Cancer selective cell death induction by a bivalent CK2 inhibitor targeting the ATP site and the allosteric αD pocket
Alexandre Bancet1,2, Rita Frem3, Florian Jeanneret4
1University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Institut Convergence Plascan, Team « Small Molecules for Biological Targets », 69373 Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Although the involvement of protein kinase CK2 in cancer is well-documented, there is a need for selective CK2 inhibitors suitable for investigating CK2 specific roles in cancer-related biological pathways and further exploring its therapeutic potential. Here, we report the discovery of AB668, an outstanding selective inhibitor that binds CK2 through a bivalent mode, interacting both at the ATP site and an allosteric αD pocket unique to CK2. Using caspase activation assay, live-cell imaging, and transcriptomic analysis, we have compared the effects of this bivalent inhibitor to representative ATP-competitive inhibitors, CX-4945, and SGC-CK2-1. Our results show that in contrast to CX-4945 or SGC-CK2-1, AB668, by targeting the CK2 αD pocket, has a distinct mechanism of action regarding its anti-cancer activity, inducing apoptotic cell death in several cancer cell lines and stimulating distinct biological pathways in renal cell carcinoma.
Insights
A novel selective inhibitor, AB668, targets protein kinase CK2 via a unique bivalent binding mode. This inhibitor demonstrates distinct anti-cancer activity by inducing apoptosis and modulating specific pathways in renal cell carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) is implicated in various cancers.
- There is a need for selective CK2 inhibitors to study its role in cancer and for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discover and characterize a novel, selective CK2 inhibitor.
- To compare the anti-cancer mechanism of the new inhibitor with existing ones.
Main Methods:
- Discovery of AB668, a bivalent CK2 inhibitor.
- Caspase activation assays, live-cell imaging, and transcriptomic analysis.
- Comparison with ATP-competitive inhibitors CX-4945 and SGC-CK2-1.
Main Results:
- AB668 exhibits selective bivalent binding to CK2 at the ATP site and the unique αD pocket.
- AB668 induces apoptotic cell death in multiple cancer cell lines.
- AB668 displays a distinct mechanism of action compared to CX-4945 and SGC-CK2-1, modulating specific pathways in renal cell carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- AB668 represents a novel bivalent inhibitor with a distinct mechanism for targeting CK2.
- This inhibitor offers a valuable tool for investigating CK2's role in cancer and its therapeutic potential.
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