Showing papers by "Kavita Shah published in 2011"

Glutathione‐S‐transferase P1 is a critical regulator of Cdk5 kinase activity

Abstract: Cyclin dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5) activity is deregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and contributes to all three hallmarks: neurotoxic β-amyloid formation, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal death. However, the mechanism leading to Cdk5 deregulation remains controversial. Cdk5 deregulation in AD is usually linked to the formation of p25, a proteolysis product of Cdk5 activator p35, which leads to Cdk5 mislocalization and hyperactivation. A few studies have indeed shown increased p25 levels in AD brains; however, others have refuted this observation. These contradictory findings suggest that additional factors contribute to Cdk5 deregulation. This study identified glutathione-S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) as a novel Cdk5 regulatory protein. We demonstrate that it is a critical determinant of Cdk5 activity in human AD brains and various cancer and neuronal cells. Increased GSTP1 levels were consistently associated with reduced Cdk5 activity. GSTP1 directly inhibits Cdk5 by dislodging p25/p35, and indirectly by eliminating oxidative stress. Cdk5 promotes and is activated by oxidative stress, thereby engaging a feedback loop which ultimately leads to cell death. Not surprisingly, GSTP1 transduction conferred a high degree of neuroprotection under neurotoxic conditions. Given the critical role of oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis, an increase in GSTP1 level may be an alternative way to modulate Cdk5 signaling, eliminate oxidative stress, and prevent neurodegeneration.

Nuclear Envelope Dispersion Triggered by Deregulated Cdk5 Precedes Neuronal Death

Abstract: Nuclear fragmentation is a common feature in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we show that nuclear lamina dispersion is an early and irreversible trigger for cell death initiated by deregulated Cdk5, rather than a consequence of apoptosis. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity is significantly increased in AD and contributes to all three hallmarks: neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), and extensive cell death. Using Aβ and glutamate as the neurotoxic stimuli, we show that deregulated Cdk5 induces nuclear lamina dispersion by direct phosphorylation of lamin A and lamin B1 in neuronal cells and primary cortical neurons. Phosphorylation-resistant mutants of lamins confer resistance to nuclear dispersion and cell death on neurotoxic stimulation, highlighting this as a major mechanism for neuronal death. Rapid alteration of lamin localization pattern and nuclear membrane change are further supported by in vivo data using an AD mouse model. After p25 induction, the pattern of lamin localization was significantly altered, preceding neuronal death, suggesting that it is an early pathological event in p25-inducible transgenic mice. Importantly, lamin dispersion is coupled with Cdk5 nuclear localization, which is highly neurotoxic. Inhibition of nuclear dispersion rescues neuronal cells from cell death, underscoring the significance of this event to Cdk5-mediated neurotoxicity.

PHLDA1 is a crucial negative regulator and effector of Aurora A kinase in breast cancer.

Abstract: Aurora A kinase is overexpressed in the majority of breast carcinomas. A chemical genetic approach was used to identify the malignant targets of Aurora A, which revealed pleckstrin-homology-like domain protein PHLDA1 as an Aurora A substrate. PHLDA1 downregulation is a powerful prognostic predictor for breast carcinoma, which was confirmed in our study. We further show that downregulation of PHLDA1 is associated with estrogen receptor (ER) expression in breast carcinoma. Aurora A directly phosphorylates PHLDA1 leading to its degradation. PHLDA1 also negatively regulates Aurora A, thereby triggering a feedback loop. We demonstrate the underlying mechanisms by which PHLDA1 upregulation strongly antagonizes Aurora-A-mediated oncogenic pathways, thereby revealing PHLDA1 degradation as a key mechanism by which Aurora A promotes breast malignancy. Thus, not surprisingly, PHLDA1 upregulation acts synergistically with Aurora A inhibition in promoting cell death. PHLDA1 overexpression might therefore be an alternative method to modulate Aurora A deregulation in breast carcinoma. Finally, this study led to the discovery of a mutation in the Aurora A active site that renders it amenable to the chemical genetic approach. Similar mutations are required for Aurora B, suggesting that this modified approach can be extended to other kinases that have hitherto not been amenable to this methodology.

Synthesis of Novel Indolyl‐1,2,4‐triazoles as Potent and Selective Anticancer Agents

Abstract: A diverse series of 22 indolyl-1,2,4-triazole congeners (6 and 7) have been synthesized from the reaction of indole-3-carbonitrile (4) or (5) with appropriate acid hydrazides in the presence of potassium carbonate Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against six human cancer cell lines, and some of the compounds displayed promising activity In particular, 3-(3',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)-5-(N-methyl-3'-indolyl)-1,2,4-triazole (7i) and 3-(4'-piperidinyl)-5-(N-methyl-3'-indolyl)-1,2,4-triazole (7n) were the most promising and broadly active compounds against the tested cell lines It was interesting to note that the trimethoxyphenyl analog 7i showed twofold selective cytotoxicity against PaCa2 cell line (IC(50) 08 μm), whereas piperidinyl analog 7n was found to be selectively cytotoxic against MCF7 cell line (IC(50) 16 μm) Notably, the 4-fluorophenyl derivative 7c exhibited selective cytotoxicity against PC3 cell line (IC(50) 4 μm) The structure-activity relationship study revealed that substituents including 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl, 4-piperidinyl, 4-fluorophenyl and N-methylindole are beneficial for the activity of indolyl-1,2,4-triazoles (6 and 7)

Direct Effects of HIV-1 Tat on Excitability and Survival of Primary Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons: Possible Contribution to HIV-1-Associated Pain

Abstract: The vast majority of people living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) have pain syndrome, which has a significant impact on their quality of life. The underlying causes of HIV-1-associated pain are not likely attributable to direct viral infection of the nervous system due to the lack of evidence of neuronal infection by HIV-1. However, HIV-1 proteins are possibly involved as they have been implicated in neuronal damage and death. The current study assesses the direct effects of HIV-1 Tat, one of potent neurotoxic viral proteins released from HIV-1-infected cells, on the excitability and survival of rat primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We demonstrated that HIV-1 Tat triggered rapid and sustained enhancement of the excitability of small-diameter rat primary DRG neurons, which was accompanied by marked reductions in the rheobase and resting membrane potential (RMP), and an increase in the resistance at threshold (RTh). Such Tat-induced DRG hyperexcitability may be a consequence of the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity. Tat rapidly inhibited Cdk5 kinase activity and mRNA production, and roscovitine, a well-known Cdk5 inhibitor, induced a very similar pattern of DRG hyperexcitability. Indeed, pre-application of Tat prevented roscovitine from having additional effects on the RMP and action potentials (APs) of DRGs. However, Tat-mediated actions on the rheobase and RTh were accelerated by roscovitine. These results suggest that Tat-mediated changes in DRG excitability are partly facilitated by Cdk5 inhibition. In addition, Cdk5 is most abundant in DRG neurons and participates in the regulation of pain signaling. We also demonstrated that HIV-1 Tat markedly induced apoptosis of primary DRG neurons after exposure for longer than 48 h. Together, this work indicates that HIV-1 proteins are capable of producing pain signaling through direct actions on excitability and survival of sensory neurons.

Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of 5-(3-Indolyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles.

Abstract: A series of 5-(3-indolyl)-2-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 5a-m were synthesized and their cytotoxicity analyzed against six human cancer cell lines. The reaction of indole-3-carboxylic acid 3 with aryl or heteroaryl hydrazides afforded the N,N'-diacylhydrazines 4, which upon treatment with Lawesson's reagent resulted in the formation of indolyl-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 5a-m in good yields. Indolyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole 5m with 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl and 5-bromo indolyl substituents is the most active in suppressing the growth of cancer cells (IC(50) 1.5 muM, PaCa2). The compounds 5b, 5e and 5h bearing C-2 substituent as benzyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl and 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl, respectively, have shown significant cytotoxicity against multiple cancer cell lines. Introduction of 4-dimethylamino (5d and 5k) and 3,4,5-trimethoxy (5l) groups in the C-2 phenyl ring induced selectivity against MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines (compounds 5d, 5k and 5l).

One-Pot Synthesis and Anticancer Studies of 2-Arylamino-5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazoles.

Abstract: A series of 2-arylamino-5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 1a-j were synthesized and screened for their anticancer activity against various human cancer cell lines. The novel one-pot synthesis of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles was achieved by refluxing aryl aldehydes, hydrazine hydrate, and aryl isothiocyanates in methanol followed by oxidative cyclization with ferric ammonium sulfate. The compounds 1g-j with trimethoxyphenyl at the C-5 position displayed extremely potent anticancer activity with at least twofold selectivity (IC(50): 4.3-9.2 μM). The nature of substituent on the C-2 arylamino ring may be critical in opting for the selectivity towards a particular cancer cell.

Synthesis of Novel 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles and Analogues as Potential Anticancer Agents.

Abstract: The key step in the synthesis of oxadiazoles (III) involves coupling of amidoxime (I) with a carboxylic acid (II) followed by thermal cyclization.

Aurora a kinase effectors

Abstract: Two proteins (PHLDA1 and LIMK2) have been identified as direct targets of Aurora A kinase activity. PHLDA1 downregulation and Aurora A upregulation are strong predictors of poor prognosis for breast cancer patients. In accordance with one embodiment a method of detecting, prognosing and monitoring the presence/progression of cancer, and more specifically breast or prostate cancer, is provided. In one embodiment the method comprises the step of analyzing a biological sample from a patient to detect and/or quantitate the presence of Aurora A, PHLDA1 or LIMK2 amino acid sequences. In one embodiment a method of treating cancer is provided comprising the administration of therapies that enhance the activity of PHLDA1 and/or decrease the activity of LIMK2.