David A. Fruman

Bio: David A. Fruman is an academic researcher from University of California, Irvine. The author has contributed to research in topics: PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway & Phosphoinositide 3-kinase. The author has an hindex of 57, co-authored 164 publications receiving 13376 citations. Previous affiliations of David A. Fruman include University of California, Los Angeles & University of Illinois at Chicago.

PI3K and cancer: lessons, challenges and opportunities

Abstract: The central role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation in tumour cell biology has prompted a sizeable effort to target PI3K and/or downstream kinases such as AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in cancer. However, emerging clinical data show limited single-agent activity of inhibitors targeting PI3K, AKT or mTOR at tolerated doses. One exception is the response to PI3Kδ inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, where a combination of cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic activities drive efficacy. Here, we review key challenges and opportunities for the clinical development of inhibitors targeting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Through a greater focus on patient selection, increased understanding of immune modulation and strategic application of rational combinations, it should be possible to realize the potential of this promising class of targeted anticancer agents.

Calcineurin phosphatase activity in T lymphocytes is inhibited by FK 506 and cyclosporin A.

Abstract: The immunosuppressive agents cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK 506 bind to distinct families of intracellular proteins (immunophilins) termed cyclophilins and FK 506-binding proteins (FKBPs) Recently, it has been shown that, in vitro, the complexes of CsA-cyclophilin and FK 506-FKBP-12 bind to and inhibit the activity of calcineurin, a calcium-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase We have investigated the effects of drug treatment on phosphatase activity in T lymphocytes Calcineurin is expressed in T cells, and its activity can be measured in cell lysates Both CsA and FK 506 specifically inhibit cellular calcineurin at drug concentrations that inhibit interleukin 2 production in activated T cells Rapamycin, which binds to FKBPs but exhibits different biological activities than FK 506, has no effect on calcineurin activity Furthermore, excess concentrations of rapamycin prevent the effects of FK 506, apparently by displacing FK 506 from FKBPs These results show that calcineurin is a target of drug-immunophilin complexes in vivo and establish a physiological role for calcineurin in T-cell activation

Impaired B Cell Development and Proliferation in Absence of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase p85α

Abstract: Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation has been implicated in many cellular responses, including fibroblast growth, transformation, survival, and chemotaxis. Although PI3K is activated by several agents that stimulate T and B cells, the role of PI3K in lymphocyte function is not clear. The mouse gene encoding the PI3K adapter subunit p85alpha and its splice variants p55alpha and p50alpha was disrupted. Most p85alpha-p55alpha-p50alpha-/- mice die within days after birth. Lymphocyte development and function was studied with the use of the RAG2-deficient blastocyst complementation system. Chimeric mice had reduced numbers of peripheral mature B cells and decreased serum immunoglobulin. The B cells that developed had diminished proliferative responses to antibody to immunoglobulin M, antibody to CD40, and lipopolysaccharide stimulation and decreased survival after incubation with interleukin-4. In contrast, T cell development and proliferation was normal. This phenotype is similar to defects observed in mice lacking the tyrosine kinase Btk.

Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns-3,4,5-P3)/Tec kinase-dependent calcium signaling pathway: a target for SHIP-mediated inhibitory signals

Abstract: Tec family non-receptor tyrosine kinases have been implicated in signal transduction events initiated by cell surface receptors from a broad range of cell types, including an essential role in B-cell development. A unique feature of several Tec members among known tyrosine kinases is the presence of an N-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. We directly demonstrate that phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns-3,4,5-P3) interacting with the PH domain acts as an upstream activation signal for Tec kinases, resulting in Tec kinase-dependent phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma) tyrosine phosphorylation and inositol trisphosphate production. In addition, we show that this pathway is blocked when an SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP)-dependent inhibitory receptor is engaged. Together, our results suggest a general mechanism whereby PtdIns-3,4,5-P3 regulates receptor-dependent calcium signals through the function of Tec kinases.

mTOR Signaling in Growth Control and Disease

Abstract: The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway senses and integrates a variety of environmental cues to regulate organismal growth and homeostasis. The pathway regulates many major cellular processes and is implicated in an increasing number of pathological conditions, including cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the mTOR pathway and its role in health, disease, and aging. We further discuss pharmacological approaches to treat human pathologies linked to mTOR deregulation.

The phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase AKT pathway in human cancer.

Abstract: One signal that is overactivated in a wide range of tumour types is the production of a phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) trisphosphate, by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) This lipid and the protein kinase that is activated by it — AKT — trigger a cascade of responses, from cell growth and proliferation to survival and motility, that drive tumour progression Small-molecule therapeutics that block PI3K signalling might deal a severe blow to cancer cells by blocking many aspects of the tumour-cell phenotype

Insulin signalling and the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism

Abstract: The epidemic of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In both disorders, tissues such as muscle, fat and liver become less responsive or resistant to insulin. This state is also linked to other common health problems, such as obesity, polycystic ovarian disease, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and atherosclerosis. The pathophysiology of insulin resistance involves a complex network of signalling pathways, activated by the insulin receptor, which regulates intermediary metabolism and its organization in cells. But recent studies have shown that numerous other hormones and signalling events attenuate insulin action, and are important in type 2 diabetes.