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Identification of Novel CK2 Kinase Substrates Using a Versatile Biochemical Approach
Published on: February 21, 2019
Inhibition of protein kinase c-Src as a therapeutic approach for cancer and bone metastases
Nadia Rucci1, Maria Susa, Anna Teti
1Department of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio - Coppito 2, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
Abstract:
c-Src is a proto-oncogene involved in the genesis of and invasion by many cancers. This non-receptor tyrosine kinase also plays a crucial role in bone homeostasis, since inhibition or deletion of c-Src impairs the function of osteoclasts, the bone resorbing cells. It is thus conceivable that c-Src could be a suitable target for the pharmacological treatment of cancers, skeletal metastases and diseases of bone loss, such as osteoporosis. The pyrrolo-pyrimidines CGP77675 and CGP76030 proved to be effective in preventing bone loss in animal models, while the effect of AZD0530, a dually active inhibitor of c-Src and Bcr-ABL, on bone resorption, has been tested in a Phase I clinical trials with promising results. As far as the metastatic bone disease is concerned, c-Src inhibitors could potentially have inhibitory effects both on osteoclasts and on tumour cells, and could disrupt the vicious circle established between these cell types in the bone microenvironment. In accord with this idea, CGP76030 is able to reduce the incidence of osteolytic lesions and of visceral metastases, and to suppress morbidity and lethality in a bone metastasis mouse model without obvious adverse effects. The purine-based c-Src inhibitor AP23451 and the dual c-Src/Abl inhibitors AP22408 and AP23236 proved efficacious in reducing bone metastases in preclinical studies. These results open a new avenue for the development of innovative therapies for the treatment of bone metastatic disease.
Insights
Src inhibitors show promise for treating bone loss and cancer metastasis. These drugs target c-Src (a proto-oncogene) to inhibit osteoclasts and tumor cells, potentially disrupting bone microenvironments and reducing disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- c-Src is a proto-oncogene implicated in cancer development and invasion.
- c-Src is vital for osteoclast function, regulating bone homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of c-Src contributes to bone loss and skeletal metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate c-Src inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for cancers and bone diseases.
- To investigate the potential of c-Src inhibition in managing skeletal metastases and osteoporosis.
- To explore the dual action of c-Src inhibitors on tumor cells and bone resorption.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical studies using pyrrolo-pyrimidine and purine-based c-Src inhibitors (e.g., CGP77675, CGP76030, AP23451).
- Evaluation of dual c-Src/Bcr-ABL inhibitors (e.g., AZD0530) in Phase I clinical trials.
- Assessment of therapeutic effects in animal models of bone loss and bone metastasis.
Main Results:
- CGP77675 and CGP76030 prevented bone loss in animal models.
- AZD0530 demonstrated promising results in reducing bone resorption during clinical trials.
- CGP76030 reduced osteolytic lesions and visceral metastases in a bone metastasis model.
- AP23451, AP22408, and AP23236 showed efficacy in reducing bone metastases in preclinical studies.
Conclusions:
- c-Src inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic avenue for bone metastatic disease.
- Targeting c-Src offers a dual approach to combatting cancer and bone loss.
- Further development of c-Src inhibitors could lead to innovative treatments for osteoporosis and metastatic cancers.
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