLL-AF4, MLL-AF9, and MLL-CBP.

scholarly journals Cyclin F drives proliferation through SCF-dependent degradation of the retinoblastoma-like tumor suppressor p130/RBL2

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor P Enrico ◽  
Wayne Stallaert ◽  
Elizaveta T Wick ◽  
Peter Ngoi ◽  
Xianxi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Cell Cycle Control ◽  
Cell Cycle Gene ◽  
E3 Ligases ◽  
Gene Transcripts ◽  
Cyclin F ◽  
Cell Cycle Gene Expression

Cell cycle gene expression programs fuel proliferation and are universally dysregulated in cancer. The retinoblastoma (RB)-family of proteins, RB1, RBL1/p107 and RBL2/p130, coordinately repress cell cycle gene expression, inhibiting proliferation and suppressing tumorigenesis. Phosphorylation of RB-family proteins by cyclin dependent kinases is firmly established. Like phosphorylation, ubiquitination is essential to cell cycle control, and numerous proliferative regulators, tumor suppressors, and oncoproteins are ubiquitinated. However, little is known about the role of ubiquitin signaling in controlling RB-family proteins. A systems genetics analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 screens suggested the potential regulation of the RB-network by cyclin F, a substrate recognition receptor for the SCF family of E3 ligases. We demonstrate that RBL2/p130 is a direct substrate of SCFcyclin F. We map a cyclin F regulatory site to a flexible linker in the p130 pocket domain, and show that this site mediates binding, stability, and ubiquitination. Expression of a mutant version of p130, which cannot be ubiquitinated, severely impaired proliferative capacity and cell cycle progression. Consistently, we observed reduced expression of cell cycle gene transcripts, as well a reduced abundance of cell cycle proteins, analyzed by quantitative, iterative immunofluorescent imaging. These data suggest a key role for SCFcyclin F in the CDK-RB network and raise the possibility that aberrant p130 degradation could dysregulate the cell cycle in human cancers.

scholarly journals The Meiosis-Specific Crs1 Cyclin Is Required for Efficient S-Phase Progression and Stable Nuclear Architecture

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5483
Author(s):  
Luisa F. Bustamante-Jaramillo ◽  
Celia Ramos ◽  
Cristina Martín-Castellanos
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Translational Control ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Nuclear Architecture ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Single Wave ◽  
Phase Progression

Cyclins and CDKs (Cyclin Dependent Kinases) are key players in the biology of eukaryotic cells, representing hubs for the orchestration of physiological conditions with cell cycle progression. Furthermore, as in the case of meiosis, cyclins and CDKs have acquired novel functions unrelated to this primal role in driving the division cycle. Meiosis is a specialized developmental program that ensures proper propagation of the genetic information to the next generation by the production of gametes with accurate chromosome content, and meiosis-specific cyclins are widespread in evolution. We have explored the diversification of CDK functions studying the meiosis-specific Crs1 cyclin in fission yeast. In addition to the reported role in DSB (Double Strand Break) formation, this cyclin is required for meiotic S-phase progression, a canonical role, and to maintain the architecture of the meiotic chromosomes. Crs1 localizes at the SPB (Spindle Pole Body) and is required to stabilize the cluster of telomeres at this location (bouquet configuration), as well as for normal SPB motion. In addition, Crs1 exhibits CDK(Cdc2)-dependent kinase activity in a biphasic manner during meiosis, in contrast to a single wave of protein expression, suggesting a post-translational control of its activity. Thus, Crs1 displays multiple functions, acting both in cell cycle progression and in several key meiosis-specific events.

scholarly journals The Paramyxovirus Simian Virus 5 V Protein Slows Progression of the Cell Cycle

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (19) ◽  
pp. 9152-9166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Y. Lin ◽  
Robert A. Lamb
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
S Phase ◽  
V Protein ◽  
Simian Virus 5 ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
M Phase ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Affect Cell Cycle Progression

ABSTRACT Infection of cells by many viruses affects the cell division cycle of the host cell to favor viral replication. We examined the ability of the paramyxovirus simian parainfluenza virus 5 (SV5) to affect cell cycle progression, and we found that SV5 slows the rate of proliferation of HeLa T4 cells. The SV5-infected cells had a delayed transition from G1 to S phase and prolonged progression through S phase, and some of the infected cells were arrested in G2 or M phase. The levels of p53 and p21CIP1were not increased in SV5-infected cells compared to mock-infected cells, suggesting that the changes in the cell cycle occur through a p53-independent mechanism. However, the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) was delayed and prolonged in SV5-infected cells. The changes in the cell cycle were also observed in cells expressing the SV5 V protein but not in the cells expressing the SV5 P protein or the V protein lacking its unique C terminus (VΔC). The unique C terminus of the V protein of SV5 was shown previously to interact with DDB1, which is the 127-kDa subunit of the multifunctional damage-specific DNA-binding protein (DDB) heterodimer. The coexpression of DDB1 with V can partially restore the changes in the cell cycle caused by expression of the V protein.

scholarly journals EXTH-56. MEDULLOBLASTOMAS RESPOND TO CDK4/6 INHIBITION WITH NANOPARTICLE-DELIVERED PALBOCICLIB WITH ALTERED S-PHASE PROGRESSION

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi94-vi94
Author(s):  
Taylor Dismuke ◽  
Chaemin Lim ◽  
Timothy Gershon
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Pediatric Brain Tumors ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Flow Cytometric ◽  
Phase Progression ◽  
Reduced Rate ◽  
G1 Cells ◽  
Pediatric Brain

Abstract CDK4/6 inhibition is a promising therapy for medulloblastoma, one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors. To improve pharmacokinetics, we developed a polyoxazoline nanoparticle-encapsulated formulation of the FDA-approved CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib (POx-palbo). We then administered POx-palbo to transgenic medulloblastoma-prone GFAP-Cre/SmoM2 mice, to determine the efficacy and mechanisms of action and resistance. We found that POx-palbo slowed tumor progression, but consistently failed to be curative. Further analysis showed that while CDK4/6 inhibition acutely blocked G1 cells from re-entering the cell cycle, this effect wore off within hours of drug administration. However, flow cytometric analysis of EdU uptake hours after palbociclib demonstrated aberrant S-phase with reduced rate of DNA synthesis. This POx-palbociclib-induced alteration of S-phase progression seems to remain true at later time points even when we observed that palbociclib G1/S inhibition began to decrease. Based on these data, we propose that the combinational therapy of POx-palbociclib and S-phase targeting agents will further improve treatment. Faulty tumor cell cycle progression in the presence of Pox-palbociclib may give increased window to target the S-phase for irreversible cell-cycle exit.

scholarly journals Growth factor, steroid, and steroid antagonist regulation of cyclin gene expression associated with changes in T-47D human breast cancer cell cycle progression.

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3577-3587 ◽  
Author(s):  
E A Musgrove ◽  
J A Hamilton ◽  
C S Lee ◽  
K J Sweeney ◽  
C K Watts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cyclin D1 ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Breast Cancer Cell ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
S Phase ◽  
G1 Phase ◽  
Cycle Progression

Cyclins and proto-oncogenes including c-myc have been implicated in eukaryotic cell cycle control. The role of cyclins in steroidal regulation of cell proliferation is unknown, but a role for c-myc has been suggested. This study investigated the relationship between regulation of T-47D breast cancer cell cycle progression, particularly by steroids and their antagonists, and changes in the levels of expression of these genes. Sequential induction of cyclins D1 (early G1 phase), D3, E, A (late G1-early S phase), and B1 (G2 phase) was observed following insulin stimulation of cell cycle progression in serum-free medium. Transient acceleration of G1-phase cells by progestin was also accompanied by rapid induction of cyclin D1, apparent within 2 h. This early induction of cyclin D1 and the ability of delayed administration of antiprogestin to antagonize progestin-induced increases in both cyclin D1 mRNA and the proportion of cells in S phase support a central role for cyclin D1 in mediating the mitogenic response in T-47D cells. Compatible with this hypothesis, antiestrogen treatment reduced the expression of cyclin D1 approximately 8 h before changes in cell cycle phase distribution accompanying growth inhibition. In the absence of progestin, antiprogestin treatment inhibited T-47D cell cycle progression but in contrast did not decrease cyclin D1 expression. Thus, changes in cyclin D1 gene expression are often, but not invariably, associated with changes in the rate of T-47D breast cancer cell cycle progression. However, both antiestrogen and antiprogestin depleted c-myc mRNA by > 80% within 2 h. These data suggest the involvement of both cyclin D1 and c-myc in the steroidal control of breast cancer cell cycle progression.

Activated Sumoylation Is a Hallmark Of Burkitt's Lymphoma and MYC Driven Cancer Leading To Synthetic Lethal Interactions With Sumoylation Inhibitors

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 3783-3783
Author(s):  
Alexander Hoellein ◽  
Sabine Steidle ◽  
Mohammad Fellahi ◽  
Stephanie Schoeffmann ◽  
Martina Rudelius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Burkitt’S Lymphoma ◽  
Expression Data ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
E3 Ligases ◽  
Oncogenic Pathway

Abstract Myc oncoproteins (c-Myc, N-Myc and L-Myc) are transcription factors that regulate cell growth, cell division and metabolism under physiologic conditions. Myc overexpression is a hallmark of cancer, present in most advanced tumors, and associated with poor prognosis. We have previously shown that Myc overexpression results in specific cancer cell liabilities, e.g. during cell cycle progression, that constitute therapeutic targets for synthetic lethality approaches. Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) proteins covalently bind to other proteins to modify their function. SUMOylation is involved in various cellular processes including transcription and cell cycle progression. Hierarchical cluster analysis comparing RNA expression data in murine normal control, pre-malignant and lymphoma Eµ-Myc B cells identified a Myc-induced SUMOylation-related gene expression signature. This signature was present in pre-malignant and Eµ-Myc lymphoma cells and involved the up-regulation of various critical components of the SUMOylation machinery, including the E1 ligases SAE1 and SAE2, the E2 ligase Ube2i and the E3 ligases Ranbp2 and PIAS2. Moreover this translated into elevated protein expression of the whole SUMOylation pathway and ubiquitous hyper-SUMOylation of proteins in Eµ-Myc lymphoma cells. For cross-species validation we analyzed human gene expression data and found that the Myc-induced regulation of SUMOylation-associated genes was also present in human IG/MYC Burkitt lymphomas, in contrast to Non-IG/MYC B-cell lymphomas. What is more analysis of ChIP-on-chip experiments revealed direct binding of Myc to regulatory genomic regions of almost all SUMOylation regulators (SUMO2, SUMO3 and E1, E2 and E3 ligases). The characteristic of cancer cells to depend on certain intact physiologic mechanisms is known as non-oncogene addiction. Since SUMOylation of proteins is involved in essential metabolic, survival and proliferation pathways we reasoned that intact SUMOylation is a non-oncogenic pathway that Myc-driven cells rely upon. We thus hypothesized that Myc-dependent cells could be specifically susceptible when interfering with SUMOylation by pharmacological means. We found that Eµ-Myc lymphoma cells were highly sensitive to the SUMOylation inhibitors ginkolic acid and anarcardic acid. In particular, inhibition of SUMOylation lead to cell cycle arrest, polyploidy, and subsequent cell death. This therapeutic effect was Myc-specific as shown by use of genetically defined cell lines and conditional Myc-overexpression systems. Specifically human Burkitt lymphoma cell lines were strikingly more sensitive to inhibition of SUMOylation than non-Myc-transformed lymphoma samples. Taken together, we provide correlative and experimental evidence that the Myc-associated expression of genes involved in SUMOylation is a hallmark of Burkitt’s lymphoma and constitutes a non oncogenic pathway which is therapeutically exploitable in lymphoma and other Myc-driven cancers. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Cyclin A2/Cdk1 is Essential for the in vivo S Phase Entry by Phosphorylating Top2a

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miaomiao Jin ◽  
Ruikun Hu ◽  
Baijie Xu ◽  
Weilai Huang ◽  
Hong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Early Embryonic Lethality ◽  
M Phase ◽  
Phase Progression ◽  
Cyclin A2 ◽  
Phase Entry

AbstractCyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) plays essential roles in cell cycle regulation. However, due to the early embryonic lethality of mouse Cdk1 mutants, the in vivo role of CDK1 in regulating cell cycle and embryonic development remains unclear. Here, by generating zebrafish cdk1 mutants using CRISPR/Cas9 system, we show that cdk1−/− embryos exhibit severe microphthalmia accompanied with multiple defects in polarized cell division, S phase entry and M phase progression, cell apoptosis and cell differentiation, but not in interkinetic nuclear migration (IKNM). By informatics analysis, we identified Top2a as a potential downstream target, and Cyclin A2 and Cyclin B1 as partners of Cdk1 in cell cycle. Depletion of either Cyclin A2 or Top2a leads to decreased S phase entry and increased DNA damage response in zebrafish retinal cells, and depletion of Cyclin B1 leads to M phase arrest. Immunoprecipitation shows that Cdk1 and Cyclin A2 physically interact in vivo. Moreover, phosphorylation of Top2a on Serine 1213 (S1213) site is almost absent in either cdk1 or ccna2 mutants, but in not ccnb1 mutants. Furthermore, overexpression of TOP2AS1213, the phosphomimetic form of human TOP2A, rescues S phase entry and microphthalmia defects in cdk1−/− and ccna2−/− embryos. Taken together, our data suggests that Cdk1 interacts with Cyclin A2 to regulate S phase entry through phosphorylating Top2a, and with Cyclin B1 to regulate M phase progression in vivo.

scholarly journals p50 mono-ubiquitination and interaction with BARD1 regulates cell cycle progression and maintains genome stability

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Longtao Wu ◽  
Clayton D. Crawley ◽  
Andrea Garofalo ◽  
Jackie W. Nichols ◽  
Paige-Ashley Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Genome Stability ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Chromosomal Breakage ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Phase Progression

Abstract p50, the mature product of NFKB1, is constitutively produced from its precursor, p105. Here, we identify BARD1 as a p50-interacting factor. p50 directly associates with the BARD1 BRCT domains via a C-terminal phospho-serine motif. This interaction is induced by ATR and results in mono-ubiquitination of p50 by the BARD1/BRCA1 complex. During the cell cycle, p50 is mono-ubiquitinated in S phase and loss of this post-translational modification increases S phase progression and chromosomal breakage. Genome-wide studies reveal a substantial decrease in p50 chromatin enrichment in S phase and Cycln E is identified as a factor regulated by p50 during the G1 to S transition. Functionally, interaction with BARD1 promotes p50 protein stability and consistent with this, in human cancer specimens, low nuclear BARD1 protein strongly correlates with low nuclear p50. These data indicate that p50 mono-ubiquitination by BARD1/BRCA1 during the cell cycle regulates S phase progression to maintain genome integrity.

The Caenorhabditis elegans gene ncc-1 encodes a cdc2-related kinase required for M phase in meiotic and mitotic cell divisions, but not for S phase

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (10) ◽  
pp. 2227-2239 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Boxem ◽  
D.G. Srinivasan ◽  
S. van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Mitotic Cell ◽  
S Phase ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Nuclear Envelope Breakdown ◽  
Cell Divisions ◽  
M Phase ◽  
Single Transition

We have identified six protein kinases that belong to the family of cdc2-related kinases in Caenorhabditis elegans. Results from RNA interference experiments indicate that at least one of these kinases is required for cell-cycle progression during meiosis and mitosis. This kinase, encoded by the ncc-1 gene, is closely related to human Cdk1/Cdc2, Cdk2 and Cdk3 and yeast CDC28/cdc2(+). We addressed whether ncc-1 acts to promote passage through a single transition or multiple transitions in the cell cycle, analogous to Cdks in vertebrates or yeasts, respectively. We isolated five recessive ncc-1 mutations in a genetic screen for mutants that resemble larval arrested ncc-1(RNAi) animals. Our results indicate that maternal ncc-1 product is sufficient for embryogenesis, and that zygotic expression is required for cell divisions during larval development. Cells that form the postembryonic lineages in wild-type animals do not enter mitosis in ncc-1 mutants, as indicated by lack of chromosome condensation and nuclear envelope breakdown. However, progression through G1 and S phase appears unaffected, as revealed by expression of ribonucleotide reductase, incorporation of BrdU and DNA quantitation. Our results indicate that C. elegans uses multiple Cdks to regulate cell-cycle transitions and that ncc-1 is the C. elegans ortholog of Cdk1/Cdc2 in other metazoans, required for M phase in meiotic as well as mitotic cell cycles.

Bim Is Required to Sensitize Mantle Cell Lymphoma Cells for Killing by Bortezomib, but Not Ara-C, by Selective Inhibition of CDK4/CDK6

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 1655-1655
Author(s):  
Xiangao Huang ◽  
Maurizio Di Liberto ◽  
Jamieson Bretz ◽  
David Chiron ◽  
Peter Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Phase Synchronization ◽  
Selective Inhibition ◽  
S Phase ◽  
G1 Arrest ◽  
Cycle Progression ◽  
Mantle Cell

Abstract Abstract 1655 Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by aberrant cyclin D1 expression due to the t (11: 14) translocation. In conjunction with elevation of CDK4/CDK6, this promotes cell cycle progression through G1 and unrestrained cell proliferation. As MCL remains incurable despite initial response to therapy, mechanism- and genome-based therapies that both control the cell cycle and enhance cytotoxic killing are urgently needed. We have recently developed such a regimen by inhibition of CDK4/CDK6 with PD 0332991 (PD), a selective inhibitor of CDK4 and CDK6 that is also potent, reversible and orally bioavailable. We demonstrate that 1) inhibition of CDK4/CDK6 with PD leads to early G1 arrest; 2) upon release of the G1 block, synchronous cell cycle progression to S phase occurs; and 3) S phase synchronization following prolonged early G1 arrest (pG1-S) sensitizes MCL cells to killing by diverse clinically relevant agents at reduced doses, including proteasome inhibitors bortezomib and carfilzomib, and the nucleoside analog Ara-C (cytarabine), both in vitro and in a mouse model of MCL. These findings implicate a unified mechanism for cell cycle sensitization of cytotoxic killing. To elucidate the underpinning mechanism, we show that sensitization to cytotoxic killing by CDK4/CDK6 inhibition requires an intact Rb, the substrate of CDK4/CDK6, but is independent of p53. Gene expression profiling and quantitative RNA and protein analyses further demonstrate that prolonged inhibition of CDK4/CDK6 with PD halts the gene expression program in early G1 and depletes the expression of genes programmed for other phases of the cell cycle, such as cyclin A (G1/S), thymidine kinase (S), CDK1 and cyclin B (G2/M) and selective metabolic genes. Removal of PD restores the CDK4/CDK6 activities and the expression of scheduled cell cycle genes but leaves many others in the pG1 state. This leads to S phase synchronization with impaired metabolism. Accordingly, the magnitude of bortezomib and Ara-C killing in pG1-S greatly exceeds the enrichment of S phase cells. Selective inhibition of CDK4/CDK6, therefore, sensitizes MCL cells for cytotoxic killing in S phase synchronization through induction of a persistent metabolic imbalance in prior pG1. pG1 alone induces caspase activation moderately in MCL cells, but markedly augments apoptosis induced by either bortezomib or Ara-C in pG1-S. This enhancement of apoptosis is apparently mediated by an alteration of the ratios of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins (Bim, Noxa and Puma) to anti-apoptotic proteins (Mcl-1, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL), which lowers the threshold for caspase-9 activation. Importantly, Bim is selectively required to sensitize MCL cells for killing by bortezomib, but not Ara-C, at low doses as indicated in studies of Bim-deficient MCL cell lines. Corroborating these findings, loss of one allele of Bim attenuates the enhancement of bortezomib killing in pG1-S in untransformed primary mouse B cells after activation by BCR and CD40 signaling. Thus, the synergistic actions of PD-bortezomib and PD-AraC in MCL therapy are distinguishable by the requirement for Bim. Furthermore, we found that the three Bim isoforms are expressed at variable levels but undetected in 30% of primary MCL tumor cells, consistent with the reported mutations and bi-allelic deletion of Bim (BCL2L11) in MCL. RNA-Seq analysis of samples from patients enrolled in a phase I study of PD in combination with bortezomib in MCL further reveals that the mutation burden in BCL2L11 is ∼3-fold higher in a clinically non-responder compared with a responder. Collectively, our data demonstrate that by halting scheduled gene expression in prolonged early G1 arrest, selective and reversible inhibition of CDK4/CDK6 provides a mechanism-based strategy to sensitize MCL cells for cytotoxic killing by bortezomib, Ara-C, and potentially other emerging agents. By lowering the threshold for caspase activation, Bim is selectively required for sensitization to killing by low dose bortezomib, but not Ara-C, and may serve as a biomarker for genome-based selection of cytotoxic partners in therapeutic targeting of CDK4/CDK6 in MCL. Disclosures: Martin: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Smith:Pfizer: Research Funding; Millenium: Research Funding. Leonard:Pfizer, Inc.: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Johnson and Johnson: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy. Chen-Kiang:Pfizer, Inc.: Research Funding.

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