Calmodulin Inhibition Rescues the Effects of Ribosomal Protein Deficiency in in Vitro and In Vivo Diamond Blackfan Anemia Models

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 672-672
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R Macari ◽  
Alison Taylor ◽  
David Raiser ◽  
Kavitha Siva ◽  
Katherine McGrath ◽  
...  

Abstract Ribosomal protein (RP) mutations are found in many diseases, including Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA), where defective erythropoiesis, craniofacial abnormalities and increased cancer risk are major complications. RP mutations cause p53 activation through accumulation of free RPs that bind and sequester MDM2, the negative regulator of p53. We previously characterized a zebrafish mutant in rps29, a gene found mutated in DBA patients. Rps29-/- embryos have hematopoietic and endothelial defects, including decreased cmyb and flk1 expression and defects in hemoglobinization. Consistent with other animal models of RP dysfunction, p53 knockdown in rps29-/- embryos rescued these defects. To uncover novel compounds that correct the phenotypes of DBA, we performed a chemical screen in rps29-/- embryos. Several structurally distinct calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors successfully rescued hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the mutant embryo. To confirm that CaM inhibitors could rescue mammalian models of DBA, we applied them to human and murine models. Treating cord blood-derived CD34+ cells deficient in RPS19 with the CaM inhibitor, trifluoperazine (TFP), relieved the erythroid differentiation block. Injection of TFP in a DBA murine model significantly increased red blood cell number and Hb levels. Mechanistic studies in A549 cells infected with lentivirus expressing RPS19 shRNA demonstrated that TFP blocks p53 nuclear accumulation and induction of multiple p53 transcriptional target genes (p<0.05). Through p53 genetic manipulation, we determined that TFP inhibits p53 transcriptional activity through its c-terminal domain (CTD). Since this region has many residues that can be phosphorylated by CaM-dependent kinases, we hypothesized that TFP blocked phosphorylation of residues in the CTD. To test this hypothesis, phosphomimetic mutants were transfected into Saos2 cells and p53 transcriptional activity in response to TFP was evaluated using p21mRNA levels. TFP treatment of cells containing WT p53 or a transactivation domain mutant, S15D, resulted in a 4-fold reduction in p21 mRNA levels, while all four phosphomimetic mutants in the CTD had attenuated responses to TFP (<2-fold). The common CaM-dependent kinases that phosphorylate these CTD residues are Chk1 and Chk2. Investigation of the role of Chk1 and Chk2 found that a chk2 morpholino and multiple inhibitors of Chk2, but not Chk1, rescued Hb levels in the rps29-/- embryo (p<0.05). Chk2 inhibitors also mimic CaM inhibition in our in vitro assays. In conclusion, we have shown a novel mechanism by which CaM inhibitors mediate p53 activity through the CTD and can rescue the phenotypes of multiple in vitro and in vivo models of DBA. Our data strongly suggests that CaM or Chk2 inhibitors may be effective therapies for DBA patients, and a clinical trial is being planned with TFP. Disclosures Ebert: Genoptix: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties; H3 Biomedicine: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Zon:FATE Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Founder; Scholar Rock: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Founder.

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 4131-4131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trinayan Kashyap ◽  
Irfana Muqbil ◽  
Amro Aboukameel ◽  
Boris Klebanov ◽  
Ramzi Mohammad ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: XPO1 (exportin-1/CRM1) mediates nuclear export of proteins containing leucine-rich amino-acid consensus sequences. XPO1 cargo proteins include many of the major tumor suppressor proteins (p53, IkB, pRB, FOXOs) and their export leads to the inactivation of cell cycle checkpoints. Overexpression of XPO1 has been reported to correlate with poor cancer prognosis. The Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound, selinexor, binds covalently to the cargo pocket on XPO1, inhibits nuclear export which leads to cell cycle arrest and specific cancer cell death. Selinexor is currently in advanced clinical trials for patients with solid and hematological malignancies including patients with relapsed/refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) (NCT02227251). Using preclinical models, we recently demonstrated that proteasome inhibitors (PI) can re-sensitize multiple myeloma that acquired resistance to selinexor. Here, we aimed to find if treatment with selinexor and bortezomib is beneficial for the treatment of DLBCL. Methods: DLBCLcell lines were treated with selinexor in combination with bortezomib. Cell viability was examined using standard viability assays after 72 hours of treatment. Whole cell protein lysates were evaluated by immunoblotting. NF-κB transcriptional activity was analyzed using an ELISA assay. WSU-DLCL2 cells were grown as sub-cutaneous tumors in ICR SCID mice. Tumor bearing mice were divided into 4 groups and were administered either vehicle, sub-maximum tolerated doses of selinexor (10 mg/kg p.o. twice a week, M, Th), bortezomib (1 mg/kg i.v. twice a week, M, TH) and the combination of selinexor (10 mg/kg p.o. twice a week) plus bortezomib (1 mg/kg i.v. twice a week). Results: The combination treatment of selinexor with bortezomib synergistically killed DLBCL cells compared to the single agents alone. Co-treatment with bortezomib enhanced selinexor mediated nuclear retention of IκB-α. Selinexor plus bortezomib treatment decreased NF-κB transcriptional activity. Finally, the combination of selinexor with bortezomib showed superior anti-tumor efficacy in the combination group compared to single agent treatments in WSU-DLCL2 xenograft model. Conclusions: Based on our results, inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity through forced nuclear retention of IκB appears to be an important mechanism underlying the synergistic effects of selinexor plus bortezomib in many different cell lines including DLBCL. The superior efficacy of selinexor plus bortezomib combination both in vitro and in vivo when compared to single agents along provides a rational for conducting clinical trials with these combinations in DLBCL patients. Disclosures Kashyap: Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Klebanov:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Senapedis:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Shacham:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Kauffman:Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Landesman:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 5196-5196
Author(s):  
Marsha Crochiere ◽  
Boris Klebanov ◽  
Erkan Baloglu ◽  
Ori Kalid ◽  
Trinayan Kashyap ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: SINE are a family of small molecules that selectively inhibit nuclear export by forming a slowly reversible covalent bond with Cysteine 528 (Cys528) in the cargo binding pocket of Exportin 1 (XPO1/CRM1). SINE binding to XPO1 leads to forced nuclear retention and activation of major tumor suppressor proteins (TSPs) such as p53, FOXO, pRB and IkB, resulting in selective death of cancer cells. Selinexor is an orally bioavailable SINE compound currently in human phase I and II clinical trials for advanced hematological and solid cancers. Oral selinexor demonstrates maximal pharmacokinetic exposure at 1-2 hours in humans with associated increases in pharmacodynamic markers of XPO1 inhibition in 2-4 hours that last for up to 48 hours. The goal of this study was to develop a binding assay that would enable quantification of XPO1 occupancy in PBMCs from patients following oral administration of selinexor. Methods: To measure the binding of SINE to XPO1, biotinylated leptomycin B (LMB) was utilized. Biotinylated LMB binds covalently and irreversibly to Cys528 in the cargo-binding site of free XPO1 with activity confirmed to be similar to that of unmodified LMB in cytotoxicity assays. To measure SINE binding to XPO1 in vitro, cancer cell lines and PBMCs from normal human donors were treated with SINE compounds prior to treatment with biotinylated LMB. Any XPO1 that did not bind SINE instead binds to biotinylated LMB and can be quantified. In in vivo studies, mice were treated with selinexor, followed by collection of PBMCs for treatment with biotinylated LMB. After incubation with biotinylated LMB, cells were harvested, lysed, and protein lysates were subjected to pull-down experiments with streptavidin-conjugated beads followed by immunoanalysis of XPO1. Results: To evaluate selinexor-XPO1 binding kinetics in vitro, MM.1S, AML2, AML3, and HEL cells were treated with 0 - 10 µM of SINE compounds and unbound XPO1 was pulled down from cell lysates treated with biotinylated LMB. Immunoanalysis showed that 50% XPO1 occupancy with selinexor was achieved at 0.07 µM in MM.1S, 0.1 µM in AML2, 0.03 µM in AML3, and 0.12 µM in HEL cells. Selinexor-XPO1 occupancy experiments using human PBMCs isolated from donor whole blood showed 50% XPO1 occupancy at 0.05 µM. In mice, 50% XPO1 occupancy in PMBCs was achieved after 4 hours treatment with 1.2 mg/kg (3.6 mg/m2) selinexor, while 90% XPO1 occupancy was achieved at 8.1 mg/kg (24.3 mg/m2). Mice treated with a single dose of selinexor from 1.5 to 10 mg/kg for 4-96 hours revealed sustained, dose dependent XPO1 occupancy in PBMCs for up to 72 hours. Conclusions: We have developed a sensitive and robust assay to measure selinexor binding to XPO1 that can be used to evaluate drug exposure following treatment with oral selinexor in preclinical and clinical studies. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is a correlation between XPO1 occupancy (pharmacodynamics measurement) with disease response in patients with solid and hematological malignancies. Disclosures Crochiere: Karyopharm: Employment. Klebanov:Karyopharm Therpeutics: Employment. Baloglu:Karyopharm: Employment. Kalid:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Kashyap:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Senapedis:Karyopharm: Employment. del Alamo:Karyopharm: Employment. Rashal:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Tamir:Karyopharm: Employment. McCauley:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership. Carlson:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment. Savona:Karyopharm: Consultancy, Equity Ownership; Gilead: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Kauffman:Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. Shacham:Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. Landesman:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Employment.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 237-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Rettig ◽  
Matthew Holt ◽  
Julie Prior ◽  
Sharon Shacham ◽  
Michael Kauffman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Exportin 1 (XPO1) also called CRM1, is a widely expressed nuclear export protein, transporting a variety of molecules including tumor suppressor proteins and cell cycle regulators. Targeted inhibition of XPO1 is a new strategy to restore multiple cell death pathways in various malignant diseases. SINEs are novel, orally available, small molecule Selective Inhibitors of Nuclear Export (SINE) that specifically bind to XPO1 and inhibit its function. Methods We used WST-1 cell proliferation assays, flow cytometry, and bioluminescence imaging to evaluate the efficacy of multiple SINEs to induce apoptosis alone and in combination with cytarabine (AraC) or doxorubicin in vitro in chemotherapy sensitive and resistant murine acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells. This murine model of APL was previously generated by knocking in the human PML-RARa cDNA into the 5’ regulatory sequence of the cathepsin G locus (Westervelt et al. Blood, 2003). The abnormal co-expression of the myeloid surface antigen Gr1 and the early hematopoietic markers CD34 and CD117 identify leukemic blasts. These Gr1+CD34+CD117+ APL cells partially retain the ability to terminally differentiate toward mature granulocytes (mimicking more traditional AML models) and can be adoptively transferred to secondary recipients, which develop a rapidly fatal leukemia within 3 weeks after tumor inoculation. To assess the safety and efficacy of SINEs in vivo, we injected cryopreserved APL cells intravenously via the tail vein into unconditioned genetically compatible C57BL/6 recipients and treated leukemic and non-leukemic mice (n=15/cohort) with 15 mg/kg of the oral clinical staged SINE KPT-330 (currently in Phase 1 studies in patients with solid tumors and hematological malignancies) alone or in combination with 200 mg/kg cytarabine every other day for a total of 2 weeks. Peripheral blood was obtained weekly from mice for complete blood counts and flow cytometry to screen for development of APL. Results The first generation SINE, KPT214, inhibited the proliferation of murine APL cell lines in a dose and time dependent manner with IC50 values ranging from of 95 nM to 750 nM. IC50 values decreased 2.4-fold (KPT-185) and 3.5-fold (KPT-249) with subsequent generations of the SINEs. Consistent with the WST-1 results, Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D flow cytometry showed a significant increase of APL apoptosis within 6 hours of KPT-249 application. Minimal toxicity against normal murine lymphocytes was observed with SINEs even up to doses of 500 nM. Additional WST-1 assays using AraC-resistant and doxorubicin-resistant APL cell lines demonstrated cell death of both chemotherapy-resistant cell lines at levels comparable to the parental chemosensitive APL cell lines. Combination therapy with low dose KPT-330 and AraC showed additive effects on inhibition of cell proliferation in vitro. This additive effect of KPT-330 and chemotherapy on APL killing was maintained in vivo. As shown in Figure 1, treatment with AraC or KPT-330 alone significantly prolonged the survival of leukemic mice from a median survival of 24 days (APL + vehicle) to 33 days or 39 days, respectively (P < 0.0001). Encouragingly, combination therapy with AraC + KPT-330 further prolonged survival compared to monotherapy (P < 0.0001), with some mice being cured of the disease. Similar in vivo studies with the AraC-resistant and doxorubicin-resistant APL cells are just being initiated. Conclusions Our data suggests that the addition of a CRM1 inhibitor to a chemotherapy regimen offers a promising avenue for treatment of AML. Disclosures: Shacham: Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. Kauffman:Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. McCauley:Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 359-359
Author(s):  
Sergei Doulatov ◽  
Linda T Vo ◽  
Elizabeth R Macari ◽  
Stephanie S Chou ◽  
Manav Gupta ◽  
...  

Abstract Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a promising source of patient-specific cells for disease modeling, drug screens and cellular therapies. However, the inability to derive engraftable human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells has limited their use for modeling of hematological diseases. We previously reported a strategy to respecify lineage-restricted CD34+hematopoietic precursors derived from iPSCs into multilineage progenitors that can be expanded in vitro and transplanted in vivo. Five transcription factors, HOXA9, ERG, RORA, SOX4 and MYB, enable expansion and maintenance of primitive CD34+CD38- cells, and allow their differentiation upon transgene silencing. Respecified iPSC-derived hematopoietic progenitors give rise to robust short-term engraftment with myeloid and erythroid lineages. Notably, the erythrocytes undergo definitive maturation and hemoglobin switching to express β-globin in vivo. This system presents a useful platform for modeling hematological disorders due to its capacity to generate large numbers of engraftable disease cells for in vitro and in vivo screens. Congenital anemias, such as Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) represent a defined system for understanding red blood cell development and more common idiopathic anemias. To model this disease in vitro, we combined factor-induced respecification with stepwise erythroid maturation. We show that respecified iPSCs from DBA patients recapitulate the defect in erythroid differentiation. Consistent with clinical observations, early erythroblasts show impaired proliferation marked by increased apoptosis and p21 expression, while terminal maturation is unaffected. Interestingly, while early passage iPSC lines display a profound erythroid defect, continuous passage restores a near-normal capacity for erythroid differentiation. Furthermore, transplanted DBA iPSC-derived progenitors give rise to normal myeloid, but fail to generate erythroid, engraftment. This validates this system as a powerful tool for disease modeling and drug discovery. Mice transplanted with DBA iPSC-derived progenitors treated with conventional anemia drugs, such as dexamethasone, show a modest improvement in human erythroid output suggesting the need for novel treatments. Using high-throughput chemical screens, we have identified several signaling pathways which may be attractive therapeutic targets in DBA and other anemias. Further characterization is currently underway to better target defective erythropoiesis and dissect underlying disease mechanisms. Disclosures Zon: FATE Therapeutics, Inc: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other; Scholar Rock: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other; Stemgent: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2729-2729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongdong Feng ◽  
Phung Gip ◽  
Kelly Marie McKenna ◽  
Feifei Zhao ◽  
Ofelia Mata ◽  
...  

Abstract CD47 is an anti-phagocytic signal and macrophage checkpoint that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other cancer cells utilize to evade innate immunity and establish disease. 5F9 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to human CD47 and blocks its interaction with its macrophage receptor SIRPα, thereby promoting phagocytosis of cancer cells. We have found in numerous preclinical studies that anti-CD47 Abs synergize with targeted Abs (such as rituximab and cetuximab) by promoting phagocytosis, and also enable antigen cross-presentation and activation of cytotoxic T cells. These preclinical findings are being translated into clinical results as we have established in several clinical trials promising preliminary evidence of 5F9's therapeutic potential. In this study, we hypothesized that combining 5F9 with azacytidine (AZA) would enhance therapeutic efficacy against AML. AZA (Vidaza®) is a hypomethylating and chemotherapeutic agent indicated for AML. AZA's anti-cancer mechanism of action is believed to be twofold, the first being induction of DNA demethylation and the second being its anti-metabolite activity. Interestingly, it has also been found that AZA can increase the expression of the anti-phagocytic signal, CD47, and the pro-phagocytic signal, calreticulin, in myeloid malignancies. Based on these previous findings, we hypothesized that AML cells may be more efficaciously eliminated using a combination of AZA and 5F9 through enhancement of AML cell phagocytosis. We first tested this hypothesis using an in vitro phagocytosis assay. AML cells (i.e. GFP-expressing HL60 cells) were incubated for 24 hours with 3µM AZA and afterwards, the HL60-GFP cells were co-cultured for 2 hours with either human macrophages plus IgG4 control or 5F9 (10µg/ml). Phagocytosis of HL60 AML cells was calculated as a percentage of GFP-positive macrophages (i.e. the amount of macrophages that engulfed GFP-positive HL60 cells), compared to total number of macrophages. Results were normalized to a condition that produced the maximum amount of phagocytosis (100%). We found that the combination of AZA with 5F9 enhanced the human macrophage-mediated phagocytic elimination of HL60-GFP cells compared to either agent alone (Fig. 1). Next, we asked whether we could confirm our in vitro findings in vivo utilizing an aggressive AML xenograft mouse model. HL60-GFP cells (500,000 cells/per mouse) expressing luciferase were engrafted by intravenous injection into 6 - 8 week old immune-deficient NSG (NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ) mice. Three days post engraftment (PE), bioluminescence imaging was performed to assess AML engraftment based on total flux (photons/sec). Animals were randomized based on these values into 6 treatment cohorts with 8 animals per group. Treatment was performed as follows: (1) control (PBS) was initiated on day 4 PE and continued for 14 consecutive daily doses; (2) AZA (7.5 mg/kg) was initiated on day 4 PE and continued for 5 consecutive daily doses; (3) two cohorts of 5F9 (10mg/kg) were initiated at day 4 or day 7 PE and continued for 14 consecutive daily doses; and (4) two combination cohorts of AZA with 5F9 were initiated according to the 5F9 monotherapy dosing regimens. Routine bioluminescence imaging was performed during treatment and for several months after to assess AML burden and reoccurrence. Both combination cohorts inhibited AML growth as early as day 10 PE, and maintained elimination of growth and overall survival up to 255 days PE. In contrast, the AZA and 5F9 monotherapies initiated at day 7 PE (D7), decreased AML growth at day 10 PE, but failed to produce a durable response. Notably, as the AML expanded, all animals from the AZA cohort died by 46 days PE, and all animals from the 5F9 cohort died by 61 days PE. Of the 8 animals from the 5F9 cohort that received treatment on day 4 PE, only two animals demonstrated progressive disease and did not survive. The remaining animals from this cohort had no detectable AML cancer cells (Fig 2). In summary, the combination of 5F9 with AZA significantly enhanced the phagocytic elimination of AML cells by human macrophages in vitro, enhanced clearance of AML in vivo, and prolonged survival compared to single agent treatment with AZA or 5F9. These results support the rationale for investigating a combinatorial treatment of 5F9 and AZA in patients with AML. A clinical trial with this combination in patients with AML is currently ongoing (NCT03248479). Disclosures Feng: Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gip:Forty Seven Inc: Equity Ownership. McKenna:Forty Seven Inc.: Equity Ownership. Zhao:Forty Seven Inc: Consultancy. Mata:Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Choi:Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Duan:Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sompalli:Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership. Majeti:BioMarin: Consultancy; Forty Seven, Inc: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Weissman:Forty Seven, Inc: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties. Takimoto:Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Chao:Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Chen:Forty Seven Inc: Consultancy, Equity Ownership. Liu:Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties. Volkmer:Forty Seven Inc: Employment, Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 3040-3040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben Niesvizky ◽  
Paul G. Richardson ◽  
Nashat Y. Gabrail ◽  
Sumit Madan ◽  
Andrew J. Yee ◽  
...  

Abstract Histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes are attractive therapeutic targets in oncology, but non-selective HDAC inhibitors have led to dose-limiting toxicities in patients, particularly in combination with other therapeutic agents. Ricolinostat (ACY-1215), a first-in-class orally available HDAC inhibitor that is 11-fold selective for HDAC6, synergizes in vitro and in vivo in models of MM and lymphoma with bortezomib (Santo, Blood, 2012; Amengual, Clin Cancer Res, 2015) or carfilzomib (Mishima, Br J Haematol, 2015; Dasmahapatra, Mol Cancer Ther, 2014). Furthermore, ricolinostat has demonstrated an excellent safety and tolerability profile in phase I trials as an oral liquid formulation (Raje, Haematologica, 2014, Suppl 1). We have now identified ACY-241 as a structurally related and orally available selective inhibitor of HDAC6 that is undergoing clinical evaluation in tablet form. In combination with ricolinostat, the immunomodulatory (IMiD®) class of drugs, including lenalidomide (Len) and pomalidomide (Pom), exhibit striking anti-myeloma properties in a variety of MM models (Quayle, AACR, 2014) and have demonstrated clinical activity in MM patients (Yee, ASH, 2014). In support of our ongoing development of ACY-241, we show here that combination with either Len or Pom leads to synergistic decrease in MM cell viability in vitro. Time course studies demonstrated cell cycle arrest followed by progressive induction of apoptosis after prolonged exposure to Len or Pom. Notably, the addition of ACY-241 to either Len or Pom resulted in synergistic increases in apoptosis of MM cells. At the molecular level, treatment with IMiDs reduced expression of the critical transcription factors MYC and IRF4, which was further reduced by combination treatment with ACY-241. Current studies are exploring the molecular mechanism underlying this effect, which may be a consequence of low level inhibition of HDAC1, 2, and 3 by ACY-241. Prolonged treatment with ACY-241 plus Pom was well tolerated in vivo with no evidence of toxicity, and the combination resulted in a significant extension of survival in a xenograft model of MM. Given the comparable tolerability profiles of ricolinostat and ACY-241 and the similar preclinical activity in combination with IMiDs, a clinical trial (NCT02400242) is currently evaluating ACY-241 in combination with Pom and low-dose dexamethasone in MM patients. Predicated upon the clinical experience with ricolinostat and the non-clinical pharmacokinetics of ACY-241, we designed an expedited first-in-human phase 1a/1b clinical trial of a single cycle of ACY-241 monotherapy followed by ACY-241 in combination with Pom and dexamethasone in MM patients. A merged monotherapy/combination trial design was chosen to grant patients access to combination therapy with an established regimen while enabling insight into the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ACY-241 monotherapy. Patients with relapsed or relapsed-and-refractory MM previously treated with at least two cycles of Len and a proteasome inhibitor were eligible for this trial. The first patient was enrolled in June 2015. This patient tolerated monotherapy well and pharmacokinetics showed maximal plasma levels of ACY-241 in the micromolar range, consistent with predictions. An update on enrollment, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles as well as safety of monotherapy and combination therapy will be provided. Disclosures Niesvizky: Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Richardson:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gentium S.p.A.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Gabrail:Onyx: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BI: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Madan:Onyx: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Quayle:Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Almeciga-Pinto:Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Jones:Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Houston:Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Hayes:Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Van Duzer:Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Wheeler:Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, INC: Employment. Trede:Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Raje:Acetylon: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 4417-4417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holbrook E Kohrt ◽  
Ariane Thielens ◽  
Aurelien Marabelle ◽  
Idit Sagiv Barfi ◽  
Caroline Sola ◽  
...  

Natural killer (NK) cells mediate anti-lymphoma activity by spontaneous cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) when triggered by rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) used to treat patients with B cell lymphomas. The balance of inhibitory and activating signals determines the magnitude of NK cell's efficacy by spontaneous cytoxicity. Using a killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) transgenic murine model, we show that blockade of the interface of inhibitory KIRs with MHC class I antigens on lymphoma by anti-KIR antibodies prevents a tolerogenic interaction and augments NK cell spontaneous cytotoxicity. In combination with anti-CD20 mAbs, anti-KIR treatment induces enhanced NK cell-mediated, rituximab-dependent cytotoxicity against lymphoma in vitro and in vivo in syngeneic and KIR transgenic murine lymphoma models. Specifically targeting murine NK cells in vitro, anti-Ly49C/I F(ab')2 increased anti-CD20 mAb-mediated NK cell degranulation as measured by CD107a mobilization and interferon-γ release, as well as increased cytotoxicity as assessed by chromium release. In the syngeneic EL4-huCD20 lymphoma model, anti-Ly49C/I F(ab')2 enhanced the anti-lymphoma activity of anti-CD20 mAb in vivo (Fig 1A-1B) and was NK cell-dependent with efficacy abrogated by NK cell depletion with anti-Asialo-GM1. To validate these observations and the potential efficacy of a fully human anti-KIR mAb (IPH2101, lirilumab), we demonstrated, in vitro, dose-dependent KIR2DL3 saturation and tumor lysis following blockade of KIR2DL3/HLA-C with lirilumab. In the transgenic KIR murine model, lirilumab therapy improved survival in an NK cell-dependent manner in both a prophylactic and therapeutic HLA+ (221 HLA-Cw3) lymphoma model. In combination, lirilumab therapy synergistically enhanced rituximab's anti-lymphoma efficacy in vivo in an NK cell-dependent manner (Fig 2A-C). These results support a therapeutic strategy of combination, rituximab and KIR blockade through lirilumab, illustrating the potential efficacy of combining a tumor targeting therapy with an NK cell agonist thus stimulating the post-rituximab anti-lymphoma immune response. Disclosures: Thielens: Innate Pharma: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sola:Innate Pharma: Employment, Equity Ownership. Chanuc:Innate Pharma: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fuseri:Innate Pharma: Employment. Bonnafous:Innate Pharma: Employment, Equity Ownership. Vivier:Innate Pharma: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Romagne:Innate Pharma: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Andre:Innate-Pharma: Employment, Equity Ownership. Blery:Innate Pharma: Employment, Equity Ownership.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 2651-2651
Author(s):  
Gautam M. Borthakur ◽  
William B. Donnellan ◽  
Scott R. Solomon ◽  
Camille Abboud ◽  
Aziz Nazha ◽  
...  

Deregulated transcription, one of the key features of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), remains largely unactionable by recently approved therapies. Preclinical studies indicate that targeting Cyclin Dependent Kinase 8 (CDK8) may be a novel therapeutic strategy for AML. CDK8 and its paralog CDK19, restrain activation of super-enhancer-associated tumor suppressors and lineage commitment genes in AML cells. SEL120 is a first-in-class, specific and selective inhibitor of CDK8/CDK19 and has shown activity in preclinical AML models. Preclinical characterization of SEL120 demonstrated a unique mechanism of action, related to known functions of CDK8 in the regulation of transcription. Cells sensitive to SEL120 show enrichment for leukemia stem cells (LSCs) signatures and higher signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) levels. Treatment with SEL120 reduced STAT5 phosphorylation in sensitive cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptomic analysis of AML cells revealed that SEL120 regulated genes involved in lineage controlling functions. Specifically, trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) by the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), was proposed to maintain the stemness of LSCs by preventing differentiation. Derepression of lineage commitment genes marked with H3K27me3, was one of the earliest transcriptional events in sensitive cells treated with SEL120. Consistent with its transcriptional effects, SEL120 induced differentiation of AML cells. Additionally SEL120 significantly repressed the MYC Proto-Oncogene-dependent transcriptomic signatures. Efficacy of SEL120 in AML was confirmed in models with high translational potential, including patient-derived AML cells (PDC) in vitro and in vivo. PDCs treated with SEL120 showed reduced viability, induction of apoptotic cell death and differentiation commitment. Administration of SEL120 in orthotopic AML patient-derived xenograft models reduced tumor burden to the level undetectable by flow cytometry, decreased splenomegaly and resulted in partial bone marrow recovery. CLI120-001 is a first-in-human, open-label, multi-center, modified 3+3 dose escalation phase Ib study of SEL120 with a dose-escalation cohort (DC) followed by an enrichment cohort (EC) in adult patients with AML or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome who have relapsed or refractory disease and have received no more than 3 prior lines of therapy. Other key inclusion criteria are Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, white blood cell (WBC) count <10000/µL (prior hydroxyurea is permitted to reduce WBC), platelet count >10000/µL, adequate organ function defined as: aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase ≤3x the upper limit of normal (ULN), total bilirubin ≤1.5x ULN, creatinine clearance ≥60 ml/min, left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%. Major exclusion criteria include Q to T wave interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) ≥450 ms, taking concomitant medications that are known to be strong inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome P450 1A2 or that can prolong QTc and/or cause torsade de pointes. The primary objective of the study is to assess safety and tolerability of SEL120 and to establish the recommended dose (RD) for further clinical development. Secondary objectives include evaluation of preliminary anti-leukemic activity and characterization of the pharmacokinetic profile of SEL120. The exploratory objective is to assess pharmacodynamics of SEL120 by using relevant biomarkers, including STAT5 pS726, transcriptional profiling by RNAseq and immunophenotypic changes related to stemness and differentiation of AML cells. SEL120 is administered as a single oral dose every other day for a total of 7 doses i.e. on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13, in a 21-day treatment cycle. Patients receive SEL120 until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The DC is now enrolling patients who are treated at dose levels defined by a modified Fibonacci sequence, and will end with selection of the RD based on all available study data. In the EC, additional patients will be treated at the RD to further support the evaluation of the RD of SEL120 monotherapy. The study is currently running in the United States and is planned to be completed in 2020. The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04021368. Disclosures Borthakur: Eli Lilly and Co.: Research Funding; FTC Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Agensys: Research Funding; Eisai: Research Funding; Oncoceutics: Research Funding; Oncoceutics, Inc.: Research Funding; BioTheryX: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Research Funding; NKarta: Consultancy; Cyclacel: Research Funding; Argenx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Research Funding; BioLine Rx: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Bayer Healthcare AG: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Cantargia AB: Research Funding; Strategia Therapeutics: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; PTC Therapeutics: Consultancy; Xbiotech USA: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Arvinas: Research Funding; Polaris: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Research Funding; Tetralogic Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Abboud:Jazz Pharma: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Other: Member on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees (Ended 12/30/2017), Research Funding; Agios: Other: Member on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees (Ended 12/30/2017); Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; NKarta: Consultancy, Honoraria; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria. Nazha:Abbvie: Consultancy; Incyte: Speakers Bureau; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmacutical: Research Funding; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; MEI: Other: Data monitoring Committee; Tolero, Karyopharma: Honoraria. Mazan:Selvita S.A.: Employment. Majewska:Selvita S.A.: Employment. Wiklik:Selvita S.A.: Employment. Golas:Selvita S.A.: Employment. Bialas:Selvita S.A.: Employment. Windak:Selvita S.A.: Employment. Juszczynski:Selvita S.A.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Chrom:Selvita S.A.: Employment. Rzymski:Selvita S.A.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Brzózka:Selvita S.A.: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 332-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R Macari ◽  
Alison M Taylor ◽  
David Raiser ◽  
Kavitha Siva ◽  
Katherine McGrath ◽  
...  

Abstract Ribosomal protein (RP) mutations are found in many diseases, including Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA), where defective erythropoiesis, craniofacial abnormalities and increased cancer risk are major complications. RP mutations are thought to cause p53 activation through accumulation of free RPs that bind and sequester MDM2, the negative regulator of p53. We previously characterized a zebrafish mutant in rps29, a ribosomal gene found mutated in DBA patients. Rps29-/- embryos have hematopoietic and endothelial defects, including decreased cmyb and flk1 expression and defects in hemoglobinization. Consistent with other animal models of RP dysfunction, p53 knockdown in rps29-/- embryos rescued these defects. To uncover novel compounds that correct the phenotypes of DBA, we performed a chemical screen in rps29-/- embryos. Several structurally distinct calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors successfully rescued hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the mutant embryo. To confirm that CaM inhibitors could rescue mammalian models of DBA, we tested them in human and murine models. Treating cord blood-derived CD34+ cells deficient in RPS19, the CaM inhibitor trifluoperazine (TFP) relieved the erythroid differentiation block. Injection of TFP in a DBA murine model significantly increased red blood cell number and Hb levels and reduced p53 activity in the bone marrow. Of note, the effect of TFP was specific to RP deficiency and had no effect on erythroid differentiation or p53 activity in WT cells or mice. This prompted us to hypothesize that TFP is selectively blocking signaling in the RP deficient state, possibly through inhibition of CaM-dependent kinases. In vitro kinase profiling of over 100 kinases revealed that TFP and other positive hits from our screen inhibited the activity of p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K) and multiple members of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family. RSKs are highly conserved serine/threonine kinases that regulate cell growth, migration, and survival. They can activate mTOR and directly phosphorylate RPS6. Strikingly, RSK protein levels are elevated in lysates from rps29-/- embryos and treatment with RSK or p70S6K inhibitors increased Hb in rps29-/- embryos in vivo, mimicking CaM inhibitors. RSK phosphorylation is also increased in human RPS19-deficient peripheral blood-derived CD34+ cells compared to WT cells. Treatment with TFP reduced RSK phosphorylation and decreased signaling downstream of RSK, including p70S6K, but only in the presence of RP deficiency. Similarly, TFP reduced p53 and phosphorylation of p53 at S392, but only in the presence of RP deficiency. An in vitro kinase assay determined that p70S6K directly phosphorylated p53 at S392 but not other commonly modified residues, S15 and S20. Mass spectrometry analysis of posttranslational modifications of p53 isolated from TFP treated cells revealed a significant reduction of peptides that contain phosphorylated S392. We hypothesized that TFP inhibited phosphorylation of S392. To test this hypothesis, phosphomimetic mutants were transfected into Saos2 cells and p53 transcriptional activity was evaluated using p21mRNA levels. TFP treatment of cells containing WT p53 or a negative control transactivation domain mutant, p53-S15D, resulted in a 4-fold reduction in p21 mRNA levels, while cells containing p53-S392D had no reduction in p21 mRNA in response to TFP. In conclusion, we have shown that RP deficiency increases RSK phosphorylation and CaM inhibitors decrease signaling downstream of RSK, which leads to a reduction of p53 activity and rescues the phenotypes of multiple in vitro and in vivo models of DBA. Our data strongly suggests that CaM inhibitors may be effective therapies for DBA patients, and a clinical trial is being planned with TFP for 2017. Disclosures Zon: Marauder Therapeutics: Equity Ownership, Other: Founder; Scholar Rock: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Founder; Fate, Inc.: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Founder.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 133-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoya Mimura ◽  
Mariateresa Fulciniti ◽  
Gullu Gorgun ◽  
Yu-Tzu Tai ◽  
Diana D. Cirstea ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 133 Multiple myeloma (MM) cells are characterized by high protein synthesis resulting in chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which is adaptively managed by the unfolded protein response (UPR). Therefore blockade of UPR could provide a novel therapeutic option in MM. Upon UPR, inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) is activated by auto-phosphorylation, resulting in activation of its endoribonuclease domain to cleave XBP1 mRNA from XBP1 unspliced form (XBP1u: inactive) to generate the XBP1 spliced form (XBP1s: active). XBP1s protein in turn regulates genes responsible for protein folding and degradation, playing a pro-survival signaling role in the UPR. In this study, we specifically examined whether IRE1α-XBP1 pathway is a potential therapeutic target in MM. We first examined the biologic significance of IRE1α by knockdown using lentiviral shRNA and observed significant growth inhibition in IRE1α knockdown cells. We next examined the impact of inhibition of XBP1 splicing using a novel small molecule IRE1α endoribonuclease domain inhibitor MKC-3946 (MannKind, Valencia CA). MKC-3946 blocked not only the basal level, but also inducible (by tunicamycin) XBP1s, evidenced by RT-PCR analysis in RPMI8226 cells, without affecting phosphorylation of IRE1α. Importantly, MKC-3946 also inhibited XBP1s in primary tumor cells from MM patients. We also confirmed functional inhibition of XBP1s, with target genes including SEC61A1, p58IPK, and ERdj4 downregulated by MKC-3946 treatment. Importantly, MKC-3946 triggered growth inhibition in MM cell lines, without toxicity in normal mononuclear cells. Furthermore, it significantly enhanced cytotoxicity induced by bortezomib or 17-AAG in RPMI8226 and INA6 cells, as well as primary tumor cells from MM patients. Both bortezomib and 17-AAG induced ER stress with XBP1s, which was markedly blocked by MKC-3946. Moreover, apoptosis induced by bortezomib or 17-AAG was enhanced by MKC-3946, associated with increased CHOP mRNA and protein, a proapoptotic factor triggered by ER stress. We next demonstrated that XBP1s was induced by bortezomib in INA6 cells co-cultured with bone marrow (BM) stromal cells, which was inhibited by MKC-3946, associated with enhanced cytotoxicity induced by the combination. Finally, MKC-3946 inhibited XBP1s in a model of in vivo ER stress induced by tunicamycin. To evaluate the anti-MM effect of MKC-3946, we used the subcutaneous RPMI8226 xenograft model in mice. MKC-3946 significantly reduced MM tumor growth in the treatment versus control group, associated with prolonged overall survival. We also confirmed that MKC-3946 treatment significantly inhibited XBP1s in excised tumors, assessed by RT-PCR. In order to examine the activity of MKC-3946 on MM cell growth in the context of the human BM microenvironment in vivo, we used the SCID-hu model, in which INA6 cells are directly injected into a human bone chip implanted subcutaneously in SCID-mice. MKC-3946 treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth compared with vehicle control. Moreover, XBP1s in excised tumor cells was inhibited, evidenced by RT-PCR. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that blockade of XBP1s by MKC-3946 triggers MM cell growth inhibition in vivo and prolongs host survival. Taken together, our results demonstrate that blockade of XBP1 splicing by inhibition of IRE1α endoribonuclease domain is a potential novel therapeutic option in MM. Disclosures: Tam: MannKind Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zeng:MannKind Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Patterson:MannKind Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Richardson:Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Johnson & Johnson: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Munshi:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Anderson:Millennium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MannKind: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


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