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Nature Cancer Sep 2022Emerging evidence indicates that various cancers can gain resistance to targeted therapies by acquiring lineage plasticity. Although various genomic and transcriptomic...
Emerging evidence indicates that various cancers can gain resistance to targeted therapies by acquiring lineage plasticity. Although various genomic and transcriptomic aberrations correlate with lineage plasticity, the molecular mechanisms enabling the acquisition of lineage plasticity have not been fully elucidated. We reveal that Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling is a crucial executor in promoting lineage plasticity-driven androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapy resistance in prostate cancer. Importantly, ectopic JAK-STAT activation is specifically required for the resistance of stem-like subclones expressing multilineage transcriptional programs but not subclones exclusively expressing the neuroendocrine-like lineage program. Both genetic and pharmaceutical inhibition of JAK-STAT signaling resensitizes resistant tumors to AR-targeted therapy. Together, these results suggest that JAK-STAT are compelling therapeutic targets for overcoming lineage plasticity-driven AR-targeted therapy resistance.
Topics: Humans; Janus Kinases; Male; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Prostatic Neoplasms; Receptors, Androgen; STAT Transcription Factors
PubMed: 36065066
DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00431-9 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Oct 2021Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by intermittent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. Many of the inflammatory pathways... (Review)
Review
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by intermittent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. Many of the inflammatory pathways implicated in asthma involve cytokines and growth factors that activate Janus kinases (JAKs). The discovery of the JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway was a major breakthrough that revolutionized our understanding of cell growth and differentiation. JAK inhibitors are under active investigation for immune and inflammatory diseases, and they have demonstrated clinical efficacy in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis. Substantial preclinical data support the idea that inhibiting JAKs will ameliorate airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in asthma. Here, we review the rationale for use of JAK inhibitors in different asthma endotypes as well as the preclinical and early clinical evidence supporting such use. We review preclinical data from the use of systemic and inhaled JAK inhibitors in animal models of asthma and safety data based on the use of JAK inhibitors in other diseases. We conclude that JAK inhibitors have the potential to usher in a new era of anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma.
Topics: Animals; Asthma; Drug Administration Routes; Humans; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Janus Kinases; STAT Transcription Factors
PubMed: 34625142
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.08.013 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Feb 2023Inadequate immunity caused by poor immune surveillance leads to tumorigenesis, while excessive immunity due to breakdown of immune tolerance causes autoimmune genesis....
BACKGROUND
Inadequate immunity caused by poor immune surveillance leads to tumorigenesis, while excessive immunity due to breakdown of immune tolerance causes autoimmune genesis. Although the function of immunity during the onset of these two processes appears to be distinct, the underlying mechanism is shared. To date, gene expression data for large bodies of clinical samples are available, but the resemblances of tumorigenesis and autoimmune genesis in terms of immune responses remains to be summed up.
METHODS
Considering the high disease prevalence, we chose invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to study the potential commonalities of immune responses. We obtained gene expression data of IDC/SLE patients and normal controls from five IDC databases (GSE29044, GSE21422, GSE22840, GSE15852, and GSE9309) and five SLE databases (GSE154851, GSE99967, GSE61635, GSE50635, and GSE17755). We intended to identify genes differentially expressed in both IDC and SLE by using three bioinformatics tools including GEO2R, the limma R package, and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to perform function enrichment, protein-protein network, and signaling pathway analyses.
RESULTS
The mRNA levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1), 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase like (OASL), and PML nuclear body scaffold (PML) were found to be differentially expressed in both IDC and SLE by using three different bioinformatics tools of GEO2R, the limma R package and WGCNA. From the combined databases in this study, the mRNA levels of STAT1 and OAS1 were increased in IDC while reduced in SLE. And the mRNA levels of OASL and PML were elevated in both IDC and SLE. Based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, both IDC and SLE were correlated with the changes of multiple components involved in the Interferon (IFN)-Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
The expression levels of STAT1 and OAS1 manifest the opposite expression tendency across cancer and autoimmune disease. They are components in the IFN-JAK-STAT signaling pathway related to both tumorigenesis and autoimmune genesis. STAT1 and OAS1-associated IFN-JAK-STAT signaling could explain the commonalities during tumorigenesis and autoimmune genesis and render significant information for more precise treatment from the point of immune homeostasis.
Topics: Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Janus Kinases; Neoplasms; Carcinogenesis; Computational Biology; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 36765396
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03943-9 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). For many years,... (Review)
Review
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). For many years, corticosteroids have been the mainstay treatment for GVHD, but cases of steroid-refractory GVHD and the severe adverse effects of high-dose corticosteroids have increased the need for preventative and therapeutic strategies for GVHD. Due to the nature of alloreactive T cells, GVHD is inherently linked to the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, the therapeutic driving force behind stem cell transplantation. A considerable clinical challenge is to preserve GVL while suppressing GVHD. The field of GVHD research has greatly expanded over the past decades, including advancements in T cell modulation and depletion, antibody therapies, chemotherapeutics, cellular therapies, and Janus kinase inhibition. In this review, we discuss current approaches and advances in the prophylaxis and treatment of GVHD with a focus on new emerging advancements in Janus kinase inhibitor therapy.
Topics: Humans; Janus Kinases; Graft vs Host Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Transplantation, Homologous
PubMed: 38380328
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1304065 -
Molecular Cancer Jan 2024Over the past three decades, considerable efforts have been expended on understanding the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT)... (Review)
Review
Over the past three decades, considerable efforts have been expended on understanding the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway in leukemia, following the identification of the JAK2V617F mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The aim of this review is to summarize the latest progress in our understanding of the involvement of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the development of leukemia. We also attempt to provide insights into the current use of JAK/STAT inhibitors in leukemia therapy and explore pertinent clinical trials in this field.
Topics: Humans; Janus Kinases; STAT Transcription Factors; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Leukemia; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38273387
DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01929-1 -
Cells Jan 2022Acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to be a worldwide public health crisis. Among the several severe manifestations of this... (Review)
Review
Acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to be a worldwide public health crisis. Among the several severe manifestations of this disease, thrombotic processes drive the catastrophic organ failure and mortality in these patients. In addition to a well-established cytokine storm associated with the disease, perturbations in platelets, endothelial cells, and the coagulation system are key in triggering systemic coagulopathy, involving both the macro- and microvasculatures of different organs. Of the several mechanisms that might contribute to dysregulation of these cells following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the current review focuses on the role of activated Janus kinase (JAK) signaling in augmenting thrombotic processes and organ dysfunction. The review concludes with presenting the current understanding and emerging controversies concerning the potential therapeutic applications of JAK inhibitors for ameliorating the inflammation-thrombosis phenotype in COVID-19 patients.
Topics: COVID-19; Cytokine Release Syndrome; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Janus Kinases; SARS-CoV-2; Signal Transduction; Thrombosis
PubMed: 35053424
DOI: 10.3390/cells11020306 -
Biology of Blood and Marrow... Sep 2014Myelofibrosis (MF) is a manifestation of several disorders of hematopoiesis, collectively referred to as myeloproliferative neoplasms. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell... (Review)
Review
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a manifestation of several disorders of hematopoiesis, collectively referred to as myeloproliferative neoplasms. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the only therapy with proven curative potential. However, most patients with MF are in their 6th or 7th decade of life, and only some of these patients have been considered suitable transplantation candidates. The development of reduced-intensity conditioning regimens with limited toxicity has allowed clinicians to offer ASCT to a growing number of older patients. The availability of Janus Kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitors allows clinicians to provide symptom relief and improved quality of life for MF patients. These drugs may also affect the decision regarding, in particular, the timing of ASCT. Future studies need to address the role of JAK1/2 inhibitors in patients who are transplantation candidates and determine their role before and, possibly, after transplantation. The identification of indications for the use of JAK1/2 inhibitors in the context of transplantation may lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with MF.
Topics: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Janus Kinases; Primary Myelofibrosis; Transplantation Conditioning; Transplantation, Homologous
PubMed: 24680977
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.03.017 -
European Journal of Immunology Jul 2021The European Journal of Immunology was launched 50 years ago, coinciding with the discovery of many cytokines and growth factors and the emergence of an entirely new... (Review)
Review
The European Journal of Immunology was launched 50 years ago, coinciding with the discovery of many cytokines and growth factors and the emergence of an entirely new field of research. Ultimately, our knowledge about the biological activity of these factors allowed us to better understand how the immune system functions in the context of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases leading to the development of targeted biologic therapies. The study of cytokine signal transduction led to the discovery of Janus kinases (JAK), and the consideration of therapeutically targeting JAKs to treat immune and inflammatory diseases. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the approval of the first JAK inhibitor (jakinib) and now there are a total of nine approved jakinibs for treatment of rheumatologic, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and neoplastic indications and most recently COVID-19. Here, we summarized the discoveries that led to development of first-generation jakinibs, discussed some of the newer, possibly more selective jakinibs, as well as jakinibs that also target other kinases. We also illustrated the rationale behind the application of these drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 cytokine storm. In this review, we will discuss the clinical success of jakinibs, the gaps in our understanding of their biological activities as well as challenges in regard to their clinical application.
Topics: Autoimmune Diseases; Cytokine Release Syndrome; Cytokines; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Janus Kinases; SARS-CoV-2; Signal Transduction; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33930196
DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048922 -
Translational Neurodegeneration Oct 2023Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a poorly treated multifactorial neurodegenerative disease associated with multiple cell types and subcellular organelles. As with... (Review)
Review
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a poorly treated multifactorial neurodegenerative disease associated with multiple cell types and subcellular organelles. As with other multifactorial diseases, it is likely that drugs will need to target multiple disease processes and cell types to be effective. We review here the role of Janus kinase (JAK)/Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signalling in ALS, confirm the association of this signalling with fundamental ALS disease processes using the BenevolentAI Knowledge Graph, and demonstrate that inhibitors of this pathway could reduce the ALS pathophysiology in neurons, glia, muscle fibres, and blood cells. Specifically, we suggest that inhibition of the JAK enzymes by approved inhibitors known as Jakinibs could reduce STAT3 activation and modify the progress of this disease. Analysis of the Jakinibs highlights baricitinib as a suitable candidate due to its ability to penetrate the central nervous system and exert beneficial effects on the immune system. Therefore, we recommend that this drug be tested in appropriately designed clinical trials for ALS.
Topics: Humans; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Central Nervous System; Janus Kinases
PubMed: 37828541
DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00380-y -
Indian Journal of Dermatology,... 2023The Janus kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway has been identified as a key player in the pathophysiology of alopecia areata... (Review)
Review
The Janus kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway has been identified as a key player in the pathophysiology of alopecia areata and a potential target for therapy. Here, we give a narrative review of what is known about Janus kinase inhibitors in alopecia areata. Several clinical trials as well as smaller studies have demonstrated hair regrowth and remission with oral Janus kinase inhibitors therapy, even in patients who failed conventional treatment. Baricitinib is the only US FDA-approved treatment for alopecia areata but data for other oral Janus kinase inhibitors such as tofacitinib, ruxolitinib and ritlecitinib are also promising. Fewer clinical trials have investigated topical Janus kinase inhibitors for alopecia areata, with many of them terminated early due to unfavourable results. Overall, Janus kinase inhibitors are an efficacious addition to the therapeutic arsenal for treatment-refractory alopecia areata. Further work is needed to examine the effects of long-term usage of Janus kinase inhibitors, the efficacy of topical Janus kinase inhibitors, as well as to identify biomarkers that could predict differential therapeutic responses to the various Janus kinase inhibitors.
Topics: Humans; Alopecia Areata; Janus Kinase Inhibitors; Alopecia; Hair; Janus Kinases
PubMed: 37436019
DOI: 10.25259/IJDVL_1093_2022