Patent Application
20220356494
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer and may represent about 15-20% of breast cancer occurrences. Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer is difficult due to the lack of specific target genes to which the cancer cells are sensitive.
One approach for treating cancer cells includes identifying target genes to which the cancer cells are sensitive. For example, identifying synthetic lethal gene pairs, in which an inhibition of both genes leads to cell death, may be useful therapeutically in killing cancer cells while maintaining viability of non-cancer cells.
Recognized herein is a need for improved agents for targeted treatments and therapies for cancer, and for combinations of agents that may be used to effectively target cancer cells.
In an aspect, provided herein is a method for treating a subject having or suspected of having a cancer, comprising: administering to the subject therapeutically effective amounts of one or more agents that cause a decrease in expression or activity of both members of one or more gene pairs selected from Table 1.
In some embodiments, the one or more agents comprise one or more members selected from the group consisting of a small molecule, a protein, a peptide, a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule, and, an endonuclease complex and a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) construct. In some embodiments, the DNA construct comprises an endonuclease gene. In some embodiments, the endonuclease gene encodes a CRISPR associated (Cas) protein. In some embodiments, the Cas is Cas9. In some embodiments, the DNA construct comprises a guide RNA directed to a gene of the one or more gene pairs. In some embodiments, the endonuclease complex comprises an endonuclease. In some embodiments, the endonuclease is a CRISPR associated (Cas) protein. In some embodiments, the small molecule comprises a Src inhibitor. In some embodiments, the Src inhibitor comprises N-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-[[6-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl]amino]-5-thiazole carboxamide monohydrate (Dasatinib), N-(5-chloro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-7-(2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)ethoxy)-5-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy)quinazolin-4-amine (saracatinib), 4-[(2,4-dichloro-5-methoxyphenyl)amino]-6-methoxy-7-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propoxy]quinoline-3-carbonitrile (bosutinib), (4-Amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]-pyrimidine), PP2 (4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]-pyrimidine) (PP1), 1-tert-butyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine (PP2), 6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-{[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]amino}-8-methyl-7H,8H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one (PD1663266), (E)-N-[4-[3-chloro-4-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)anilino]-3-cyano-7-ethoxyquinolin-6-yl]-4-(dimethylamino)but-2-enamide (neratinib), 3-(2-imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-3-ylethynyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide (ponatinib), (E)-N-[4-(3-chloro-4-fluoroanilino)-3-cyano-7-ethoxyquinolin-6-yl]-4-(dimethylamino)but-2-enamide (pelitinib), N-benzyl-2-[5-[4-(2-morpholin-4-ylethoxy)phenyl]pyridin-2-yl]acetamide (Tirbanibulin), 4-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-6-pyridin-3-ylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)amino]-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide (NVP-BHG712), (2S,3S)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid; 6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-[(E)-2-phenylethenyl]pyrimidin-4-amine (ENMD-2076), 4-[4-[(5-tert-butyl-2-quinolin-6-ylpyrazol-3-yl)carbamoylamino]-3-fluorophenoxy]-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide (Rebastinib) or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the small molecule comprises a Yes inhibitor. In some embodiments, the Yes inhibitor comprises (3Z)-N,N-Dimethyl-2-oxo-3-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-2-ylmethylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-sulfonamide) (SU-6656). In some embodiments, the small molecule comprises a Ron inhibitor. In some embodiments, the Ron inhibitor comprises N-[4-[(2-amino-3-chloro-4-pyridinyl)oxy]-3-fluorophenyl]-4-ethoxy-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxo-3-pyridinecarboxamide (BMS777607), N1′-[3-fluoro-4-[[6-methoxy-7-(3-morpholinopropoxy)-4-quinolyl]oxy]phenyl]-N1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide (Foretinib), N-(3-fluoro-4-((2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1-phenyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (ENG-009,
In another aspect, disclosed herein is a composition for treating a subject having or suspected of having a cancer, comprising a formulation comprising at least one agent present in an amount that is effective to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or more gene pairs selected from Table 1. In some embodiments, the at least one agent comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of a small molecule, a protein, a peptide, a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule, and, an endonuclease complex and a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) construct. In some embodiments, the DNA construct comprises an endonuclease gene. In some embodiments, the endonuclease gene encodes a CRISPR associated (Cas) protein. In some embodiments, the Cas is Cas9. In some embodiments, the DNA construct comprises a guide RNA directed to a gene of the one or more gene pairs. In some embodiments, the endonuclease complex comprises an endonuclease. In some embodiments, the endonuclease is a CRISPR associated (Cas) protein. In some embodiments, the small molecule comprises a SRC inhibitor. In some embodiments, the SRC inhibitor comprises N-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-[[6-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl]amino]-5-thiazole carboxamide monohydrate (Dasatinib). In some embodiments, the small molecule comprises a Yes inhibitor. In some embodiments, the Yes inhibitor comprises (3Z)-N,N-Dimethyl-2-oxo-3-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-2-ylmethylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-sulfonamide (SU-6656). In some embodiments, the small molecule comprises a Ron inhibitor. In some embodiments, the Ron inhibitor comprises N-[4-[(2-amino-3-chloro-4-pyridinyl)oxy]-3-fluorophenyl]-4-ethoxy-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxo-3-pyridinecarboxamide (BMS777607), or N1′-[3-fluoro-4-[[6-methoxy-7-(3-morpholinopropoxy)-4-quinolyl]oxy]phenyl]-N1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide (Foretinib). In some embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In some embodiments, the breast cancer is triple-negative breast cancer.
Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:
While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.
Whenever the term “at least,” “greater than,” or “greater than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “at least,” “greater than” or “greater than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, greater than or equal to 1, 2, or 3 is equivalent to greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3.
Whenever the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” precedes the first numerical value in a series of two or more numerical values, the term “no more than,” “less than,” or “less than or equal to” applies to each of the numerical values in that series of numerical values. For example, less than or equal to 3, 2, or 1 is equivalent to less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1.
The term “subject,” as used herein, generally refers to an animal, such as a mammal (e.g., human), reptile, or avian (e.g., bird), or other organism, such as a plant. For example, the subject can be a vertebrate, a mammal, a rodent (e.g., a mouse), a primate, a simian or a human. A subject can be a healthy or asymptomatic individual, an individual that has or is suspected of having a disease (e.g., cancer) or a pre-disposition to the disease, and/or an individual that is in need of therapy or suspected of needing therapy. A subject can be a patient.
The term “genome,” as used herein, generally refers to genomic information from a subject, which may be, for example, at least a portion or an entirety of a subject's hereditary information. A genome can be encoded in a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule (s) and may be expressed in a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule(s). A genome can comprise coding regions (e.g., that code for proteins) as well as non-coding regions. A genome can include the sequence of all chromosomes together in an organism. For example, the human genome ordinarily has a total of 46 chromosomes. The sequence of all of these together may constitute a human genome.
In an aspect, provided herein are therapies (e.g., combination therapies) for the treatment of pathologies, such as cancer. A method for treating a subject having or suspected of having a cancer can comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount(s) of one or more agents that cause a decrease in expression or activity of both members of one or more gene pairs. Such one or more gene pairs may be associated with the cancer. In some examples, the one or more genes pairs are provided in Table 1. In certain instances, decreasing the activity or expression of a single member of one or more gene pairs may have little effect on cell viability, but decreasing the activity or expression of both members of one or more gene pairs results in cell death.
The one or more gene pairs may comprise a pair of genes that may be expressed in a cancer cell of the subject. In some cases, one or both members (e.g., genes) of a gene pair may be expressed in a cancer cell at a normal level (e.g., not over-expressed or under-expressed compared to a non-cancer cell of the subject), while in other cases, one or both members of a gene pair may be highly expressed in a cancer cell, or lowly expressed in a cancer cell, e.g., when compared to a control cell or population of cells. In some cases, one member of a gene pair may be expressed at a normal level, while the other member of the gene pair may be expressed at a lower or higher level than normal.
The one or more gene pairs may comprise a synthetic lethal gene pair—the inhibition or decreased expression or activity of one of the members of the gene pair alone is not sufficient to kill the cell (e.g., cancer cell), but the combination of inhibition or decreased expression of both members of the gene pair leads to cell death. In some cases, inhibition or decreased expression or activity of each of the members of the gene pair alone result in a reduction in viability of a cell or cell population, but the decreased expression or activity of both members of the gene pair results in a greater reduction in viability of the cell or cell population. For example, the decrease of expression or activity of both members may act synergistically, with a greater reduction in viability than the sum of the reductions of viability from decreased expression or activity of each member of the gene pair.
The one or more gene pairs may comprise a constitutively active gene (e.g., housekeeping gene), or a gene that is expressed independently of an external factor (e.g., ligand). In some cases, one or both members of the gene pair may encode for a protein. The protein may be an enzyme, e.g., a kinase, which may phosphorylate a substrate (e.g., another protein or ligand, e.g., lipid or carbohydrate), or transfer a phosphate group to a substrate. For example, one or both members of the gene pair may encode for a tyrosine kinase.
In some cases, one member of a gene pair may interact with the other member of the gene pair. In some cases, the one member of a gene pair may interact directly with the other member of the gene pair. For example, one of the members of the gene pair may be or encode a protein that is an upstream agonist or antagonist of the other member of the gene pair. In such an example, the upstream agonist may activate or deactivate the other member of the gene pair, e.g., in the case of a kinase, via phosphorylation of the other member of the gene pair. In some cases, the one member of a gene pair may interact indirectly with the other member of the gene pair. For example, the one member of the gene pair may be or encode a protein or enzyme that is an upstream agonist or antagonist of a protein within a protein signaling cascade or signal transduction pathway. In one such example, one of the members of the gene pair may be an agonist or antagonist of another gene (or encoded protein) that regulates the other member of the gene pair. Similarly, one of the members of the gene pair may be an agonist or antagonist of another gene (or encoded protein) that regulates yet another gene (or encoded protein) that may regulate the other member of the gene pair. In some cases, one of the members may regulate another gene or protein that is at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more components (e.g., nodes or other genes, proteins, or signal transducers) upstream of the other member of the gene pair.
In some cases, the members of the gene pair may regulate one another, e.g., via a feedback mechanism. For example, an increase in expression of one of the members of the gene pair may increase, decrease, or otherwise change the expression level of the other member of the gene pair, and similarly, an increase in the expression of the other member of the gene pair may increase, decrease, or otherwise change the expression level of the first member of the gene pair. Each member of the gene pair may interact directly with the other member of the gene pair (e.g., may be directly upstream or downstream of the other member of the gene pair). Alternatively, the members of the gene pair may interact indirectly. For example, one of the members of the gene pair may be an agonist or antagonist of another gene (or encoded protein) that regulates the other member of the gene pair, and vice-versa. Similarly, one of the members of the gene pair may be an agonist or antagonist of another gene (or encoded protein) that regulates yet another gene (or encoded protein) that may regulate the other member of the gene pair. In some cases, one of the members may regulate another gene or protein that is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more components (e.g., nodes or other genes, proteins, or signal transducers) upstream of the other member of the gene pair.
In some instances, the members of the gene pair may regulate a subset of the same genes downstream. For example, one member of the gene pair may regulate a plurality of downstream genes, a subset of which are also regulated by the other member of the gene pair. In cases where the cell is a cancer cell, the downstream genes may comprise genes important in cancer-related processes, e.g, HIPPO pathway, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, P13K pathway, DNA replication, cell migration, cell metastasis, etc. Alternatively or in addition to, the members of the gene pair may be regulated by a subset of the same genes. In such cases, one member of the gene pair may be regulated by one or more upstream genes, which upstream gene or genes may also regulate the other member of the gene pair.
In cases where one of the members of the gene pair interacts with the other member of the gene pair, a gene interaction score may be used to determine how interactive the one member is with the other member, or how interactive both members of the gene pair are with one another. The gene interaction score can be calculated using a Bliss or GI score. In such cases, a list of all combinations of gene pairs in a study (e.g., all pairs of tyrosine kinase genes) may be generated. Each gene pair may then be designated a GI score, which may correspond to whether a synergistic interaction may occur. For instance, a synergistic interaction may comprise a combination of genes (e.g., two or more genes) that exhibits a stronger phenotype than predicted by the additive effect of the individual phenotypes.
The GI score may be calculated using the equation: GIAB=Zobs−Zexp=ZAB−(ZA+ZB), where A refers to gene A (one member of a gene pair), B refers to gene B (another member of a gene pair), Zobs is the observed phenotype, Zexp is the expected phenotype, and ZAB is the observed phenotype. The GI score may be determined using data (e.g., publicly available data) or experimentally. GI scores may also be calculated using the approach of K. Han, E. E. Jeng, and co-authors (“Synergistic drug combinations for cancer identified in a CRISPR screen for pairwise genetic interactions” Nature Biotechnology 2017 May: 35(5): 463-474), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.
In some cases, the one or more agents used to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or both members of the gene pair may comprise a small molecule, a protein, a peptide, a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule, a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) construct, or a combination thereof (e.g., a protein-nucleic acid complex). In an example, the one or more agents may comprise a protein-nucleic acid complex, e.g., an endonuclease complex and a DNA construct. In some cases, the endonuclease complex comprises a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) associated (Cas) protein or variant thereof (e.g., an engineered variant). In such cases, the DNA construct may be co-administered with the endonuclease complex. Alternatively or in addition to, the DNA construct may comprise an endonuclease gene. In such instances, the DNA construct may comprise a gene encoding for a Cas protein or variant thereof (e.g., an engineered variant). After the DNA construct is introduced or delivered to a cell (e.g., cancer cell), the DNA construct may be transcribed and translated by the cell using the cell's own machinery (e.g., polymerases, ribosomes, etc.).
In some cases, the DNA construct may comprise a guide RNA (gRNA) sequence, which may be used to direct a protein (e.g., Cas protein) to one or both of the members of at least one gene pair. The DNA construct may comprise at least one gRNA sequence, each of which may direct the protein (e.g., Cas protein) to a different gene. The DNA construct may comprise a RNA sequence, a DNA sequence, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the DNA construct comprises: (i) a first gRNA sequence, which may be used to direct an endonuclease (e.g., Cas protein) to a targeted location or gene locus for one member of the gene pair, (ii) a second gRNA sequence, which may be used to direct an endonuclease (e.g., Cas protein) to another targeted location or gene locus for the other member of the gene pair, (iii) a first sequence (e.g., a DNA sequence) corresponding to one member of the gene pair (e.g., a gene replacement), and (iv) a second sequence (e.g., DNA sequence) corresponding to the other member of the gene pair (e.g., a gene replacement). It will be appreciated, that different combinations of RNA sequences and DNA sequences may be used in the DNA construct. Moreover, other functional sequences may be included in the DNA sequence, including, but not limited to, a barcode sequence, a tag, or other identifying sequence, a primer sequence, a restriction site, a transposition site, etc.
The endonuclease complex may comprise an endonuclease, e.g., a Cas protein, or other nucleic acid-interacting enzyme (e.g., ligase, helicase, reverse transcriptase, transcriptase, polymerase, etc.). The Cas protein may comprise any Cas type (e.g., Cas I, Cas IA, Cas IB, Cas IC, Cas ID, Cas IE, Cas IF, Cas IU, Cas III, Cas IIIA, Cas IIIB, Cas IIIC, Cas IIID, Cas IV, Cas IVA, Cas IVB, Cas II, Cas IIA, Cas IIB, Cas IIC, Cas V, Cas VI). In some instances, the Cas protein may comprise other proteins (e.g., a fusion protein) and may comprise an additional enzyme that may associate with a nucleic acid molecule (e.g., ligase, transcriptase, transposase, nuclease, endonuclease, reverse transcriptase, polymerase, helicase, etc.). The endonuclease complex may be delivered exogenously or may be encoded in the DNA construct for transcription and translation within the cell.
The workflow presented in
In some cases, the one or more agents used to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or both members of a gene pair may comprise a protein or peptide. For example, the one or more agents may comprise an antibody, an antibody fragment, a hormone, a ligand, or an immunoglobulin. The protein or peptide may be naturally occurring or may be synthetic. The protein may be an engineered variant of a protein (e.g., recombinant protein), or fragment thereof. The protein may be subjected to other modifications, e.g., post-translational modifications, including but not limited to: glycosylation, acylation, prenylation, lipoylation, alkylation, amidation, acetylation, methylation, formylation, butyrylation, carboxylation, phosphorylation, malonylation, hydroxylation, iodination, propionylation, S-nitrosylation, S-glutationylation, succinylation, sulfation, glycation, carbamylation, carbonylation, biotinylation, carbamylation, oxidation, pegylation, sumoylation, ubiquitination, ubiquitylation, racemization, etc. One or more modifications may be made to the protein or peptide.
In some cases, the one or more agents used to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or both members of a gene pair may comprise a small molecule. The small molecule may be configured to decrease the expression level or activity level of one or both members of a gene pair. In some cases, the small molecule may directly interact with one or both members of the gene pair. For example, the small molecule may inhibit the protein or proteins encoded by one or both members of the gene pair, respectively. Alternatively or in addition to, the small molecule may inhibit an upstream effector or downstream protein in a signaling pathway in which one or both members of the gene pair interact.
In some cases, the small molecule inhibitor may comprise a Src inhibitor, e.g., N-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-[[6-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl]amino]-5-thiazole carboxamide monohydrate (Dasatinib), 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (Quercetin), PP1 or PP2 kinase inhibitor, N-(5-chloro-1,3-benzodioxo1-4-yl)-7-[2-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)ethoxy]-5-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)oxy]-4-quinazolinamine (Saracatinib), 4-[(2,4-dichloro-5-methoxyphenyl)amino]methoxy-7-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propoxy]quinoline-3-carbonitrile (Bosutinib), or N-Benzyl-2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)acetamide (KX2-391). In some cases, the small molecule inhibitor may comprise a Yes inhibitor, e.g., (3Z)-N,N-Dimethyl-2-oxo-3-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-2-ylmethylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole-5-sulfonamide (SU-6656), 6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-8-methyl-2-{[3(methylthio)phenyl]amino}pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-one (PD173955), 2-{[(1R,2S)-2 aminocyclohexyl]amino}-4-{[3-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)phenyl]amino}pyrimidine-5-carboxamide (PRT062607), or Saracatinib. In some cases, the small molecule inhibitor may comprise a Ron inhibitor, e.g., (N-[4-(2-amino-3-chloropyridin-4-yl)oxy-3-fluorophenyl]-4-ethoxy-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxopyridine-3-carboxamide) (BMS777607), N1′-[3-fluoro-4-[[6-methoxy-7-(3-morpholinopropoxy)-4-quinolyl]oxy]phenyl]-N1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide (Foretinib), (2R)-1-[[5-[(Z)-[5-[[(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)methyl]sulfonyl]-1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-indol-3-ylidene]methyl]-2,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]carbonyl]-2-(1-pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolidine (PHA 665752), sodium succinate dibasic, 4,4prime-Bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl, etc.
In some cases, the Src inhibitor comprises N-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-[[6-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl]amino]-5-thiazole carboxamide monohydrate (Dasatinib), N-(5-chloro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-7-(2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)ethoxy)-5-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yloxy)quinazolin-4-amine (saracatinib), 4-[(2,4-dichloro-5-methoxyphenyl)amino]-6-methoxy-7-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propoxy]quinoline-3-carbonitrile (bosutinib), (4-Amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]-pyrimidine), PP2 (4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]-pyrimidine) (PP1), 1-tert-butyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine (PP2), 6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-{[3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]amino}-8-methyl-7H,8H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one (PD1663266), (E)-N-[4-[3-chloro-4-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)anilino]-3-cyano-7-ethoxyquinolin-6-yl]-4-(dimethylamino)but-2-enamide (neratinib), 3-(2-imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-3-ylethynyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide (ponatinib), (E)-N-[4-(3-chloro-4-fluoroanilino)-3-cyano-7-ethoxyquinolin-6-yl]-4-(dimethylamino)but-2-enamide (pelitinib), N-benzyl-2-[5-[4-(2-morpholin-4-ylethoxy)phenyl]pyridin-2-yl]acetamide (Tirbanibulin), 4-methyl-3-[(2-methyl-6-pyridin-3-ylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)amino]-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide (NVP-BHG712), (2S,3S)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid; 6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2-[(E)-2-phenylethenyl]pyrimidin-4-amine (ENMD-2076), 4-[4-[(5-tert-butyl-2-quinolin-6-ylpyrazol-3-yl)carbamoylamino]-3-fluorophenoxy]-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide (Rebastinib) or any combination thereof.
In some cases, the Ron inhibitor comprises N-[4-[(2-amino-3-chloro-4-pyridinyl)oxy]-3-fluorophenyl]-4-ethoxy-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxo-3-pyridinecarboxamide (BMS777607), N1′-[3-fluoro-4-[[6-methoxy-7-(3-morpholinopropoxy)-4-quinolyl]oxy]phenyl]-N1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxamide (Foretinib), N-(3-fluoro-4-((2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1-phenyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (ENG-009,
In some cases, the small molecule inhibitor may comprise a combination of small molecule inhibitors or derivatives thereof. For example, a small molecule inhibitor may be engineered or modified for dual specificity and may decrease expression or activity of both members of the gene pair. Alternatively or in addition to, a combination of small molecule inhibitors (e.g., a small molecule “cocktail”) may be used to decrease expression or activity of both members of the gene pair. In some cases, a small molecule inhibitor may be administered with another agent type (e.g., protein, RNA molecule, DNA molecule, etc.). In some cases a Ron inhibitor may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 50 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said Ron inhibitor.
The small molecule inhibitor may be administered in any useful concentration. For example, a small molecule may be administered at a concentration of about 0.5 nanomolar (nM), about 1 nM, about 10 nM, about 20 nM, about 30 nM, about 40 nM, about 50 nM, about 60 nM, about 70 nM, about 80 nM, about 90 nM, about 100 nM, about 200 nM, about 300 nM, about 400 nM, about 500 nM, about 600 nM, about 700 nM, about 800 nM, about 900 nM, about 1 micromolar (μM), about 2 μM, about 3 μM, about 4 μM, about 5 μM, about 6 μM, about 7 μM, about 8 μM, about 9 μM, about 10 μM. A small molecule may be administered at a concentration of at least about 0.5 nanomolar (nM), at least about 1 nM, at least about 10 nM, at least about 20 nM, at least about 30 nM, at least about 40 nM, at least about 50 nM, at least about 60 nM, at least about 70 nM, at least about 80 nM, at least about 90 nM, at least about 100 nM, at least about 200 nM, at least about 300 nM, at least about 400 nM, at least about 500 nM, at least about 600 nM, at least about 700 nM, at least about 800 nM, at least about 900 nM, at least about 1 micromolar (μM), at least about 2 μM, at least about 3 μM, at least about 4 μM, at least about 5 μM, at least about 6 μM, at least about 7 μM, at least about 8 μM, at least about 9 μM, at least about 10 μM. A small molecule may be administered at a concentration of at most about 10 μM, at most about 9 μM, at most about 8 μM, at most about 7 μM, at most about 6 μM, at most about 5 μM, at most about 4 μM, at most about 3 μM, at most about 2 μM, at most about 1 μM, at most about 900 nM, at most about 800 nM, at most about 700 nM, at most about 600 nM, at most about 500 nM, at most about 400 nM, at most about 300 nM, at most about 200 nM, at most about 100 nM, at most about 90 nM, at most about 80 nM, at most about 70 nM, at most about 60 nM, at most about 50 nM, at most about 40 nM, at most about 30 nM, at most about 20 nM, at most about 10 nM, at most about 1 nM, at most about 0.5 nM, etc. A range of concentrations may be used, e.g., between 22 nM-1 μM). Where more than one small molecule is used, the concentrations may be the same of different for each small molecule used.
The small molecule inhibitor may be administered in any useful dose. For example, a small molecule may be administered at a dose of about 50 micrograms (μg), a dose of about 100 μg, a dose of about 200 μg, a dose of about 300 μg, a dose of about 400 μg, a dose of about 500 μg, a dose of about 750 μg, a dose of about 1 milligram (mg), a dose of about 1.2 mg, a dose of about 1.5 mg, a dose of about 2 mg, a dose of about 3 mg, a dose of about 4 mg, a dose of about 5 mg, a dose of about 6 mg, a dose of about 8 mg, a dose of about 10 mg, a dose of about 12 mg, a dose of about 15 mg, a dose of about 20 mg, a dose of about 25 mg, a dose of about 30 mg, a dose of about 40 mg, a dose of about 50 mg, a dose of about 60 mg, a dose of about 80 mg, a dose of about 100 mg, a dose of about 120 mg, a dose of about 140 mg, a dose of about 160 mg, a dose of about 180 mg, a dose of about 200 mg, a dose of about 225 mg, a dose of about mg, a dose of about 250 mg, a dose of about 275 mg, a dose of about 300 mg, a dose of about 350 mg, a dose of about 400 mg, a dose of about 500 mg, a dose of about 600 mg, a dose of about 800 mg. The small molecule inhibitor may be administered in any useful dose. For example, a small molecule may be administered at a dose of at least 50 micrograms (μg), a dose of at least 100 μg, a dose of at least 200 μg, a dose of at least 300 μg, a dose of at least 400 μg, a dose of at least 500 μg, a dose of at least 750 μg, a dose of at least 1 milligram (mg), a dose of at least 1.2 mg, a dose of at least 1.5 mg, a dose of at least 2 mg, a dose of at least 3 mg, a dose of at least 4 mg, a dose of at least 5 mg, a dose of at least 6 mg, a dose of at least 8 mg, a dose of at least 10 mg, a dose of at least 12 mg, a dose of at least 15 mg, a dose of at least 20 mg, a dose of at least 25 mg, a dose of at least 30 mg, a dose of at least 40 mg, a dose of at least 50 mg, a dose of at least 60 mg, a dose of at least 80 mg, a dose of at least 100 mg, a dose of at least 120 mg, a dose of at least 140 mg, a dose of at least 160 mg, a dose of at least 180 mg, a dose of at least 200 mg, a dose of at least 225 mg, a dose of at least mg, a dose of at least 250 mg, a dose of at least 275 mg, a dose of at least 300 mg, a dose of at least 350 mg, a dose of at least 400 mg, a dose of at least 500 mg, a dose of at least 600 mg, a dose of at least 800 mg. The small molecule inhibitor may be administered at a dose of at most 800 mg, at a dose of at most 600 mg, at a dose of at most 500 mg, at a dose of at most 400 mg, at a dose of at most 300 mg, at a dose of at most 250 mg, at a dose of at most 225 mg, at a dose of at most 200 mg, at a dose of at most 180 mg, at a dose of at most 160 mg, at a dose of at most 140 mg, at a dose of at most 120 mg, at a dose of at most 100 mg, at a dose of at most 80 mg, at a dose of at most 60 mg, at a dose of at most 50 mg, at a dose of at most 40 mg, at a dose of at most 30 mg, at a dose of at most 25 mg, at a dose of at most 20 mg, at a dose of at most 15 mg, at a dose of at most 12 mg, at a dose of at most 10 mg, at a dose of at most 8 mg, at a dose of at most 6 mg, at a dose of at most 5 mg, at a dose of at most 4 mg, at a dose of at most 3 mg, at a dose of at most 2 mg, at a dose of at most 1.5 mg, at a dose of at most 1.2 mg, a dose of at most 1 mg, a dose of at most 750 μg, a dose of at most 600 μg, a dose of at most 500 μg, a dose of at most 400 μg, a dose of at most 350 μg, a dose of at most 300 μg, a dose of at most 250 μg, a dose of at most 200 μg, a dose of at most 180 μg, a dose of at most 150 μg, a dose of at most 120 μg, a dose of at most 100 μg, a dose of at most 80 μg, a dose of at most 50 μg, a dose of at most 20 μg, a dose of at most 10 μg. Where more than one small molecule is used, the dosages may be the same of different for each small molecule used. Where more than one small molecule is used, the dosing frequencies may be the same or different for each molecule used.
In some cases, the one or more agents used to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or both members of a gene pair may comprise a nucleic acid molecule, e.g., a RNA molecule. The RNA molecule can comprise any suitable RNA molecule and size sufficient to decrease the expression level or activity of one or both members of a gene pair. The RNA molecule may comprise a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecule, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a microRNA (miRNA), or other useful RNA molecule. In some examples, the RNA molecule may comprise a messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNAs (rRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), piwi-interacting (piRNA), non-coding RNA (ncRNA), long non-coding RNA, (lncRNA), and fragments of any of the foregoing. The RNA molecule may be single-stranded, double-stranded, or partially single- or double-stranded.
It will be appreciated that one or more agents (e.g., peptides, RNA molecules, protein-nucleic acid complexes) are listed as examples and that a combination of agent types may be used to treat the subject. For instance, administering one or more different types of agents may be used to decrease the expression or activity of both members of one or more gene pairs. For example, a protein or peptide may be co-administered with a small molecule, an RNA molecule, a DNA molecule, or a complexed molecule (e.g., protein-nucleic acid molecule). Similarly, a RNA molecule may be administered with a small molecule, a DNA molecule, or a complexed molecule. In another example, a small molecule may be co-administered with a DNA molecule or a complexed molecule. These combinations are non-limiting examples of different combinations of agents that may be used to treat the subject having or suspected of having cancer.
In some cases, the cancer selected to be treated may comprise breast cancer. In some cases, the breast cancer may be triple-negative breast cancer. In other cases, the cancer selected to be treated may comprise an aggressive cancer type for which few biomarkers or target genes to which the cancer cells are sensitive are known. In some cases, the cancer comprises increased Src expression levels. In some cases, the cancer comprises increased Ron expression levels. In some cases, the cancer comprises increased Src and Ron expression levels. In some cases, the cancer comprises a constitutively active Src. In some cases, the cancer comprise a short-form Ron (sfRon).
Table 1 provides a list of gene pairs for which a decrease in expression or activity of both members may lead to cell death. GeneA and GeneB refer to individual members of the gene pair GeneA_GeneB. The Modified GI is a modified gene interaction score for the gene pairs. The gene pairs may be synthetic lethal gene pairs, such that a decreased expression or activity of only one member may not lead to cell death but decreased expression or activity of both members may cause or lead to cell death.
In another aspect, disclosed herein is a composition for treating a subject having or suspected of having a cancer, comprising a formulation comprising at least one agent present in an amount that is effective to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or more gene pairs selected from Table 1.
In some cases, the composition comprises a DNA construct which may comprise a guide RNA (gRNA) sequence that may be used to direct a protein (e.g., Cas protein) to one or both of the members of at least one gene pair. The DNA construct may comprise at least one gRNA sequence, each of which may direct the protein (e.g., Cas protein) to a different gene. The DNA construct may comprise a RNA sequence, a DNA sequence, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the DNA construct comprises: (i) a first gRNA sequence, which may be used to direct an endonuclease (e.g., Cas protein) to a targeted location or gene locus for one member of the gene pair, (ii) a second gRNA sequence, which may be used to direct an endonuclease (e.g., Cas protein) to another targeted location or gene locus for the other member of the gene pair, (iii) a first sequence (e.g., a DNA sequence) corresponding to one member of the gene pair (e.g., a gene replacement), and (iv) a second sequence (e.g., DNA sequence) corresponding to the other member of the gene pair (e.g., a gene replacement). It will be appreciated, that different combinations of RNA sequences and DNA sequences may be used in the DNA construct. Moreover, other functional sequences may be included in the DNA sequence, including, but not limited to, a barcode sequence, a tag, or other identifying sequence, a primer sequence, a restriction site, a transposition site, etc.
The endonuclease complex may comprise an endonuclease, e.g., a Cas protein, or other nucleic acid-interacting enzyme (e.g., ligase, helicase, reverse transcriptase, transcriptase, polymerase, etc.). The Cas protein may comprise any Cas type (e.g., Cas I, Cas IA, Cas IB, Cas IC, Cas ID, Cas IE, Cas IF, Cas IU, Cas III, Cas IIIA, Cas IIIB, Cas IIIC, Cas IIID, Cas IV, Cas IVA, Cas IVB, Cas II, Cas IIA, Cas IIB, Cas IIC, Cas V, Cas VI). In some instances, the Cas protein may comprise other proteins (e.g., a fusion protein) and may comprise an additional enzyme that may associate with a nucleic acid molecule (e.g., ligase, transcriptase, transposase, nuclease, endonuclease, reverse transcriptase, polymerase, helicase, etc.). The endonuclease complex may be delivered exogenously or may be encoded in the DNA construct for transcription and translation within the cell.
The DNA construct may comprise a RNA sequence, a DNA sequence, or a combination thereof In some cases, the DNA construct comprises: (i) a first gRNA sequence, which may be used to direct an endonuclease (e.g., Cas protein) to a targeted location or gene locus for one member of the gene pair, (ii) a second gRNA sequence, which may be used to direct an endonuclease (e.g., Cas protein) to another targeted location or gene locus for the other member of the gene pair, (iii) a first sequence (e.g., a DNA sequence) corresponding to one member of the gene pair (e.g., a gene replacement), and (iv) a second sequence (e.g., DNA sequence) corresponding to the other member of the gene pair (e.g., a gene replacement). It will be appreciated, that different combinations of RNA sequences and DNA sequences may be used in the DNA construct. Moreover, other functional sequences may be included in the DNA sequence, including, but not limited to, a barcode sequence, a tag, or other identifying sequence, a primer sequence, a restriction site, a transposition site, etc.
In some cases, the composition comprises one or more agents used to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or both members of a gene pair and may comprise a protein or peptide. For example, the one or more agents may comprise an antibody, an antibody fragment, a hormone, a ligand, or an immunoglobulin. The protein or peptide may be naturally occurring or may be synthetic. The protein may be an engineered variant of a protein (e.g., recombinant protein), or fragment thereof. The protein may be subjected to other modifications, e.g., post-translational modifications, including but not limited to: glycosylation, acylation, prenylation, lipoylation, alkylation, amidation, acetylation, methylation, formylation, butyrylation, carboxylation, phosphorylation, malonylation, hydroxylation, iodination, propionylation, S-nitrosylation, S-glutationylation, succinylation, sulfation, glycation, carbamylation, carbonylation, biotinylation, carbamylation, oxidation, pegylation, sumoylation, ubiquitination, ubiquitylation, racemization, etc. One or more modifcations may be made to the protein or peptide.
In some cases, the composition may comprise one or more agents used to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or both members of a gene pair and may comprise a small molecule. The small molecule may be configured to decrease the expression level or activity level of one or both members of a gene pair. In some cases, the small molecule may directly interact with one or both members of the gene pair. For example, the small molecule may inhibit the protein or proteins encoded by one or both members of the gene pair, respectively. Alternatively or in addition to, the small molecule may inhibit an upstream effector or downstream protein in a signaling pathway in which one or both members of the gene pair interact.
In some cases, the small molecule inhibitor may comprise a Src inhibitor, e.g., Dasatinib, Quercetin, PP1 or PP2 kinase inhibitor, Saracatinib, Bosutinib, or KX2-391. In some cases, the small molecule inhibitor may comprise a Yes inhibitor, e.g., SU-6656, PD173955, PRT062607, or Saracatinib. In some cases, the small molecule inhibitor may comprise a Ron inhibitor, e.g., BMS777607, Foretinib, PHA 665752, sodium succinate dibasic, 4,4prime-Bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl, etc. In some cases, the small molecule inhibitor may comprise a combination of small molecule inhibitors or derivatives thereof. For example, a small molecule inhibitor may be engineered or modified for dual specificity and may decrease expression of both members of the gene pair. Alternatively or in addition to, a combination of small molecule inhibitors may be used to decrease expression or activity of both members of the gene pair.
A small molecule inhibitor may inhibit a secondary target. The secondary target may comprise a protein, macromolecular complex, a ribozyme, or any combination thereof. The secondary target may be related to the primary target (e.g., Src for an Src inhibitor). For example, a Ron or Src inhibitor may comprise a protein kinase as a secondary target. The small molecule inhibitor may have a similar or lower affinity (e.g., Kd) or inhibitory activity (e.g., IC50) toward the secondary target. Such secondary target affinity or inhibitory activity may enhance the efficacy of the small molecule inhibitor for treating a cancer, such as triple negative breast cancer. A Ron or Src small molecule inhibitor may comprise a protein kinase secondary target, such as Tyro3, cKit, EGFR, JAK2, or PDK1.
Conversely, a small molecule inhibitor may predominantly target a single protein. In particular instances, a small molecule inhibitor may predominantly target a single protein kinase, such as Ron, Src, Yes1. For example, the IC50 of a small molecule inhibitor for its primary target may be at least 10 times, at least 20 times, at least 25 times, at least 40 times, at least 50 times, at least 100 times, or at least 200 times lower than the IC50 of the small molecule inhibitor for a secondary target. As a further example, a small molecule inhibitor may comprise an IC50 of less than 1 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM, less than 20 μM, less than 25 μM, less than 40 μM, less than 50 μM, or less than 100 μM for only one protein from a class of proteins (e.g., a small molecule inhibitor may comprise an IC50 below 1 μM for only a single protein kinase).
In some cases, the composition may comprise one or more agents used to cause a decrease in expression or activity of one or both members of a gene pair and may comprise a nucleic acid molecule, e.g., a RNA molecule. The RNA molecule comprise any suitable RNA molecule and size sufficient to decrease the expression level or activity of one or both members of a gene pair. The RNA molecule may comprise a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecule, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a microRNA (miRNA), or other useful RNA molecule. In some examples, the RNA molecule may comprise a messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNAs (rRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), piwi-interacting (piRNA), non-coding RNA (ncRNA), long non-coding RNA, (lncRNA), and fragments of any of the foregoing. The RNA molecule may be single-stranded, double-stranded, or partially single- or double-stranded.
It will be appreciated that one or more agents (e.g., peptides, RNA molecules, protein-nucleic acid complexes) are listed as examples and that a combination of agent types may be comprised in the composition. For instance, the composition may comprise one or more different types of agents that may be used to decrease the expression or activity of both members of one or more gene pairs. For example, the composition may comprise a protein or peptide that may be co-administered with a small molecule, an RNA molecule, a DNA molecule, or a complexed molecule (e.g., protein-nucleic acid molecule). Similarly, the composition may comprise a RNA molecule that may be administered with a small molecule, a DNA molecule, or a complexed molecule. In another example, a small molecule may be co-administered with a DNA molecule or a complexed molecule. These combinations are non-limiting examples of different combinations of agents that may be used in the compositions described herein.
In one aspect, provided herein is a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer, or N-oxide thereof:
wherein,
In some cases, ring A is aryl or heteroaryl. In some cases, ring A is heteroaryl. In some cases, ring A is 5-membered heteroaryl. In some cases, ring A is pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, thiazole, isoxazole, thiazolidone, or oxadiazole. In some cases, ring A is imidazole, thiazolidone, or pyrazole. In some cases, ring A is thiazolidone or pyrazole. In some cases, ring A is pyrazole. In some cases, ring A is thiazolidone. In some cases, ring A is
In some cases, ring A is
In some cases, ring A is
In some cases, ring A is
In some cases, L1 is —NR2—C(═O)—, —O—C(═O)—, or —S—C(═O)—. In some cases, L1 is —NR2—C(═O)—. In some cases, L1 is —NH—C(═O)—.
In some cases, ring B is monocyclic aryl or monocyclic heteroaryl. In some cases, ring B is phenyl, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, thiazole, oxazole, thiophene, or furan. In some cases, ring B is phenyl. In some cases, ring B is
In some cases, ring B is
In some cases, X is —NH—, —N(CH3)—, —CH2—, —O—, —S—, or —S(═O)2—. In some cases, X is —O— or —S—. In some cases, X is —O—.
In some cases, ring C is benzothiazole, thiazolo[5,4-c]pyridine, thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridine, thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine, thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine, thiazolo[5,4-b]pyridine, thiazolo[4,5-c]pyridine, naphthalene, pyrrolizine, isoindole, indolizine, quinoline, an isoquinonline, 4H-quinolizine, indazole, quinoxaline, quinazoline, phthalazine, cinnoline, naphthyridine, 1H-indazole, purine, pteridine, pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, thiazole, oxazole, thiophene, or furan. In some cases, ring C is thiazolo[5,4-c]pyridine, thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridine, thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine, thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine, thiazolo[5,4-b]pyridine, thiazolo[4,5-c]pyridine, naphthalene, quinoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline, 1,5-naphthyridine, 2,6-naphthyridine, 1,6-naphthyridine, 1H-indazole, pyrazole, pyrrole, or imidazole. In some cases, ring C is benzothiazole, thiazolo[5,4-c]pyridine, thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridine, thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine, 1,5-naphthyridine, 2,6-naphthyridine, 1,6-naphthyridine, pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, or thiazole. In some cases, ring C is thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine, thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine, 1,6-naphthyridine, quinoline, 2,6-naphthyridine, pyrazole, or imidazole. In some cases, ring C is optionally R4 substituted
optionally R4 substituted
optionally R4 substituted
optionally R4 substituted
optionally R4 substituted
optionally R4 substituted
optionally R4 substituted
or optionally R4 substituted
In some cases, ring C is optionally R4 substituted
optionally R4 substituted
optionally R4 substituted
or optionally R4 substituted
In some cases, L2 is absent and ring C and ring D are taken together to form a fused bicyclic or tricyclic structure. In some cases, the bicyclic structure is selected from the group consisting of
In some cases, the bicyclic structure is selected from the group consisting of
In some cases, the bicyclic structure is
In some cases, L2 is a bond, —O—, —NR2—, or —CH2—. In some cases, L2 is a bond.
In some cases, ring D is aryl or a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl. In some cases ring D is 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl. In some cases, ring D is pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, thiazole, thiophene, oxazole, or furan. In some cases, ring D is pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, or triazole. In some cases, ring D is pyrazole or imidazole. In some cases, ring D is
In some cases, ring D is
In some cases, each instance of R1 is independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, halogen, C1-C4 alkyl, and C1-C4 haloalkyl. In some cases, each instance of le is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 haloalkyl, halogen, C1-C4 alkyl, and optionally substituted aryl. In some cases, each instance of R1 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 haloalkyl and optionally substituted aryl. In some cases, each instance of R1 is selected from the group consisting of C1 haloalkyl and phenyl.
In some cases, each instance of R2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C4 alkyl. In some cases, each instance of R2 is hydrogen.
In some cases, each instance of R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, —NR6R7, hydroxyl, —C(═O)—R8, C1-C4 alkyl, and C1-C4 haloalkyl. In some cases, each instance of R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, and C1-C4 haloalkyl. In some cases, each instance of R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen and hydroxyl. In some cases, each instance of R3 is halogen. In some cases, each instance of R3 is F.
In some cases, each instance of R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted C3-C6 cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C2-C5 heterocycloalkyl, halogen, and C1-C4 haloalkyl. In some cases, each instance of R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted C2-C5 heterocycloalkyl. In some cases, each instance of R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl. In some cases, each instance of R4 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted pyridine, optionally substituted pyrimidine, optionally substituted pyrrole, optionally substituted pyrazole, optionally substituted imidazole, optionally substituted triazole, optionally substituted thiazole, optionally substituted thiophene, optionally substituted oxazole, and optionally substituted furan. In some cases, each instance of R4 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted pyrrole, optionally substituted pyrazole, and optionally substituted imidazole. In some cases, each instance of R4 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted pyrazole and optionally substituted imidazole. In some cases, each instance of R4 is optionally substituted imidazole. In some cases, each instance of R4 is
In some cases, each instance of R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl and C1-C4 haloalkyl. In some cases, each instance of R5 is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen and C1-C4 alkyl. In some cases, each instance of R5 is C1-C4 alkyl.
In some cases, each instance of R6 and R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C4 alkyl. In some cases, each instance of R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl, and each instance of R7 is hydrogen. In some cases, each instance of R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl, and each instance of R7 is hydrogen. In some cases, each instance of R6 and R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C4 alkyl. In some cases, each instance of R6 and R7 is hydrogen.
In some cases, each instance of R8 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, NR6R7, C1-C4 alkyl, and C1-C4 alkoxy. In some cases, each instance of R8 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl and C1-C4 alkoxy.
In some cases, m is 1 or 2, n is 2, and 1 are each independently either 0 and 1. In some cases, m is 1, n is 2, and 1 are each independently either 0 and 1. In some cases, m is 1, n is 2, and 1 is 0.
‘Optionally substituted’ may denote substitution with oxo, carboxylate, nitrile, nitro, hydroxyl, thiooxy, alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkyloxycarbonyl, aryl, aralkyl, arylcarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, aralkyloxycarbonyl, aryloxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkylcarbonyl, cycloalkylalkylcarbonyl, cycloalkyloxycarbonyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, dialkylamines, arylamines, alkylarylamines, diarylamines, perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkoxy, for example, trifluoromethyl or trifluoromethoxy. “Substituted” can also denote replacement of a hydrogen atom by a higher-order bond (e.g., a double- or triple-bond) to a heteroatom such as oxygen in oxo, carbonyl, carboxyl, and ester groups; and nitrogen in groups such as imines, oximes, hydrazones, and nitriles. In some cases, ‘optionally substituted’ denotes substitution with one or more instances of halogen, —NO2, sulfuryl, phosphoryl, —NH2, hydroxyl, —C(═O)—O-Me, —C(═O)—N(Me)2, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkyl, and C1-C4 haloalkoxy, or any combination thereof. In some cases, ‘optionally substituted’ denotes substitution with one or more instances of halogen, —NO2, —NH2, hydroxyl, —C(═O)—O-Me, —C(═O)—N(Me)2, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 haloalkyl, and C1-C4 haloalkoxy, or any combination thereof. In some cases, ‘optionally substituted’ denotes substitution with one or more instances of halogen, —NH2, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, or any combination thereof. In some cases, ‘optionally substituted’ denotes substitution with one or more instances of halogen, C1 haloalkyl, methyl, or any combination thereof. In some cases, ‘optionally substituted’ denotes substitution with one or more instances of —F, —CF3, methyl, or any combination thereof. In some cases, no optional substitutions are present.
In some cases, a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer, or N-oxide thereof of Formula (I) comprises the structure of Formula (Ia)
wherein, R9 is N, CH, or CR1, R10 is NH or NR1, and each instance of R11 N, CH, or CR3.
In some cases, R9 is N, R10 is NR1, and at least two R11 are CH. In some cases, R9 is N, R10 is NR1, and at least three R11 are CH. In some cases, R9 is N, R10 is NR1, three R11 are CH, and one R11 is CR3.
In some cases, a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer, or N-oxide thereof of Formula (Ia) comprises the structure of Formula (Ib)
wherein ring D is fused with ring C, and each instance of R12 is independently selected from N, CH, and CR4. In some cases, both instances of R12 are N. In some cases, one instance of R12 is N and one instance of R12 is CH or CR4. In some cases, both instances of R12 are CR4. In some cases, both instances of R12 are CH. In some cases, both instances of R12 are CR4, wherein the two instances of R4 are taken together to form an aryl or heteroaryl group.
In some cases, a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer, or N-oxide thereof of Formula (Ia) comprises the structure of Formula (Ic)
wherein each instance of R12 is independently selected from N, CH, and CR4. In some cases, one or two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH or CR4. In some cases, two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH or CR4. In some cases, two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH. In some cases, two instances of R12 are CR4, wherein the two instances of R4 are taken together to form an aryl or heteroaryl group.
In some cases, a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer, or N-oxide thereof of Formula (Ia) comprises the structure of Formula (Id)
wherein each instance of R12 is independently selected from the group consisting of N, CH, and CR4. In some cases, one or two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH or CR4. In some cases, two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH or CR4. In some cases, two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH. In some cases, two instances of R12 are CR4, wherein the two instances of R4 are taken together to form an aryl or heteroaryl group.
In some cases, a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer, or N-oxide thereof of Formula (Ia) comprises the structure of Formula (Ie):
wherein each instance of R12 is independently selected from the group consisting of N, CH, and CR4, and R13 is NH, NR4, O, or S. In some cases, R13 is O or S. In some cases, R13 is S. In some cases, one or two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH or CR4. In some cases, two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH or CR4. In some cases, two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH. In some cases, two instances of R12 are CR4, wherein the two instances of R4 are taken together to form an aryl or heteroaryl group.
In some cases, a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautomer, or N-oxide thereof of Formula (Ia) comprises the structure of Formula (Ie):
wherein each instance of R12 is independently selected from the group consisting of N, CH, and CR4, and R13 is NH, NR4, O, or S. In some cases, R13 is O or S. In some cases, R13 is S. In some cases, one or two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH or CR4. In some cases, two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH or CR4. In some cases, two instances of R12 are N, and the remainder of R12 are CH. In some cases, two instances of R12 are CR4, wherein the two instances of R4 are taken together to form an aryl or heteroaryl group.
In some cases, a compound of Formula (I) is N-(3-fluoro-4-((7-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-1,6-naphthyridin-4-yl)oxy)phenyl)-1-phenyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (ENG-015,
In some cases, a compound of Formula (I) may comprise Ron inhibitory activity. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 at most 1 μM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 500 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 400 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 300 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 200 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 100 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 80 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 60 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 500 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 40 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 30 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 20 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 15 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 10 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 8 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 6 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 5 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 3 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 2 nM. The compound may comprise a Ron IC50 of at most 1 nM.
In some cases, a compound of Formula (I) may comprise cMet inhibitory activity. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 50 nM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 100 nM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 200 nM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 400 nM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 500 nM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 600 nM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 800 nM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 1 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 2 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 3 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 4 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 5 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 8 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 10 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 12 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 15 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 20 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 25 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 40 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 50 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 80 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 100 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 120 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 150 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 200 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 250 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 300 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 400 μM. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 of at least 500 μM.
In some cases, a compound of Formula (I) may comprise greater Ron inhibitory activity than cMet inhibitory activity. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least twice that of a Ron IC50 of said compound. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 5 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said compound. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 10 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said compound. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 20 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said compound. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 25 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said compound. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 50 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said compound. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 100 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said compound. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 200 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said compound. The compound may comprise a cMet IC50 that is at least 400 times greater than a Ron IC50 of said compound.
In some cases, small changes in ring A or a substituent of ring A (A-R1) may modulate selectivity for Ron (e.g., over other protein kinases such as cMet). In some cases, small changes in ring C or a substituent of ring C may modulate inhibitory activity for Ron (e.g., affect a Ron IC50). For example, a Ron inhibitor of Formula (I) with a low Ron IC50 may be modified at Ring A (or a substituent thereof, A-R1) to enhance its selectivity toward Ron.
The terms below, as used herein, have the following meanings, unless indicated otherwise:
“Amino” refers to the —NH2 radical.
“Cyano” refers to the —CN radical.
“Hydroxy” or “hydroxyl” refers to the —OH radical.
“Nitro” refers to the —NO2 radical.
“Oxo” refers to the ═O substituent.
“Aryl” may refer to a radical derived from a hydrocarbon ring system comprising hydrogen, 6 to 30 carbon atoms and at least one aromatic ring. The aryl radical may be a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, which may include fused or bridged ring systems. Aryl radicals include, but are not limited to, aryl radicals derived from the hydrocarbon ring systems of benzene, indane, indene, and naphthalene.
“Heteroaryl” may refer to a 5- to 14-membered ring system radical comprising hydrogen atoms, one to thirteen carbon atoms, one to six heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous and sulfur, and at least one aromatic ring. For purposes of this invention, the heteroaryl radical may be a monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system, which may include fused or bridged ring systems; and the nitrogen, carbon or sulfur atoms in the heteroaryl radical may be optionally oxidized; the nitrogen atom may be optionally quaternized.
“Alkyl” may refer to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain radical, and which is attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. An alkyl comprising up to 10 carbon atoms is referred to as a C1-C10 alkyl, likewise, for example, an alkyl comprising up to 6 carbon atoms is a C1-C6 alkyl, an alkyl comprising up to 4 carbon atoms is a C1-C4 alkyl. Alkyls (and other moieties defined herein) comprising other numbers of carbon atoms are represented similarily. Representative alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, 1-methylethyl (iso-propyl), n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, n-pentyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl (t-butyl), 3-methylhexyl, 2-methylhexyl, and the like. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkyl group may be optionally substituted as described below. “Alkylene” or “alkylene chain” refers to a straight or branched divalent hydrocarbon chain linking the rest of the molecule to a radical group.
“Alkoxy” may refer to a radical of the formula —OR where R is an alkyl radical as defined. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, an alkoxy group may be optionally substituted as described below.
“Heteroalkylene” may refer to an alkyl radical as described above where one or more carbon atoms of the alkyl is replaced with a O, N or S atom. “Heteroalkylene” or “heteroalkylene chain” refers to a straight or branched divalent heteroalkyl chain linking the rest of the molecule to a radical group. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the heteroalkyl or heteroalkylene group may be optionally substituted as described below. Representative heteroalkyl groups include, but are not limited to —OCH2CH2OMe, OCH2CH2OCH2CH2NH2, or OCH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH2N(Me)2.
“Cycloalkyl” may refer to a stable, non-aromatic, monocyclic or polycyclic carbocyclic ring, which may include fused or bridged ring systems, which is saturated or unsaturated, and attached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. Representative cycloalkyls include, but are not limited to, cycloaklyls having from three to fifteen carbon atoms, from three to ten carbon atoms, from three to eight carbon atoms, from three to six carbon atoms, from three to five carbon atoms, or three to four carbon atoms. Monocyclic cyclcoalkyl radicals include, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. Polycyclic radicals include, for example, adamantyl, norbornyl, decalinyl, and 7,7-dimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl.
“Fused” refers to any ring structure described herein which is fused to an existing ring structure. When the fused ring is a heterocyclyl ring or a heteroaryl ring, any carbon atom on the existing ring structure which becomes part of the fused heterocyclyl ring or the fused heteroaryl ring may be replaced with a nitrogen atom.
“Halo” or “halogen” may refer to bromo, chloro, fluoro or iodo.
“Haloalkyl” may refer to an alkyl radical, as defined above, that is substituted by one or more halo radicals, as defined above, e.g., trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1,2-difluoroethyl, 3-bromo-2-fluoropropyl, 1,2-dibromoethyl, and the like.
“Heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclic ring” or “hetercycloalkyl” may refer to a stable 3- to 14-membered non-aromatic ring radical comprising 2 to 13 carbon atoms and from one to 6 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Unless stated otherwise specifically in the specification, the heterocyclyl radical may be a monocyclic, or bicyclic ring system, which may include fused or bridged ring systems; and the nitrogen, carbon or sulfur atoms in the heterocyclyl radical may be optionally oxidized; the nitrogen atom may be optionally quaternized; and the heterocyclyl radical may be partially or fully saturated.
The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for delivery or administration of one or more agents described herein. One or more agents may be delivered to a subject (e.g., in vivo), or to a cell or population of cells from a subject (e.g., ex vivo or in vivo). In some cases, the one or more agents may be delivered to a subject in one or more delivery vesicles, such as a nanoparticle. The nanoparticle may be any suitable nanoparticle and may be a solid, semi-solid, semi-liquid or a gel. The nanoparticle may be a lipophilic and amphiphilic particle. For example, a nanoparticle may comprise a micelle, liposome, exosome, or other lipid-containing vesicle. In some cases, the nanoparticle may be configured for targeted delivery to a certain cell or cell type (e.g., cancer cell). In such cases, the nanoparticle may be decorated with any number of ligands, e.g., antibodies, nucleic acid molecules (e.g., ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules), proteins, peptides, which may specifically bind to a certain cell or cell type (e.g., cancer cell).
The one or more agents may be delivered using viral approaches. For example, the one or more agents may be administered using a viral vector. In such cases, the one or more agents may be encapsulated in a virus for delivery to a cell, population of cells, or the subject. The virus can be an adeno-associated virus (AAV), a retrovirus, a lentivirus, a herpes simplex virus, or other useful virus. The virus may be engineered or may be naturally occurring.
The one or more agents may be delivered to a subject (e.g., human patient) or a body of the subject (e.g., at the tumor site) using a single or variety of approaches. For example, the one or more agents may be delivered or administered orally, intravenously, intraperitoneally, intratumorally, subcutaneously, topically, transdermally, transmucosally, or through another administration approach.
The one or more agents may be delivered to the subject enterally. For example, the one or more agents may be administered to the subject orally, rectally, sublingually, sub-labially, buccally, topically, or through an enema. In such cases, the one or more agents may be formulated into a tablet, capsule, drop or other formulation. The formulation may be configured to be delivered enterally.
The one or more agents may be delivered to the subject parenterally. For example, the one or more agents may be administered via injection into a location of the subject. The location may comprise the central nervous system, and the one or more agents may be delivered epidurally, intracerebrally, intracerebroventricularly, etc. The location may comprise the skin, and the one or more agents may be delivered epicutaneously. For instance, the one or more agents may be formulated in a transdermal patch, which can deliver the one or more agents to the skin of a subject. The one or more agents may be delivered sublingually and/or bucally, extra-amniotically, nasally, intra-arterially, intra-articularly, intravavernously, intracardiacally, intradermally, intralesionally, intramuscularly, intraocularly, intraosseously, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intrauterinely, intravaginally, intravenously, intravesically, intravitreally, subcutaneously, trans-dermally, perivascularly, transmucosally, or through another route of administration. In some cases, the one or more agents may be delivered topically.
The one or more agents may be formulated into an aerosol, pill, tablet, capsule (e.g., asymmetric membrane capsule), pastille, elixir, emulsion, powder, solution, suspension, tincture, liquid, gel, dry powder, vapor, droplet, ointment, patch, or a combination thereof. For instance, the one or more agents may be formulated in a gel or polymer and delivered via a thin film.
In some instances, the one or more agents may be delivered to the subject using a targeted delivery approach (e.g., for targeted delivery to the tumor site) or using a delivery approach to increase uptake of a cell of the one or more agents. The delivery approach may comprise magnetic drug delivery (e.g., magnetic nanoparticle-based drug delivery), an acoustic targeted drug delivery approach, a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system, or other delivery approach. In some cases, the one or more agents may be formulated for targeted delivery or for increased uptake of a cell. For example, the one or more agents may be formulated with another agent, which may improve the solubility, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, absorbability, half-life, bioavailability, release profile, or other property of the one or more agents. For example, the one or more agents may be formulated with a polymer which may control the release profile of the one or more agents. The one or more agents may be formulated as a coating or with a coating (e.g., bovine submaxillary mucin coatings, polymer coatings, etc.) to alter a property of the one or more agents (e.g., bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, etc.).
In some instances, the one or more agents may be formulated using retrometabolic drug design. In such cases, the one or more agents may be assessed for metabolic effects in a cell, and a new formulation comprising a derivative (e.g., chemically synthesized alternative or engineered variant) may be designed to change a property of the one or more agents (e.g., to increase efficacy, minimize undesirable side effects, alter bioavailability, etc.).
To determine whether a combination of targeted agents may be effective in killing triple-negative breast cancer, plausible synthetic lethal gene pair targets can first be identified using a genetic knockdown or knockout screen (e.g., using the workflow depicted in
The gene interaction scores of each gene pair can then be calculated using the equation:
GIAB=Zobs−Zexp=ZAB−(ZA−ZB)
where A refers to gene A (a first tyrosine kinase), B refers to gene B (a second tyrosine kinase), Zobs is the observed phenotype, Zexp is the expected phenotype, and ZAB is the observed phenotype. In such cases, ZAB is calculated as the averaged log-fold change of the count of double sgRNAs (i.e., for gene A and gene B knockout) at Day 20 relative to Day 0. Zexp is the sum of ZA and ZB, and is defined as the average log-fold change of the count of sgRNAs targeting gene A and gene B, respectively, at Day 20 relative to Day 0. The gene interaction scores may then be ranked by magnitude of the modified gene interaction score. The ranked gene pairs are listed in Table 1.
The top-ranked gene pairs may be subjected to further screening to determine whether the gene pair may be synthetic lethal. For example, the SRC-YES gene pair may be tested for synthetic lethality using additional cell-lines and alternative methods of gene function knock-down (e.g., siRNA or small molecules). As in the screen, in one approach, SRC and YES genes may be knocked down or knocked out of a cell's genome using a combinatorial genetics CRISPR approach. In such an example, a DNA construct may be generated. The DNA construct may comprise a Src gRNA to direct an endonuclease (e.g., a Cas protein) to the SRC gene, as well as a Yes gRNA to direct an endonuclease (e.g., a Cas protein) to the YES gene. The Src gRNA and Yes gRNA may comprise a sequence homologous or complementary to a sequence on the endogenous SRC gene or YES gene, respectively. In some instances, the DNA construct may also comprise replacement genes to replace SRC and YES in the genome (e.g., dysfunctional sequences, random DNA sequences).
Control DNA constructs may also be generated. For example, to determine if the gene pair is synthetic lethal, it may be important to monitor the effect of disrupting each member of the gene pair, as well as the combination of the gene pair. Moreover, it may be important to monitor the effect of a negative control, in which a DNA construct comprising an ineffective gRNA e.g., non-specific gRNA as a “non-cutting” control may be constructed. In addition, to determine whether the order in which the replacement genes occur in the DNA construct influences the effect on the cells, a DNA construct comprising SRC-YES sequences may be compared to one that comprises YES-SRC sequences.
The DNA constructs may then be introduced to cancer cells (e.g., MDA-MB-231 cells) with an endonuclease, e.g., Cas9. The Cas9 may then replace, edit, or delete the SRC and YES genes in the treated cells, and in some cases, replace the SRC and YES genes in the genomes with the replacement genes in the DNA constructs. Proliferation or viability of the cells may then be monitored over time to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. The viability of the cells may be normalized or compared to a control population of cells that are not treated.
To validate that the DNA constructs are correctly designed and that they indeed inhibit gene expression or activity of SRC and YES genes, a DNA analysis or a protein assay may be performed. For example, after introducing the DNA constructs to knock out or knock down SRC and YES genes in a cell, a Western Blot or other immunoassay may be used to ascertain that Src and Yes proteins are expressed at a lower level than a negative control population of cells.
The viability of the treated cells can be normalized to a negative control (e.g., non-treated cells, or cells treated with DNA constructs comprising scrambled gRNA or comprising normal copies of SRC and YES). As can be seen in
Altogether, the data represented in
As described in Example 1, the top-ranked gene pairs from a gene interaction screen may be subjected to further screening to determine whether the gene pair may be synthetic lethal. For example, the SRC-RON (where RON is also called MST1R) gene pair may be tested for synthetic lethality. In one approach, SRC and RON genes may be knocked down or knocked out of a cell's genome using a CRISPR-based approach. In such an example, a DNA construct may be generated. The DNA construct may comprise a Src gRNA to direct an endonuclease (e.g., a Cas protein) to the SRC gene, as well as a RON gRNA to direct an endonuclease (e.g., a Cas protein) to the RON gene. The Src gRNA and RON gRNA may comprise a sequence homologous or complementary to a sequence on the endogenous SRC gene or RON gene, respectively. In some instances, the DNA construct may also comprise replacement genes to replace SRC and RON in the genome (e.g., dysfunctional sequences, random DNA sequences).
Control DNA constructs may also be generated. For example, to determine if the gene pair is synthetic lethal, it may be important to monitor the effect of disrupting each member of the gene pair, as well as the combination of the gene pair. Moreover, it may be important to monitor the effect of a negative control, in which a DNA construct comprising an ineffective gRNA (e.g., non-specific gRNA as a “non-cutting” control), normal copies of the SRC and RON genes (to affect minimal change), or a combination thereof may be constructed. In addition, to determine whether the order in which the replacement genes occur in the DNA construct influences the effect on the cells, a DNA construct comprising SRC-RON sequences may be compared to one that comprises RON-SRC sequences.
The DNA constructs may then be introduced to cancer cells (e.g., MDA-MB-231 cells) with an endonuclease, e.g., Cas9. The Cas9 may then replace, edit, or delete the SRC and RON genes in the treated cells, and in some cases, replace the SRC and RON genes in the genomes with the replacement genes in the DNA constructs. Proliferation or viability of the cells may then be monitored over time to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. The viability of the cells may be normalized or compared to a control population of cells e.g., cells that are not treated or cells treated with a scrambled gRNA, or cells treated with only a vehicle control.
To validate that the DNA constructs are correctly designed and that they indeed inhibit gene expression or activity of SRC and RON genes, a protein assay may be performed. For example, after introducing the DNA constructs to knock out or knock down SRC and RON genes in a cell, a Western Blot or other immunoassay may be used to ascertain that Src and RON proteins are expressed at a lower level than a negative control population of cells.
Altogether, the data represented in
Improvements to selectivity, specificity, or potency of RON and/or SRC inhibitors may also improve cancer treatment, e.g., by requiring lower effective dosages or decreasing off-target effects.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/US2020/065335, filed Dec. 16, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/114,930, filed Nov. 17, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/951,479, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62951479 | Dec 2019 | US | |
| 63114930 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2020/065335 | Dec 2020 | US |
| Child | 17842983 | US |
