The Multi-Kinase Inhibitor DCC-2618 Inhibits Proliferation and Survival of Neoplastic Mast Cells and Other Cell Types Involved in Systemic Mastocytosis

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 1965-1965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias A Schneeweiss ◽  
Barbara Peter ◽  
Katharina Blatt ◽  
Daniela Berger ◽  
Gabriele Stefanzl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Mast Cells ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Systemic Mastocytosis ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
Kit D816v

Abstract Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a myeloid neoplasm defined by abnormal growth and pathologic accumulation of neoplastic mast cells (MC) in various internal organs. The indolent variant of SM (ISM) is associated with an almost normal life expectancy. By contrast, the prognosis in advanced SM, including SM with an associated hematologic neoplasm (AHN), aggressive SM (ASM), and MC leukemia (MCL) is poor with short survival times. Most patients with SM express the D816V-mutated variant of KIT, which confers resistance against several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), including imatinib. Midostaurin is a TKI that is effective against KIT D816V. However, despite encouraging clinical efficacy, this drug cannot produce continuous complete remission in all patients. One problem in advanced SM is that the AHN component of the disease, especially when progressing into acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is often drug-resistant. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the multi-kinase inhibitor DCC-2618 on proliferation and survival of primary neoplastic mast cells, various mast cell lines and other malignant and non-malignant cell types that may play a role in advanced SM. As assessed by 3H-thymidine-uptake, DCC-2618 was found to inhibit the proliferation of all human MC lines tested, with lower IC50 values measured in HMC-1.1 cells lacking KIT D816V (11.2±4.3 nM) and ROSAKIT WT cells (61±11 nM) than in KIT D816V+ HMC-1.2 cells (147±68 nM) and ROSAKIT D816V cells (133±43 nM). DCC-2618 also produced growth inhibition in the multi-resistant MCL lines MCPV-1.1 (164±72 nM), MCPV-1.2 (256±167 nM), MCPV-1.3 (124±46 nM), and MCPV-1.4 (235±114 nM). In addition, DCC-2618 was found to inhibit the proliferation of primary neoplastic bone marrow MC obtained from patients with SM including MCL (Figure). We also found that DCC-2618 induces apoptosis in HMC-1 cells and ROSA cells, and to a lesser degree in MCPV-1 cells as determined by light microscopy and AnnexinV/PI staining. Moreover, DCC-2618 was found to block phosphorylation of KIT in all MC lines tested. In a next step, we explored the effects of DCC-2618 on growth of other leukemia cell lines as well on vascular endothelial cells. In these experiments, we were able to show that DCC-2618 inhibits the proliferation of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA+ eosinophilic leukemia cell line EOL-1 (IC50 2±0.6 nM) and the FLT3 ITD-mutated AML cell lines MV4-11 (IC50 130±18 nM) and MOLM-13 (IC50 110±26 nM). DCC-2618 also induced apoptosis in EOL-1, MV-411, and MOLM-13 cells. Moreover, DCC-2618 was found to inhibit the growth of cultured human vascular endothelial cells, suggesting that the drug may also counteract SM-related neo-angiogenesis in SM. DCC-2618 did not inhibit the proliferation of the immature AML cell line KG1 and the monoblastic cell line U937, but was found to block proliferation in primary leukemic monocytes in patients with monoblastic AML or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) which may have clinical implications as CMML and AML are the most prevalent types of AHN in advanced SM. Finally, we were able to show that the major DCC-2618-metabolite, DP-5439, is equally effective in producing growth inhibition in all cell lines tested as well as in primary neoplastic MC compared to DCC-2618 (Figure). In summary, our data show that DCC-2618 is a new potent multi-targeted TKI that counteracts growth of neoplastic MC as well as growth and survival of leukemic monocytes, AML blasts, eosinophils, and endothelial cells in vitro. Whether DCC-2618 is also able to inhibit the growth of neoplastic MC and other leukemic (AHN) cells in vivo in patients with advanced SM remains to be determined in clinical trials. Indeed, a first Phase I clinical trial examining the effects of DCC-2618 in SM has recently been initiated. Figure Figure. Disclosures Valent: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ariad: Honoraria, Research Funding; Deciphera Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.

Effects of the Mcl-1/Bcl-2 Inhibitor GX015-070 (Obatoclax®) on Growth and Viability of Canine and Human Neoplastic Mast Cells

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 861-861
Author(s):  
Barbara Peter ◽  
Karl J. Aichberger ◽  
Karoline V. Gleixner ◽  
Veronika Ferenc ◽  
Alexander Gruze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cells ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Systemic Mastocytosis ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
Leukemia Cell Line ◽  
Thymidine Uptake ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Kit D816v

Abstract Mcl-1 is a Bcl-2 family-member that has been described to act anti-apoptotic in various myeloid neoplasms. We and others have recently shown that neoplastic mast cells (MC) in patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM) display Mcl-1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL. In the present study, we examined the effects of the Mcl-1/Bcl-2-targeting drug GX015-070 (obatoclax®; GeminX, Montréal, Quebéc, Canada) on growth and viability of primary neoplastic MC obtained from patients with SM (n=3), the human MC leukemia cell line HMC-1, and the canine mastocytoma cell line C2. Two HMC-1 subclones, one lacking KIT D816V (HMC- 1.1) and one expressing KIT D816V (HMC-1.2) were examined. As assessed by RT-PCR and immunostaining, primary neoplastic MC as well as HMC-1 cells (both subclones) were found to express Mcl-1 mRNA and the Mcl-1 protein in a constitutive manner, but did not express significant amounts of proapoptotic Bim. Transfection of HMC-1 cells with Mcl-1-specific siRNA resulted in reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis compared to cells transfected with a control siRNA. GX015-070 was found to inhibit 3H-thymidine uptake and thus proliferation in HMC-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with higher IC50 values obtained in HMC-1.2 cells (0.5 μM) compared to HMC-1.1 cells (0.05 μM). GX015-070 also inhibited the growth and survival in the canine mastocytoma cell line C2 (IC50: 0.5-1 μM). Moreover, GX015-070 was found to inhibit the proliferation of primary human neoplastic MC in all SM patients tested (IC50: 0.05-0.1 μM). We next attempted to combine obatoclax with a modulator of Mcl-1/Bim expression in MC, in order to enhance drug effects. Since Bim is degraded via the proteasome, we applied the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Whereas GX015-07 did not modulate the production/expression of Mcl-1 or Bim in HMC-1 cells, bortezomib was found to promote the expression of Bim in our Western blot experiments. In addition, bortezomib was found to suppress 3H-thymidine uptake in both HMC-1 subclones. Finally, bortezomib was found to cooperate with GX015-070 in producing apoptosis in HMC-1.1 cells, HMC-1.2 cells, and C2 cells. Together, our data show that the Mcl-1/Bcl-2-targeting drug GX015-070 is a potent inhibitor of in vitro growth and survival of canine and human neoplastic MC. Targeting of Mcl-1 in neoplastic MC alone or in combination with a Bim-regulator may be an interesting pharmacologic approach in advanced SM.

scholarly journals BCL-2 Is Expressed in Advanced Mastocytosis and Midaustorin Induces Venetoclax Sensitivity of Mast Leukemia Cell Lines

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1683-1683
Author(s):  
Danielle Canioni ◽  
Josquin Moraly ◽  
Ludovic Lhermitte ◽  
Laura Polivka ◽  
Mélanie Féroul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Mast Cells ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Molecular Abnormalities ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Kit D816v

*° contributed equally to this work. Introduction: Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by mast cells (MCs) accumulation in various tissues and associated with KIT mutations (KIT D816V) in more than 90% of the cases. It includes indolent (ISM) and advanced diseases (advSM), which are associated with additional molecular abnormalities. For advSM, recent clinical studies have shown that Midostaurin, a kinase inhibitor of WT and mutant KIT, induces high rate of responses associated with significant improvement of prognosis. However, complete responses are infrequent and relapses occur in a significant proportion of patients. Therefore, combination therapies are needed to increase overall response rate and prevent relapses. Venetoclax is a selective orally bioavailable BCL-2 inhibitor that induces cell death and is currently used for treatment of various lymphoid and myeloid malignancies. In an attempt to identify novel diagnostic and prognostic markers and potentially new therapeutic targets for mastocytosis, bone marrow sections of patients with different categories of mastocytosis were analyzed by IHC using anti-BCL-2 antibodies. BH-3 profiling was used to assess BH-3 proteins dependency, and sensitivity to Venetoclax alone or in combination of Midostaurin. Methods: Thirty-three adult patients were included in this preliminary study. According to the WHO classification, patients were classified as having ISM (n=10), Smoldering SM (SSM n=1), advSM (n=16, including SM-AHN (n=9), MC leukemia (MCL n=4), MC sarcoma (MCS n=2)). Most patients were KIT D816V (n=30; 90.9%); two MCL and one MCS exhibited extracellular and juxtamembrane mutations, respectively. Among these patients, 9 were treated with Midostaurin as first line therapy. Formalin fixed bone marrow sections were performed at diagnosis and during follow up. Mast cells were identified by Giemsa staining and as CD117 and tryptase positive cells. BCL-2 staining was performed by immunohistochemistry in formalin paraffin embedded fixed section. BCL-2 staining was considered as positive (>5%), heterogeneous (partial staining) or homogeneous (>80% positive cells), of high or low intensity (> or = or < to residual T cells). BH3 profiling was performed in ROSA KIT WT and ROSA KIT D816V using Cytochrome C upon exposure to distinct BH3 peptides/mimetics. Results: In ISM, BCL-2 staining was negative (n= 2/10) or when positive only in rare MCs (n=8/10), with low intensity. In contrast, all advSM cases were positive (16/16) with high (13/16), and homogeneous (6/16) staining. In MCL and MCS, BCL-2 staining was always positive with a homogeneous and high staining. In patients treated with Midostaurin, BCL-2 staining was performed before and three months after treatment initiation. Although MCs infiltration was reduced at least by 50% in all cases, number of BCL-2 positive cells and intensity of staining remain unchanged. In vitro, flow cytometry analysis showed that both MCL-like cell lines (ROSA KIT WT and ROSA KIT D816V) expressed BCL-2, MCL-1 and BCL-XL proteins. When treated with Midostaurin (200nM) for 48 hours, expression of BCL-XL and MCL-1 significantly decreased in MC lines especially the one with KIT D816V mutation. Interestingly, BCL-2 expression remained unchanged upon Midostaurin treatment, which was consistent with in vivo observations. Dynamic profiling performed in ROSA cell lines revealed that priming by midostaurin dramatically enhanced apoptotic dependencies to BCL-2 and other BH-3 proteins (>20% of apoptosis), especially in ROSA KIT D816V (figure). Conclusion: High expression of BCL-2 is associated with advSM and may participate to the pathogenesis of the disease, to its resistance to conventional chemotherapies and to partial resistance to Midostaurin. Consistent with its effect in reducing MCL-1 and BCL-XL expression, Midostaurin restored apoptotic dependency to BCL2 in human MCL-like cells, thereby suggesting that midostaurin could sensitize mast cell tumor to venetoclax. Our results provide thus a rationale to use a combination of Midostaurin and Venetoclax to treat AdvSM patients. Figure Disclosures Dubreuil: AB Science: Employment, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Hermine:AB science: Consultancy, Equity Ownership, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: Venetoclax preclinical studioes on mastocytosis

Bosutinib Blocks Lyn and Btk Activation and Synergizes with the KIT D816V-Targeting Drug Midostaurin in Inducing Apoptosis in Neoplastic Human Mast Cells.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1717-1717
Author(s):  
Karoline Veronika Gleixner ◽  
Matthias Mayerhofer ◽  
Gregor Hörmann ◽  
Karina Schuch ◽  
Sabine Cerny-Reiterer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cells ◽  
Growth Inhibition ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Systemic Mastocytosis ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
Target Function ◽  
Leukemia Cell Line ◽  
Thymidine Uptake ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Kit D816v

Abstract Abstract 1717 Poster Board I-743 Advanced systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a malignant hematopoietic neoplasm characterized by destructive growth of neoplastic mast cells (MC) in various organ systems. In these patients, the response to conventional cytoreductive therapy is poor and the prognosis is grave. The D816V-mutated variant of c-KIT is found in most patients and is considered to be a major transforming oncoprotein in SM that leads to abnormal survival and growth of neoplastic MC. Therefore, agents interfering with the kinase activity of KIT D816V have been developed. One promising agent is midostaurin (PKC412). However, in most patients with advanced SM, therapy with midostaurin is not sufficient to induce long term remissions. In addition, midostaurin is unable to block all pro-oncogenic signaling molecules, such as Lyn and Btk, in neoplastic MC, suggesting that additional oncoproteins and survival factors may play a role in malignant transformation in SM, and that novel therapeutic strategies are required to block such KIT-independent oncogenic pathways. Especially Lyn and Btk have attracted attention as potential new targets in neoplastic MC. Bosutinib (SKI-606) is a novel multikinase inhibitor that targets a broad spectrum of kinases including Lyn and Btk. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of bosutinib on neoplastic MC, and potential cooperative drug interactions between bosutinib and midostaurin. As assessed by 3H-thymidine uptake, bosutinib was found to inhibit the growth of the MC leukemia cell line HMC-1, including the HMC-1.1 subclone that lacks KIT D816V and HMC-1.2 cells expressing KIT D816V, with similar IC50 values (1-5 μM). Furthermore, bosutinib was found to induce apoptosis in both HMC-1 subclones. Growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of bosutinib were also seen in primary neoplastic MC obtained from the bone marrow of patients with SM (n=3). As assessed by phosphoblotting, bosutinib did not inhibit the autophosphorylation of mutant KIT in HMC-1 cells, but was found to completely inhibit the phosphorylation of Lyn and Btk. To confirm the target-function of Lyn and Btk in neoplastic MC, siRNA experiments were performed. Knockdown of Lyn or Btk resulted in induction of apoptosis and growth-inhibition in HMC-1 cells. We next attempted to exploit target-specific and complementing effects of midostaurin and bosutinib by combining both substances. As expected, combined application of bosutinib and midostaurin resulted in a complete inhibition of phosphorylation of KIT, Lyn, and Btk in HMC-1.1 and HMC-1.2 cells. We were also able to show that bosutinib synergizes with midostaurin in inducing apoptosis in both HMC-1 subclones. Synergistic effects were also observed when combining midostaurin with Lyn- or Btk-siRNA. Together, we have identified Lyn and Btk as novel KIT-independent survival molecules in neoplastic MC. Inhibition of these kinases by siRNA-knockdown or by bosutinib leads to growth-inhibition and apoptosis. Synergistic pro-apoptotic effects were observed with the combination “bosutinib + midostaurin”, suggesting that simultaneous targeting of KIT and Lyn/Btk may be a powerful strategy to counteract the survival of neoplastic MC. This drug combination may therefore be an interesting approach to overcome drug-resistance in advanced forms of SM. Disclosures Valent: Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Effects of AMN107, a Novel Aminopyrimidine Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, on Human Mast Cells Bearing Wild-Type or Mutated Codon 816 c-kit.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3528-3528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srdan Verstovsek ◽  
Cem Akin ◽  
Giles J. Francis ◽  
Manshouri Taghi ◽  
Ly Huynh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cell ◽  
Mast Cells ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Kit Mutation

Abstract Background. Majority of adult patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM) have activating mutation in codon 816 of c-kit (CD117), a receptor on the surface of mast cells. This abnormality is responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease. Methods. We investigated the effects of a newly designed tyrosine kinase inhibitor, AMN107, by comparing its in vitro inhibitory potency on c-kit mutated mast cell lines and patient samples with that of imatinib mesylate, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, effective in some patients with SM. Two cell lines, subclones of HMC-1 cells, were used: HMC-1560 carrying juxtamembrane domain mutation in codon 560 of c-kit, and HMC-1560, 816 carrying both codon 560 mutation and tyrosine kinase domain mutation in codon 816 of c-kit. Results. In HMC-1560 mast cell line carrying wild-type codon 816, AMN107 was as potent as imatinib in inhibiting cellular proliferation, with IC50 values of 108 and 74 nM respectively, while in HMC-1560, 816 cell line carrying 816 mutation, neither medication had an effect. AMN107 was also as effective as imatinib in inhibiting phosphorylation of c-kit tyrosine kinase in HMC-1560 cells. The inhibition of cellular proliferation was associated with induction of apoptosis in HMC-1560 cells. AMN107 in concentrations up to 1 uM had no effect on bone marrow mast cells carrying D816V c-kit mutation obtained from patients with mastocytosis. Conclusions. Our results suggest similar potency of AMN107 and imatinib in mast cells that carry wild-type codon 816, but no activity against codon 816 mutation carrying cells.

Gain-of-Function KIT Mutations Sensitize the Mutant Isoform to the Type I Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Crenolanib: A Rationale for the Therapeutic Use in Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) and Core Binding Factor Leukemias (CBFL)

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 2230-2230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus M Schittenhelm ◽  
Figen Akmut ◽  
Barbara Illing ◽  
Julia Frey ◽  
Katja Schuster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cell ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Systemic Mastocytosis ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Leukemia Cell Lines ◽  
Nanomolar Range

Abstract Activating mutations of the class III receptor tyrosine kinases FLT3 and KIT are associated with certain human neoplasms, including hematologic malignancies, i.e. the majority of patients with systemic mast cell disorders (KIT) and subsets of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (FLT3 and KIT). Crenolanib is a potent selective FLT3 inhibitor with high efficacy against internal tandem dupliction mutations (ITD) – but also secondary kinase domain mutations conferring resistance towards other TKI. Interestingly, crenolanib does not target the wildtype KIT isoform, which is believed to reduce clinical side effects such as prolonged myelosuppression observed with other TKI. Clinical studies are currently enrolling. We now show that gain-of-function mutations of KIT, including codon D816 alterations as the most prevalent mutation in SM and CBFL, sensitize the mutant isoform to crenolanib. Several mast cell and leukemia cell lines harboring autoactivating KIT or FLT3 isoforms were treated with crenolanib in dose dilution series (MOLM14, MV4;11, HMC1.1/1.2, p815). To minimize cell-type specific off-target effects, an isogenic cell model was established. The murine pro B-cell line Ba/F3 was retrovirally transduced with either a FLT3 ITD or a KIT D816 isoform. Apoptosis induction was analyzed by annexin V-based assays. FLT3/KIT tyrosine phosphorylation was assessed by western immunoblots. As previously described, the FLT3 ITD positive cell line MOLM14 revealed high sensitivity towards crenolanib with IC50s in the lowest nanomolar range. We also confirmed high sensitivity towards crenolanib ex vivo in the low nanomolar range in a native sample of a heavily pretreated patient. This patient relapsed with FLT3 ITD positive leukemia harboring a secondary D835H mutation in a subclone. Interestingly, leukemia cells in the relapse situation were much more oncogene-addicted than cells at primary diagnosis, which is in line with previous findings by others. Due to the structural homology of FLT3 D835 and KIT D816 mutations, we extended our studies to mutant-KIT mastocytosis and leukemia cell models and confirm clinically relevant antiproliferative as well as proapoptotic sensitivities towards crenolanib: for HMC mastocytosis cells harboring a KIT V560G and/or a D816V mutation, potent induction of apoptosis was observed with IC50s of 100-250nM. The murine p815 mastocytosis cell line (harboring a D814Y mutation corresponding to D816Y in humans) demonstrated a proapoptotic effect of crenolanib with an IC50 of 60 nM. Treatment of corresponding KIT or FLT3 isoform-transduced Ba/F3 cells confirmed similar IC50s in the leukemia cell lines. Parental Ba/F3cells did not show any sensitivity towards crenolanib up to concentrations of 1000 nM. Additionally, potent dephosphorylation at 100 nM of KIT D816V in Ba/F3 and HMC cells after exposure to crenolanib confirmed mutant-KIT as a target of the drug. Evaluation of a broader range of native mast cell and leukemia patient samples as well as additional leukemia cell lines and isogenic Ba/F3 KIT or FLT3 transfectants is ongoing. First results demonstrate activity of crenolanib in native cells of a subset of patient samples with SM or CBFL treated ex vivo. Even more, combination of crenolanib with anthracyclines revealed additive to superadditive proapoptotic effects. Moreover, combination of crenolanib with cladribine, a hallmark agent in the treatment of systemic mastocytosis, resulted in potent induction of apoptosis already at doses that did not display any proapoptotic effects when administered as single agents, thereby providing a rationale for combinatorial therapeutic approaches. In summary, crenolanib is effective against the KIT D816V isoform associated with several hematologic malignancies. Notably, while not as effective towards mutant-KIT compared to the FLT3 ITD isoform, the observed estimated IC50 of crenolanib is well in the range of achievable plasma concentrations and in the range of the potent KIT inhibitor dasatinib, which is successfully under clinical investigation in CBFL. Our data provide a rationale to test crenolanib as a potent inhibitor of mutant-KIT isoforms in KIT-associated neoplasms. Disclosures Schuster: AROG Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Ramachandran:AROG: Employment.

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

Blood ◽  
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.

Delineation of a KIT-Independent Oncogenic Pathway in Neoplastic Mast Cells That Involves Lyn and Btk, and Can Be Disrupted by the KIT/Lyn/Btk-Targeting Drug Dasatinib

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 1541-1541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karoline V. Gleixner ◽  
Matthias Mayerhofer ◽  
Uwe Rix ◽  
Gregor Hoermann ◽  
Alexander Gruze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cells ◽  
Potent Inhibitor ◽  
Systemic Mastocytosis ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
Leukemia Cell Line ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Myeloid Neoplasm ◽  
Oncogenic Pathway ◽  
Kit D816v

Abstract Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a myeloid neoplasm characterized by increased growth and survival of neoplastic mast cells (MC). Aggressive SM (ASM) and MC leukemia (MCL) are advanced disease variants that usually are drug-resistant and have an unfavorable prognosis. In most patients, the D816V-mutated ′oncogenic′ variant of KIT is detectable. However, the mutant is also detectable in patients with indolent SM exhibiting a normal life-expectancy, and therefore is not considered to represent a fully transforming oncoprotein. This assumption is also supported by studies in Ba/F3 cells, and whether KIT D816V-targeting drugs are able to induce long-term remission in ASM or MCL, remains to be seen. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that in addition to KIT, other pro-oncogenic molecules and signaling pathways play a role in malignant transformation/progression in SM. We here describe a novel KIT D816V-independent oncogenic pathway in neoplastic MC that involves Lyn and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk). Western blotting and immunostaining revealed that neoplastic MC display the Btk- and Lyn protein. Both molecules were found to be constitutively phosphorylated in primary neoplastic MC and in the MC leukemia cell line HMC-1. Lyn/Btk-activation was not only detectable in KIT D816V-positive HMC-1.2 cells, but also in the KIT D816V-negative HMC-1.1 subclone. In studies employing Ba/F3 cells with doxycycline-inducible expression of KIT, we were able to show that KIT D816V induces activation of STAT5 and Akt, but does not induce activation of Btk. Correspondingly, pharmacologic deactivation/dephosphorylation of KIT in HMC-1 cells by midostaurin (PKC412) (Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) was not accompanied by a decrease in phosphorylation of Lyn or Btk. The functional significance of Btk expression/activation in neoplastic MC could be demonstrated by a Btk-specific siRNA that reduced the proliferation and survival in HMC-1 cells, and was found to cooperate with midostaurin in producing growth inhibition. In consecutive experiments, we identified the Src/Abl kinase-targeting drug dasatinib (BMS, Princeton, NJ) as a potent inhibitor of Lyn/Btk activation in neoplastic MC. In particular, dasatinib (1 μM) was found to block Lyn and Btk activity in HMC-1.1 cells as well as in HMC-1.2 cells, and corresponding results were obtained with primary neoplastic MC. Finally, as assessed by a chemical proteomics approach, we were able to show that dasatinib directly binds to Btk and Lyn in neoplastic MC. In summary, our data show that a KIT-independent Lyn/Btk-driven signaling pathway contributes to growth and survival of neoplastic MC, and possibly to disease progression in SM. Our study also identifies dasatinib as a potent inhibitor of the Lyn/Btk pathway, which may have clinical implications and may explain some of the synergistic effects obtained with combinations of dasatinib and other KIT-targeting TK inhibitors in neoplastic MC.

RNAi Screening Identifies BCL-XL As An Erythroid Lineage-Specific 5-Azacytidine Sensitizer While the BCL-2/BCL-XL/BCL-W Inhibitor ABT-737 Results in More Universal Sensitization in Leukemia Cells,

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3513-3513 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M Bogenberger ◽  
Chang-Xin Shi ◽  
Irma Gonzales ◽  
Rodger E. Tiedemann ◽  
Pierre Noel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Line ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
Myeloid Cell ◽  
Myeloid Malignancies ◽  
Rnai Screening ◽  
Leukemia Cell Lines ◽  
Rational Combination

Abstract Abstract 3513 To identify targets for rational combination therapies with 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza) in myeloid malignancies, we utilized high-throughput RNA-interference (RNAi) viability screening. A siRNA library targeting 572 kinases and a custom collection of 289 putative cancer targets, including cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory genes, were screened alone and in combination with 5-Aza in TF-1 and ML-2 myeloid leukemia cell lines to identify synergistic interactions in reducing cell viability. Of the 572 kinases that were individually silenced, less than 1% significantly increased sensitivity to 5-Aza. The kinase library was also screened in combination with 5-Aza in a third myeloid cell line, THP-1, confirming that few kinases sensitize to 5-Aza when inhibited. While few kinases sensitized to 5-Aza, the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family of genes emerged as potent sensitizers to 5-Aza from RNAi screens. Therefore, silencing by siRNA of BCL-XL, BCL-2, BCL-W, MCL-1 and BFL-1 was evaluated in combination with 5-Aza treatment in an expanded panel of myeloid cell lines including TF-1, HEL, THP-1, ML-2 and MDS-L. BCL-XL validated as a vulnerability and potent sensitizer to 5-Aza in erythroid leukemia cell lines TF-1 and HEL, whereas MCL-1 was a strong vulnerability in the monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 and also a moderate sensitizer to 5-Aza in ML-2, THP-1, TF-1 and HEL. Published proteomics data from our group indicate that M6 and M7 leukemias exhibit higher levels of BCL-XL, while additional unpublished data suggest elevated levels of MCL-1 in M4 and M5 leukemias, supporting our functional observations. Additionally, data from the public database Oncomine suggest that BCL-XL expression is elevated in M6 and M7 leukemias while MCL-1 shows a trend towards elevation in M4 and M5 leukemias. Based on RNAi screening results, siRNA validation experiments and proteomic/mRNA expression data, we evaluated the BCL-2/BCL-XL/BCL-W inhibitor ABT-737 in combination with 5-Aza. ABT-737 resulted in dose-dependent sensitization to 5-Aza in all AML-derived cell lines examined (including M7, M6, M5, M4 and M2 FAB subtypes) and in the MDS cell line MDS-L; however, no sensitization was observed in the CML cell line K562. In extensive ex vivo experiments with 17 primary specimens, potent synergy between 5-Aza and ABT-737 was observed in AML, MDS and MPN samples, but not in most CML samples examined. Calculations with CalcuSyn software demonstrate synergy, with combination index values as low as 0.2, between 5-Aza and ABT-737 both ex vivo and in vitro. The combination of 5-Aza with ABT-737 resulted in substantial induction of apoptosis, measured by the induction of cleaved caspase 3 in TF-1 and HL-60 cells, as compared to either compound alone. Interestingly, although siRNA silencing of MCL-1 in combination with 5-Aza was potent across several cell lines, and silencing of BCL-XL preferentially in an erythroid differentiation background, ABT-737 with 5-Aza sensitized across a variety of cell lines and all myeloid primary specimens ex vivo. We suggest that inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members is a most promising rational combination strategy with 5-Aza for the treatment of leukemias. Our results also highlight the potential utility of more specific anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family inhibitors in the lineage-specific treatment of myeloid malignancies. Disclosures: Off Label Use: AraC in AML. Experimental Agent MK1775. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; SBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.

scholarly journals The human OX40/gp34 system directly mediates adhesion of activated T cells to vascular endothelial cells.

1996 ◽  
Vol 183 (5) ◽  
pp. 2185-2195 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Imura ◽  
T Hori ◽  
K Imada ◽  
T Ishikawa ◽  
Y Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Cell Leukemia ◽  
Activated T Cells ◽  
T Cell Lines

Fresh leukemic cells from patients with adult T cell leukemia (ATL) and some ATL-derived T cell lines show adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) mainly through E-selectin, but a proportion of this binding remains unaffected by the addition of combinations of antibodies against known adhesion molecules. By immunizing mice with one of such cell lines, we established monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), termed 131 and 315, that recognize a single cell surface antigen (Ag) and inhibit the remaining pathway of the adhesion. These mAbs did not react with normal resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or most of the cell lines tested except for two other human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I)-infected T cell lines. After stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), PBMC expressed Ag 131/315 transiently, indicating that these mAbs define a T cell activation Ag. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation revealed that Ag 131/315 has an apparent molecular mass of 50 kD. Expression cloning was done by transient expression in COS-7 cells and immunological selection to isolate a cDNA clone encoding Ag 131/315. Sequence analysis of the cDNA indicated that it is identical to human OX40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor/nerve growth factor receptor family. We then found that gp34, the ligand of OX40, was expressed on HUVECs and other types of vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, it was shown that the adhesion of CD4+ cells of PHA-stimulated PBMC to unstimulated HUVECs was considerably inhibited by either 131 or 315. Finally, OX40 transfectants of Kit 225, a human interleukin 2-dependent T cell line, were bound specifically to gp34 transfectants of MMCE, a mouse epithelial cell line, and this binding was blocked by either 315 or 5A8, an anti-gp34 mAb. These results indicate that the OX40/gp34 system directly mediates adhesion of activated T cells or OX40+-transformed T cells to vascular endothelial cells.

scholarly journals Anti-Leukemia Effect of FF-10501-01, a Novel Inosine 5'-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor, in Advanced Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Including Hypomethylating Agent (HMA) Failures

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 3800-3800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Garcia-Manero ◽  
Hui Yang ◽  
Zhihong Fang ◽  
Courtney DiNardo ◽  
Elias Jabbour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Line ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Leukemia Cell ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Guanine Nucleotide ◽  
Leukemia Cell Lines ◽  
Induced Apoptosis

Abstract Inosine 5'- monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes de novo synthesis of the guanine nucleotide and is overexpressed in both hematologic and solid tumors. FF-10501-01 is a potent new competitive IMPDH inhibitor. We investigated the anti-leukemia effect of FF-10501-01 in AML cell lines and in a Phase 1 clinical study in advanced AML and MDS, including HMA failures. Thirteen leukemia cell lines were studied, including 5 parental AML cell lines and their HMA-resistant derivatives (MOLM13, SKM1, HL60, TF1, and U937), and 3 other AML cell lines (KG1, HEL, and OCI-AML3). Cell proliferation was determined using trypan blue analysis. Flow cytometry was performed to detect drug-induced apoptosis and cell cycle analysis. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to detect the intracellular concentrations of guanine nucleotides. Mycophenolic acid-treated cells were used as positive control. Effect of guanosine supplement on FF-10501-01 treatment was evaluated. Within 72 hours of treatment, FF-10501-01 inhibited proliferation of all 13 AML cell lines. The IC50 of FF-10501-01 ranged between 4.3 and 144.5 µM. MOLM13 was the most sensitive leukemia cell line, whereas the decitabine-resistant TF1 cell line was the most resistant. FF-10501-01-induced apoptosis was observed in all cell lines. Increased numbers of cells in G1 phase and decreased numbers in S phase were observed in MOLM13, SKM1 and TF1 cell lines treated with <100 µM FF-10501-01. Decreased intracellular concentrations of guanine nucleotides were observed in MOLM13 and SKM1 cell lines treated with 3 to 30 µM of FF-10501-01 for 24 hours. Proliferation was partially rescued after 72 hours of treatment with 3 µM guanosine and FF-10501-01 in MOLM-13, HL60 cells and their HMA-resistant derivatives. No treatment synergy was observed with the combination of FF-10501-01 with HMAs in MOLM-14 and HL-60 or their HMA-resistant cell lines. In summary, FF-10501-01 produced potent anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on AML cell lines through inhibition of de novo guanine nucleotide synthesis. In view of these pre-clinical findings, we performed a standard 3+3 dose-escalation Phase 1 trial to access the safety and clinical activity of FF-10501-01 in patients with advanced AML, MDS and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Eligibility criteria: age ³ 18 years, high risk MDS/CMML, AML with documented PD following previous therapy, AML ≥ 60 years of age and not a candidate for other therapy, adequate renal and hepatic function, and no known history of significant cardiac disease. Sixteen patients (12 AML, 4 MDS) have been enrolled in 5 dose cohorts (50 - 400 mg/m2 PO BID) for 14 days on/14 days off each 28-day cycle, including 8 M and 8 F. Median (range) values: age 75.3 yrs (59.1 - 88.6); bone marrow blasts for AML patients 40.5% (12 - 71), for MDS patients 10% (6 - 13), or 30% overall (6 - 71); and prior treatment regimens 2.5 (1 - 6). All patients relapsed from, or progressed on, prior HMAs. Mutations in FLT3, NPM1, GATA2, TET2, ASXL1, DNMT3A and/or MDM2 were present in 4/16 (25%) patients. The median number of FF-10501-01 cycles received to date is 1.5 (range 1 - 10). No DLTs or drug-related serious adverse events (AEs) have been observed and FF-10501-01 has been very well tolerated through 5 - 10 cycles. The most frequent drug-related AEs have been Gr 1-2 nausea, diarrhea and fatigue. Drug-related Gr 4 prolonged thrombocytopenia and Gr 4 prolonged neutropenia were reported in one patient at 200 mg/m2 BID. Two partial responses (PRs) have been achieved in 1 patient each at 50 and 100 mg/m2 BID after 3 cycles, 7 (50%) patients demonstrated long-term stable disease over 2 - 10 cycles, and 4 patients have remained on study drug through 5 - 10 cycles and are still ongoing. Updated safety and efficacy data, including PK/PD, will be presented at the meeting. FF-10501-01 is a promising new agent for the treatment of advanced AML and MDS. Preclinical activity was seen in multiple leukemia cell lines. In a Phase 1 trial, clinical activity with PRs, prolonged disease stabilization and a highly tolerable safety profile were observed. The Phase 2 expansion phase will be initiated soon. Disclosures DiNardo: Novartis: Research Funding. Pemmaraju:Stemline: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; LFB: Consultancy, Honoraria. Smith:Westat Corporation: Employment. Iwamura:FUJIFILM Corporation: Employment. Gipson:Strategia Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment. Rosner:Strategia Therapeutic, Inc.: Employment. Madden:Strategia Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment. Myers:Strategia Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment. Paradiso:Strategia Therapeutics, Inc.: Employment.

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