Abstract 3014: ONC201 anti-cancer effects against solid tumors are mediated through eIF2α kinases HRI and PKR but are PERK-independent

Abstract

ONC201 is a first-in-class small molecule inducer of the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathway. We recently reported that ONC201-mediated induction of the TRAIL pathway is largely promoted by a preceding early activation of the integrated stress response pathway (ISR) (Kline et al., Sci. Sig., in press, 2015). ONC201 engages the ISR to exert its broad-spectrum anti-cancer effects through pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activities. ONC201 upregulates ATF4, the key indicator of ISR activation, in a manner that is dependent on two eIF2α kinases: heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) and double-stranded RNA activated protein kinase (PKR). Of note, the activation of ATF4 and downstream cell death signaling by ONC201 is PERK-independent. We now further elucidate how the novel dual engagement of HRI and PKR by ONC201 contributes to the anti-cancer effects of ONC201. ONC201 treatment results in early phosphorylation of eIF2α in a manner that is dependent on HRI. On the other hand, we have shown that ONC201-induced downregulation of cyclin D1 is dependent, at least in part, on PKR, but not on eIF2 α phosphorylation per se. This occurs potentially via PKR-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome degradation of cyclin D1. Treating cells with ONC201 and the proteasome inhibitor MG132 prevents ONC201-induced decrease of cyclin D1. Despite distinctions in their regulatory protein domains, HRI and PKR have both been shown to respond to oxidative stress. Treating cells with ONC201 in the presence of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine abrogated ATF4 induction. Our findings document a unique activity of ONC201 on protein translation, via activation of HRI and PKR, as well as effects on protein stability through the proteasome leading to anti-cancer effects.

Citation Format: Christina Leah B. Kline, Wafik S. El-Deiry. ONC201 anti-cancer effects against solid tumors are mediated through eIF2α kinases HRI and PKR but are PERK-independent. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3014.