Identification of the Epigenetic Reader BRD4 As a Novel Therapeutic Target in JAK2 V617F+ MPN Cells

Abstract Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are characterized by clonal expansion and accumulation of erythrocytes, platelets, and myeloid cells in the bone marrow (BM) and other organs. Classical MPN are polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The JAK2 V617F mutation is frequently detected in neoplastic cells in patients with MPN. Although MPN are chronic and indolent diseases in most patients, fatal progression may occur. So far, the only curative approach for these patients is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Therefore, current research is evaluating new therapeutic targets and the effects of various targeted drugs. The epigenetic reader bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has recently been identified as a promising target in acute myeloid leukemia. In the present study, we investigated the potential value of BRD4 as a molecular target in MPN. We employed two JAK2 V617F+ cell lines, SET-2 and HEL, as well as BM samples obtained from 18 MPN patients (ET: n=7; PV: n=7; PMF: n=4). Three BRD4 inhibitors were applied: JQ1, BI2536, and BI6727. As assessed by qPCR, primary MPN cells as well as SET-2 cells and HEL cells were found to express BRD4 mRNA. In 3 H-thymidine uptake experiments, all three BRD4 blockers were found to suppress the proliferation of the two MPN cell lines and of primary MPN cells in 8/8 patients tested. The effects of these drugs were dose-dependent, with the following IC50 values obtained in SET-2 cells: JQ1, 50-100 nM; BI2536, 20-40 nM; BI6727, 50-75 nM; and in HEL cells: JQ1, 100-500 nM; BI2536, 20-40 nM; BI6727, 30-50 nM. In primary MPN cells, all three agents tested produced IC50 values between 500 and 1000 nM. In normal BM cells, JQ1 did not produce a reasonable IC50 value (>5000 nM). In one patient sample (PMF), we analyzed the effect of JQ1 on the percentage of putative (neoplastic) stem cells (CD34+/CD38-). In this experiment, exposure to JQ1 was followed by a decrease in the percentage of CD34+/CD38- cells compared to control medium (control: 0.16% vs JQ1: 0.045%). To confirm the role of BRD4 as a potential target in MPN cells, we performed target-knockdown experiments in SET-2 cells and HEL cells using two different BRD4 shRNAs (#602 and #1817) and a random shRNA as control. In these experiments, the shRNA-induced knockdown of BRD4 was found to block proliferation in SET2 cells and HEL cells when compared to untransfected cells or random shRNA-transduced cells. In a next step, we examined the mechanism of drug-induced growth inhibition. In cell cycle experiments, BI2536 and BI6727 were found to induce a G2/M phase arrest in both cell lines. By contrast, JQ1 induced a G1 arrest in HEL cells, but did not show a significant effect on cell cycle progression in SET-2 cells. We also asked whether BRD4 inhibition is associated with induction of apoptosis in MPN cells. All three BRD4 blockers induced apoptosis in SET-2 cells and HEL cells at relatively high concentrations after 48 hours, with ED50 values of >5 µM for JQ1 and 0.5-5.0 µM for BI2536 and BI6727. Finally, we asked whether exposure to BRD4 inhibitors is associated with modulation of BRD4 mRNA or MYC mRNA expression. As assessed by qPCR, JQ1, BI2536, and BI6727 were found to downregulate BRD4 mRNA levels as well as MYC mRNA levels in SET-2 cells and HEL cells. In conclusion, our data show that BRD4 is expressed in JAK2 V617F+ MPN cells and that BRD4 inhibition is associated with decreased proliferation and survival of neoplastic cells. The clinical value of BRD4 as a novel target in MPN cells remains to be determined. Disclosures Zuber: Mirimus Inc.: Consultancy, Other: Stock holder; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding. Staber:Genactis: Research Funding; Morphosys: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda-Millenium: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Honoraria. Valent:Pfizer: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Ariad: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

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The Brd-Inhibitor OTX015 Shows Pre-Clinical Activity in Anaplastic Large T-Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.4872.4872 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 4872-4872 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Michela Boi ◽

Paola Bonetti ◽

Maurilio Ponzoni ◽

Maria Grazia Tibiletti ◽

Anastasios Stathis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

T Cell ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Proliferative Activity ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

G1 Arrest ◽

Apparent Difference ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Rt Pcr

Abstract Abstract 4872 Background: ALCL, is clinically/biologically heterogeneous disease, including ALK+ and ALK- systemic forms. Despite the progresses in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of ALCL, the therapy is still based on chemotherapy, thus the identification of new treatment modalities is needed. Bromodomain-containing proteins are components of transcription factors complexes and determinants of epigenetic memory. Inhibitors of BRD2/3/4, members of the Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) family, have recently shown antitumor activity in different hematological malignancies models. Here, we report anti-proliferative activity of OTX015, a novel selective orally bioavailable BRD2/3/4 inhibitor, in a panel of ALCL cell lines. Material and Methods: Eight established human cell lines derived from ALK+ and ALK- anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) were treated with increasing doses of OTX015 (OncoEthix SA) and MTT assays were performed after 72h exposure. For cell cycle analysis, cells were treated and stained with Click-iT Edu Flow Cytometry Assay Kits (Invitrogen) and 7-AAD and analyzed for DNA content using a FACScan flow cytometer. Results were analyzed with FlowJo 7.6.3 software. RNA was extracted using the Qiagen RNAEasy kit and reverse-transcribed using the Superscript First-Strand Synthesis System for RT-PCR kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. RT-PCR was performed on using Fast SYBR Green Master Mix on a StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR System. For senescence detection, cells were stained using a b-Galactosidase Staining Kit (Calbiochem). Results: We assessed OTX-015 anti-proliferative activity in eight ALCL cell lines. The majority (5/8) of the cell lines were sensitive, with IC50 between 36 and 546 nM. There was no apparent difference between ALK+(6) and ALK- (2) cell lines. Cell cycle analyses revealed G1 arrest and a concomitant decrease of the S phase after 24h OTX015 exposure in 4/4 ALCL cell lines, without an increase in cell death, suggesting a cytostatic effect of OTX015. An increase in the percentage of senescent cells after treatment with the BRD-inhibitor was observed in the most sensitive ALK+ALCL cell line. To understand the mechanism of action of OTX015, we assessed MYC mRNA levels before and after treatment. We observed that OTX015 suppressed the transcription of MYCgene and some of its downstream target genes (such as NCL and CAD) in 4/4 ALCL cell lines, with less efficacy in the most resistant one. Conclusion: OTX015 is a new potent BRD-inhibitor with evident anti-proliferative activity in several ALCL cell lines. The down-regulation of MYC gene, followed by cell cycle G1 arrest and increase of cellular senescence, was observed after OTX015 treatment, appearing one of the possible mechanisms of action of the compound. The compound appears worth of further investigation as a new promising therapeutic agent in ALCL and in other mature T-cell tumors. Disclosures: Bonetti: OncoEthix SA: Research Funding. Cvitkovic:OncoEthix SA: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Inghirami:OncoEthix SA: Research Funding. Bertoni:OncoEthix SA: Research Funding.

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Preclinical Evaluation of the BET-Bromodomain (BET-BRD) Inhibitor OTX015 in Leukemia Cell Lines Harboring the JAK2 V617F Mutation

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.873.873 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 873-873

Author(s):

Maria Eugenia Riveiro ◽

Lucile Astorgues-Xerri ◽

Charlotte Canet-jourdan ◽

Mohamed Bekradda ◽

Esteban Cvitkovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Line ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Research Funding ◽

Leukemia Cell ◽

Jak2 V617f ◽

Jak2 V617f Mutation ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Protein Levels ◽

V617f Mutation

Abstract Background: Exposure of cancer cells to BET-BRD protein inhibitors has been associated with a significant downregulation of C-MYC expression, leading to suppression of the transcriptional program linked to proliferation and survival. C-MYC mRNA expression, mediated by STAT5 activation, is induced by the JAK2 (V617F) mutation (JAK2mu) in transfected BA/F3 cells (Funakoshi-Tago, et al. 2013). We selected JAK2mu leukemia-derived cell lines for preclinical evaluation of OTX015 (Oncoethix, Switzerland), a selective orally-bioavailable inhibitor of BET-BRD proteins with promising early results in an ongoing phase I study in hematologic malignancies (Herait et al, AACR 2014, NCT01713582). Material and Methods: Antiproliferative effects of OTX015 and JQ1 were evaluated in three established JAK2mu human myeloid leukemia cell lines (SET2, MUTZ8, HEL 92.1.7). GI50 (OTX015 concentration inducing 50% growth inhibition) and Emax (% cell proliferation at 6 µM OTX015) values were determined by MTT assay after 72h exposure. Protein levels were analyzed by Western blot, and RT-PCR was performed with Fast SYBR Green Master Mix on a StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR System. For cell cycle analysis, cells were stained with propidium iodide and analyzed with a FACScan flow cytometer. Induction of apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin-V. Simultaneous schedules of OTX015 combined with ruxolitinib, a JAK2 inhibitor, were evaluated. Combination index (CI) was determined using the Chou & Talalay method; CI<1 reflects synergy, CI=1 additivity and CI>1 antagonism. Results: After 72h exposure, SET2 was the most sensitive cell line (GI50=0.12 µM and Emax=15%), and HEL92.1.7 cells had a GI50=1.9 µM with an Emax=23%. MUTZ8 was the most resistant cell line with an Emax=61%. Similar GI50 and Emax values are observed with JQ1. A significant increase in the fraction of apoptotic cells was observed in SET2 cells after 72h 500 nM OTX015 exposure. Non-significant increases in Annexin-positive cells were seen in HEL92.1.7 and MUTZ8 cells. Cell cycle analysis revealed a significant increase in the percentage of SET2 cells in subG0/G1 after 24, 48, and 72h 500 nM OTX015, correlating with the increase in apoptosis. Conversely, an increase in the percent cells in the G1 phase was observed in HEL 92.1.7 cells. After 4h 500 nM OTX015, BRD2 mRNA levels were significantly increased in all three cell lines, whereas BRD3 levels were not modified. BRD4 mRNA levels increased significantly after 48h in SET2 cells. OTX015 treatment induced a transitory reduction of C-MYC mRNA levels after 4h with an increase at 24h in all cell lines. At the protein level, C-MYC decreased substantially in SET2 cells after 4h, with complete disappearance after 48h without recovery, while in the less sensitive MUTZ8 cell line, the decrease in C-MYC protein levels was transitory. Conversely, this proto-oncogene was not modified in HEL92.1.7 cells. In addition, p-STAT5 protein was downregulated by OTX015 in SET2 cells, but was increased in MUTZ8 cells after longer exposure time. Furthermore, BCL2 mRNA and protein levels decreased in SET2 cells, correlating with the apoptosis induction seen with OTX015 treatment. In HEL92.1.7 cells, P21 mRNA levels and cyclin D1 protein levels increased after 4h and 48h OTX015 treatment, respectively. Moreover, concomitant combination of OTX015 with ruxolitinib showed a highly antagonist effect (CI>7) in SET2 cells, the most sensitive cell line to both agents. On the other hand, very strong synergy was observed in HEL92.1.7 (CI=0.19) and MUTZ8 (CI=0.41), despite their low sensitivity to single agent OTX015. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that OTX015 exhibits potent activity against cultured leukemic cells expressing the JAK2 V617F mutation, inducing apoptosis or cell cycle arrest at submicromolar concentrations. This activity correlates with modulation of C-MYC, p-STAT5, BCL2, P21 and cyclin D1 mRNA and protein levels following OTX015 treatment. Our study highlights the novel and synergistic activity of the combination of a BRD antagonist and a JAK inhibitor in human leukemic cells harboring the JAK2 V617 F mutation, supporting the rationale for in vivo testing of OTX015 in combination with JAK inhibitors in leukemic JAK2mu models. Disclosures Riveiro: Oncoethix SA: Research Funding. Astorgues-Xerri:Oncoethix SA: Research Funding. Canet-jourdan:Oncoethix SA: Research Funding. Bekradda:Oncoethix SA: Research Funding. Cvitkovic:Oncoethix SA: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Shareholder and CSO Other. Herait:Oncoethix SA: CMO and Shareholder Other. Raymond:Oncoethix SA: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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Abemaciclib-Based Combinational Therapies to Overcome Therapeutic Resistance in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-140856 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 33-34

Author(s):

Yuxuan Che ◽

Yang Liu ◽

Lingzhi Li ◽

Holly Hill ◽

Joseph McIntosh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cyclin D1 ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Single Agent ◽

Therapeutic Resistance ◽

Cycle Arrest ◽

Mantle Cell ◽

Ic50 Values

Introduction The past decades witnessed dramatic improvement of overall survival rate of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients by constant efforts in developing novel therapeutic strategies that include ibrutinib and venetoclax. Nevertheless, resistance is still a major challenge in refractory/relapsed MCL patients. Chromosomal translocation t(11:14)(q13:q32) of the cyclin D1 (CCND1) gene is the hallmark of MCL, which leads to overexpression of cyclin D1. This overexpression promotes aberrant cell cycle progression by activating CDK4/6. Abemaciclib is a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor used as a clinical treatment of breast cancer and has been shown to be effective in preclinical human MCL xenograft models. It has also been used in a phase II clinical trial as a single agent among refractory/relapsed MCL patients with an objective response rate of 35.7%. In this preclinical study, we aim to evaluate the benefit of a combinational therapeutic strategy using abemaciclib with other molecular targeting agents among MCL patients with therapeutic resistance. Methods Cytotoxic efficacy of abemaciclib as a single agent and in combination with other drugs on different MCL cell lines and primary lymphoma cells from MCL patients with or without resistance was used as a key criterion for screening beneficial therapeutic strategies. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest assays were conducted to further evaluate those effective combinations. Western blot was performed to investigate the mechanism of action of the combinations. Finally, the efficacy of abemaciclib alone or in combination were assessed in ibrutinib-resistant or venetoclax-resistant MCL PDX models in vivo. Results Our preliminary data showed that all MCL cell lines involved in this study were highly sensitive to abemaciclib treatment with IC50 values ranging from 50 nM to 1 µM. Further investigation of abemaciclib cytotoxicity on ibrutinib and/or venetoclax resistant MCL cell lines showed effective inhibition with a higher IC50 values ranging from 5 µM to 10 µM. More importantly, abemaciclib had potent efficacy on cells from primary MCL patients as well as from patients with acquired ibrutinib resistance. Our recent findings revealed that the addition of PI3K inhibitor TGR-1202 significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of abemaciclib in both sensitive and resistant MCL cell lines. Abemaciclib significantly inhibited phosphorylation of Rb1, the active form of the protein, in 4 different MCL cell lines. The active Rb1 maintains the cell in the G1 phase, preventing progression through the cell cycle and acting as a growth suppressor. The result suggests that CDK4/6 inhibition with abemaciclib disrupts CDK4/6 suppressive activity towards pRb-E2F and induce cell cycle arrest in the MCL cells. Interestingly, abemaciclib somehow interrupted phosphorylation of Chk1, which is continuously phosphorylated and hence activated in the MCL cell lines. Inhibiting activation of Chk1 by abemaciclib may induce cell death via unmonitored and accumulated DNA damage. The efficacy of abemaciclib in combination with Bcl-2 or BTK inhibitors in MCL cell lines and isolated cells from MCL patients are ongoing. These data suggest that abemaciclib in combination with other therapeutic drugs could be beneficial in targeting therapeutic resistant MCL cells. Conclusions Abemaciclib showed impressive therapeutic potency on both MCL cell lines and isolated primary cells from MCL patients, which is likely due to the predominant contribution of cyclin D1-CDK4/6 pathway to malignancy. Other agents, such as PI3K inhibitors, can sensitize abemaciclib in therapeutic resistant MCL cells. Thus, an abemaciclib based multi-drug combinational strategy may be a promising therapy for refractory/relapsed MCL patients in the near future. Disclosures Wang: Beijing Medical Award Foundation: Honoraria; Lu Daopei Medical Group: Honoraria; Kite Pharma: Consultancy, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding; Pulse Biosciences: Consultancy; Loxo Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding; Targeted Oncology: Honoraria; OMI: Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses; Nobel Insights: Consultancy; Guidepoint Global: Consultancy; Dava Oncology: Honoraria; Verastem: Research Funding; Molecular Templates: Research Funding; OncLive: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding; Oncternal: Consultancy, Research Funding; Juno: Consultancy, Research Funding; BioInvent: Research Funding; VelosBio: Research Funding; Acerta Pharma: Research Funding; InnoCare: Consultancy; MoreHealth: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding.

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Doxorubicin treatment modulates chemoresistance and affects the cell cycle in two canine mammary tumour cell lines

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-020-02709-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Michela Levi ◽

Roberta Salaroli ◽

Federico Parenti ◽

Raffaella De Maria ◽

Augusta Zannoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Tumour Cell ◽

S Phase ◽

Mammary Tumour ◽

Cancer Resistance ◽

Neoplastic Cells ◽

Canine Mammary Tumour ◽

Tumour Cell Lines

Abstract Background Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used in both human and veterinary oncology although the onset of multidrug resistance (MDR) in neoplastic cells often leads to chemotherapy failure. Better understanding of the cellular mechanisms that circumvent chemotherapy efficacy is paramount. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of two canine mammary tumour cell lines, CIPp from a primary tumour and CIPm, from its lymph node metastasis, to exposure to EC50(20h) DOX at 12, 24 and 48 h of treatment. We assessed the uptake and subcellular distribution of DOX, the expression and function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP), two important MDR mediators. To better understand this phenomenon the effects of DOX on the cell cycle and Ki67 cell proliferation index and the expression of p53 and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were also evaluated by immunocytochemistry (ICC). Results Both cell lines were able to uptake DOX within the nucleus at 3 h treatment while at 48 h DOX was absent from the intracellular compartment (assessed by fluorescence microscope) in all the surviving cells. CIPm, originated from the metastatic tumour, were more efficient in extruding P-gp substrates. By ICC and qRT-PCR an overall increase in both P-gp and BCRP were observed at 48 h of EC50(20h) DOX treatment in both cell lines and were associated with a striking increase in the percentage of p53 and TERT expressing cells by ICC. The cell proliferation fraction was decreased at 48 h in both cell lines and cell cycle analysis showed a DOX-induced arrest in the S phase for CIPp, while CIPm had an increase in cellular death without arrest. Both cells lines were therefore composed by a fraction of cells sensible to DOX that underwent apoptosis/necrosis. Conclusions DOX administration results in interlinked modifications in the cellular population including a substantial effect on the cell cycle, in particular arrest in the S phase for CIPp and the selection of a subpopulation of neoplastic cells bearing MDR phenotype characterized by P-gp and BCRP expression, TERT activation, p53 accumulation and decrease in the proliferating fraction. Important information is given for understanding the dynamic and mechanisms of the onset of drug resistance in a neoplastic cell population.

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Preclinical Activity of the MPS1 Inhibitor S81694 in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-125641 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 2631-2631

Author(s):

Anna Kaci ◽

Emilie Adiceam ◽

Melanie Dupont ◽

Marine Garrido ◽

Jeannig Berrou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Line ◽

Solid Tumors ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Small Molecule ◽

Research Funding ◽

Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Jurkat Cells ◽

Cell Cycle Distribution ◽

Monopolar Spindle

Introduction: The dual-specificity protein kinase, monopolar spindle 1 (Mps1) is one the main kinases of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) critical for accurate segregation of sister chromatids during mitosis. A hallmark of cancer cells is chromosomal instability caused by deregulated cell cycle checkpoints and SAC dysfunction. Mps1 is known to be overexpressed in several solid tumors including triple negative breast cancer. Thus, Mps1 seems to be a promising target and small molecules targeting Mps1 entered clinical trials in solid tumors. ALL originates from malignant transformation of B-and T-lineage lymphoid precursors with a variety of genetic aberrations including chromosome translocations, mutations, and aneuploidies in genes responsible for cell cycle regulation and lymphoid cell development. While outcome is excellent for pediatric patients and younger adults, relapsed and refractory disease still remain a clinical challenge for elder patients. Here, we demonstrate for the first time preclinical efficacy of the small molecule Mps1 inhibitor (Mps1i) S81694 in T- and B- ALL cells including BCR-ABL1+-driven B-ALL. Materials and Methods: Expression of Mps1 was determined by RT-qPCR and WB in JURKAT, RS4-11 and BCR-ABL1+ cells (BV-173 and TOM-1). A small molecule Mps1i (S81694) was tested alone (0 to 1000nM) or in combination with imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib and ponatinib in BCR-ABL1+ ALL cell lines. Cell viability and IC50 was assessed by MTS assays after exposure to Mps1i for 72h. In combination experiments, compounds were added simultaneously and relative cell numbers were determined at 72h with MTS assays and combination index (CI) values were calculated according to the Bliss model. Induction of apoptosis was evaluated by annexin-V exposure and PI incorporation at 72h with increasing doses of Mps1i. Cell-cycle distribution was determined by cytofluorometric analysis detecting nuclear propidium iodide (PI) intercalation at 48h. Phosphorylation of Mps1 was detected in synchronized (by nocodazole and MG-132) cells by immunofluorescence using an anti phospho-Mps1 antibody detecting Thr33/Ser37 residues. Time-lapse microscopy was used in cell lines in presence or absence of S81694 to determine mitosis duration. Bone marrow (BM) nucleated patient cells were obtained after informed consent and incubated in methylcellulose with cytokines with or without Mps1i for 2 weeks to determine colony growth. Results: Expression of Mps1 could be detected by RT-qPCR and at the protein level by WB in all cell lines (Figure 1A and B ). IC50 after Mps1i exposure alone was 126nM in JURKAT cells, 51nM in RS4-11 cells, 75nM in BV-173 cells and 83nM in TOM-1. Significant apoptosis as detected by phosphatidylserine exposure and PI incorporation in all cell lines with BCR-ABL1+ cell lines BV-173 and TOM-1 cells being the most sensitive (80% and 60% apoptotic cells respectively)(Figure 1C). Upon Mps1i exposure we observed targeted inhibition of Mps1 phosphorylation at Thr33/Ser37 residues indicating the specific on target effect of S81694 by inhibiting Mps1 autophosphorylation (Figure 1D and E). Cell cycle profile was generally lost after treatment with S81694 in all cell lines indicating aberrant 2n/4n distribution due to SAC abrogation (Figure 1F). Furthermore, we demonstrated that S81694 exposure accelerated significantly mitosis in BV-173 cell line from 36 minutes to 19 minutes indicating effective inhibition of SAC function (Figure 1G). Interestingly, S81694 induced significant apoptosis (70%) in the imatinib resistant BV173 cell line bearing the E255K-BCR-ABL1-mutation. Combination of S81694 with TKI imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib (but not ponatinib) was strongly synergistic in BCR-ABL1+ cells (Figure 1H). Finally, we observed inhibition of colony formation in a patient with BCR-ABL1+ B-ALL after exposure to 100nM and 250nM S81694 (reduction of 85% and 100% respectively)(Figure 1I). Conclusion: Mps1i S81694 yields significant preclinical activity in T-and B-cell ALL including BCR-ABL1+ models. Interestingly S81694 was efficacious in a TKI resistant cell line. Disclosures Kaci: Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier (IRIS): Employment. Garrido:Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier (IRIS): Employment. Burbridge:Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier (IRIS): Employment. Dombret:AGIOS: Honoraria; CELGENE: Consultancy, Honoraria; Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier (IRIS): Research Funding. Braun:Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier (IRIS): Research Funding.

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Targeting MM at the Nexus between Cell Cycle and Transcriptional Regulation Via CDK7 Inhibition

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-142592 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 1-2

Author(s):

Yao Yao ◽

Woojun D Park ◽

Eugenio Morelli ◽

Mehmet Kemal Samur ◽

Nicholas P Kwiatkowski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Mononuclear Cells ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

G1 Arrest ◽

Normal Donor ◽

Private Company ◽

Advisory Committees

Deregulated transcription and cell cycle control are hallmarks of cancer that are especially frequent in multiple myeloma (MM). Largely non-overlapping sets of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) regulate cell division and RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-dependent transcription; and targeting of cell cycle CDKs has been long pursued as an attractive therapeutic strategy. Among CDKs, CDK7 presents a unique therapeutic opportunity as it functions as a CDK activating kinase (CAK), licensing the activity of cell cycle CDKs, and also serves as a core component of the general transcription factor TFIIH. Here we elucidated the biological role of CDK7 and its transcriptional regulatory landscape in MM, using genetic as well chemical approaches, including tools for CDK7 rapid protein degradation (dTAG) and the selective covalent inhibitor YKL-5-124 that targets a cysteine residue (C312) located outside of the kinase domain. We have observed that CDK7 inhibition via YKL-5-124 robustly inhibited the phosphorylation of the CDK1, 2 and 4 activation loops in a representative panel of MM cell lines at concentrations as low as 50 nM. This reduction was not observed in MM cells expressing a resistant mutation in the reactive cysteine (C312S). Consistent with decrease of CAK activity, we observed G1 arrest and S phase loss after CDK7 inhibition, which was also associated with a rapid and transient loss of Ser2 and Ser5 phosphorylation of the RNA Pol2 C-terminal domain. To understand the effect of CDK7 inhibition on MM cell growth and viability, we evaluated activity of YKL-5-124 across a large panel of 25 MM cell lines and observed a significant inhibition of MM cell proliferation, with a significantly lower IC50 compared to PHA-activated normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), suggesting a specific sensitivity of MM cells to CDK7 inhibition. Longer exposure to YKL-5-124 caused apoptotic cell death in MM cells; however treatment with an inactive analog or in cells expressing the C312S mutation failed to inhibit MM cell proliferation, confirming that the antiproliferative potency of YKL-5-124 resides in its unique characteristic to covalently bind to C312 domain. Importantly, CDK7 inhibition impaired primary MM cells proliferation alone and when cultured in the presence of BM microenvironment. Selective pharmacological degradation of endogenously tagged CDK7 confirmed impact of CDK7 inhibition on MM cell proliferation via inhibition of CDK7 transcriptional and cell cycle activities. To complement the pharmacological studies, we have established MM cells to express inducible CRISPR/Cas9 constructs encoding 4 independent small guide RNAs targeting CDK7, resulting in the reduction of the abundance of CDK7 protein by 20-60% which was sufficient to inhibit MM cell viability over time, phenocopying pharmacologic inhibition of CDK7. These results support the view that CDK7 is a pharmacologically relevant target for MM. Gene expression analysis after CDK7 inhibition in MM1S and H929 cells revealed that transcripts for only a subset of genes were substantially affected by treatment with low dose of YKL-5-124, showing a strong leading-edge enrichment for downregulation of E2F expression program, cell cycle, DNA damage, and MYC targets. We have indeed confirmed a potent reduction in phosphorylation of RB protein, with consequent decrease of E2F activity in MM cells confirmed using E2F-driven luciferase reporter. These data suggest significant role for CDK7 in the CDK-pRB-E2F pathway in MM, which was strengthened by the observation of a positive correlation between expression of CDK7 and expression of E2F target genes in primary MM cells (n=409). Finally, we have evaluated the in vivo effect of CDK7 inhibition in several murine models of human MM. In the localized subcutaneous model, and the disseminated MM model where treatment with YKL-5-124 decreased tumor burden and improved survival. The effect of CDK7 inhibition explored in an aggressive, genetically engineered model of Myc-dependent MM, revealed evidence of response by decline in measurement of monotypic serum immunoglobulins. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that CDK7 contributes to the 'transcriptional addiction' and the cell cycle deregulation frequently observed in MM and represents an attractive molecular vulnerability to be exploited therapeutically. Disclosures Anderson: Millenium-Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi-Aventis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopep and C4 Therapeutics.: Other: Scientific Founder of Oncopep and C4 Therapeutics.; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Munshi:Takeda: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Legend: Consultancy; Adaptive: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; C4: Current equity holder in private company; OncoPep: Consultancy, Current equity holder in private company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties; BMS: Consultancy. Fulciniti:NIH: Research Funding.

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Cytotoxic Scalarane Sesterterpenes from the Sponge Hyrtios erectus

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md18050253 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 253

Author(s):

Oh-Seok Kwon ◽

Donghwa Kim ◽

Chang-Kwon Kim ◽

Jeongyoon Sun ◽

Chung J. Sim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Cancer Cell ◽

Marine Sponge ◽

Antiproliferative Activity ◽

Cancer Cell Lines ◽

G1 Arrest ◽

Computational Analyses

Twelve new sesterterpenes along with eight known sesterterpenes were isolated from the marine sponge Hyrtios erectus collected off the coast of Chuuk Island, the Federated State of Micronesia. Based upon a combination of spectroscopic and computational analyses, these compounds were determined to be eight glycine-bearing scalaranes (1–8), a 3-keto scalarane (9), two oxidized-furan-bearing scalaranes (10 and 11), and a salmahyrtisane (12). Several of these compounds exhibited weak antiproliferation against diverse cancer cell lines as well as moderate anti-angiogenesis activities. The antiproliferative activity of new compound 4 was found to be associated with G0/G1 arrest in the cell cycle.

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Depsipeptide in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): A Prospective Evaluation of the Cell Cycle.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v104.11.1497.1497 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 104 (11) ◽

pp. 1497-1497

Author(s):

Zoe Goldberg* ◽

Scott Ely ◽

Selina Chen-Kiang ◽

Martha Chesi ◽

Peter L. Bergsagel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cyclin D1 ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Phase Ii ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Gene Array ◽

Cyclin D3 ◽

Proliferation Index ◽

G1 Arrest

Abstract Background: Dysregulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis are two critical events in the pathophysiology of MM. This notion is supported by: 1)A high tumor burden is often present despite a low rate of tumor cell proliferation. 2)G1 arrest is common in MM cells while normal plasma cells are permanently withdrawn from cell cycle. 3) Cyclin D1 is often overexpressed without a defined genetic substrate. Herein, we show that cell cycle evaluation in vivo is feasible and that the histone-deacetylase inhibitor depsipeptide might be effective in selected patients with MM. Patients and Methods: In vitro studies were performed in 12 human MM cell lines with defined cytogenetic abnormalities. The IC50 for depsipeptide was determined by evaluation of apoptosis by standard methods. In vivo studies where done as correlates in a phase II protocol. These include: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for co-expression of CD138/Ki-67 as a proliferation index (PCPI), cyclin D1, D3, caspase 3 cleavege, CD31 and bcl-2 before treatment and at 24 hrs and 30 days after treatment. Gene array studies are being performed on selected patients at those timepoints. To date, four stage III patients (PTS) with relapsed MM with four or fewer prior lines of therapy have been treated with one to three cycles of depsipeptide at a dose of 13mg/m2,as a 4-hour infusion on days 1, 8, and 15, repeated every 28 days. Mean age was 63 years (range, 56 to 72). KPS of >80%. Mean albumin was 3.5, (range, 3.2 to 4), mean LDH was 243 (range, 179 to 315). Results: 1)Depsipeptide induces apoptosis in several MM cell lines. All lines were susceptible to depsipeptide, however, differential sensitivities were noted. Three cell lines (ie U266) that contained 11q13 translocation (cyclin D1 overexpression) were the most sensitive with IC50s at least 2 fold lower than other lines. 2) Cell cycle changes are induced by depsipeptide: In 2/4 PTS, a significant increase of the PCPI was seen, whereas a marked reduction in the PCPI in a patient with cyclin D3 overexpression (27% to 16%) was also noted. One patient had an increase of cyclin D1 post treatment. No changes where seen in bcl-2, CD-31, or cleaved caspase-3 expression. 3) Depsipeptide is safe in a limited cohort of MM PTS: Grade 2 fatigue and anorexia were the most common toxicities. Mild thrombocytopenia (mean of 67) did not require transfusions. One patient had stable disease after 3 cycles of treatment, one patient had progression of disease after 3 cycles, one patient progressed after the 1st cycle, and one patient is too early for evaluation. Conclusions: 1)Patients with 11q13 translocation should be a target for treatment with depsipeptide. 2)Depsipeptide given on this schedule is safe and can stabilize tumor-mass in PTS with otherwise progressive relapsed and refractory disease.3) Evidence of cell cycle modulation can be seen during treatment with depsipeptide. No profound changes in apoptosis is evident.4)Further studies may help to understand the mechanism of transcriptional regulation by depsipeptide and will help design rational therapy and combinations. This study continues to accrue patients as part of New York Phase II Consortium. Supported by NCI grant (SAIC1N01-CO-12400-02) and a SCOR for Myeloma grant from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.

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Induction of G1 Arrest and Apoptosis in a Conditional Expression Model of AML1/ETO: P53-Independent Upregulation of P21/WAF/CIP1.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v104.11.2576.2576 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 104 (11) ◽

pp. 2576-2576

Author(s):

Tobias Berg ◽

Manfred Fliegauf ◽

Jurij Pitako ◽

Jan Burger ◽

Mahmoud Abdelkarim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Growth ◽

Western Blot ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Blot Analysis ◽

Parp Cleavage ◽

G1 Arrest ◽

U937 Cells ◽

Negative Cell ◽

Conditional Expression

Abstract Background: The translocation (8;21) is the most common chromosomal rearrangement in AML, resulting in the expression of the fusion protein AML1/ETO. We have developed an ecdysone-inducible U937 model, in which AML1/ETO is expressed in response to treatment with Ponasterone (Pon) A (Fliegauf et al, Oncogene 2004). This model system was used to determine the cellular effects of AML1/ETO and to identify its target genes in U937 cells. Methods: Effects of AML1/ETO expression upon cell growth, viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by trypan blue exclusion, FACS analysis using propidium iodide and DiOC6 staining, DNA laddering and Western blot for PARP cleavage, respectively. The gene expression profile of U937 with and without conditional AML1/ETO expression was assessed using Affymetrix U133A microarrays. Wild-type U937 cells with and without PonA treatment as well as AML1/ETO-negative and AML1/ETO-positive myeloid cell lines served as controls. Northern and Western Blotting were used for validation of expression changes. Results: Induction of AML1/ETO expression in U937 resulted in reduced cell growth, G1 arrest and in apoptosis beginning 48–72 hours after PonA treatment. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, microarray analysis was performed. Expression profiles of AML1/ETO-positive and AML1/ETO-negative cell lines formed distinct clusters. Based on stringent criteria, 191 different genes were found upregulated, whereas 37 were downregulated upon expression of AML1/ETO in U937. The identified genes were screened for genes with known functions in cell cycle and apoptosis by automated and manual review and included 13 apoptosis-related genes. Among them, the CDK inhibitor p21/WAF/CIP1 was upregulated 19-fold upon induction of AML1/ETO, whereas the apoptosis regulator MCL-1 was induced 2.5-fold. Based on our criteria, no differential expression of other transcriptionally-controlled apoptosis regulators (such as BCL2, BAX, BAK1, BAD or c-flip) was noted. Northern and Western Blot analysis confirmed the strong induction of p21/WAF/CIP1 that paralleled the expression of AML1/ETO 10 hours after PonA treatment. Induction of p21/WAF/CIP1 was independent of the tumor suppressor protein p53 (Dou et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1995), and by Western blot, p53 was undetectable in U937. Northern Blot analysis revealed a higher expression of p21/WAF/CIP1 in the AML1/ETO-positive cell lines Kasumi-1 and SKNO-1 than in the AML1/ETO-negative cell lines HL-60, KG-1 and U937, supporting our finding that AML1/ETO may induce p21/WAF/CIP1. Conclusions: AML1/ETO expression resulted in increased expression of p21/WAF/CIP1, which might contribute to the observed growth arrest and induction of apoptosis caused by the conditional expression of AML1/ETO.

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Alternation of Cellular Morphology and Proliferation Induced by microRNA in Human Leukemia Cell Line, UT-7/EPO.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v108.11.4203.4203 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 4203-4203

Author(s):

Nobuyoshi Kosaka ◽

Yusuke Yamamoto ◽

Nami Nogawa ◽

Keiichi Sugiura ◽

Hiroshi Miyazaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Line ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Macrocytic Anemia ◽

Leukemia Cell ◽

Leukemia Cell Line ◽

Human Leukemia ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Morphological Studies

Abstract Mature microRNA (miRNA) originated from primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) is a new group of potential regulator for cell differentiation, apoptosis, proliferation and oncogenesis. Some miRNAs were recently identified in hematopoietic cells, while the roles of miRNAs in erythrocytic and megakaryocytic cells had not been well examined. As a first step to explore for miRNAs specific for hematopoietic lineage, the expressions of several known primary microRNAs in erythrocytic and megakaryocytic cell lines, such as TF-1, HL-60, HEK293 and UT-7 leukemia cells, were examined by RT-PCR. We consequently focused on the pri-miR-10a, a primary transcript of miR-10a located within Hox gene clusters, and found the significant expression in TF-1 cells and UT-7/EPO cells. The UT-7/EPO cells were a subline established from the original UT-7 cells, as well as UT-7/GM and UT-7/TPO cells; therefore it was suitable for the further comparative analysis. Interestingly, in UT-7/EPO cells, the expression of pri-miR-10a increased under stimulation of erythropoietin (EPO; 1U/mL and 10U/mL). Based on these observations, it was postulated that pri-miR-10a might involve in modulating erythrocyte differentiation or proliferation. To clarify the role of pri-miR-10a in UT-7/EPO, we have established clonal cell lines by transfecting UT-7/EPO cells with either the control vector or the pri-miR-10a expression vector pCMV-pri-miR10a. Overexpression of pri-miR-10a in the UT-7/EPO cell line (miR10a-UT-7/EPO) was confirmed by RT-PCR. MiR10a-UT-7/EPO showed higher proliferation rate even at low concentration of EPO (0.1 mU/mL). Overexpression of pri-miR-10a did not appear to affect HOXB4 and HOXA1 expression, as similar mRNA levels were seen in both cell lines. It was notable that the cellular size of miR10a-UT-7/EPO became larger than its parental cells. Morphological studies of miR10a-UT-7/EPO were performed in detail. It is possible that miR-10a was capable to modulate morphological features particularly in cellular size relating to cell cycle regulation. For instance, loss of the E2F family members result in marked macrocytic anemia with megaloblastic features in adult mice (Mol Cell. 2000 Aug;6(2):281–91., Mol Cell Biol. 2003 May;23(10):3607–22., Blood. 2006 Aug 1;108(3):886–95.). Data presented here hypothesized that the roles of miR-10a in erythroid cells are tightly associated with cell cycle.

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