Mitotic Regulator Research Articles

MAD2L2 Dimerization Is Not Essential for Mitotic Regulation

MAD2L2 is a small HORMA domain protein that plays a crucial role in DNA repair and mitosis. In both TLS and shieldin, the dimerization of MAD2L2 via its HORMA domain is critical for the stability and function of these complexes. However, in mitosis, the dimerization state of MAD2L2 remains unknown. To assess the importance of MAD2L2’s dimerization during mitosis, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 to generate MAD2L2 knockout cells, which were subsequently complemented with MAD2L2 species carrying different dimer-disrupting point mutations. We assessed the ability of these MAD2L2 dimer-disrupting mutants to regulate mitosis by evaluating early mitotic events and mitotic fidelity. Our findings indicate that MAD2L2 can function in its monomeric form during mitosis, suggesting that MAD2L2 homodimerization is dispensable for early mitotic regulation. Furthermore, our results suggest that the binding of CDH1 to MAD2L2 is a key regulating factor in mitosis that may actively prevent the formation of MAD2L2 dimers, thereby shifting the cellular balance toward MAD2L2-CDH1 interaction. Thus, the equilibrium between the monomeric and dimeric forms of MAD2L2 is an important cellular factor regulating the MAD2L2-containing complexes.

Negative regulation of APC/C activation by MAPK-mediated attenuation of Cdc20Slp1 under stress

Mitotic anaphase onset is a key cellular process tightly regulated by multiple kinases. The involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in this process has been established in Xenopus egg extracts. However, the detailed regulatory cascade remains elusive, and it is also unknown whether the MAPK-dependent mitotic regulation is evolutionarily conserved in the single-cell eukaryotic organisms such as fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe). Here, we show that two MAPKs in S. pombe indeed act in concert to restrain anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activity upon activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). One MAPK, Pmk1, binds to and phosphorylates Slp1Cdc20, the co-activator of APC/C. Phosphorylation of Slp1Cdc20 by Pmk1, but not by Cdk1, promotes its subsequent ubiquitylation and degradation. Intriguingly, Pmk1-mediated phosphorylation event is also required to sustain SAC under environmental stress. Thus, our study establishes a new underlying molecular mechanism of negative regulation of APC/C by MAPK upon stress stimuli, and provides a previously unappreciated framework for regulation of anaphase entry in eukaryotic cells.

The Role of Nde1 phosphorylation in interkinetic nuclear migration and neural migration during cortical development.

Nde1 is a cytoplasmic dynein regulatory protein with important roles in vertebrate brain development. One noteworthy function is in the nuclear oscillatory behavior in neural progenitor cells, the control and mechanism of which remain poorly understood. Nde1 contains multiple phosphorylation sites for the cell cycle-dependent protein kinase CDK1, though the function of these sites is not well understood. To test their role in brain development, we expressed phosphorylation-state mutant forms of Nde1 in embryonic rat brains using in utero electroporation. We find that Nde1 T215 and T243 phosphomutants block apical interkinetic nuclear migration (INM) and, consequently, mitosis in radial glial progenitor cells. Another Nde1 phosphomutant at T246 also interfered with mitotic entry without affecting INM, suggesting a more direct role for Nde1 T246 in mitotic regulation. We also found that the Nde1 S214F mutation, which is associated with schizophrenia, inhibits Cdk5 phosphorylation at an adjacent residue which causes alterations in neuronal lamination. These results together identify important new roles for Nde1 phosphorylation in neocortical development and disease, and represent the first evidence for Nde1 phosphorylation roles in INM and neuronal lamination.

Spatial control of the APC/C ensures the rapid degradation of cyclin B1

The proper control of mitosis depends on the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of the right mitotic regulator at the right time. This is effected by the Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase that is regulated by the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC). The SAC prevents the APC/C from recognising Cyclin B1, the essential anaphase and cytokinesis inhibitor, until all chromosomes are attached to the spindle. Once chromosomes are attached, Cyclin B1 is rapidly degraded to enable chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. We have a good understanding of how the SAC inhibits the APC/C, but relatively little is known about how the APC/C recognises Cyclin B1 as soon as the SAC is turned off. Here, by combining live-cell imaging, in vitro reconstitution biochemistry, and structural analysis by cryo-electron microscopy, we provide evidence that the rapid recognition of Cyclin B1 in metaphase requires spatial regulation of the APC/C. Using fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, we find that Cyclin B1 and the APC/C primarily interact at the mitotic apparatus. We show that this is because Cyclin B1, like the APC/C, binds to nucleosomes, and identify an ‘arginine-anchor’ in the N-terminus as necessary and sufficient for binding to the nucleosome. Mutating the arginine anchor on Cyclin B1 reduces its interaction with the APC/C and delays its degradation: cells with the mutant, non-nucleosome-binding Cyclin B1 become aneuploid, demonstrating the physiological relevance of our findings. Together, our data demonstrate that mitotic chromosomes promote the efficient interaction between Cyclin B1 and the APC/C to ensure the timely degradation of Cyclin B1 and genomic stability.

Aurora Kinases: Their Role in Cancer and Cellular Processes

Aurora kinases, belonging to a highly conserved family of serine/threonine kinases with critical roles in the regulation of the cell cycle, comprise three members: Aurora kinase A, B, and C, which serve as key mitotic regulators essential for maintaining chromosome stability. Aurora kinases play crucial roles in multiple events in mitotic such as the coordination of chromosomal and cytoskeletal events, regulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint pathway and cytokinesis to ensure the smooth progression of the cell cycle. Besides their mitotic functions, Aurora kinases are also involved in the regulation of meiosis. Gene amplification/mutation and overexpression of Aurora kinases have been detected in various solid and haematological cancers. In human tumours, Aurora kinases exhibit oncogenic roles associated with their mitotic roles, which drive the cancer cell proliferation and survival. Deregulation of Aurora kinase activity causes failure in centrosome function, spindle assembly, chromosomal alignment, and cytokinesis, eventually resulting in the mitotic abnormalities and genetic instability. These findings emphasize the crucial functions of Aurora kinases in cancer, prompting their recognition as valuable targets for cancer therapy. This review provides an overview of the structures and functions of Aurora kinases and sheds light on their oncogenic roles in cancer.

Pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase D2/Aurora kinase A signalling axis suppresses G2/M cell cycle progression and proliferation of epithelial ovarian cancer cells

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological malignancy with poor prognosis and patient survival outcome. Protein kinase D2 (PKD2) belongs to Ca++/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine kinase family and its aberrant expression is associated with many cellular and physiological functions associated with tumorigenesis including cell proliferation. We show that PKD2 is activated during G2/M cell cycle transition and its catalytic inactivation by small molecule inhibitor CRT0066101 or genetic knockdown caused suppression of EOC cell proliferation followed by a delay into mitotic entry. Our RNASeq analysis of PKD2-inactivated EOC cells revealed significant downregulation of genes associated with cell cycle including Aurora kinase A, a critical mitotic regulator. Mechanistically, PKD2 positively regulated Aurora kinase A stability at both transcriptional and post-translational levels by interfering with the function of Fbxw7, drove G2/M cell cycle transition and EOC cell proliferation. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of Aurora kinase A by small molecule CD532 or its shRNA-mediated genetic knockdown suppressed EOC cell proliferation, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and mitotic catastrophe followed by apoptosis. Taken together, our results indicated that PKD2 positively regulates Aurora kinase A during G2/M cell cycle entry and pharmacological targeting of PKD2/Aurora kinase A signalling axis could serve as a novel therapeutic intervention against a lethal pathology like EOC.

Cell cycle machinery in oncology: A comprehensive review of therapeutic targets.

The cell cycle is tightly regulated to ensure controlled cell proliferation. Dysregulation of the cell cycle machinery is a hallmark of cancer that leads to unchecked growth. This review comprehensively analyzes key molecular regulators of the cell cycle and how they contribute to carcinogenesis when mutated or overexpressed. It focuses on cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), CDK inhibitors, checkpoint kinases, and mitotic regulators as therapeutic targets. Promising strategies include CDK4/6 inhibitors like palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib for breast cancer treatment. Other possible targets include the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), Skp2, p21, and aurora kinase inhibitors. However, challenges with resistance have limited clinical successes so far. Future efforts should focus on combinatorial therapies, next-generation inhibitors, and biomarkers for patient selection. Targeting the cell cycle holds promise but further optimization is necessary to fully exploit it as an anti-cancer strategy across diverse malignancies.

Mis-splicing of Mitotic Regulators Sensitizes SF3B1-Mutated Human HSCs to CHK1 Inhibition.

Splicing factor SF3B1 mutations are frequent somatic lesions in myeloid neoplasms that transform hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by inducing mis-splicing of target genes. However, the molecular and functional consequences of SF3B1 mutations in human HSCs and progenitors (HSPCs) remain unclear. Here, we identify the mis-splicing program in human HSPCs as a targetable vulnerability by precise gene editing of SF3B1 K700E mutations in primary CD34+ cells. Mutant SF3B1 induced pervasive mis-splicing and reduced expression of genes regulating mitosis and genome maintenance leading to altered differentiation, delayed G2/M progression, and profound sensitivity to CHK1 inhibition (CHK1i). Mis-splicing or reduced expression of mitotic regulators BUBR1 and CDC27 delayed G2/M transit and promoted CHK1i sensitivity. Clinical CHK1i prexasertib selectively targeted SF3B1-mutant immunophenotypic HSCs and abrogated engraftment in vivo. These findings identify mis-splicing of mitotic regulators in SF3B1-mutant HSPCs as a targetable vulnerability engaged by pharmacological CHK1 inhibition. Significance: In this study, we engineer precise SF3B1 mutations in human HSPCs and identify CHK1 inhibition as a selective vulnerability promoted by mis-splicing of mitotic regulators. These findings uncover the mis-splicing program induced by mutant SF3B1 in human HSPCs and show that it can be therapeutically targeted by clinical CHK1 inhibitors.

AURKA blockage as a strategy to overcome resistance to olaparib and platinum in high-grade ovarian cancer (HGOC).

e15198 Background: PARP inhibitors (PARPi) as olaparib (OLA) have become the new standard in maintenance treatment in high grade ovarian carcinoma (HGOC). Thus, there is an important need to identify the mechanisms for PARPi resistance and the strategies to overcome them. Our aim is to assess if in vitro inhibition of AURKA, a protein that plays a relevant role in centrosome spindle formation and mitotic regulation, might overcome olaparib resistance mechanisms in HGOC. Methods: Three HGOC cell lines (PEO1, Kuramochi and SKOV3) were selected, and isogenic resistant pairs generated in vitro, by pulsed exposure to OLA (PEO1-R) or by exposure to growing concentrations of OLA (Kuramochi-R and SKOV-R). AURKA expression was assessed by PCR and Western blot (WB). Cells were OLA-treated before and after the downregulation of AURKA expression by a specific small inhibitor RNA (siRNA) and by pharmacologic inhibition with alisertib. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and DNA damage by the evaluation of markers by WB. Combination index of the combo OLA+alisertib was assessed by Chou-Talalay method. Results: AURKA expression was lower at gene and protein levels in resistant cell lines compared to parental. Upon AURKA silencing (Si) of parental (OLA-sensitive) cell lines, no differences in the OLA IC50 values between AURKA-Si and control cells were seen. However AURKA-Si of the OLA-resistant cell lines was associated with a decreased in OLA IC50 as follows: 1) In PEO1R control scramble siRNA (sc) was 226 mM vs SI 128 mM, p < 0.0001; 2) In Kuramochi-R scRNA 268.4 mM vs si 130.2 mM p < 0.0001 and 3) in SKOV3-R scRNA 187 mM vs si 74.7 mM, p < 0.0001 suggesting a role of AURKA-si in overcoming OLA-resistance. Pharmacologic AURKA targeting with the inhibitor alisertib in all 3 sensitive and resistant cell lines showed an increase of DNA damage measured by the expression of H2AX protein by WB. Combination index of the OLA+alisertib in all resistant cell lines showed a synergistic effect of the combination with PEO1-R FA50 = 0.25 (FA25-75 0.2-0.31), Kuramochi-R FA50 = 0.29 (0.19-9.36) and SKOV3-R FA50 = 0.24 (0.19-0.36). Conclusions: AURKA targeting either by silencing or pharmacologic inhibition increased OLA-induced apoptosis or had a synergistic effect in OLA-resistant cell lines suggesting AURKA as a potential target for overcoming OLA resistance.

Molecular interplay between HURP and Kif18A in mitotic spindle regulation.

During mitosis, microtubule dynamics are regulated to ensure proper alignment and segregation of chromosomes. The dynamics of kinetochore-attached microtubules are regulated by hepatoma-upregulated protein (HURP) and the mitotic kinesin-8 Kif18A, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Using single-molecule imaging in vitro, we demonstrate that Kif18A motility is regulated by HURP. While sparse decoration of HURP activates the motor, higher concentrations hinder processive motility. To shed light on this behavior, we determined the binding mode of HURP to microtubules using Cryo-EM. The structure reveals that one HURP motif spans laterally across β-tubulin, while a second motif binds between adjacent protofilaments. HURP partially overlaps with the microtubule-binding site of the Kif18A motor domain, indicating that excess HURP inhibits Kif18A motility by steric exclusion. We also observed that HURP and Kif18A function together to suppress dynamics of the microtubule plus-end, providing a mechanistic basis for how they collectively serve in spindle length control.

U3 snoRNA inter-regulates with DDX21 in the perichromosomal region to control mitosis

U3 snoRNA is essential for ribosome biogenesis during interphase. Upon mitotic onset, the nucleolus disassembles and U3 snoRNA relocates to the perichromosomal region (PR) to be considered as a chromosome passenger. Whether U3 controls mitosis remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that U3 snoRNA is required for mitotic progression. We identified DDX21 as the predominant U3-binding protein during mitosis and confirmed that U3 snoRNA colocalizes with DDX21 in the PR. DDX21 knockdown induces mitotic catastrophe and similar mitotic defects caused by U3 snoRNA depletion. Interestingly, the uniform PR distribution of U3 snoRNA and DDX21 is interdependent. DDX21 functions in mitosis depending on its PR localization. Mechanistically, U3 snoRNA regulates DDX21 PR localization through maintaining its mobility. Moreover, Cy5-U3 snoRNA downsizes the fibrous condensates of His-DDX21 at proper molecular ratios in vitro. This work highlights the importance of the equilibrium between U3 snoRNA and DDX21 in PR formation and reveals the potential relationship between the PR assembly and mitotic regulation.

Positive feedback regulation between glycolysis and histone lactylation drives oncogenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BackgroundMetabolic reprogramming and epigenetic alterations contribute to the aggressiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Lactate-dependent histone modification is a new type of histone mark, which links glycolysis metabolite to the epigenetic process of lactylation. However, the role of histone lactylation in PDAC remains unclear.MethodsThe level of histone lactylation in PDAC was identified by western blot and immunohistochemistry, and its relationship with the overall survival was evaluated using a Kaplan-Meier survival plot. The participation of histone lactylation in the growth and progression of PDAC was confirmed through inhibition of histone lactylation by glycolysis inhibitors or lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) knockdown both in vitro and in vivo. The potential writers and erasers of histone lactylation in PDAC were identified by western blot and functional experiments. The potential target genes of H3K18 lactylation (H3K18la) were screened by CUT&Tag and RNA-seq analyses. The candidate target genes TTK protein kinase (TTK) and BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B) were validated through ChIP-qPCR, RT-qPCR and western blot analyses. Next, the effects of these two genes in PDAC were confirmed by knockdown or overexpression. The interaction between TTK and LDHA was identified by Co-IP assay.ResultsHistone lactylation, especially H3K18la level was elevated in PDAC, and the high level of H3K18la was associated with poor prognosis. The suppression of glycolytic activity by different kinds of inhibitors or LDHA knockdown contributed to the anti-tumor effects of PDAC in vitro and in vivo. E1A binding protein p300 (P300) and histone deacetylase 2 were the potential writer and eraser of histone lactylation in PDAC cells, respectively. H3K18la was enriched at the promoters and activated the transcription of mitotic checkpoint regulators TTK and BUB1B. Interestingly, TTK and BUB1B could elevate the expression of P300 which in turn increased glycolysis. Moreover, TTK phosphorylated LDHA at tyrosine 239 (Y239) and activated LDHA, and subsequently upregulated lactate and H3K18la levels.ConclusionsThe glycolysis-H3K18la-TTK/BUB1B positive feedback loop exacerbates dysfunction in PDAC. These findings delivered a new exploration and significant inter-relationship between lactate metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic regulation, which might pave the way toward novel lactylation treatment strategies in PDAC therapy.

Preclinical Evaluation of JAB-2485, a Potent AURKA Inhibitor with High Selectivity and Favorable Pharmacokinetic Properties.

As a critical mitotic regulator, Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is aberrantly activated in a wide range of cancers. Therapeutic targeting of AUKRA is a promising strategy for the treatment of solid tumors. In this study, we evaluated the preclinical characteristics of JAB-2485, a small-molecule inhibitor of AURKA currently in Phase I/IIa clinical trial in the US (NCT05490472). Biochemical studies demonstrated that JAB-2485 is potent and highly selective on AURKA, with subnanomolar IC50 and around 1500-fold selectivity over AURKB or AURKC. In addition, JAB-2485 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties featured by low clearance and good bioavailability, strong dose-response relationship, as well as low risk for hematotoxicity and off-target liability. As a single agent, JAB-2485 effectively induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and neuroblastoma cells. Furthermore, JAB-2485 exhibited robust in vivo antitumor activity both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapies or the bromodomain inhibitor JAB-8263 in xenograft models of various cancer types. Together, these encouraging preclinical data provide a strong basis for safety and efficacy evaluations of JAB-2485 in the clinical setting.

YY2/BUB3 Axis promotes SAC Hyperactivation and Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Progression via Regulating Chromosomal Instability.

Spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a crucial safeguard mechanism of mitosis fidelity that ensures equal division of duplicated chromosomes to the two progeny cells. Impaired SAC can lead to chromosomal instability (CIN), a well-recognized hallmark of cancer that facilitates tumor progression; paradoxically, high CIN levels are associated with better therapeutic response and prognosis. However, the mechanism by which CIN determines tumor cell survival and therapeutic response remains poorly understood. Here, using a cross-omics approach, YY2 is identified as a mitotic regulator that promotes SAC activity by activating the transcription of budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 3 (BUB3), a component of SAC. While both conditions induce CIN, a defect in YY2/SAC activity enhances mitosis and tumor growth. Meanwhile, hyperactivation of SAC mediated by YY2/BUB3 triggers a delay in mitosis and suppresses growth. Furthermore, it is revealed that YY2/BUB3-mediated excessive CIN causes higher cell death rates and drug sensitivity, whereas residual tumor cells that survived DNA damage-based therapy have moderate CIN and increased drug resistance. These results provide insights into the role of SAC activity and CIN levels in influencing tumor cell survival and drug response, as well as suggest a novel anti-tumor therapeutic strategy that combines SAC activity modulators and DNA-damage agents.

Mitotic gene regulation by the N-MYC-WDR5-PDPK1 nexus

BackgroundDuring mitosis the cell depends on proper attachment and segregation of replicated chromosomes to generate two identical progeny. In cancers defined by overexpression or dysregulation of the MYC oncogene this process becomes impaired, leading to genomic instability and tumor evolution. Recently it was discovered that the chromatin regulator WDR5—a critical MYC cofactor—regulates expression of genes needed in mitosis through a direct interaction with the master kinase PDPK1. However, whether PDPK1 and WDR5 contribute to similar mitotic gene regulation in MYC-overexpressing cancers remains unclear. Therefore, to characterize the influence of WDR5 and PDPK1 on mitotic gene expression in cells with high MYC levels, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis in neuroblastoma cell lines defined by MYCN-amplification, which results in high cellular levels of the N-MYC protein.ResultsUsing RNA-seq analysis, we identify the genes regulated by N-MYC and PDPK1 in multiple engineered CHP-134 neuroblastoma cell lines and compare them to previously published gene expression data collected in CHP-134 cells following inhibition of WDR5. We find that as expected N-MYC regulates a multitude of genes, including those related to mitosis, but that PDPK1 regulates specific sets of genes involved in development, signaling, and mitosis. Analysis of N-MYC- and PDPK1-regulated genes reveals a small group of commonly controlled genes associated with spindle pole formation and chromosome segregation, which overlap with genes that are also regulated by WDR5. We also find that N-MYC physically interacts with PDPK1 through the WDR5-PDPK1 interaction suggesting regulation of mitotic gene expression may be achieved through a N-MYC-WDR5-PDPK1 nexus.ConclusionsOverall, we identify a small group of genes highly enriched within functional gene categories related to mitotic processes that are commonly regulated by N-MYC, WDR5, and PDPK1 and suggest that a tripartite interaction between the three regulators may be responsible for setting the level of mitotic gene regulation in N-MYC amplified cell lines. This study provides a foundation for future studies to determine the exact mechanism by which N-MYC, WDR5, and PDPK1 converge on cell cycle related processes.

Abstract CT167: Trial in progress: Phase 1 dose escalation study of T-1101, a first-in-class oral Hec1/Nek2 inhibitor, in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors

Abstract Background: T-1101, a novel small molecule, is the first-in-class oral agent that specifically disrupts the interaction between two commonly overexpressed, critical mitotic regulators, Hec1 and Nek2, within cancer cells. Such disruption leads to abnormal mitosis followed by apoptosis of cancer cells and provides a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. T-1101, with growth inhibition concentrations (IC50) ranging from14 to 74 nM across various human cancer cell lines, exhibited potent anti-liver and breastcancer activities in vivo, and highly active (IC50 7-19 nM) in MDR (multiple drugresistance) expressing cell lines. The effective inhibitory dose of T-1101 was determined to be between 10 and 25 mg/kg twice a day in xenograft animal models. Moreover, T-1101 has synergistic activity when combined with other anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin, topotecan and paclitaxel etc. Clinically, oral powder for constitution (OPC) form was first used in the initial study. To improve better patient compliance, the capsule (CAP) form is then deployed in current T-1101’s phase 1 study. Methods: Two T-1101 oral formulations (OPC and CAP) have been designed for the first-in-human, multi-center, open-label, dose-escalation studies to evaluate the safety, tolerability and establish the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) in subjects with advanced refractory solid tumors. The secondary objectives are to assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) and therapeutic response after receiving treatment. DLT was determined within the first treatment cycle. Patients showing clinical benefit after first 2cycles of T-1101may enter extension cohort to continue the treatment. In OPC 3+3 escalation study (NCT03195764, NCT03349073), T-1101 was administered orally once daily, days 1 to 14 every 21 days per cycle with 8 planned dose levels at dose of 9, 18, 36, 54, 72, 90, 108 to 126 mg/m2. The OPC study was terminated at 36 mg/m2 before the primary endpoint (determination of maximum tolerated dose; MTD) was reached and subsequent dosing level will be evaluated with the CAP formulation. Based on the 52% of relative oral bioavailability (%F) of CAP versus OPC in preclinical Beagle dogs’ PK study, the starting dose of CAP form of T-1101 was determined at 100 mg daily forconsecutive 28-day per cycle for 2 cycles with dose levels of 100, 200, 225, 250, 300 and 350 mg/day. The accelerated titration and Bayesian Optimal Interval (BOIN) designs are used for the T-1101 capsule dose escalation study (NCT04685473), in which one subject will be enrolled per dose level until one subject have DLT or two subjects experience ≥ Grade 2 drug-related AE during Cycle 1 at any dose level, then the dose escalation will follow the BOIN design. Cohorts 1 (100 mg/day) 2 (200 mg/day) and 3 (225 mg/day) have been completed without DLT. As of November 2023, the trial remains open to enrollment. Citation Format: Wu-Chou Su, Li-Yuan Bai, Hui-Hua Hsiao, Her-Shyong Shiah, Yu-Min Yeh, Shang-Hung Chen, Shang-Yin Wu, Hui-Ching Wang, Hui-Jen Tsai, Kwang-Yu Chang, Jui-Hung Tsai, Chun-Hui Lee, Chieh Hua Lee, Yu-Sheng Chao, Li-Tzong Chen. Trial in progress: Phase 1 dose escalation study of T-1101, a first-in-class oral Hec1/Nek2 inhibitor, in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr CT167.

Nek2A prevents centrosome clustering and induces cell death in cancer cells via KIF2C interaction

Unlike normal cells, cancer cells frequently exhibit supernumerary centrosomes, leading to formation of multipolar spindles that can trigger cell death. Nevertheless, cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes escape the deadly consequences of unequal segregation of genomic material by coalescing their centrosomes into two poles. This unique trait of cancer cells presents a promising target for cancer therapy, focusing on selectively attacking cells with supernumerary centrosomes. Nek2A is a kinase involved in mitotic regulation, including the centrosome cycle, where it phosphorylates linker proteins to separate centrosomes. In this study, we investigated if Nek2A also prevents clustering of supernumerary centrosomes, akin to its separation function. Reduction of Nek2A activity, achieved through knockout, silencing, or inhibition, promotes centrosome clustering, whereas its overexpression results in inhibition of clustering. Significantly, prevention of centrosome clustering induces cell death, but only in cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes, both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, none of the known centrosomal (e.g., CNAP1, Rootletin, Gas2L1) or non-centrosomal (e.g., TRF1, HEC1) Nek2A targets were implicated in this machinery. Additionally, Nek2A operated via a pathway distinct from other proteins involved in centrosome clustering mechanisms, like HSET and NuMA. Through TurboID proximity labeling analysis, we identified novel proteins associated with the centrosome or microtubules, expanding the known interaction partners of Nek2A. KIF2C, in particular, emerged as a novel interactor, confirmed through coimmunoprecipitation and localization analysis. The silencing of KIF2C diminished the impact of Nek2A on centrosome clustering and rescued cell viability. Additionally, elevated Nek2A levels were indicative of better patient outcomes, specifically in those predicted to have excess centrosomes. Therefore, while Nek2A is a proposed target, its use must be specifically adapted to the broader cellular context, especially considering centrosome amplification. Discovering partners such as KIF2C offers fresh insights into cancer biology and new possibilities for targeted treatment.

Deficiency of mastl, a mitotic regulator, results in cell detachment from developing tissues of zebrafish embryos.

To form tissues with unique functions and structures, it is important that the cells that comprise them maintain physical contact. On the other hand, with each mitosis, drastic changes in cell shapes, cell adhesion, and cytoskeletal architecture may cause such contacts to be temporarily weakened, risking improper development and maintenance of tissues. Despite such risks, tissues form properly during normal development. However, it is not well understood whether mitotic abnormalities affect tissue formation. Here, analysis of zebrafish embryos with aberrant mitosis shows that proper progression of mitosis is important to maintain cell contact in developing tissues. By screening mutants with abnormal trunk and tail development, we obtained a mutant with perturbed expression of some tissue-specific genes in embryonic caudal regions. The responsible gene is mastl/gwl, which is involved in progression of mitosis. Analysis focusing on the chordo-neural hinge (CNH), the primordium of axial tissues, shows that cell detachment from the CNH is increased in mastl mutant embryos. Time-lapse imaging reveals that this cell detachment occurs during mitosis. These results suggest that cells are unable to maintain contact due to abnormalities in progression of mitosis in mastl mutants.

Discovery of novel, potent and orally available benzoazipinone derivatives that elicit MKLP2-inhibitory phenotypes

Mitotic kinesin-like protein 2 (MKLP2/KIF20A) is a key mitotic regulator frequently overexpressed in human malignancies and its abundance is positively correlated with poor outcomes of the disease. Despite extensive research on MKLP2 as a potential target for oncology, the development of small-molecule inhibitors specific to MKLP2 remains limited. We have previously identified a benzoazipinone compound, HJ81 as a potent disruptor of Aurora kinase B (AURKB) localization during late mitosis. This study reveals that such disruption results from a failure of AURKB relocation at the onset of anaphase and this phenomenon can be specifically attributed to the disablement of MKLP2, a recognized facilitator of the relocation process. Further optimization of HJ81 leads to identifying compounds such as 12a as promising lead inhibitors of MKLP2-mediated processes, with improved pharmacokinetic properties. 12a inhibits the microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity of the recombinant MKLP2 in vitro. Significant suppression of tumor growth was observed in mice bearing the Calu-6 lung cancer cell line when treated with 12a at a well-tolerated dose. Overall, our findings suggest that benzoazipinone derivatives represent a novel chemical scaffold with the potential to be developed to mimic MKLP2 inhibition for cancer treatment.

Abstract 2258 Yeast ER-PM contact sites coordinate mitotic regulation of nuclear segregation

Abstract 2258 Yeast ER-PM contact sites coordinate mitotic regulation of nuclear segregation