Targeting the non ‐ATP‐binding pocket of the MAP kinase p38γ mediates a novel mechanism of cytotoxicity in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL)

We describe here for the first time a lipid-binding-domain (LBD) in p38 γ mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) involved in the response of T cells to a newly identified inhibitor, CSH71. We describe how CSH71, which binds to both the LBD and the ATP-binding pocket of p38γ, is selectively cytotoxic to CTCL Hut78 cells but spares normal healthy peripheral blood monon uclear (PBMC) cells, and propose possible molecular mechanisms for its action. p38γ is a key player in CTCL development, and we expect that the ability to regulate its expression by specifically targeting the lipid-binding domain will have important clinical relevance. Our findings characterize nov el mechanisms of gene regulation in T lymphoma cells and validate the use of computational screening techniques to identify inhibitors for therapeutic development.

Source: FEBS Letters - August 28, 2021 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Xu Hannah Zhang, Chih ‐Hong Chen, Hongzhi Li, Jack Hsiang, Xiwei Wu, Weidong Hu, David Horne, Sangkil Nam, Jack Shively, Steven T. Rosen Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research