bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract 445: A next generation TEAD inhibitor with refined isoform specificity for superior safety & efficacy
Authors: Muller Florian , Baloglu Erkan , Morley Andrew D. , Chakravarti Deepavali , Kunnimalaiyaan Selvi , Gyruis Jeno , Shacham Sharon 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The Hippo pathway is an important regulator of cell proliferation and one of the last major oncogenic pathways not yet extensively targeted in precision oncology. The Hippo pathway is executed by the YAP1/TAZ (WWTR1) co-activators and the TEAD family of transcription factors, which consists of four paralogs (TEAD1-4) with both redundant and unique functions. The transcriptional targets of TEADs include genes playing tumor-promoting roles, including pro-proliferative, immunosuppressive, and anti-apoptotic genes. A growing body of research points to the central importance of the Hippo pathway as a key driver of oncogenesis and as key resistance mechanism to inhibitors of the MAPK pathway or its upstream activators, such as receptor tyrosine kinases. Sporos BioDiscovery has developed novel inhibitors that reversibly bind to the palmitoylation site of TEAD transcription factors to block Hippo pathway activity. Sporos BioDiscovery’s internal bioinformatic insights were leveraged to fine tune the inhibitory activity against the four TEAD paralogs, to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. Key characteristics of the SPR1 TEAD inhibitors: (i) low nM, single-agent activity against multiple TEAD-dependent cell lines in vitro in established Hippo-pathway hyperactive mesothelioma cell lines as well as in several non-mesothelioma, cell lines without any obvious lesions in the upstream components of the Hippo pathway. (ii) activity against multiple tumor models in vivo with tumor regression observed even in large established tumors, a feat not previously reported with any other TEAD inhibitor. (iii) strong interactions with inhibitors of the MAPK pathway and inhibitors of its upstream activators, such as RTKs. (iv) favorable ADME profile in rodents, dogs and NHPs, as well as a favorable safety profile. In sum, SPR1 presents monotherapy opportunities in ultra-responder populations based on internal bioinformatic insights, while broader potential exists as an adjuvant for precision oncology targeted therapies, particularly within the MAPK pathway and its upstream activators.
Citation Format: Florian Muller, Erkan Baloglu, Andrew D. Morley, Deepavali Chakravarti, Selvi Kunnimalaiyaan, Jeno Gyruis, Sharon Shacham. A next generation TEAD inhibitor with refined isoform specificity for superior safety & efficacy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 445.
Abstract 4458: Single cell landscape of multicentric Castleman disease in identical twins
Authors: Chan Jason Yongsheng , Loh Jui Wan , Lim Jing Quan , Liany Herty , Lee Elizabeth Chun Yong , Lee Jing Yi , Kannan Bavani , Lim Boon Yee , Lim Kerry , Ha Jeslin Chian Hung , Ng Cedric Chuan-Young , Ko Tun Kiat , Huang Dachuan , Seow Dominique Yuan Bin , Cheng Chee Leong , Chan Sock Hoai , Ngeow Joanne , Teh Bin Tean , Lim Soon Thye , Ong Choon Kiat 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease (iMCD) is a rare IL-6-driven hematological disorder characterized by systemic lymphadenopathy, elevated immunoglobulin levels, and prominent plasmacytosis in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. An unusual occurrence of iMCD in identical twins provided a unique opportunity to answer genetic and molecular features of this disease, including the cell-of-origin of IL-6 signals, and the immune milieu within affected lymphoid organs and in circulation. Germline whole genome sequencing of the affected twins identified pathogenic homozygous mutations of NCOA4 c.G1322A and monoallelic mutations of TRAF3 c.G1504A - both genes recently implicated in IL-6 signaling and B-cell regulation. Their unaffected sister was heterozygous mutant for NCOA4 and homozygous wildtype for TRAF3 loci. Via single cell sequencing of 63,519 cells from bone marrow, lymph node, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we identified nodal endothelial cells and fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) as the source of IL-6 signals. The latter are composed of mainly T-cell zone FRCs (CCL19+/CCL21+/IL7+/PDPN+/MADCAM1-) and a minor population of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) (CD21+/CD35+/CXCL13+). An “inflammatory” peripheral monocytosis enriched for the expression of S100A family genes was evident in both twins, as well as a group of monocytes expressing cytotoxic gene signatures in the affected twin with milder clinical manifestations. Their unaffected sister mainly carried monocytes enriched for expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes. In conclusion, we provided evidence of a genetic cause of iMCD, identified the putative cell-of-origin of IL-6 signals in this rare disease, and described a distinct monocytic immune response phenotype.
Citation Format: Jason Yongsheng Chan, Jui Wan Loh, Jing Quan Lim, Herty Liany, Elizabeth Chun Yong Lee, Jing Yi Lee, Bavani Kannan, Boon Yee Lim, Kerry Lim, Jeslin Chian Hung Ha, Cedric Chuan-Young Ng, Tun Kiat Ko, Dachuan Huang, Dominique Yuan Bin Seow, Chee Leong Cheng, Sock Hoai Chan, Joanne Ngeow, Bin Tean Teh, Soon Thye Lim, Choon Kiat Ong. Single cell landscape of multicentric Castleman disease in identical twins. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4458.
Abstract 4743: Wnt/beta-catenin mediated epigenetic modifications drive age-dependent oral squamous cell carcinoma evolution
Authors: Fisher Emily R. , Spinella Anthony , Hardy Nina C. , Varelas Xaralabos , Bais Manish , Kukuruzinska Maria A. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a devastating disease associated with high morbidity, poor survival, and few therapeutic options. This malignancy is driven, in part, by epigenetic reprogramming of the chromatin landscape directed by β-catenin in complex with CREB-binding protein (CBP) and mixed lineage leukemia methyltransferase 1 (MLL1). The β-catenin/CBP/MLL1 complex promotes an open chromatin structure by enabling transcription of genes associated with cell plasticity, including cancer stem cells and cells with partial EMT (p-EMT) phenotypes. Growing evidence indicates that cell plasticity and cellular senescence are integral processes shared by cancer and aging. Given that the median age of OSCC diagnosis is 66 years, it is likely that aging promotes OSCC evolution to advanced disease.
To examine the effects of aging on OSCC evolution, we adapted a syngeneic mouse model of tobacco-associated oral carcinogenesis. This model utilizes a mouse cell line, 4MOSC1, derived from 4-nitroquinoline-1 oxide- (4NQO)-induced tongue tumor which, when implanted into mouse tongues, generates tumors that recapitulate human OSCC mutanome. The growth of 4MOSC1 derived orthotopic tumors was studied in 6- and 80-week-old mice. Tumors were allowed to develop for 18 days, after which they were harvested and processed for single cell RNA sequencing, histopathology and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses.
Results showed that tumors grew at a faster rate and to a greater overall size in old mice compared to their young cohorts. OSCC harvested from the old mice displayed statistically significant reduction in membranous E-cadherin concomitant with increased Cbp and H3K4me3 abundance, suggesting an age-associated upregulation of β-catenin/Cbp/Mll1 epigenetic activity. Increased expression of Bmi1, keratin 14, and podoplanin supported increased cell plasticity in OSCC from aged mice. Further, these tumors exhibited augmented cellular senescence, as judged by the disruption of lamin B1-associated nuclear membrane integrity, and by an increased cell population with markers of senescence from single cell sequencing analyses.
These data suggest that aging is associated with increased β-catenin/Cbp/Mll1 epigenetic signaling, cell plasticity and cellular senescence, which collectively contribute to the evolution of OSCC.
Citation Format: Emily R. Fisher, Anthony Spinella, Nina C. Hardy, Xaralabos Varelas, Manish Bais, Maria A. Kukuruzinska. Wnt/beta-catenin mediated epigenetic modifications drive age-dependent oral squamous cell carcinoma evolution. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4743.
Abstract 4844: Development of an oxygen consumption rate assay for a standard plate reader
Authors: Marozas Ian , Zeng Zhiyang , Valley Mike , Vidugiriene Jolanta , Cali James , Zhou Wenhui 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Cells generate ATP by two metabolic pathways, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis. Together, the amount of ATP generated by both OXPHOS and glycolysis define a cell’s metabolic phenotype and fitness. Researchers are interested in methods to characterize cellular metabolic fitness, which can be a powerful a selection criterion for cell-based therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy. Researchers are also interested in measuring the effects of drug treatment on metabolic fitness, to identify metabolic targets for cancer therapeutics and to determine mitochondrial toxicity of novel therapeutics. Here, we have developed a low-cost strategy for a standard plate reader to monitor the rate change of oxygen concentration, or the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), which is a measure of OXPHOS activity. In our assay, oxygen quenches a phosphorescent porphyrin dye in a concentration dependent manner, allowing one to calculate the oxygen concentration of the culture system with the Stern-Volmer relationship. The porphyrin dye is embedded within nanobeads that are suspended above the cell monolayer and the phosphorescence of the beads is measured from the bottom of the well with a standard plate reader. We found that the OCR increased with cell seeding density in three separate cell lines: HEP-G2, HCT-116, and K-562 suspension cells. We showed that inhibitors of the electron transport chain (ETC) decreased OCR, whereas an uncoupler of the electron transport chain, FCCP, increased OCR in a dose dependent manner. Lastly, mitochondrial fitness (e.g., spare respiratory capacity) was determined by sequentially dosing the mitochondria with poisons specific to the different ETC complexes.
Citation Format: Ian Marozas, Zhiyang Zeng, Mike Valley, Jolanta Vidugiriene, James Cali, Wenhui Zhou. Development of an oxygen consumption rate assay for a standard plate reader. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4844.
Abstract 4846: Mitochondria packaged from platelet-derived microvesicles modulate the metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics of breast cancer cells
Authors: Gauvin Vanessa L. , Veilleux Vanessa , Pichaud Nicolas , Robichaud Gilles A. , Boudreau Luc H. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The incidence of breast cancer among women far exceeds those of other cancers where metastasis accounts for the majority of deaths associated with the disease. It is well established that platelets play a prominent role in breast cancer malignancy and disease progression. Recently, activated platelets have been characterized to release platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs), which can also package functional mitochondria of platelet origin (termed mitoMPs). We recently demonstrated that mitoMPs can interact with breast cancer cells where they transfer their cargo (i.e., mitochondria) to recipient cancer cells upon their internalization. Given that metabolic reprogramming through mitochondrial dynamics represents a hallmark trait of cancer progression, the intercellular trafficking of foreign mitochondria provided by mitoMPs represent a new mechanistic avenue for cancer cell metabolic plasticity and disease progression.Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of mitoMP-packaged mitochondria on recipient breast cancer cell mitochondrial dynamics upon internalization. Technically, a series of breast cancer cell models (MB231, MCF7 and MCF10A) were co-cultured with mitoMPs and profiled for mitochondrial dynamics and function using complementing experimental approaches, such as flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and RT-qPCR. We show that mitoMPs and their mitochondria cargo internalize primarily into the malignant MB231 cell model. To investigate the impact of mitoMP uptake by cancer cells on the mitochondrial dynamics, RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses were performed to profile the expression levels of several fusion and fission proteins, including OPA1, MFF, DRP1, MitoFusin 1 and MitoFusin 2. Finally, using fluorescent-based assays, we confirmed that mitoMPs modulated ATP production in MB231 breast cancer cells through upregulation of the OXPHOS pathway. Our research provides a new mechanism by which extracellular vesicles (mitoMPs) play an important role in cancer cell mitochondrial dynamics and function to support metabolic plasticity during the metastatic journey of cancer cells. The knowledge gained from these studies will further provide new avenues for strategic intervention to mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer disease.
Citation Format: Vanessa L. Gauvin, Vanessa Veilleux, Nicolas Pichaud, Gilles A. Robichaud, Luc H. Boudreau. Mitochondria packaged from platelet-derived microvesicles modulate the metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics of breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4846.
Abstract 5018: PROTAC degraders of CDK8/CDK19 Mediator kinases potently suppress multiple myeloma proliferation
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Jing , Dowling Charles E. , Broude Eugenia V. , Roninson Igor B. , McInnes Campbell , Chen Mengqian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
CDK8 and CDK19 are kinase components of the CDK module that comprises CDK8 or CDK19 together with their binding partner cyclin C (CCNC) and two other proteins; the CDK module is associated with transcriptional Mediator complex. CDK8/19 Mediator kinases potentiate transcription induced by different signals, regulate protein levels of Mediator complex components and protect CCNC from proteolytic degradation; the latter activity is exerted in a kinase-independent manner. CDK8/19 kinase inhibitors have entered clinical trials for solid tumors and leukemias. To extend the effects of CDK8/19 inhibition and to suppress their kinase-independent activities, we have developed three series of PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) based on different selective inhibitors of CDK8/19 kinases, connected via different linkers to a moiety binding cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase. The most potent PROTACs degraded both CDK8 and CDK19 in different cell types with DC50s of 10-20 nM. RNA-Seq analysis of 293 cells treated with a CDK8/19 kinase inhibitor or PROTAC showed that the bulk of the PROTAC’s transcriptomic effects matched the effects of the kinase inhibitor. In contrast to the kinase inhibitors, CDK8/19-degrading PROTACs also induced CCNC degradation. Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) analysis revealed that multiple myelomas (MM), where CRBN is an established therapeutic target, show greater dependency on CCNC than most of the tumor cell lines. We have tested two strongly CCNC-dependent MM cell lines and one CCNC-independent MM line for sensitivity to different CDK8/19 kinase inhibitors and PROTACs. Kinase inhibitors showed low to moderate anti-proliferative activity in all three MM lines, whereas CDK8/19 PROTACs were an order of magnitude more potent than the kinase inhibitors in the two CCNC-dependent MM lines (IC50s of 20-30 nM) but not in the CCNC-independent line. The effects of CDK8/19-degrading PROTACs were stronger than those of the CRBN-targeting drug pomalidomide (approved for MM), a CRBN-binding PROTAC acting on androgen receptor or a CDK8 degradation-inactive PROTAC analog containing CDK8/19- and CRBN-binding moieties. These results suggest the potential of CDK8/CDK19-degrading PROTACs for the treatment of MM.
Citation Format: Li Zhang, Jing Li, Charles E. Dowling, Eugenia V. Broude, Igor B. Roninson, Campbell McInnes, Mengqian Chen. PROTAC degraders of CDK8/CDK19 Mediator kinases potently suppress multiple myeloma proliferation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5018.
Abstract 5021: Preclinical evaluation of immunomodulatory effects of aurora kinase inhibition in HPV+ cancers
Authors: Sinha Pragya , Ghosh Soma , Johnson Faye M. , Sastry Jagannadha K. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of cervical cancer and some cancers of the penis, vulva, vagina, anus, and oropharynx. In an earlier study, we identified Aurora Kinase (AK) inhibitors from a large-scale drug screening as a unique class of reagents to induce selective apoptosis in HPV+ human tumor cells in vitro and in vivo (using HPV+ PDX mouse models). We tested the in vivo efficacy of alisertib, an Aurora Kinase A inhibitor, in an immunocompetent mouse model (mEER) for HPV+ oropharyngeal cancers. In preparation for this, we first tested 300 nM alisertib on 3 HPV+ murine cancer cell lines: TC-1, C3.43, and mEER for 48h. We observed that when compared to the vehicle (DMSO) control group, the level of phospho Aurora Kinase A was completely inhibited. Furthermore, in multiple HPV+ murine tumor cell lines we observed significant apoptosis as measured by annexin V 7-AAD staining along with higher cell surface expression of calreticulin (CRT), and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) which are markers for immunogenic cell death (ICD). Both CRT and HMGB1 serve as “eat me” signals that in turn trigger APC-mediated dead-cell antigen uptake, a crucial event for priming the responses from the innate immune system. In support of this, we observed that in a co-culture setting, the conditioned medium from alisertib-treated tumor cells increased the frequencies of CD8+ cells expressing GnzB as well as a significant decrease in the population of T regulatory cells (Tregs) (CD4+ FoxP3+). Additionally, we observed an increase in the innate immune natural killer cell subset. Future studies will explore the in vivo efficacy of Aurora Kinase inhibition along with immune checkpoint blockade and/or therapeutic vaccination. Our proposed research will have a positive impact because we will gain insight into the immune responses underlying the co-dependency of HPV+ cancers on Aurora kinase. Our research may lead to an increase in the rates of long-term, durable clinical responses or may allow for therapy de-escalation.
Citation Format: Pragya Sinha, Soma Ghosh, Faye M. Johnson, Jagannadha K. Sastry. Preclinical evaluation of immunomodulatory effects of aurora kinase inhibition in HPV+ cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5021.
Abstract 522: Selective estrogen receptor a-UPR activators (SERA): a novel class of small molecules that eradicate estrogen receptor positive tumors
Authors: Mulligan Michael P. , Boudreau Matthew W. , Shapiro David J. , Fan Timothy M. , Hergenrother Paul J. , Barnhart Kerry , Azorsa David , Kiefer Jeff , Mousses Spyro 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
While therapy of estrogen receptor alpha positive (ERα+) breast cancer is often initially successful with ERα modulating or inhibiting drugs, eventual drug resistance is universal and such treatments are rarely curative. To address this considerable medical need, several generations of novel anti-tumor small molecule agents specifically targeting the estrogen-ERα interaction have been synthesized and characterized. We are pursuing an alternative approach, activation of an endogenous cell death pathway downstream of ERα with non-competitive Selective Estrogen Receptor Activators (SERAs). These compounds exhibit their effects by dysregulating calcium homeostasis in ERα+ tumor cells leading to hyper-activation of the anticipatory unfolded protein response (a-UPR) and necrotic cell death, a mechanism distinct from current breast cancer therapeutics. These molecules cause increases in P-EIF2a and P-AMPK, and cleavage of ATF6α, which are all hallmarks of the hyper-activation of a-UPR. SERA molecules cause death of ERα+ breast cancer cells in culture with 24hr IC50 values in the low nanomolar range, including breast cancer cell lines harboring ERα mutations known to contribute to acquired ERα modulator therapy resistance, while IC50 values in ERα-negative cells are orders of magnitude higher. In the MCF-7 ERα+ breast cancer xenograft model, once weekly IV injections of SERA2 at 10mg/kg cause durable, complete tumor regression, and SERA2 also has impressive activity in a challenging-to-treat PDX model that is resistant to fulvestrant and tamoxifen. SERAs are well-tolerated after multiple intravenous injections in mice, rats, and dogs, and clinical trial-compatible formulations have been developed. These findings suggest that SERA molecules can address the important unmet clinical need for more effective therapies for patients with ERα+ tumors who progress on conventional SERM, SERD, and targeted therapies.
Citation Format: Michael P. Mulligan, Matthew W. Boudreau, David J. Shapiro, Timothy M. Fan, Paul J. Hergenrother, Kerry Barnhart, David Azorsa, Jeff Kiefer, Spyro Mousses. Selective estrogen receptor a-UPR activators (SERA): a novel class of small molecules that eradicate estrogen receptor positive tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 522.