DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) plays a vital role in DNA damage repair and lymphocyte function, presenting a significant target in cancer and immune diseases. Current DNA-PKcs inhibitors are undergoing Phase I/II trials as adjuncts to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer. Nevertheless, clinical utility is limited by suboptimal bioavailability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAberrant RET kinase signaling is activated in numerous cancers including lung, thyroid, breast, pancreatic, and prostate. Recent approvals of selective RET inhibitors, pralsetinib and selpercatinib, has shifted the focus of RET kinase drug discovery programs towards the development of selective inhibitors. However, selective inhibitors invariably lose efficacy as the selective nature of the inhibitor places Darwinian-like pressure on the tumor to bypass treatment through the selection of novel oncogenic drivers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExpression of the serine/threonine kinase never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is essential for entry into mitosis via its role in facilitating centrosome separation. Its overactivity can lead to tumorigenesis and drug resistance through the activation of several oncogenic pathways, including AKT. Although the cancer-enabling activities of NEK2 are documented in many malignancies, including correlations with poor survival in myeloma, breast, and non-small cell lung cancer, little is known about the role of NEK2 in lymphoma.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExpert Opin Ther Pat
October 2022
Introduction: Rearranged during transfection (RET) is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. Aberrations in RET signaling due to mutations, gene fusions, or overexpression can lead to carcinomas. Six inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of RET-driven cancers: vandetanib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, sorafenib, selpercatinib, and pralsetinib.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFLT3 mutations are one of the most common genetic aberrations found in nearly 30% of acute myeloid leukemias (AML). The mutations are associated with poor prognosis despite advances in the understanding of the biological mechanisms of AML. Numerous small molecule FLT3 inhibitors have been developed in an effort to combat AML.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aggressive nature of the activated B cell such as (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B cell (DLBCL) is frequently associated with altered B cell Receptor (BCR) signaling through the activation of key components including the scaffolding protein, . Most inhibitors, such as ibrutinib, target downstream BCR kinases with often modest and temporary responses for DLBCL patients. Here, we pursue an alternative strategy to target the BCR pathway by leveraging a novel DNA secondary structure to repress transcription.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRearranged during transfection (RET) is a receptor tyrosine kinase essential for the normal development and maturation of a diverse range of tissues. Aberrant RET signaling in cancers, due to RET mutations, gene fusions, and overexpression, results in the activation of downstream pathways promoting survival, growth, and metastasis. Pharmacological manipulation of RET is effective in treating RET-driven cancers, and efforts toward developing RET-specific therapies have increased over the last 5 years.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHydroxyproline is a common variation of proline, with diverse biological roles. The hydroxylation of proline gives rise to several (natural and/or synthetic) isomeric forms, including both positional isomers and stereoisomers. While mass spectrometry is widely touted as a very selective analytical technique, the identification of closely related isomers often poses a challenge.
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