Gregoire Prevost

Interna-technologies · R&D

Research interests

  • Interests
    Cancer Biology, Cancer Therapy, Cancer Cell Line, microRNA

Publications

  • 2.45
    Impact points
    Identification of a GαGβγ, AKT and PKCα signalome associated with invasive growth in two genetic models of human breast cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

    Radia Ouelaa-Benslama, Olivier De Wever, An Hendrix, Michèle Sabbah, Kathleen Lambein, David Land, Grégoire Prévost, Marc Bracke, Mien-Chie Hung, Annette K Larsen, Shahin Emami, Christian Gespach

    International journal of oncology. 04/2012;

    The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers an aggressive subtype associated with chemotherapy resistance in epithelial cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying the EMT and its associated signaling dysfunctions are still poorly understood. In two genetic models of MCF-7 breast cancer c... [more] The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers an aggressive subtype associated with chemotherapy resistance in epithelial cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying the EMT and its associated signaling dysfunctions are still poorly understood. In two genetic models of MCF-7 breast cancer cells induced to EMT by WISP-2 silencing and Snail transformation, we investigated the status of several signaling elements downstream of G-protein receptors (GPR) and their functional roles in the invasive growth potential. We report that the E-cadherin repressors Slug, Zeb1/2 and Twist are overexpressed in these EMT cells characterized by a triple negative phenotype (loss of estrogen ERα and progesterone PRA/PRB receptors, no HER2 amplification), combined with loss of the alternative GPR30 estrogen receptor and induction of the invasive growth in collagen type I gels. Ectopic Snail expression suppressed WISP-2 transcripts and down-regulated WISP-2 gene promoter expression in transfected cells. Accordingly, WISP-2 transcripts and Wisp-2 protein were depleted in these two convergent models of BC cell EMT. The EMT caused dominance of several proinvasive pathways downstream of GPR, including GαGβγ subunits, PKCα, AKT and c-Jun induction, constitutive activation of the actin-remodeling GTPase Rac1, coupled with growth responses (more cells at S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle), in line with inhibition of the p27kip1/cyclin-dependent kinase CDK3 cascade. RNA interference or selective inhibitors targeting GαGβγ subunits (BIM-46187, gallein), PKCα (Gö6976, MT477, sh-RNAs) and PI3K-AKT (wortmannin) alleviated the invasive phenotype. In contrast, MCF-7 cells in EMT showed signaling independence to inhibitors of HER family tyrosine kinases and the mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinases. Our study suggests that the signaling protagonists GαGβγ, PKCα and PI3K-AKT are promising candidates as predictive molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the management of clinical BC in EMT.
  • 7.54
    Impact points
    Autocrine induction of invasive and metastatic phenotypes by the MIF-CXCR4 axis in drug-resistant human colon cancer cells.

    Anne-Frédérique Dessein, Laurence Stechly, Nicolas Jonckheere, Patrick Dumont, Didier Monté, Emmanuelle Leteurtre, Stéphanie Truant, François-René Pruvot, Martin Figeac, Mohamed Hebbar, [......], Thécla Lesuffleur, Rodrigue Dessein, Georges Grard, Marie-José Dejonghe, Yvan de Launoit, Yasuhiro Furuichi, Grégoire Prévost, Nicole Porchet, Christian Gespach, Guillemette Huet

    Cancer research. 06/2010; 70(11):4644-54.

    Metastasis and drug resistance are major problems in cancer chemotherapy. The purpose of this work was to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the invasive potential of drug-resistant colon carcinoma cells. Cellular models included the parental HT-29 cell line and its drug-resistant derivativ... [more] Metastasis and drug resistance are major problems in cancer chemotherapy. The purpose of this work was to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the invasive potential of drug-resistant colon carcinoma cells. Cellular models included the parental HT-29 cell line and its drug-resistant derivatives selected after chronic treatment with either 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, doxorubicin, or oxaliplatin. Drug-resistant invasive cells were compared with noninvasive cells using cDNA microarray, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, flow cytometry, immunoblots, and ELISA. Functional and cellular signaling analyses were undertaken using pharmacologic inhibitors, function-blocking antibodies, and silencing by retrovirus-mediated RNA interference. 5-Fluorouracil- and methotrexate-resistant HT-29 cells expressing an invasive phenotype in collagen type I and a metastatic behavior in immunodeficient mice exhibited high expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) was identified as the critical autocrine CXCR4 ligand promoting invasion in drug-resistant colon carcinoma HT-29 cells. Silencing of CXCR4 and impairing the MIF-CXCR4 signaling pathways by ISO-1, pAb FL-115, AMD-3100, monoclonal antibody 12G5, and BIM-46187 abolished this aggressive phenotype. Induction of CXCR4 was associated with the upregulation of two genes encoding transcription factors previously shown to control CXCR4 expression (HIF-2alpha and ASCL2) and maintenance of intestinal stem cells (ASCL2). Enhanced CXCR4 expression was detected in liver metastases resected from patients with colon cancer treated by the standard FOLFOX regimen. Combination therapies targeting the CXCR4-MIF axis could potentially counteract the emergence of the invasive metastatic behavior in clonal derivatives of drug-resistant colon cancer cells.
  • 2.71
    Impact points
    3D imaging of the response to CDC25 inhibition in multicellular spheroids.

    Céline Frongia, Corinne Lorenzo, Fréderic Gianni, Grégoire Prevost, Bernard Ducommun, Valérie Lobjois

    Cancer biology & therapy. 12/2009; 8(23).

    Multicellular tumor spheroids closely mimic the 3D organization of avascular microregions within tumors and thereby represent a valuable model for the evaluation of anticancer drugs. In this study, we performed a 3D analysis of the response to the CDC25 phosphatase inhibitor IRC-083864 in HCT116 sph... [more] Multicellular tumor spheroids closely mimic the 3D organization of avascular microregions within tumors and thereby represent a valuable model for the evaluation of anticancer drugs. In this study, we performed a 3D analysis of the response to the CDC25 phosphatase inhibitor IRC-083864 in HCT116 spheroids. Continuous exposure to IRC-083864 strongly inhibits the growth of spheroids and is shown to correlate with a decrease in Ki-67 positive cells. The cytotoxicity induced by IRC-083864 was examined by two-photon laser microscopy imaging and 3D reconstruction. Visualization in 3D allowed us to demonstrate that IRC-083864 treatment results in the inhibition of mitosis and induces cell death specifically localized in the outer proliferative cell layers of the spheroid structure. These results emphasize the importance of 3D models and of in toto analysis for the evaluation of anticancer drugs cytotoxicity.
  • 5.33
    Impact points
    Inhibition of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling by a small molecule acting on Galpha subunit.

    Mohamed Akli Ayoub, Marjorie Damian, Christian Gespach, Eric Ferrandis, Olivier Lavergne, Olivier De Wever, Jean-Louis Baneres, Jean-Philippe Pin, Gregoire Pierre Prevost

    The Journal of biological chemistry. 08/2009;

    The simultaneous activation of many distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and heterotrimeric G proteins play a major role in various pathological conditions. Pan-inhibition of GPCR signaling by small molecules thus represents a novel strategy to treat various diseases. To better understand su... [more] The simultaneous activation of many distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and heterotrimeric G proteins play a major role in various pathological conditions. Pan-inhibition of GPCR signaling by small molecules thus represents a novel strategy to treat various diseases. To better understand such therapeutic approach, we have characterized the biomolecular target of BIM-46187, a small molecule pan-inhibitor of GPCR signaling. Combining BRET and FRET techniques in living cells as well as in reconstituted receptor/G protein complexes, we observed that, by direct binding to the Galpha subunit, BIM-46187 prevents the conformational changes of the receptor/G protein complex associated with GPCR activation. Such a binding prevents the proper interaction of receptors with the G protein heterotrimer and inhibits the agonist-promoted GDP/GTP exchange. These observations bring further evidence that inhibiting G protein activation through direct binding to the Galpha subunit is feasible and should constitute a new strategy for therapeutic intervention.
  • 2.18
    Impact points
    A model of Primary Culture of Colorectal Cancer and Liver Metastasis to Predict Chemosensitivity.

    Antoine Brouquet, Philippe Taleb, Anne-Sophie Lot, Alain Beauchet, Catherine Julie, Gregoire Prevost, Bernard Nordlinger, Christophe Penna

    The Journal of surgical research. 05/2009;

    BACKGROUND: Prediction of chemosensitivity is a major goal of modern oncology. The aim of this study was to establish a simple and effective model of primary culture of colorectal cancer fragments and to test whether it allows prediction of chemosensitivity. METHODS: Colorectal cancer fragments (pri... [more] BACKGROUND: Prediction of chemosensitivity is a major goal of modern oncology. The aim of this study was to establish a simple and effective model of primary culture of colorectal cancer fragments and to test whether it allows prediction of chemosensitivity. METHODS: Colorectal cancer fragments (primary tumors or liver metastases) of 94 consecutive and previously untreated patients were obtained, prepared, and cultured in polyHEMA. For each fragment cultured, a proliferative index (PI) was calculated after immunostaining at d 0 and after 7 d in culture with media alone or supplemented for 24h with the topoisomerase I inhibitor metabolite SN-38. The correlation between in vitro response (decrease in PI after exposure to the drug) and in vivo response (RECIST criteria) was studied in a subset of patients who had measurable metastases and were treated with a topoisomerase I inhibitor. RESULTS: PolyHEMA allowed three-dimensional culture of tumor fragments up to 7 d without fibroblastic invasion and with a slight but significant decrease of PI (59% at d 0 versus 51% after 7 d in culture, P<0.001). In vitro drug efficacy was tested in 67 fragments, the mean PI after culture with SN-38 dropped to 22% (P<0.001). In a subset of 12 patients, there was no statistically significant correlation between in vitro and in vivo response (P=0.13). CONCLUSION: Primary culture in polyHEMA was easy to perform successfully in 71% of cases. On this model, the antiproliferative effect of SN-38 could be measured and results correlated to clinical data.
  • Preamble: CDC25 phosphatases in cancer and CDC25 inhibitors.

    Grégoire Pierre Prevost

    Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry. 01/2009; 8(8):817.

  • CDC25 inhibitors as anticancer agents are moving forward.

    M-C Brezak, P G Kasprzyk, M-O Galcera, O Lavergne, G P Prévost

    Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry. 01/2009; 8(8):857-62.

    The identification of a CDC25 inhibitor to arrest the cell cycle closely followed the discovery of CDC25 by Russell and Nurse in 1986. Recent advances at the preclinical and clinical stages reinforce the rationale to consider CDC25 as a relevant target for a cancer treatment. Here, in order to exemp... [more] The identification of a CDC25 inhibitor to arrest the cell cycle closely followed the discovery of CDC25 by Russell and Nurse in 1986. Recent advances at the preclinical and clinical stages reinforce the rationale to consider CDC25 as a relevant target for a cancer treatment. Here, in order to exemplify recent drug discovery efforts, we present our own experience with various chemical series of CDC25 inhibitors. We discuss how we have progressed and how we are considering the next steps to define the clinical entry points and hopefully complete this target validation to generate a new class of therapeutic agents.
  • 4.72
    Impact points
    IRC-083864, a novel bis quinone inhibitor of CDC25 phosphatases active against human cancer cells.

    Marie-Christine Brezak, Annie Valette, Muriel Quaranta, Marie-Odile Contour-Galcera, Denis Jullien, Olivier Lavergne, Céline Frongia, Dennis Bigg, Philip G Kasprzyk, Grégoire Pierre Prevost, Bernard Ducommun

    International journal of cancer. Journal international du cancer. 11/2008;

    CDC25 phosphatases are key actors in cyclin-dependent kinases activation whose role is essential at various stages of the cell cycle. CDC25 expression is upregulated in a number of human cancers. CDC25 phosphatases are therefore thought to represent promising novel targets in cancer therapy. Here, w... [more] CDC25 phosphatases are key actors in cyclin-dependent kinases activation whose role is essential at various stages of the cell cycle. CDC25 expression is upregulated in a number of human cancers. CDC25 phosphatases are therefore thought to represent promising novel targets in cancer therapy. Here, we report the identification and the characterization of IRC-083864, an original bis-quinone moiety that is a potent and selective inhibitor of CDC25 phosphatases in the low nanomolar range. IRC-083864 inhibits cell proliferation of a number of cell lines, regardless of their resistance to other drugs. It irreversibly inhibits cell proliferation and cell cycle progression and prevents entry into mitosis. In addition, it inhibits the growth of HCT-116 tumor spheroids with induction of p21 and apoptosis. Finally, IRC-083864 reduced tumor growth in mice with established human prostatic and pancreatic tumor xenografts. This study describes a novel compound, which merits further study as a potential anticancer agent. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
  • 2.59
    Impact points
    The novel inhibitor of the heterotrimeric G-protein complex, BIM-46187, elicits anti-hyperalgesic properties and synergizes with morphine.

    Christine Favre-Guilmard, Hamida Zeroual-Hider, Chantal Soulard, Caroline Touvay, Pierre-Etienne Chabrier, Grégoire Prevost, Michel Auguet

    European journal of pharmacology. 11/2008; 594(1-3):70-6.

    BIM-46187 (7-[2-amino-1-oxo-3-thio-propyl]-8-cyclohexylmethyl-2-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-imidazo-[1,2a]-pyrazine dimer, hydrochloride) is an inhibitor of the heterotrimeric G-protein complex signalling. Since many mediators of pain act through G-protein coupled receptors, the anti-hyperalgesic effe... [more] BIM-46187 (7-[2-amino-1-oxo-3-thio-propyl]-8-cyclohexylmethyl-2-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-imidazo-[1,2a]-pyrazine dimer, hydrochloride) is an inhibitor of the heterotrimeric G-protein complex signalling. Since many mediators of pain act through G-protein coupled receptors, the anti-hyperalgesic effects of BIM-46187 were assessed on experimental models of pain. In addition since opioids are widely used in pain management and act through specific G-protein-coupled receptors, the effects of BIM-46187 on the analgesic properties of morphine have also been investigated. BIM-46187 elicited a dose dependent analgesic effect in the models of carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia (0.1-1 mg/kg; i.v.) and chronic constriction injury (0.3-3 mg/kg; i.v.) in rats. BIM-46187, however, up to 10 mg/kg did not modify the paw oedema induced by carrageenan excluding an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, at these doses, the compound was not sedative as shown by the lack of effect on the motor performance in the rotarod test. The combination of BIM-46187 and morphine (ratio 1/1) resulted in an unexpected synergistic effect in the model of carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia and in the chronic constriction injury model in rats when evaluated by isobolographic analysis. This synergy allowed a reduction of at least 20 fold in the dose of each compound. Conversely, the drug combination did not increase the side effects of morphine as assessed in the rotarod test. In conclusion, BIM-46187 elicits a potent anti-hyperalgesic effect and strongly synergizes with morphine. This work highlights the role of heterotrimeric G-protein complexes in pain and supports further investigations of the use of BIM-46187 alone, or in combination with low doses of morphine, in the management of pain.
  • 12.58
    Impact points
    Molecular signature and therapeutic perspective of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions in epithelial cancers.

    Michèle Sabbah, Shahin Emami, Gérard Redeuilh, Sylvia Julien, Grégoire Prévost, Amazia Zimber, Radia Ouelaa, Marc Bracke, Olivier De Wever, Christian Gespach

    Drug resistance updates : reviews and commentaries in antimicrobial and anticancer chemotherapy. 09/2008;

    The mechanisms involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) are integrated in concert with master developmental and oncogenic pathways regulating in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, as well as the reprogrammation of specific gene repertoires ascribed to both epithelial and mesen... [more] The mechanisms involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) are integrated in concert with master developmental and oncogenic pathways regulating in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, as well as the reprogrammation of specific gene repertoires ascribed to both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Consequently, it is not unexpected that EMT has profound impacts on the neoplastic progression, patient survival, as well as the resistance of cancers to therapeutics (taxol, vincristine, oxaliplatin, EGF-R targeted therapy and radiotherapy), independent of the "classical" resistance mechanisms linked to genotoxic drugs. New therapeutic combinations using genotoxic agents and/or EMT signaling inhibitors are therefore expected to circumvent the chemotherapeutic resistance of cancers characterized by transient or sustained EMT signatures. Thus, targeting critical orchestrators at the convergence of several EMT pathways, such as the transcription pathways NF-kappaB, AKT/mTOR axis, MAPK, beta-catenin, PKC and the AP-1/SMAD factors provide a realistic strategy to control EMT and the progression of human epithelial cancers. Several inhibitors targeting these signaling platforms are already tested in preclinical and clinical oncology. In addition, upstream EMT signaling pathways induced by receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases (e.g. EGF-R, IGF-R, VEGF-R, integrins/FAK, Src) and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) constitute practical options under preclinical research, clinical trials or are currently used in the clinic for cancer treatment: e.g. small molecule inhibitors (Iressa: targeting selectively the EGF-R; CP-751,871, AMG479, NVP-AEW541, BMS-536924, PQIP, AG1024: IGF-R; AZD2171, ZD6474: VEGF-R; AZD0530, BMS-354825, SKI606: Src; BIM-46174: GPCR; rapamycin, CCI-779, RAD-001: mTOR) and humanized function blocking antibodies (Herceptin: ErbB2; Avastin: VEGF-A; Erbitux: EGF-R; Abegrin: alphavbeta3 integrins). We can assume that silencing RNA and adenovirus-based gene transfer of therapeutic miR and dominant interferring expression vectors targeting EMT pathways and signaling elements will bring additional ways for the treatment of epithelial cancers. Identification of the factors that initiate, modulate and effectuate EMT signatures and their underlying upstream oncogenic pathways should provide the basis of more efficient strategies to fight cancer progression as well as genetic and epigenetic forms of drug resistance. This goal can be accomplished using global screening of human clinical tumors by EMT-associated cDNA, proteome, miRome, and tissue arrays.
  • 4.95
    Impact points
    IRC-083927 is a new tubulin binder that inhibits growth of human tumor cells resistant to standard tubulin-binding agents.

    Anne-Marie Liberatore, Hélène Coulomb, Dominique Pons, Olivier Dutruel, Philip G Kasprzyk, Mark Carlson, Ann Savola Nelson, Simon P Newman, Chloe Stengel, Pierrïck Auvray, [......], Béatrice Foll, Nadine Narboux, Delphine Morlais, Mélissa Le Moing, Sonia Bernetiere, Raphael Dellile, Jose Camara, Eric Ferrandis, Dennis C Bigg, Grégoire P Prévost

    Molecular cancer therapeutics. 09/2008; 7(8):2426-34.

    Tubulin is a validated target for antitumor drugs. However, the effectiveness of these microtubule-interacting agents is limited by the fact that they are substrates for drug efflux pumps (P-glycoprotein) and/or by the acquisition of point mutations in tubulin residues important for drug-tubulin bin... [more] Tubulin is a validated target for antitumor drugs. However, the effectiveness of these microtubule-interacting agents is limited by the fact that they are substrates for drug efflux pumps (P-glycoprotein) and/or by the acquisition of point mutations in tubulin residues important for drug-tubulin binding. To bypass these resistance systems, we have identified and characterized a novel synthetic imidazole derivative IRC-083927, which inhibits the tubulin polymerization by a binding to the colchicine site. IRC-083927 inhibits in vitro cell growth of human cancer cell lines in the low nanomolar range. More interesting, it remains highly active against cell lines resistant to microtubule-interacting agents (taxanes, Vinca alkaloids, or epothilones). Such resistances are due to the presence of efflux pumps (NCI-H69/LX4 resistant to navelbine and paclitaxel) and/or the presence of mutations on beta-tubulin and on alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin (A549.EpoB40/A549.EpoB480 resistant to epothilone B or paclitaxel). IRC-083927 displayed cell cycle arrest in G(2)-M phase in tumor cells, including in the drug-resistant cells. In addition, IRC-083927 inhibited endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and vessel formation in the low nanomolar range supporting an antiangiogenic behavior. Finally, chronic oral treatment with IRC-083927 (5 mg/kg) inhibits the growth of two human tumor xenografts in nude mice (C33-A, human cervical cancer and MDA-MB-231, human hormone-independent breast cancer). Together, the antitumor effects induced by IRC-083927 on tumor models resistant to tubulin agents support further investigations to fully evaluate its potential for the treatment of advanced cancers, particularly those resistant to current clinically available drugs.
  • 2.65
    Impact points
    Synthesis and bioevaluation of 22-hydroxyacuminatine analogs.

    François Grillet, Barbora Baumlová, Grégoire Prévost, Jean-François Constant, Sophie Chaumeron, Dennis C H Bigg, Andrew E Greene, Alice Kanazawa

    Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters. 04/2008; 18(6):2143-6.

    A series of 22-hydroxyacuminatine analogs was prepared by using different Friedländer condensations. Several of the new compounds were tested for antiproliferative activity on cancer cell lines and for topoisomerase I inhibitory activity.... [more] A series of 22-hydroxyacuminatine analogs was prepared by using different Friedländer condensations. Several of the new compounds were tested for antiproliferative activity on cancer cell lines and for topoisomerase I inhibitory activity.
  • 6.75
    Impact points
    STX140 is efficacious in vitro and in vivo in taxane-resistant breast carcinoma cells.

    Simon P Newman, Paul A Foster, Chloe Stengel, Joanna M Day, Yaik T Ho, Jean-Gabriel Judde, Myriam Lassalle, Gregoire Prevost, Mathew P Leese, Barry V L Potter, Michael J Reed, Atul Purohit

    Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. 02/2008; 14(2):597-606.

    PURPOSE: The aim of these studies was to characterize the action of STX140 in a P-glycoprotein-overexpressing tumor cell line both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, its efficacy was determined against xenografts derived from patients who failed docetaxel therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The effects of... [more] PURPOSE: The aim of these studies was to characterize the action of STX140 in a P-glycoprotein-overexpressing tumor cell line both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, its efficacy was determined against xenografts derived from patients who failed docetaxel therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The effects of STX140, Taxol, and 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeOE2) on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were assessed in vitro in drug-resistant cells (MCF-7(DOX)) and the parental cell line (MCF-7(WT)). Mice bearing an MCF-7(DOX) tumor on one flank and an MCF-7(WT) tumor on the other flank were used to assess the in vivo efficacy. Furthermore, the responses to STX140 of three xenografts, derived from drug-resistant patients, were assessed. RESULTS: In this study, STX140 caused cell cycle arrest, cyclin B1 induction, and subsequent apoptosis of both MCF-7(DOX) and MCF-7(WT) cells. Taxol and 2-MeOE2 were only active in the MCF-7(WT) parental cell line. Although both STX140 and Taxol inhibited the growth of xenografts derived from MCF-7(WT) cells, only STX140 inhibited the growth of tumors derived from MCF-7(DOX) cells. 2-MeOE2 was ineffective at the dose tested against both tumor types. Two out of the three newly derived docetaxel-resistant xenografts, including a metastatic triple-negative tumor, responded to STX140 but not to docetaxel treatment. CONCLUSIONS: STX140 shows excellent efficacy in both MCF-7(WT) and MCF-7(DOX) breast cancer xenograft models, in contrast to Taxol and 2-MeOE2. The clinical potential of STX140 was further highlighted by the efficacy seen in xenografts recently derived from patients who had failed on taxane therapy.
  • 8.90
    Impact points
    What's new on CDC25 phosphatase inhibitors.

    Marie-Odile Contour-Galcera, Alban Sidhu, Grégoire Prévost, Dennis Bigg, Bernard Ducommun

    Pharmacology & therapeutics. 08/2007; 115(1):1-12.

    The CDC25 phosphatases are key regulators of cell cycle progression and play a central role in the checkpoint response to DNA damage. Their inhibition may therefore represent a promising therapeutic approach in oncology, and small molecule design strategies are currently leading to the identificatio... [more] The CDC25 phosphatases are key regulators of cell cycle progression and play a central role in the checkpoint response to DNA damage. Their inhibition may therefore represent a promising therapeutic approach in oncology, and small molecule design strategies are currently leading to the identification of various classes of CDC25 inhibitors. Most structures developed so far are quinonoid-based compounds, but also phosphate surrogates or electrophilic entities. Considering the characteristics of the highly conserved active sites of the enzymes, many mechanisms of action have been proposed for these inhibitors. Quinonoid compounds may oxidize the catalytic site cysteine, but can also be considered as Michaël acceptors capable of reacting with the activated thiolate or other electrophilic entities. Phosphate surrogates are thought to interfere with the arginine residue, leading to reversible enzyme inhibition. But some inhibitors can combine in the same molecule several of these mechanisms, thus by fitting into the active site of the enzyme through one part of the molecule and bringing the reactive moiety in close proximity to the catalytic cysteine. This review summarizes novel classes of inhibitors that show specificity for the CDC25s over other phosphatases, cause cell proliferation inhibition and cell cycle arrest in vitro but also, for several of them, inhibition of xenografted tumoral cell growth in vivo. These promising results confirm the interest of the inhibition of CDC25 phosphatases as an anticancer therapeutic strategy.
  • 4.95
    Impact points
    Pharmacologic inhibition of CDC25 phosphatases impairs interphase microtubule dynamics and mitotic spindle assembly.

    Martine Cazales, Rose Boutros, Marie-Christine Brezak, Sophie Chaumeron, Grégoire Prevost, Bernard Ducommun

    Molecular cancer therapeutics. 02/2007; 6(1):318-25.

    The CDC25 cell cycle regulators are promising targets for new pharmacologic approaches in cancer therapy. Inhibitory compounds such as BN82685 have proven to be effective in specifically targeting CDC25 in cultured cells and in inhibiting tumor cell growth. Here, we report that BN82685 impairs micro... [more] The CDC25 cell cycle regulators are promising targets for new pharmacologic approaches in cancer therapy. Inhibitory compounds such as BN82685 have proven to be effective in specifically targeting CDC25 in cultured cells and in inhibiting tumor cell growth. Here, we report that BN82685 impairs microtubule dynamic instability and alters microtubule organization and assembly at the centrosome in interphase cells. Treatment of mitotic cells with BN82685 delays mitotic spindle assembly, chromosome capture, and metaphase plate formation. Furthermore, we show that combining low concentrations of both BN82685 and paclitaxel inhibits the proliferation of HT29 human colon cancer cells. Our results show a role for CDC25 phosphatases in regulating microtubule dynamics throughout the cell cycle and suggest that combinations of CDC25 inhibitors with microtubule-targeting agents may be of therapeutic value.
  • 7.54
    Impact points
    Anticancer activity of BIM-46174, a new inhibitor of the heterotrimeric Galpha/Gbetagamma protein complex.

    Grégoire P Prévost, Marie O Lonchampt, Susan Holbeck, Samir Attoub, Daniel Zaharevitz, Mike Alley, John Wright, Marie C Brezak, Hélène Coulomb, Ann Savola, [......], Sophie Chaumeron, Quang-Dé Nguyen, Patricia Forgez, Erik Bruyneel, Mark Bracke, Eric Ferrandis, Pierre Roubert, Danièle Demarquay, Christian Gespach, Philip G Kasprzyk

    Cancer research. 10/2006; 66(18):9227-34.

    A large number of hormones and local agonists activating guanine-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) play a major role in cancer progression. Here, we characterize the new imidazo-pyrazine derivative BIM-46174, which acts as a selective inhibitor of heterotrimeric G-protein complex. BIM-46174 p... [more] A large number of hormones and local agonists activating guanine-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) play a major role in cancer progression. Here, we characterize the new imidazo-pyrazine derivative BIM-46174, which acts as a selective inhibitor of heterotrimeric G-protein complex. BIM-46174 prevents the heterotrimeric G-protein signaling linked to several GPCRs mediating (a) cyclic AMP generation (Galphas), (b) calcium release (Galphaq), and (c) cancer cell invasion by Wnt-2 frizzled receptors and high-affinity neurotensin receptors (Galphao/i and Galphaq). BIM-46174 inhibits the growth of a large panel of human cancer cell lines, including anticancer drug-resistant cells. Exposure of cancer cells to BIM-46174 leads to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. National Cancer Institute COMPARE analysis for BIM-46174 supports its novel pharmacologic profile compared with 12,000 anticancer agents. The growth rate of human tumor xenografts in athymic mice is significantly reduced after administration of BIM-46174 combined with either cisplatin, farnesyltransferase inhibitor, or topoisomerase inhibitors. Our data validate the feasibility of targeting heterotrimeric G-protein functions downstream the GPCRs to improve anticancer chemotherapy.
  • 7.54
    Impact points
    Cell adhesion regulates CDC25A expression and proliferation in acute myeloid leukemia.

    Anne Fernandez-Vidal, Loïc Ysebaert, Christine Didier, Remy Betous, Fabienne De Toni, Naïs Prade-Houdellier, Cécile Demur, Marie-Odile Contour-Galcéra, Grégoire P Prévost, Bernard Ducommun, Bernard Payrastre, Claire Racaud-Sultan, Stéphane Manenti

    Cancer research. 08/2006; 66(14):7128-35.

    The effects of cell adhesion on leukemia cell proliferation remain poorly documented and somehow controversial. In this work, we investigated the effect of adhesion to fibronectin on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines (U937 and KG1a) and CD34+ normal or leukemic primary cel... [more] The effects of cell adhesion on leukemia cell proliferation remain poorly documented and somehow controversial. In this work, we investigated the effect of adhesion to fibronectin on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines (U937 and KG1a) and CD34+ normal or leukemic primary cells. We observed an increased rate of proliferation of AML cells when adhered to fibronectin, concomitant with accelerated S-phase entry and accumulation of CDC25A. Conversely, normal CD34+ cell proliferation was decreased by adhesion to fibronectin with a concomitant drop in CDC25A expression. Importantly, we showed that both small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated CDC25A down-regulation and a recently developed CDC25 pharmacologic inhibitor impaired this adhesion-dependent proliferation, establishing a functional link between CDC25A accumulation and adhesion-dependent proliferation in leukemic cells. CDC25A accumulation was found only slightly dependent on transcriptional regulation and essentially due to modifications of the proteasomal degradation of the protein as shown using proteasome inhibitors and reverse transcription-PCR. Interestingly, CDC25A regulation was Chk1 dependent in these cells as suggested by siRNA-mediated down-regulation of this protein. Finally, we identified activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway as an adhesion-dependent regulation mechanism of CDC25A protein expression. Altogether, our data show that in leukemic cells adhesion to fibronectin increases CDC25A expression through proteasome- and Chk1-dependent mechanisms, resulting in enhanced proliferation. They also suggest that these adhesion-dependent proliferation properties of hematopoietic cells may be modified during leukemogenesis.
  • 4.95
    Impact points
    Genotoxic-activated G2-M checkpoint exit is dependent on CDC25B phosphatase expression.

    Béatrix Bugler, Muriel Quaranta, Bernadette Aressy, Marie-Christine Brezak, Grégoire Prevost, Bernard Ducommun

    Molecular cancer therapeutics. 07/2006; 5(6):1446-51.

    Cell cycle arrest at the G2-M checkpoint is an essential feature of the mechanisms that preserve genomic integrity. CDC25 phosphatases control cell cycle progression by dephosphorylating and activating cyclin-dependent kinase/cyclin complexes. Their activities are, therefore, tightly regulated to mo... [more] Cell cycle arrest at the G2-M checkpoint is an essential feature of the mechanisms that preserve genomic integrity. CDC25 phosphatases control cell cycle progression by dephosphorylating and activating cyclin-dependent kinase/cyclin complexes. Their activities are, therefore, tightly regulated to modulate cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage exposure. Here, we report that overexpression of CDC25B affects viability, reduces clonogenic efficiency, and increases sensitivity of cancer cells to a genotoxic agent. We show that ectopic expression of CDC25B results in bypass of a genotoxic-induced G2-M checkpoint. In addition, cancer cells constitutively expressing high level of CDC25B are shown to be prone to exit prematurely from the G2-M checkpoint arrest and to enter mitosis. Finally, we show that this exit is dependent on CDC25B expression. Together with previous results, our data strongly support a model in which CDC25B is the key phosphatase that controls entry into mitosis after DNA damage, thus emphasizing the relevance of its overexpression in many human tumors.
  • 2.65
    Impact points
    Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel heterocyclic quinones as inhibitors of the dual specificity protein phosphatase CDC25C.

    Olivier Lavergne, Anne-Cécile Fernandes, Laetitia Bréhu, Alban Sidhu, Marie-Christine Brézak, Grégoire Prévost, Bernard Ducommun, Marie-Odile Contour-Galcera

    Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters. 02/2006; 16(1):171-5.

    A focused set of heterocyclic quinones based on the benzothiazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, indazole and isoindole was prepared and screened with respect to the inhibition of the phosphatase activity of CDC25C. Benzoxazole- and benzothiazole-diones were at least 50 times more potent in inhibiting... [more] A focused set of heterocyclic quinones based on the benzothiazole, benzoxazole, benzimidazole, indazole and isoindole was prepared and screened with respect to the inhibition of the phosphatase activity of CDC25C. Benzoxazole- and benzothiazole-diones were at least 50 times more potent in inhibiting CDC25C than their benzimidazole-indazole- or isoindole-dione counterparts. These in vitro activities were in good correlation with the anti-proliferative effects observed with Mia PaCa-2 and DU-145 human tumor cell cultures. The IC(50) values obtained by WST-1 colorimetric assay ranged from 0.10 to 0.50 microM for the benzoxazole- or benzothiazole-diones and were above 10 microM for the other heterocyclic diones. This study further illustrates how the activity of the quinone pharmacophore can be selectively modulated by changing the type of five-membered heterocycle fused to the quinone ring.
  • 4.95
    Impact points
    Inhibition of human tumor cell growth in vivo by an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CDC25 phosphatases.

    Marie-Christine Brezak, Muriel Quaranta, Marie-Odile Contour-Galcera, Olivier Lavergne, Odile Mondesert, Pierrïck Auvray, Philip G Kasprzyk, Gregoire P Prevost, Bernard Ducommun

    Molecular cancer therapeutics. 10/2005; 4(9):1378-87.

    Cell cycle regulators, such as the CDC25 phosphatases, are potential targets for the development of new anticancer drugs. Here we report the identification and the characterization of BN82685, a quinone-based CDC25 inhibitor that is active in vitro and in vivo. BN82685 inhibits recombinant CDC25A, B... [more] Cell cycle regulators, such as the CDC25 phosphatases, are potential targets for the development of new anticancer drugs. Here we report the identification and the characterization of BN82685, a quinone-based CDC25 inhibitor that is active in vitro and in vivo. BN82685 inhibits recombinant CDC25A, B, and C phosphatases in vitro. It inhibits the growth of human tumor cell lines with an IC(50) in the submicromolar range, independently of their resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This inhibitory effect is irreversible on both the purified CDC25 enzyme in vitro and on tumor cell proliferation. The specificity of BN82685 towards the CDC25 phosphatases is shown by an increase in cyclin-dependent kinase 1 tyrosine 15 phosphorylation, by the reversion of the mitosis-inducing effect of CDC25B overexpression in HeLa cells, and by the lack of a growth inhibitory effect in an assay based on the use of a CDC25-independent fission yeast model. Finally, when administered p.o., BN82685 is shown to inhibit the growth of the human pancreatic tumor Mia PaCa-2 xenografted in athymic nude mice. BN82685 is therefore a promising new compound targeting CDC25, which confirms the interest of the inhibition of these enzymes as an anticancer therapeutic strategy.
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