Src Kinase Inhibitor Research Articles

A Phase I Study of the Non-Receptor Kinase Inhibitor Bosutinib in Combination with Pemetrexed in Patients with Selected Metastatic Solid Tumors.

Src is overexpressed in various cancers, including 27% of non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC, and is correlated with poor clinical outcomes. We hypothesize that Src kinase inhibitors, including Bosutinib, may exhibit clinical synergy in combination with the antifolate drug pemetrexed. In this Phase I, dose-escalation, safety, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD)-determining study, 14 patients with advanced metastatic solid tumors that had progressed on "standard of care" chemotherapy were enrolled in a 3 + 3 dose escalation study. Oral Bosutinib was administered once daily beginning on day 1, where the first cohort started at an oral dose of 200 mg daily with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 IV on a three-week schedule. The study's primary objective was to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), the MTD of Bosutinib in combination with pemetrexed, and the type and frequency of adverse events associated with this treatment. Twelve patients were evaluable for response, including ten patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung, one patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the appendix, and one patient with urothelial carcinoma. The median number of Bosutinib and pemetrexed cycles received was 4 (range, 1-4). The MTD of oral Bosutinib in this combination was 300 mg daily. Two patients (17%) had a partial response (PR), and seven patients (58%) showed stable disease (SD) as the best response after the fourth cycle (end of treatment). One patient had disease progression after the second cycle, while three patients had disease progression after the fourth cycle. The two responders and the two patients with the longest stable disease duration or stabilization of disease following progression on multiple systemic therapies demonstrated Src overexpression on immunohistochemical staining of their tumor. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.89 months (95% CI (3.48, 30.85)), and the median overall survival (OS) was 11.7 months (95% CI (3.87, 30.85)). Despite the limitations of this Phase I study, there appears to be potential efficacy of this combination in previously treated patients.

Heat shock protein amplification improves cerebellar myelination in the Npc1nih mouse model.

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare prematurely fatal lysosomal lipid storage disease with limited therapeutic options. The prominent neuropathological hallmarks include hypomyelination and cerebellar atrophy. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of recombinant human heat shock protein 70 (rhHSP70) in preclinical models of the disease. It reduced glycosphingolipid levels in the central nervous system (CNS), improving cerebellar myelination and improved behavioural phenotypes in Npc1nih (Npc1-/-) mice. Furthermore, treatment with arimoclomol, a well-characterised HSP amplifier, attenuated lysosomal storage in NPC patient fibroblasts and improved neurological symptoms in Npc1-/- mice. Taken together, these findings prompted the investigation of the effects of HSP amplification on CNS myelination. We administered bimoclomol daily or rhHSP70 6 times per week to Npc1-/- (BALB/cNctr-Npc1m1N/J, also named Npc1nih) mice by intraperitoneal injection from P7 through P34 to investigate the impact on CNS myelination. The Src-kinase inhibitor saracatinib was administered with/without bimoclomol twice daily to explore the contribution of Fyn kinase to bimoclomol's effects. Treatment with either bimoclomol or rhHSP70 improved myelination and increased the numbers of mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) as well as the ratio of active-to-inactive forms of phosphorylated Fyn kinase in the cerebellum of Npc1-/- mice. Additionally, treatment with bimoclomol preserved cerebellar weight, an effect that was abrogated when co-administered with saracatinib, an inhibitor of Fyn kinase. Bimoclomol-treated mice also exhibited increased numbers of immature OLs within the cortex. These data increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which HSP70 regulates myelination and provide further support for the clinical development of HSP-amplifying therapies in the treatment of NPC. Funding for this study was provided by Orphazyme A/S (Copenhagen, Denmark) and a Pathfinder Award from The Wellcome Trust.

Developing and Testing Methylated Nano-Structured Dipeptides that Inhibit Src Kinase Activity In Vitro for Anti-Cancer Applications.

Here, with the aim of developing a novel anti-cancer treatment, seven dipeptides were designed that contained methylated tryptophan and/or methylated arginine and were produced using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Overexpression of the Src tyrosine kinase enzyme has been implicated in the development of different cancers. Dipeptides containing unnatural amino acids such as methylated arginine (RCH3), dimethylated arginine (R(CH3)2), and/or methylated tryptophan (WCH3) residues have earlier been shown to inhibit Src kinase. In this study, three such dipeptides, W-RCH3, WCH3-RCH3, and W-R(CH3)2, were tested using acellular assays and were found to have IC50 values (the concentration at which 50% inhibition occurs) of 510 nM, 916 nM, and 1 µM, respectively. These values were comparable to those obtained for cyclic penta- to nano-W-R peptides ([W-R]5-[W-R]9) synthesized in previous studies. However, the unmethylated versions of the dipeptides did not show any inhibitory activity against Src kinase. All of these dipeptides (50 µM) did not show any cytotoxicity after incubation up to 72 h with three different cancer cell lines, including leukemia (CCRF-CEM), breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), and ovarian adenocarcinoma (SK-OV-3) cell lines, indicating the limited permeability of the peptides through the cell membrane. Therefore, further study is needed to improve the permeability of these peptides for anticancer applications, such as by using a peptide carrier or additional peptide functionalization. In summary, this study provides a protocol to synthesize and test peptides that inhibit Src kinase activity, and thus possess promising anticancer ability, as demonstrated using acellular and cellular assays.

B-Cell Receptor Signaling Modulates Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Cholesterol levels are associated with cancer progression and targeting cholesterol biosynthesis has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy in some neoplasms. It has been shown that inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in combination with chemotherapy resulted in encouraging clinical responses in patients with hematopoietic neoplasms including diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (Blood 2007; 109:2999-3006; Leuk. Lymphoma 2022; 63:1302-1313). Seminal work in DLBCL has shown that blocking the expression of SYK kinase, downstream of the B-cell receptor (BCR), impacted cholesterol biosynthesis (Cancer Cell 2013; 23:826-88). Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), a family of membrane-bound transcription factors in the endoplasmic reticulum, play a central role in lipid metabolism. Two genes, SREBF1, and SREBF2 codify three proteins (SREBP1a, SREBP1c, and SREBP2). SREBP1a and SREBP1c primarily regulate fatty acid metabolism, whereas SREBP2 is a master regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis. The underlying question of how BCR signaling is linked to the cholesterol biosynthesis encircling SREBP2 is not well understood. Using publicly available NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) DLBCL databases, we first analyzed the expression of genes directly regulated by SREBF2 involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, including ACAT1-2, HMGCS, HMGCR, MVK, PVMK, IDI1, SQLE, LSS, EBP, DHCR7, DHCR24, and NSDHL in DLBCL. We observed that SREBF2-mediated genes were upregulated in DLBCL as compared to non-neoplastic germinal center (GC) B-cells or low-grade B-cell lymphomas. These data were further confirmed by HTseq analysis of 66 DLBCL PDXs tumors established from DLBCL patients in our institution. Also, protein expression of nuclear SREBP2 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry in a DLBCL tissue microarray (n=84). Nuclear SREBP2 expression serves as an active form of transcriptional factor following cleavage. We confirmed strong nuclear positivity of SREBP2 in all non-GCB DLBCL; however, a subset of GCB DLBCL exhibited moderate nuclear SREBP2 positivity as compared to low-grade follicular lymphomas or reactive lymph node (control). These data suggest that SERBP2 is a key element in cholesterol biosynthesis, specifically upregulated, in non-GCB DLBCL. Next, in-vitro functional studies were performed to connect BCR signaling with SERBP2. We either genetically knock out the expression of IgH using CRISPR/Cas9 or pharmacologically inhibited Src kinase (downstream of the BCR signaling) with Dasatinib in non-GCB DLBCL cell lines. Both approaches reduce SREBP2 expression and its cholesterol-related downstream genes. In contrast, recovering IgH expression rescues the SREBP2-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis pathway establishing a direct role of BCR signaling in the regulation of the cholesterol pathway in non-GCB DLBCL through SREBP2. Mechanistically using Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) proteomic analysis, we have identified cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), a key player in cell cycle regulation, as a potential kinase involved in the phosphorylation of SREBP2 by activated BCR signaling. Our results suggest that CDK1 interacts with SREBP2 (as per colocalization studies), and that CDK1-mediated phosphorylation of SREBP2 preserves its stability to support enhanced cholesterol synthesis in non-GCB DLBCL cell lines. Although directly inhibiting of SREBPs is challenging, a promising approach is to inhibit SREBP translocation from the ER to the Golgi using PF-429242. Decreasing expression of SREBP2 at the genetic level or blocking the processing of SREBP2 with PF-429242 strongly reduces cell viability of DLBCL cell lines, with non-GCB DLBCL cell lines being more sensitive (IC50= 60-225nM) than the GCB DLBCL cells (IC50=200-330 nM). We also observed, in vitro, that co-treatments with PF-429242 and doxorubicin resulted in a synergistic response to doxorubicin in DLBCL cell lines of GCB, non-GCB and "double hit" suggesting that inhibiting SREBP2 could be a potential adjuvant therapeutic approach for DLBCL patients. In summary, cholesterol biosynthesis is tightly regulated by BCR signaling through SREBP2, specifically in non-GCB DLBCL. SREBP2 is a potential promising adjuvant therapeutic target for DLBCL as PF-429242 enhances responses to doxorubicin in cell lines expanding the therapeutic window of doxorubicin by increasing its efficacy.

Abstract 13966: The Effect of Diabetes-Associated Adiposomes in Promoting Caveolar Loss and Endothelial Dysfunction

Introduction: Our recent findings revealed that ex vivo cultured human adipose tissues (AT) release extracellular vesicles (adiposomes) that are efficiently captured by endothelial cells. These adiposomes are lipid-enclosed structures that carry bioactive cargos and mediate signaling between the AT and remote cells and tissues. Under hyperglycemia, ceramides could be glycosylated into glycosphingolipids (GSLs), selectively packed in adiposomes to be cleared away from adipocytes. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the AT from obese, diabetic patients (OB-T2D) creates excess GSL-rich adiposomes, which are incorporated into endothelial cells causing alterations in endothelial cell properties and function. Methods: AT samples were collected from OB-T2D and non-OB subjects (n=10, each). Nanoparticle tracking and electron microscopy were used to analyze and visualize these adiposomes, and mass spectrometry was used to study their content. Adiposome uptake, lipid fusion, and changes in endothelial membrane structure and signaling pathways were also assessed. Results: Compared to non-obese controls, adiposomes isolated from OB-T2D were higher in number and contained higher levels of GSLs. When added to cultured endothelial cells, GSL-rich adiposomes tended to accumulate in an endothelial structure known as caveolae, which concentrate signaling molecules such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and others. Electron microscopy showed a caveolar loss from the cell surface, and live TIRF microscopy indicated increased caveolar detachment. We observed induced phosphorylation of the key caveolar protein, caveolin-1, by GSL-rich adiposomes known to cause caveolar fission. This effect was mediated via activation of Src kinase (induced phosphorylation), as it was inhibited by the Src kinase inhibitor, PP2. These molecular events were accompanied by reductions in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and nitric oxide production, disturbances in endothelial gap junction, and increased permeability. Conclusion: we conclude that dysfunctional AT in OB-T2D produces GSL-loaded adiposomes that fuse with endothelial cells and activate the Src kinase pathway resulting in caveolar fission and endothelial cell dysfunction

Topical Tirbanibulin, a Dual Src Kinase and Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Plaque-Type Psoriasis: Phase I Results.

Plaque-type psoriasis is a common skin disorder. Tirbanibulin (KX01) is a new Src kinase inhibitor with potent antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes and has been approved for treatment of actinic keratosis. This Phase I study investigates the safety and activity of KX01 ointment in patients with plaque-type psoriasis. We recruited 28 patients from two medical centers in Taiwan. This study was performed in four stages. Double-blind treatments were randomized in stages I (KX01 0.01% + placebo, two rounds of two-week treatment) and II (KX01 0.1% + placebo, four weeks) and open-labelled in stages III (KX01 1%, five days) and IV (KX01 1%, five days weekly for four weeks). The safety, tolerability, KX01 concentration, target area score, physician global assessment, and disease relapse were determined. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild-to-moderate application site reactions. Three (50.0%) subjects from the stage IV group showed ≥50% reduction in the target area score (TAS50), while two subjects (33.3%) showed a clinically meaningful improvement in the physician global assessment score. KX01 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% were safe and well-tolerated. KX01 1% at four weeks showed a promising activity for the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis.

Phosphorylation-mediated interaction between human E26 transcription factor 1 and specific protein 1 is required for tumor cell migration.

Transcription factors, human E26 transcription factor 1 (Ets1) and specific protein 1 (Sp1), are known to induce gene expression in tumorigenicity. High Ets1 expression is often associated with colorectal tumorigenesis. In this study, we discover that metastasis and clone formation in SW480 cells mainly depend on the direct interaction between Ets1 and Sp1 instead of high Ets1 expression. The interaction domains are further addressed to be the segment at Sp1(626-708) and the segment at Ets1(244-331). In addition, the phosphorylation inhibition of Ets1 at Tyr283 by either downregulation of Src kinase or Src family inhibitor treatment decreases the interaction between Sp1 and Ets1 and suppresses SW480 migration. Either administration or overexpression of the peptides harboring the interaction segment strongly inhibits the colony formation and migration of SW480 cells. Our findings suggest that the interaction between Ets1 and Sp1 rather than Ets1 alone promotes transformation in SW480 cells and provide new insight into the Ets1 and Sp1 interaction as an antitumour target in SW480 cells.

319 (PB099) - Screening of NXP900 and dasatinib across 121 cancer cell lines identifies differences in their antiproliferative activity profiles

Background: We have recently reported that NXP900 (a.k.a. eCF506) binds and locks SRC tyrosine kinase in its ‘closed’ inactive conformation, being classified as a Type I1/2A inhibitor. This conformation-selective binding mode results in the inhibition of both SRC enzymatic activity and SRC-FAK complex formation, confers superior activity towards SRC-family kinases (SFK) and a high selectivity profile over the rest of the kinome [1,2]. This contrasts with the binding mode of dasatinib, which inhibits SRC kinase activity in its ‘open’ conformation (Type I), thus enhancing its capacity to bind to FAK.

β2-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Pathway Stimulates the Migration and Invasion of Cancer Cells via Src Activation.

Chronic stress has been reported to stimulate the release of catecholamines, including norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E), which promote cancer progression by activating the adrenergic receptor (AR). Although previous studies showed that β2-AR mediated chronic stress-induced tumor growth and metastasis, the underlying mechanism has not been fully explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which β2-AR exerts a pro-metastatic function in hepatocarcinoma (HCC) cells and breast cancer (BC) cells. Our results showed that Hep3B human HCC cells and MDA-MB-231 human BC cells exhibited the highest ADRB2 expression among diverse HCC and BC cell lines. NE, E, and isoprenaline (ISO), adrenergic agonists commonly increased the migration and invasion of Hep3B cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. The phosphorylation level of Src was significantly increased by E/NE. Dasatinib, a Src kinase inhibitor, blocked E/NE-induced migration and invasion, indicating that AR agonists enhanced the mobility of cancer cells by activating Src. ADRB2 knockdown attenuated E/NE-induced Src phosphorylation, as well as the metastatic ability of cancer cells, suggesting the essential role of β2-AR. Taken together, our results demonstrate that chronic stress-released catecholamines promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells and BC cells via β2-AR-mediated Src activation.

Saracatinib, a Selective Src Kinase Inhibitor, Blocks Fibrotic Responses in Preclinical Models of Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disorder. Two U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved antifibrotic drugs, nintedanib and pirfenidone, slow the rate of decline in lung function, but responses are variable and side effects are common. Objectives: Using an in silico data-driven approach, we identified a robust connection between the transcriptomic perturbations in IPF disease and those induced by saracatinib, a selective Src kinase inhibitor originally developed for oncological indications. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that saracatinib would be effective at attenuating pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: We investigated the antifibrotic efficacy of saracatinib relative to nintedanib and pirfenidone in three preclinical models: 1) invitro in normal human lung fibroblasts; 2) invivo in bleomycin and recombinant Ad-TGF-β (adenovirus transforming growth factor-β) murine models of pulmonary fibrosis; and 3) ex vivo in mice and human precision-cut lung slices from these two murine models as well as patients with IPF and healthy donors. Measurements and Main Results: In each model, the effectiveness of saracatinib in blocking fibrogenic responses was equal or superior to nintedanib and pirfenidone. Transcriptomic analyses of TGF-β-stimulated normal human lung fibroblasts identified specific gene sets associated with fibrosis, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, TGF-β, and WNT signaling that was uniquely altered by saracatinib. Transcriptomic analysis of whole-lung extracts from the two animal models of pulmonary fibrosis revealed that saracatinib reverted many fibrogenic pathways, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune responses, and extracellular matrix organization. Amelioration of fibrosis and inflammatory cascades in human precision-cut lung slices confirmed the potential therapeutic efficacy of saracatinib in human lung fibrosis. Conclusions: These studies identify novel Src-dependent fibrogenic pathways and support the study of the therapeutic effectiveness of saracatinib in IPF treatment.

Mechanisms of pulmonary endothelial permeability and inflammation caused by extracellular histone subunits H3 and H4.

Extracellular DNA-binding proteins such as histones are danger-associated molecular pattern released by the injured tissues in trauma and sepsis settings, which trigger host immune response and vascular dysfunction. Molecular events leading to histone-induced endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction remain poorly understood. This study performed comparative analysis of H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone subunits effects on human pulmonary EC permeability and inflammatory response. Analysis of transendothelial electrical resistance and EC monolayer permeability for macromolecues revealed that H3 and H4, but not H1, H2A, or H2B caused dose-dependent EC permeability accompanied by disassembly of adherens junctions. At higher doses, H3 and H4 activated nuclear factor kappa B inflammatory cascade leading to upregulation EC adhesion molecules ICAM1, VCAM1, E-selectin, and release of inflammatory cytokines. Inhibitory receptor analysis showed that toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 but not TLR1/2 or receptor for advanced glycation end inhibition significantly attenuated deleterious effects of H3 and H4 histones. Inhibitor of Rho-kinase was without effect, while inhibition of Src kinase caused partial preservation of cell-cell junctions, H3/H4-induced permeability and inflammation. Deleterious effects of H3/H4 were blocked by heparin. Activation of Epac-Rap1 signaling restored EC barrier properties after histone challenge. Intravenous injection of histones in mice caused elevation of inflammatory markers and increased vascular leak. Post-treatment with pharmacological Epac/Rap1 activator suppressed injurious effects of histones in vitro and in vivo. These results identify H3 and H4 as key histone subunits exhibiting deleterious effects on pulmonary vascular endothelium via TLR4-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, elevation of circulating histones may represent a serious risk of exacerbated acute lung injury (ALI) and multiple organ injury during severe trauma and infection.

Role of Src kinase in regulating protein kinase C mediated phosphorylation of TRPV1.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), activated by heat, acidic pH, endogenous vanilloids and capsaicin, is essential for thermal hyperalgesia. Under inflammatory conditions, phosphorylation of TRPV1 by protein kinase C (PKC) can sensitize the channel and decrease the activation threshold. Src kinase also phosphorylates TRPV1, promoting channel trafficking to the plasma membrane. These post-translational modifications are important for several chronic pain conditions. This study presents a previously undescribed relationship between Src and PKC phosphorylation of TRPV1, influencing the thermal hypersensitivity associated with TRPV1 activation. We assessed TRPV1 channel activity using intracellular calcium imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology in mouse dorsal root ganglion cultures. Additionally, we used behavioural experiments to evaluate plantar thermal sensitivity following intraplantar injections of activators of known modulators of TRPV1 with and without an Src antagonist. Using calcium imaging and patch-clamp techniques, we demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of Src kinase or mutation of the Src phosphorylation site on TRPV1 prevented PKC but not PKA-mediated sensitization of TRPV1 in vitro. We found that intraplantar injection of the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or bradykinin produces thermal hypersensitivity that can be attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of Src. Additionally, complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory hypersensitivity could also be attenuated by local Src kinase inhibition. Our data demonstrate that Src phosphorylation is critical for PKC-mediated sensitization of TRPV1. Further, in a model of inflammatory pain, CFA, Src kinase inhibition could reduce thermal hypersensitivity. Targeting of Src kinase may have analgesic benefits in inflammatory pain conditions. Src kinase-mediated phosphorylation of TRPV1 is a critical regulator of the PKC-induced sensitization induced by multiple inflammatory mediators. This suggest a new regulatory mechanism governing TRPV1 function and a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory type pain, including cancer pain where Src antagonists are currently utilized.

Abstract 3326: Uncovering the molecular mechanisms which predict sensitivity to a novel src kinase inhibitor NXP900 to inform personalized healthcare strategies

Abstract We have previously described the discovery of a highly potent, selective and orally bioavailable Src kinase inhibitor NXP900 with a unique binding mode relative to other Src inhibitors under clinical development or approved (Temps et al 2021). This unique binding mode locks SRC in its native inactive conformation, thereby inhibiting both enzymatic and scaffolding functions. Also, in contrast to other Src inhibitors in the clinic, NXP900 exhibits a unique target selectivity profile with 1000 fold selectivity for Src over Abl kinase. The aim of this current study was to perform broad cancer cell line panel screening to inform disease positioning and identify predictive biomarkers of sensitivity for this novel class of Src kinase inhibitor. We describe the results of extensive cancer cell line panel profiling across a suite of 2-dimensional(D) and 3-D in vitro cell viability and high content phenotypic profiling assays that has revealed clear patterns of cell line sensitivity and insensitivity. Among the most sensitive cell line subtypes are, squamous cell carcinoma, Arid1A mutant ovarian clear cell carcinoma and subtypes of breast luminal A and triple negative breast cancer cell lines. HER2+ breast cancer lines appear insensitive to NXP900 indicating HER2 as a potential driver of resistance to NXP900. Further in-depth bioinformatic analysis of genetic and transcriptomic profiles of sensitive cell lines has identified putative biomarkers to support patient selection and personalized healthcare strategies. These studies demonstrate the identification of cancer cell lines which exhibit high sensitivity to NXP900 and which can be grouped into discrete molecular subtypes based on gene mutation status, transcriptomics and histotype. Our result provide an indication of patient subgroups which may exhibit optimal therapeutic response to NXP900 and provide data to guide further preclinical, biomarker and clinical development. Temps C et al., Cancer Res. 2021 Nov 1;81(21):5438-5450. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-21-0613. Citation Format: Neil Carragher, Rebecca Hughes, Valerie Brunton, Asier Unciti-broceta, Iñigo Lanzagorta-Calvillo, Carolin Temps, Enrique Poradosu. Uncovering the molecular mechanisms which predict sensitivity to a novel src kinase inhibitor NXP900 to inform personalized healthcare strategies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3326.

Abstract 5341: Mechanisms driving resistance in Group 3 and recurrent/disseminated medulloblastoma

Abstract Background: Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children and accounts for 20% of childhood brain tumors. Among the 4 molecular MB subtypes, Group 3 and 4 MBs have the worst prognosis. The biology of recurrence and dissemination in MB is less understood. Overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) has been associated with metastatic MB, and PDGFR activity promotes MB migration. PDGFR-induced migration is regulated by Src kinase. Src kinase activity is high in MB and Src kinase inhibition restricts tumor growth. Group 3 MB demonstrates high PDGFRA expression. Aim: Our objective was to evaluate if molecular inhibition of PDGFR or Src kinase will control metastatic progression/dissemination in Group 3 MB. Methods: We treated a panel of 4 patient-derived MB cell lines with dasatinib, which can inhibit BCRABL, c-KIT, PDGFR and Src kinase. Dasatinib dose required to inhibit c-KIT and PDGFR is higher (50-100 nM) than that needed for Src inhibition (1-10 nM). Results: Proliferation assay with dasatinib (1-10000nM) performed on all 4 cell lines did not demonstrate any inhibition of proliferation except at 10000nM dose. We treated all 4 MB cell lines with higher dose range of dasatinib (625-10000nM). One cell line did not respond to dasatinib, remaining cell lines demonstrated proliferation inhibition over 13 days between 625-5000nM. There were 2 interesting observations. Firstly, cell line which required lowest dose (625nM) was a recurrent MB, while paradoxically, its paired parental cell line (non-recurrent/treatment-naïve) responded to proliferation inhibition only at higher 5000nM dose. IC50 of parental cell line was 38-times higher than recurrent cell line. We postulated that recurrent MB may be responsive to dasatinib. However, dasatinib-treated recurrent cells demonstrated minimal changes in cell cycle phases (IC50 day 4 dose 187.4nM) and apoptotic cell death (187.4nM and 293.2nM) compared to DMSO-treated control. Since Group 3 MB demonstrates high PDGFRA expression, we employed a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model of Group 3 MB to investigate the in-vivo response to dasatinib. The 2nd interesting observation was that dasatinib-treated mice exhibited earlier neuro-symptoms, more rapid tumor growth and clinical deterioration compared to control mice. However, overall animal survival time was not statistically significant between treated versus untreated groups (p=0.24 Log-rank test). Conclusions: Recurrent cells were more sensitive to dasatinib in-vitro compared to paired parental cells. In-vivo, mice treated with dasatinib developed neuro-symptoms faster than controls. It is currently not known if recurrent MB cells demonstrating early dasatinib-sensitivity to proliferation inhibition, escaping cell death, can formulate an in-vivo mechanism to drive more rapid tumor progression/dissemination as observed in our Group 3 MB Model. Citation Format: Shiying Huang, Jie-Ling Pan, Qi Lin, YuChen Du, Jack Su, Angela Major, M. Tarek Elghetany, Kam-Man Hui, Xiaonan Li, Wan-Yee Teo. Mechanisms driving resistance in Group 3 and recurrent/disseminated medulloblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5341.

PP2 protects from keratin mutation-associated liver injury and filament disruption via SRC kinase inhibition in male but not female mice.

Hepatocyte keratin polypeptides 8/18 (K8/K18) are unique among intermediate filaments proteins (IFs) in that their mutation predisposes to, rather than causes, human disease. Mice that overexpress human K18 R90C manifest disrupted hepatocyte keratin filaments with hyperphosphorylated keratins and predisposition to Fas-induced liver injury. We hypothesized that high-throughput screening will identify compounds that protect the liver from mutation-triggered predisposition to injury. Using A549 cells transduced with a lentivirus K18 construct and high-throughput screening, we identified the SRC-family tyrosine kinases inhibitor, PP2, as a compound that reverses keratin filament disruption and protects from apoptotic cell death caused by K18 R90C mutation at this highly conserved arginine. PP2 also ameliorated Fas-induced apoptosis and liver injury in male but not female K18 R90C mice. The PP2 male selectivity is due to its lower turnover in male versus female livers. Knockdown of SRC but not another kinase target of PP2, protein tyrosine kinase 6, in A549 cells abrogated the hepatoprotective effect of PP2. Phosphoproteomic analysis and validation showed that the protective effect of PP2 associates with Ser/Thr but not Tyr keratin hypophosphorylation, and differs from the sex-independent effect of the Ser/Thr kinase inhibitor PKC412. Inhibition of RAF kinase, a downstream target of SRC, by vemurafenib had a similar protective effect to PP2 in A549 cells and male K18 R90C mice. PP2 protects, in a male-selective manner, keratin mutation-induced mouse liver injury by inhibiting SRC-triggered downstream Ser/Thr phosphorylation of K8/K18, which is phenocopied by RAF kinase inhibitor vemurafenib. The PP2/vemurafenib-associated findings, and their unique mechanisms of action, further support the potential role of select kinase inhibition as therapeutic opportunities for keratin and other IF-associated human diseases.

TRPV6 channel mediates alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and systemic response.

SUMMARYIntestinal epithelial tight junction disruption is a primary contributing factor in alcohol-associated endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ damage. Ethanol and acetaldehyde disrupt tight junctions by elevating intracellular Ca2+. Here we identify TRPV6, a Ca2+-permeable channel, as responsible for alcohol-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Ethanol and acetaldehyde elicit TRPV6 ionic currents in Caco-2 cells. Studies in Caco-2 cell monolayers and mouse intestinal organoids show that TRPV6 deficiency or inhibition attenuates ethanol- and acetaldehyde-induced Ca2+ influx, tight junction disruption, and barrier dysfunction. Moreover, Trpv6−/− mice are resistant to alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. Photoaffinity labeling of 3-azibutanol identifies a histidine as a potential alcohol-binding site in TRPV6. The substitution of this histidine, and a nearby arginine, reduces ethanol-activated currents. Our findings reveal that TRPV6 is required for alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Molecules that decrease TRPV6 function have the potential to attenuate alcohol-associated tissue injury.

SAR Probing of KX2-391 Provided Analogues With Juxtaposed Activity Profile Against Major Oncogenic Kinases.

Tirbanibulin (KX2-391, KX-01), a dual non-ATP (substrate site) Src kinase and tubulin-polymerization inhibitor, demonstrated a universal anti-cancer activity for variety of cancer types. The notion that KX2-391 is a highly selective Src kinase inhibitor have been challenged by recent reports on the activities of this drug against FLT3-ITD mutations in some leukemic cell lines. Therefore, we hypothesized that analogues of KX2-391 may inhibit oncogenic kinases other than Src. A set of 4-aroylaminophenyl-N-benzylacetamides were synthesized and found to be more active against leukemia cell lines compared to solid tumor cell lines. N-(4-(2-(benzylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-4-chlorobenzamide (4e) exhibited activities at IC50 0.96 µM, 1.62 µM, 1.90 µM and 4.23 µM against NB4, HL60, MV4-11 and K562 leukemia cell lines, respectively. We found that underlying mechanisms of 4e did not include tubulin polymerization or Src inhibition. Such results interestingly suggested that scaffold-hopping of KX2-391 may change the two main underlying cytotoxic mechanisms (Src and tubulin). Kinase profiling using two methods revealed that 4e significantly reduces the activities of some other potent oncogenic kinases like the MAPK member ERK1/2 (>99%) and it also greatly upregulates the pro-apoptotic c-Jun kinase (84%). This research also underscores the importance of thorough investigation of total kinase activities as part of the structure-activity relationship studies.

Inhibition of Src but not Syk causes weak reversal of GPVI-mediated platelet aggregation measured by light transmission aggregometry

Src tyrosine kinases and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) have recently been shown to contribute to sustained platelet aggregation on collagen under arterial shear. In the present study, we have investigated whether Src and Syk are required for aggregation under minimal shear following activation of glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and have extended this to C-type lectin-like receptor-2 (CLEC-2) which signals through the same pathway. Aggregation was induced by the GPVI ligand collagen-related peptide (CRP) and the CLEC-2 ligand rhodocytin and monitored by light transmission aggregometry (LTA). Aggregation and tyrosine phosphorylation by both receptors were sustained for up to 50 min. The addition of inhibitors of Src, Syk or Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) at 150 sec, by which time aggregation was maximal, induced rapid loss of tyrosine phosphorylation of their downstream proteins, but only Src kinase inhibition caused a weak (~10%) reversal in light transmission. A similar effect was observed when the inhibitors were combined with apyrase and indomethacin or glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) antagonist, eptifibatide. On the other hand, activation of GPIIb-IIIa by GPVI in a diluted platelet suspension, as measured by binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled antibody specific for the activated GPIIb-IIIa (FITC-PAC1), was reversed on the addition of Src and Syk inhibitors showing that integrin activation is rapidly reversible in the absence of outside-in signals. The results demonstrate that Src but not Syk and Btk contribute to sustained aggregation as monitored by LTA, possibly as a result of inhibition of outside-in signaling from GPIIb-IIIa to the cytoskeleton through a Syk-independent pathway. This is in contrast to the role of Syk in supporting sustained aggregation on collagen under arterial shear.

The Role of Adipocyte‐derived Extracellular Vesicles in Diabetes‐associated Endothelial Dysfunction

The development of diabetes (T2D) is strongly associated with obesity, and both are well‐established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction is an early event in developing vascular complications in obese diabetic (OB‐T2D) adults. Therefore, our long‐term goal is to identify endothelial dysfunction mechanisms in this population, mainly those related to the multifaceted crosstalk between dysfunctional adipocytes and endothelial cells. Our recent findings revealed that ex vivocultured human adipose tissues (AT) release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are efficiently captured by endothelial cells. These EVs are lipid‐enclosed structures that carry bioactive cargos and are considered vital mediators of intercellular communication. Adipocyte‐derived EVs (adiposomes) mediate signaling between cell types within the AT and circulate in the blood to communicate signals to remote cells and tissues. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of adiposomes in communicating the unhealthy milieu of dysfunctional AT to endothelial cells in OB‐T2D. Altered lipid metabolism and enhanced ceramide synthesis in OB‐T2D induce adiposome production. Under hyperglycemia, ceramides could be glycosylated into glycosphingolipids (GSLs), selectively packed in adiposomes to be cleared away from adipocytes. We hypothesize that the AT from OB‐T2D patients creates excess GSL‐rich adiposomes, which are incorporated into endothelial cells causing alterations in endothelial cell properties and function. To test this hypothesis, AT samples were collected from OB‐T2D and non‐OB subjects (n=10, each). Nanoparticle analysis and confocal microscopy were used to analyze these adiposomes, and mass spectrometry and Western blotting techniques were used to examine their content. Adiposome uptake, lipid fusion, and changes in endothelial membrane structure and signaling pathways were also assessed following adiposome incubation with microvascular endothelial cells. Our data showed that in comparison to non‐obese controls, adiposomes isolated from OB‐T2D adipose tissues contained higher levels of GSLs. When added to cultured endothelial cells, GSL‐rich adiposomes tended to accumulate in an endothelial structure known as caveolae. These caveolae cover more than 50% of the endothelial cell surface and serve to concentrate signal transduction molecules such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and others involved in angiogenesis, transcytosis, and permeability. According to our findings, the phosphorylation of the key caveolar protein caveolin‐1 by GSL‐rich adiposomes caused caveolar fission from the endothelial cell surface. This effect was mediated via an activation of Src kinase, as it was inhibited by the Src kinase inhibitor, PP2. These molecular events were accompanied by reductions in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and nitric oxide production, disturbances in endothelial gap junction, and increased permeability. Accordingly, we conclude that dysfunctional AT in OB‐T2D patients produce GSL‐loaded adiposomes that fuse with endothelial cells and activate the Src kinase pathway resulting in caveolar fission and endothelial cell dysfunction.

Abstract 489: Glutathione Regulates Endothelial Cell Function And Vegfr2 Signaling

Under physiological and pathological conditions angiogenesis progresses in an idealized redox window. Mice heterozygous for the Glutamate cysteine ligase modifier (GCLm) subunit knockout have augmented ischemic remodeling. During occlusion, the ensuing ischemic milieu and accompanying vascular changes regulate the activity of vascular endothelial receptor 2 (VEGFR2). We hypothesized that the cellular GSH concentration regulates endothelial cell function via altered VEGFR2 signaling. To test this hypothesis, we first performed mouse aortic endothelial cell (MAEC) outgrowth assays on aortic segments dissected from mice homozygous (KO) and heterozygous (Het) for GCLm knockout as well as wildtype control (WT). Outgrowth area in the Het group was significantly higher than WT and KO at day 7 of outgrowth (2.15 fold, n=4, P<0.001). MAECs were isolated and relative migration rates were determined using under-agarose migration assays. Het MAECs were 1.25 fold faster than WT (n=4 p<0.001) while KO MAECs were slower, 0.90 fold (n=3, p<0.05). Cell proliferation assays are currently underway. Concurrently, we inhibited glutathione reductase in primary human aortic endothelial cells using 2-AAPA. 2-AAPA (75 μm) alone didn’t activate VEGFR2 (determined by western blot for pY1175 VEGFR2). 2-AAPA in combination with H 2 O 2 (100 μM) induced a 5.5 fold (p<0.01, n=4) increase in the relative amount of active VEGFR2 compared to vehicle treated HAECs. 2-AAPA with H 2 O 2 induced a significant increase in pY416 proto-oncogene c-Src (Src) 9.5 fold (p<0.01, n=6), This effect was attenuated by the addition of DTT. Furthermore, Src kinase inhibitor 1 (SKI) (200 nM) attenuated the effect of 2-AAPA + H 2 O 2 on VEGFR2. While the VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor SU1948 inhibited activation of VEGFR2, it had no significant effect on the 2-AAPA + H 2 O 2 mediated activation of Src. Combined these data suggest Src mediates the 2-AAPA + H 2 O 2 activation of VEGFR2. Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) catalyzes the enzymatic glutathionylation of proteins, The GSTP1 inhibitor TLK199 (50 μM) abrogated the effects of 2-AAPA + H 2 O 2 on VEGFR2 and experiments are underway to determine the glutathionylation status of Src in our system and its effect on the interaction of Src and VEGFR2.