**2. Protein phosphatase 2A**

PP2A, a ubiquitously expressed protein serine/threonine phosphatase in mammalian cells, is a tumor suppressor that regulates essential cell processes and counteracts most of kinases-driven intracellular signaling pathways [7–11]. Recent evidences indicate that PP2A inactivation arises in several solid and hematological tumors causing the prolong activation of survival pathways or the inhibition of apoptotic pathways, pointing out its relevance in leukemogenesis [9, 12–14]. The use of okadaic acid (OA), a potent tumor promoter that inhibits PP2A activity, has greatly contributed to the understanding of the phosphatase functions [15].

PP2A appear in two different forms: a dimeric and a trimeric form [9, 16]. The dimer, known as the core enzyme, consists of a structural A subunit (PP2A-A) and a catalytic C subunit (PP2A-C), whereas the trimeric form, is comprised by a structural A subunit, a catalytic C subunit and a regulatory B subunit (PP2A-B). Interestingly, the function of the scaffold subunit varies depending on the PP2A complex. In the heterotrimeric form, PP2A-A mediates the interaction between the

**59**

**Figure 1.**

*The Key Role of the Phosphatase PP2A in the Development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia*

catalytic subunit with the regulatory subunit, while in the dimeric form, it acquires a regulatory function changing the catalytic specificity. Furthermore, each subunit is encoded by different genes, which further generate distinct isoforms. PP2A-A (PPP2R1/Aα and PPPR1B/Aβ) and PP2A-C (PPP2CA/Cα and PPP2CB/Cβ) are more conserve, whereas in PP2A-B four families of genes (B/PR55/B55, B′/PR61/ B56, B″/PR72, B″'/The striatins, STRN) have been recognized including 23 different alternative transcript and spliced forms, which determine the substrate specificity and intracellular localization of PP2A (**Figures 1** and **2**) [12, 14, 17, 18]. Therefore, the actual challenge is not only to identify deregulation of PP2A functions in AML patients, but also to recognize the subunit affected with the goal to develop efficient

The precise mechanism of PP2A active complex assembly remains obscure, but there are evidence that determine that post-translational modifications of PP2A-C residues, such as methylation and phosphorylation, plays an essential role in modulating the formation of active PP2A holoenzym. For instance, the methylation of PP2A-C subunit in leucine 309 (L09) by leucine carboxyl methyltransferase I is crucial for PR55/B55 binding, being not an essential requisite for other B families subunits [20–22]. However, post-translational modifications not only have an activating role, but also inhibitor since phosphorylation of tyrosine 307 (Y307) impairs the interaction of PP2A-C with the PR55/B55 and PR61/B56 subunits [20]. Interestingly, both cell lines and AML patient samples show an increase of Y307 phosphorylation [23]. On the

*Signaling pathways involving PP2A in AML. Scheme showing some of the molecular pathways regulated by PP2A complexes. Different isoforms of PP2A regulatory subunits are shown. The regulatory subunit B55α regulates the Akt pathway by dephosphorylating and inactivating Akt, which is the responsible of GSK3 phosphorylation and inactivation. On the other hand, B56*δ *PP2A regulatory subunit dephosphorylates and activates GSK3. Active GSK3 can phosphorylate MCl-1 in S159 (previous phosphorylation in T163 by ERK), leading to MCL-1 proteasome degradation and contributing to apoptosis. Active GSK3 can also phosphorylate Myc in T58 (previous phosphorylation in S62 by ERK), leading to the binding of B56α PP2A regulatory subunit, which dephosphorylates Myc in S62, leaving T58 phosphorylation that generates Myc instability and proteasome degradation. B56α can also dephosphorylate and inactivate BCL-2, activating the caspase dependent apoptosis. B56*γ *and B56α PP2A regulatory subunits control the MEK/ERK pathway, which is responsible of MCL-1 and Myc stability. \*B regulatory PP2A subunits are exemplified in representation of* 

*PP2A enzyme, which is represented in the legend. Red dots are symbolized as phosphate groups.*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94380*

target therapies [19].

#### *The Key Role of the Phosphatase PP2A in the Development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94380*

catalytic subunit with the regulatory subunit, while in the dimeric form, it acquires a regulatory function changing the catalytic specificity. Furthermore, each subunit is encoded by different genes, which further generate distinct isoforms. PP2A-A (PPP2R1/Aα and PPPR1B/Aβ) and PP2A-C (PPP2CA/Cα and PPP2CB/Cβ) are more conserve, whereas in PP2A-B four families of genes (B/PR55/B55, B′/PR61/ B56, B″/PR72, B″'/The striatins, STRN) have been recognized including 23 different alternative transcript and spliced forms, which determine the substrate specificity and intracellular localization of PP2A (**Figures 1** and **2**) [12, 14, 17, 18]. Therefore, the actual challenge is not only to identify deregulation of PP2A functions in AML patients, but also to recognize the subunit affected with the goal to develop efficient target therapies [19].

The precise mechanism of PP2A active complex assembly remains obscure, but there are evidence that determine that post-translational modifications of PP2A-C residues, such as methylation and phosphorylation, plays an essential role in modulating the formation of active PP2A holoenzym. For instance, the methylation of PP2A-C subunit in leucine 309 (L09) by leucine carboxyl methyltransferase I is crucial for PR55/B55 binding, being not an essential requisite for other B families subunits [20–22]. However, post-translational modifications not only have an activating role, but also inhibitor since phosphorylation of tyrosine 307 (Y307) impairs the interaction of PP2A-C with the PR55/B55 and PR61/B56 subunits [20]. Interestingly, both cell lines and AML patient samples show an increase of Y307 phosphorylation [23]. On the

#### **Figure 1.**

*Acute Leukemias*

generally applicable to young patients, while treatment options for older patients (≥65 years), which are the largest group, have historically been limited to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (i.e. azacitidine and decitabine) and low doses of cytarabine, and have only provided a modest benefit [1, 4, 5]. Besides, treatment is often ineffective in both groups due to drug resistance and relapse, particularly in patients with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-internal tandem duplication (ITD), that represent ~25% of all AML cases, and have poor outcome, with high risk of relapse and low cure rates [1–6]. The AML treatment landscape has changed substantially since 2017. New targeted drugs have emerged, including midostaurin and gilteritinib to target FLT3, and venetoclax to target BCL-2 [1]. This has created novel treatment options, especially in older as well as in refractory/relapsed patients. The natural history of FLT3-mutated AML is changing after the approval of midostaurin for frontline therapy and gilteritinib for relapsed or refractory patients. Nevertheless, despite initial clinical responses to FLT3 kinase inhibitors (FKIs), patients eventually relapse. Mechanisms of resistance include the acquisition of secondary FLT3 mutations and protective stromal signaling within the bone marrow niche [2–4]. In the same way, venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents or low-dose cytarabine is an effective therapy for older or unfit patients with AML, which represents most of the cases. However, it is now clear that multiple resistant sub-clones evolving contemporaneously during therapy can occur in AML and act as a barrier to the long-term success of targeted therapies. Studies about the molecular determinants of outcome with clinical relevance to patients with AML show that FLT3-ITD mutations or TP53 loss conferred cross-resistance to both venetoclax and cytotoxic-based therapies [5]. Besides, even with these and other potent targeted therapies, the disease persists within the bone marrow microenvironment, mainly due to activating parallel signaling pathways that maintain pro-survival factors. Therefore, acquired resistance to these targeted drugs remains a challenge and provides a rationale for combining either FLT3 inhibitors or venetoclax with other therapies, both conventional and investigational [6]. Reversible phosphorylation of proteins is a post-translational modification that regulates all aspect of life through the antagonistic action of kinases and phosphatases. Protein kinases are popular drug targets and are well characterized, but protein phosphatases have been relatively neglected [7]. In this chapter, we will focus on the role of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), inactivation of which is a recurrent event in AML, as a druggable tumor

PP2A, a ubiquitously expressed protein serine/threonine phosphatase in mammalian cells, is a tumor suppressor that regulates essential cell processes and counteracts most of kinases-driven intracellular signaling pathways [7–11]. Recent evidences indicate that PP2A inactivation arises in several solid and hematological tumors causing the prolong activation of survival pathways or the inhibition of apoptotic pathways, pointing out its relevance in leukemogenesis [9, 12–14]. The use of okadaic acid (OA), a potent tumor promoter that inhibits PP2A activity, has greatly contributed to the understanding of the phosphatase functions [15].

PP2A appear in two different forms: a dimeric and a trimeric form [9, 16]. The dimer, known as the core enzyme, consists of a structural A subunit (PP2A-A) and a catalytic C subunit (PP2A-C), whereas the trimeric form, is comprised by a structural A subunit, a catalytic C subunit and a regulatory B subunit (PP2A-B). Interestingly, the function of the scaffold subunit varies depending on the PP2A complex. In the heterotrimeric form, PP2A-A mediates the interaction between the

**58**

suppressor.

**2. Protein phosphatase 2A**

*Signaling pathways involving PP2A in AML. Scheme showing some of the molecular pathways regulated by PP2A complexes. Different isoforms of PP2A regulatory subunits are shown. The regulatory subunit B55α regulates the Akt pathway by dephosphorylating and inactivating Akt, which is the responsible of GSK3 phosphorylation and inactivation. On the other hand, B56*δ *PP2A regulatory subunit dephosphorylates and activates GSK3. Active GSK3 can phosphorylate MCl-1 in S159 (previous phosphorylation in T163 by ERK), leading to MCL-1 proteasome degradation and contributing to apoptosis. Active GSK3 can also phosphorylate Myc in T58 (previous phosphorylation in S62 by ERK), leading to the binding of B56α PP2A regulatory subunit, which dephosphorylates Myc in S62, leaving T58 phosphorylation that generates Myc instability and proteasome degradation. B56α can also dephosphorylate and inactivate BCL-2, activating the caspase dependent apoptosis. B56*γ *and B56α PP2A regulatory subunits control the MEK/ERK pathway, which is responsible of MCL-1 and Myc stability. \*B regulatory PP2A subunits are exemplified in representation of PP2A enzyme, which is represented in the legend. Red dots are symbolized as phosphate groups.*


**Figure 2.**

*PP2A subunits. (A) Schematic representation of PP2A subunits and their functions. (B) all different isoforms of every subunit of PP2A.*

other hand, post-translational modifications of PP2A-B can also affect the localization of the holoenzyme, complicating its targeting [24].

We and others have determined that PP2A deregulation is a common event in AML patients, and the restoration of PP2A activity with PP2A activating drugs (PADs), such as FTY720, has potent antileukemic effects in AML cells, preventing cell growth and inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis [12, 13, 23, 26–28]. However, FTY720 induces cardio-toxicity at the anti-neoplastic dose. Hence, we develop a novel non-phosphorylable FTY720 analogue called CM-1231, which has a great antileukemic potential without inducing secondary effects [28]. Furthermore, we have shown that PADs can be used in combination with kinase inhibitors or chemotherapy agents, suggesting that PP2A activity restoration could have a huge therapy potential in AML patients [23, 25, 27, 29–32].

#### **2.1 Mechanism of PP2A inactivation in AML**

Several somatic mutations have been described in PP2A subunits in different types of tumors such as melanoma, colon, lung and breast cancers [19, 33–39]. Mutations in PP2A-Aα or PP2A-Aβ subunits cause defective binding of B and C subunits, inhibiting PP2A active holoenzyme and favoring a malignant cell transformation [36, 37]. However, the frequency of PP2A inactivation due to mutations is low, with PPP2R1A subunit owning the highest mutational percentage rate (1,17%), and it seems to be an uncommon mechanism in AML. Likewise, our analysis of the genome of 250 patients with leukemia from the Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network (https://tcga-data.nci.nih.gov/tcga), show that only one patient has somatic mutations in PPP2R2B, which encode for PR55β subunit [14, 40].

Thus, the main mechanism that employs cancer cells to evade PP2Amediated tumor suppression is through the overexpression of proteins that

**61**

**Figure 3.**

*The Key Role of the Phosphatase PP2A in the Development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia*

mediate PP2A post-translational modifications or molecules that inactivates the

The SET oncoprotein, also known as I2PP2A (Inhibitor 2 of PP2A), TAF-1β or PHAP1, is a potent endogenous PP2A inhibitor that plays an essential role in myeloid leukemias (**Figure 3**) [44]. Firstly, SET was identified as an oncogene fused with nucleoporin NUP214 (CAN) in undifferentiated leukemias [45], to later be considered as a PP2A inhibitor [46]. This protein is mostly located in the nucleus, and is implicated in a wide range of cell processes such as DNA replication, gene transcription, chromatin remodeling [47, 48], DNA repair [49], cell differentiation [50], migration [51] and cell-cycle regulation [52]. SET is up-regulated in hematological and solid tumors, including breast cancer [53] and colorectal cancer [54]. Its role has been studied in depth in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Interestingly, patients with BCR-ABL1 gene fusion, which constitutively activates tyrosine kinase activity, essential for CML emergence, maintenance and progression, have SET overexpression [55]. The expression of BCR-ABL1 allows recruitment and activation of JAK2, which enhance β-catenin activity and induce SET-mediated inactiva-

Likewise, SET overexpression is also an important event in AML. We performed

a quantification of SET expression in AML patients, observing that SET overexpression is a recurrent event (60/214, 28%) associated with poor survival in AML. Furthermore, the protein overexpression has a prognostic impact in patients with

*PP2A inactivation by SET in AML. PI3K and CK2 can phosphorylate SET at serine 9 (S9), located in the nuclear localization signal. This phosphorylation translocates SET to the cytosol and impairs its return to the nucleus, increasing its ability to bind to the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2A-C), and inactivating PP2A.* 

*Treatment with FTY720 disrupts SET–PP2A interaction, allowing PP2A activation [57].*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94380*

holoenzyme function [41–43].

**2.2 SET/I2PP2A**

tion of PP2A [56].

*The Key Role of the Phosphatase PP2A in the Development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94380*

mediate PP2A post-translational modifications or molecules that inactivates the holoenzyme function [41–43].

#### **2.2 SET/I2PP2A**

*Acute Leukemias*

**Figure 2.**

*of every subunit of PP2A.*

other hand, post-translational modifications of PP2A-B can also affect the localization

*PP2A subunits. (A) Schematic representation of PP2A subunits and their functions. (B) all different isoforms* 

We and others have determined that PP2A deregulation is a common event in AML patients, and the restoration of PP2A activity with PP2A activating drugs (PADs), such as FTY720, has potent antileukemic effects in AML cells, preventing cell growth and inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis [12, 13, 23, 26–28]. However, FTY720 induces cardio-toxicity at the anti-neoplastic dose. Hence, we develop a novel non-phosphorylable FTY720 analogue called CM-1231, which has a great antileukemic potential without inducing secondary effects [28]. Furthermore, we have shown that PADs can be used in combination with kinase inhibitors or chemotherapy agents, suggesting that PP2A activity restoration could have a huge therapy

Several somatic mutations have been described in PP2A subunits in different types of tumors such as melanoma, colon, lung and breast cancers [19, 33–39]. Mutations in PP2A-Aα or PP2A-Aβ subunits cause defective binding of B and C subunits, inhibiting PP2A active holoenzyme and favoring a malignant cell transformation [36, 37]. However, the frequency of PP2A inactivation due to mutations is low, with PPP2R1A subunit owning the highest mutational percentage rate (1,17%), and it seems to be an uncommon mechanism in AML. Likewise, our analysis of the genome of 250 patients with leukemia from the Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network (https://tcga-data.nci.nih.gov/tcga), show that only one patient has somatic mutations in PPP2R2B, which encode for PR55β subunit [14, 40]. Thus, the main mechanism that employs cancer cells to evade PP2Amediated tumor suppression is through the overexpression of proteins that

of the holoenzyme, complicating its targeting [24].

potential in AML patients [23, 25, 27, 29–32].

**2.1 Mechanism of PP2A inactivation in AML**

**60**

The SET oncoprotein, also known as I2PP2A (Inhibitor 2 of PP2A), TAF-1β or PHAP1, is a potent endogenous PP2A inhibitor that plays an essential role in myeloid leukemias (**Figure 3**) [44]. Firstly, SET was identified as an oncogene fused with nucleoporin NUP214 (CAN) in undifferentiated leukemias [45], to later be considered as a PP2A inhibitor [46]. This protein is mostly located in the nucleus, and is implicated in a wide range of cell processes such as DNA replication, gene transcription, chromatin remodeling [47, 48], DNA repair [49], cell differentiation [50], migration [51] and cell-cycle regulation [52]. SET is up-regulated in hematological and solid tumors, including breast cancer [53] and colorectal cancer [54]. Its role has been studied in depth in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Interestingly, patients with BCR-ABL1 gene fusion, which constitutively activates tyrosine kinase activity, essential for CML emergence, maintenance and progression, have SET overexpression [55]. The expression of BCR-ABL1 allows recruitment and activation of JAK2, which enhance β-catenin activity and induce SET-mediated inactivation of PP2A [56].

Likewise, SET overexpression is also an important event in AML. We performed a quantification of SET expression in AML patients, observing that SET overexpression is a recurrent event (60/214, 28%) associated with poor survival in AML. Furthermore, the protein overexpression has a prognostic impact in patients with

#### **Figure 3.**

*PP2A inactivation by SET in AML. PI3K and CK2 can phosphorylate SET at serine 9 (S9), located in the nuclear localization signal. This phosphorylation translocates SET to the cytosol and impairs its return to the nucleus, increasing its ability to bind to the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2A-C), and inactivating PP2A. Treatment with FTY720 disrupts SET–PP2A interaction, allowing PP2A activation [57].*

normal karyotype, defining a subgroup of patients with worse outcome. Additional observations reveals that SET overexpression is associated with other adverse prognostic markers such as monosomy 7, SET binding protein a (SETBP1) overexpression and EVI1 overexpression, suggesting that this oncoprotein could cooperate with other additional aberrations in leukemogenesis program. Our analysis by western blot confirmed that SET is overexpressed at protein levels in both AML cell lines and patients samples [29].58.

In addition, we observed that SET promote cell survival by inhibiting PP2A activity through its binding to PP2A-C, forming an inhibitory complex that prevent phosphatase activity (**Figure 3**) [30]. That is the main reason why the use of PADs such as FTY720, OP449 or its analogues, show potent antileukemic effects, since prevent the interaction between SET and PP2A, recovering the antitumoral activity of PP2A [27, 28, 30]. Nevertheless, despite the importance of SET overexpression and its prognostic impact in hematological tumors, little is known about the mechanism involved in SET regulation, constituting a barrier to the development of new PP2A activating drugs.

Recent studies have described mechanism of post-translational regulation of SET that modulate the inhibitory activity against PP2A [58, 57]. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we found that p38β has a dual role in SET regulation in AML. We found that p38β up-regulation, but not p38α, is a common event in AML that contributes to SET-mediated PP2A inactivation [57]. It has been reported that p38 form complexes with PP2A [59–66]. However, their connection can vary depending on the cellular context. Upon TNF-induced stress conditions in endothelium-derived cell lines, p38 positively regulates PP2A activity [63], whereas under hypoxia and survival conditions, PP2A negatively regulates p38 activity [65]. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism has not been discovered until now. We show for the first time that p38β contributes to PP2A inactivation via SET regulation through two mechanisms: (i) p38β promotes the phosphorylation of the casein kinase 2 (CK2) which active form phosphorylates SET on Ser9, located in a nuclear localization signal, favoring the retention of SET into the cytoplasm and consequence inhibition of PP2A. Thus, p38β is involved in SET trafficking to the cytosol and PP2A inactivation through a CK2-dependent manner. (ii) p38β also binds to SET stabilizing the oncoprotein and avoiding its degradation [57].

Similarly, it had previously described another mechanism in AML that impairs PP2A activity through the stabilization of SET in the cytoplasm. SETBP1 is a protein located in the cytoplasm that binds and stabilizes the 39 kDa full-length SET, protecting the oncoprotein from protease cleavage, and facilitating PP2A inactivation and cell proliferation. Interestingly, SETBP1 overexpression is a common event in AML, affecting the 28% of AML patients and diminishing the overall survival [29]. Later studies in other myeloid neoplasm have confirmed the crucial role of SETBP1 in leukemogenesis.

On the other hand, SET is also implicated in natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. Upon cytokine stimulation (Interlukin-12, −18 and − 15), SET up-regulation impairs IFN-γ production in human NK via PP2A inactivation, limiting the anti-tumor and/or anti-inflammatory activity of the NK cells [67]. Trotta *et al*. described a model where SET/PP2A regulates granzyme B expression which leads to determine NK cytotoxicity. They observed that SET knockdown inhibited the expression of granzyme B at mRNA and protein levels, limiting NK cytotoxicity [68].

Others have reported SET as an inhibitor of the DNAse activity of the tumorsuppressor NM23-H1; a promoter of AP-1 activity; or an activator of MAPK signaling. These data suggest that SET not only induce the inactivation of PP2A but also promotes other signaling pathways ensure tumor growth.

**63**

*The Key Role of the Phosphatase PP2A in the Development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia*

Another endogenous PP2A inhibitor is cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) [69], an oncoprotein that controls oncogenic cellular signals by inhibiting PP2A activity through the stabilization of c-MYC [21, 69–71], which play an important

CIP2A is expressed in very few tissues in normal conditions but it is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers, where it is associated with an aggressive clinical behavior [70, 71, 73–76]. However, few studies have focused on AML. Wang et al. using conventional PCR found that 77.4% of AML patients [55 of 84] overexpressed CIP2A, confirming their results at protein levels, however, they did not provide quantitative data to support that [77]. Recently, our group using quantitative real-time RT-PCR studied the prevalence of this oncoprotein in a series of 203 normal karyotype AML patients. We reported that CIP2A overexpression is a recurrent event in this subgroup of the disease (51/203, 25%), and is associated with a very poor prognostic impact in the overall survival of normal karyotype AML patients. Our results indicate that CIP2A knockout downregulates c-MYC, leading to a reduction of the cell proliferation, supporting the malignant role of CIP2A and

In addition, cancerous inhibitor of PP2A has been extensively studied in CML. Similarly, high levels of CIP2A were found in CML patients at diagnosis being significantly associated with risk of progression to blast crisis. Therefore, CIP2A protein levels have been postulated as a biomarker of disease progression in Imatinib-treated CML patients [78]. Furthermore, as indicated above with SET, high levels of CIP2A are associated with an up-regulation of c-MYC and BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase activity [78]. However, second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) manage the disruption of CIP2A/c-MYC/E2F1 loop, preventing the malignant progression and constituting a promising therapeutic strategy [79]. These data support that CIP2A inhibits PP2A activity, stabilizing E2F1, and creating a CIP2A/c-MYC/E2F1 positive feedback loop, which imatinib cannot overcome [78]. However, greater efforts are need to elucidate the exact role of CIP2A in leukemias.

The increased number of studies pointing to the crucial role of PP2A inactivation in cancer growth has led to the development of drugs that favors PP2A reactivation [12, 80]. The most widely studied drugs are FTY720 and OP449, but its limitations have encouraged the search of new drugs that have greater efficacy and

FTY720, an oral sphingosine analog derived from myriocin, is a metabolite isolated from fungus Isaria Sinclairii that has been approved for the treatment of patients with relapse multiple sclerosis, but recently it has been studied for its potential antitumoral properties [81]. FTY720 is administrated as a pro-drug, which needs an activation by phosphorylation through sphingosine kinase 2, binding the active form to one of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1P1, S1P3, S1P4 or S1P5). The phosphorylated form does not prevent T-lymphocyte or B-lymphocyte activation, but does interfere with the immune cell trafficking from the lymphoid organs to the peripheral blood [82]. Likewise, FTY720 is a potent inhibitor of tumor growth and angiogenesis, being attractive its use in the treatment of both solid and hematological tumors. Interestingly, the anticancer activity of the drug depends on the ability to act as a PP2A activator [83], inducing apoptosis by interfering with Bcl-2, and suppressing mitogenic and survival signals, and inhibiting the ERK and

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94380*

**2.3 Cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A)**

role in AML [72].

c-MYC in leukemogenesis [31].

**2.4 PP2A-activating drugs**

PI3K/AKT pathways [13, 84].

clinical applicability.

*The Key Role of the Phosphatase PP2A in the Development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94380*

#### **2.3 Cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A)**

*Acute Leukemias*

lines and patients samples [29].58.

new PP2A activating drugs.

SETBP1 in leukemogenesis.

limiting NK cytotoxicity [68].

motes other signaling pathways ensure tumor growth.

normal karyotype, defining a subgroup of patients with worse outcome. Additional observations reveals that SET overexpression is associated with other adverse prognostic markers such as monosomy 7, SET binding protein a (SETBP1) overexpression and EVI1 overexpression, suggesting that this oncoprotein could cooperate with other additional aberrations in leukemogenesis program. Our analysis by western blot confirmed that SET is overexpressed at protein levels in both AML cell

In addition, we observed that SET promote cell survival by inhibiting PP2A activity through its binding to PP2A-C, forming an inhibitory complex that prevent phosphatase activity (**Figure 3**) [30]. That is the main reason why the use of PADs such as FTY720, OP449 or its analogues, show potent antileukemic effects, since prevent the interaction between SET and PP2A, recovering the antitumoral activity of PP2A [27, 28, 30]. Nevertheless, despite the importance of SET overexpression and its prognostic impact in hematological tumors, little is known about the mechanism involved in SET regulation, constituting a barrier to the development of

Recent studies have described mechanism of post-translational regulation of SET that modulate the inhibitory activity against PP2A [58, 57]. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we found that p38β has a dual role in SET regulation in AML. We found that p38β up-regulation, but not p38α, is a common event in AML that contributes to SET-mediated PP2A inactivation [57]. It has been reported that p38 form complexes with PP2A [59–66]. However, their connection can vary depending on the cellular context. Upon TNF-induced stress conditions in endothelium-derived cell lines, p38 positively regulates PP2A activity [63], whereas under hypoxia and survival conditions, PP2A negatively regulates p38 activity [65]. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism has not been discovered until now. We show for the first time that p38β contributes to PP2A inactivation via SET regulation through two mechanisms: (i) p38β promotes the phosphorylation of the casein kinase 2 (CK2) which active form phosphorylates SET on Ser9, located in a nuclear localization signal, favoring the retention of SET into the cytoplasm and consequence inhibition of PP2A. Thus, p38β is involved in SET trafficking to the cytosol and PP2A inactivation through a CK2-dependent manner. (ii) p38β also binds to

SET stabilizing the oncoprotein and avoiding its degradation [57].

Similarly, it had previously described another mechanism in AML that impairs PP2A activity through the stabilization of SET in the cytoplasm. SETBP1 is a protein located in the cytoplasm that binds and stabilizes the 39 kDa full-length SET, protecting the oncoprotein from protease cleavage, and facilitating PP2A inactivation and cell proliferation. Interestingly, SETBP1 overexpression is a common event in AML, affecting the 28% of AML patients and diminishing the overall survival [29]. Later studies in other myeloid neoplasm have confirmed the crucial role of

On the other hand, SET is also implicated in natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. Upon cytokine stimulation (Interlukin-12, −18 and − 15), SET up-regulation impairs IFN-γ production in human NK via PP2A inactivation, limiting the anti-tumor and/or anti-inflammatory activity of the NK cells [67]. Trotta *et al*. described a model where SET/PP2A regulates granzyme B expression which leads to determine NK cytotoxicity. They observed that SET knockdown inhibited the expression of granzyme B at mRNA and protein levels,

Others have reported SET as an inhibitor of the DNAse activity of the tumorsuppressor NM23-H1; a promoter of AP-1 activity; or an activator of MAPK signaling. These data suggest that SET not only induce the inactivation of PP2A but also pro-

**62**

Another endogenous PP2A inhibitor is cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) [69], an oncoprotein that controls oncogenic cellular signals by inhibiting PP2A activity through the stabilization of c-MYC [21, 69–71], which play an important role in AML [72].

CIP2A is expressed in very few tissues in normal conditions but it is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers, where it is associated with an aggressive clinical behavior [70, 71, 73–76]. However, few studies have focused on AML. Wang et al. using conventional PCR found that 77.4% of AML patients [55 of 84] overexpressed CIP2A, confirming their results at protein levels, however, they did not provide quantitative data to support that [77]. Recently, our group using quantitative real-time RT-PCR studied the prevalence of this oncoprotein in a series of 203 normal karyotype AML patients. We reported that CIP2A overexpression is a recurrent event in this subgroup of the disease (51/203, 25%), and is associated with a very poor prognostic impact in the overall survival of normal karyotype AML patients. Our results indicate that CIP2A knockout downregulates c-MYC, leading to a reduction of the cell proliferation, supporting the malignant role of CIP2A and c-MYC in leukemogenesis [31].

In addition, cancerous inhibitor of PP2A has been extensively studied in CML. Similarly, high levels of CIP2A were found in CML patients at diagnosis being significantly associated with risk of progression to blast crisis. Therefore, CIP2A protein levels have been postulated as a biomarker of disease progression in Imatinib-treated CML patients [78]. Furthermore, as indicated above with SET, high levels of CIP2A are associated with an up-regulation of c-MYC and BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase activity [78]. However, second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) manage the disruption of CIP2A/c-MYC/E2F1 loop, preventing the malignant progression and constituting a promising therapeutic strategy [79]. These data support that CIP2A inhibits PP2A activity, stabilizing E2F1, and creating a CIP2A/c-MYC/E2F1 positive feedback loop, which imatinib cannot overcome [78]. However, greater efforts are need to elucidate the exact role of CIP2A in leukemias.

#### **2.4 PP2A-activating drugs**

The increased number of studies pointing to the crucial role of PP2A inactivation in cancer growth has led to the development of drugs that favors PP2A reactivation [12, 80]. The most widely studied drugs are FTY720 and OP449, but its limitations have encouraged the search of new drugs that have greater efficacy and clinical applicability.

FTY720, an oral sphingosine analog derived from myriocin, is a metabolite isolated from fungus Isaria Sinclairii that has been approved for the treatment of patients with relapse multiple sclerosis, but recently it has been studied for its potential antitumoral properties [81]. FTY720 is administrated as a pro-drug, which needs an activation by phosphorylation through sphingosine kinase 2, binding the active form to one of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1P1, S1P3, S1P4 or S1P5). The phosphorylated form does not prevent T-lymphocyte or B-lymphocyte activation, but does interfere with the immune cell trafficking from the lymphoid organs to the peripheral blood [82]. Likewise, FTY720 is a potent inhibitor of tumor growth and angiogenesis, being attractive its use in the treatment of both solid and hematological tumors. Interestingly, the anticancer activity of the drug depends on the ability to act as a PP2A activator [83], inducing apoptosis by interfering with Bcl-2, and suppressing mitogenic and survival signals, and inhibiting the ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways [13, 84].

Mechanistically, FTY720 binds to globular amphipathic domain of the C-terminal hydrophobic pocket of SET [85], preventing the formation of the SET/PP2A-C inhibitory complex and reactivating PP2A functionality [12, 29–32]. Our group has confirmed these results in AML, showing that FTY720 binds to SET within the last 100 amino acids of the C-terminal fragment, producing a destabilization of the SET/PP2A-C inhibitory complex, which promote PP2A reactivation and a reduction of AML cell viability [30]. Several reports back it up pointing out the efficacy of FTY720 in vitro and in vivo models of AML, suggesting that PP2A restoration decreases clonogenicity and induces a suppression of the disease [12, 29–32]. Moreover, FTY720 perturbs the sphingolipid metabolism pathway, favoring the accumulation of ceramide, a pro-apoptotic second messenger, mostly in the mitochondria, leading to the death of AML cells [86]. In the same way as in AML, the effects induced by FTY720 are well characterized in Ph positive and negative leukemias. In CML and Ph-positive B-ALL progenitors, the drug promotes the BCR-ABL1 inactivation and degradation, leading to the inhibition of survival factors such as JAK2, AKT and ERK1/2, which results in apoptosis of CD34+ progenitors in patients with TKI sensitive and TKI-resistant CML [12, 55, 84]. In addition, a recent study provide new evidences for the use of FTY720 as an oral therapeutic agent in AML, highlighting that FTY720 lipid nanoparticles were more effective in vitro and in vivo models than FTY720 solutions because are able to increase the bioavailability of the free drug [32]. However, the main problem of the usage of FTY720 continues due to the induction of cardiotoxicity at the anti-neoplastic dose by the phosphorylated form. So, it has been proposed FTY720 analogues that are not targets for phosphorylation by SPHK2 [28].

Our group has recently revealed a novel non-phosphorylable FTY720 analogue called CM-1231, which reactivates PP2A activity by preventing the formation of the SET/PP2A-C inhibitory complex, inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in AML cell lines and primary patient samples. Importantly, CM-1231 does not induce cardiotoxicity in zebrafish models, maintaining its anti-leukemic potential in zebrafish xenograft models [28].

Other molecules have been tested to activate PP2A in AML, such as OP449 [87]. OP449 is a small physiological stable and cell-penetrating peptide, which binds specifically to SET leading to PP2A reactivation. It has been shown that OP449 treatment suppress tumor growth, enhance apoptosis and impairs clonogenicity of CML and AML cell lines and primary samples [87, 88]. Furthermore, the combination of OP449 with chemotherapy or specific TKI in AML and CML cell lines and primary patient samples have a synergistic effect [27]. However, OP449 like others PADs are unable to activate specific PP2A complexes against the exact pathogenic driver of the disease.

The ability of PP2A to dephosphorylate hundreds of proteins is mediated by over 40 specificity-determining B subunit, which competes for the assembly and activation of PP2A heterogeneous complex [89–91]. Therefore, it is essential to identify which regulatory isoform is deregulated in order to selectively reactivate it and direct PP2A against pathogenic drivers [92–94]. DT-061, a SMAP (small molecules that activate the phosphatase PP2A), selectively binds and stabilizes a PP2A complex containing a single B-subunit, B56α, which promote the dephosphorylation of selective PP2A substrates such as c-Myc. Stabilization of the PP2A-B56α complex by DT-061 has shown potent anti-leukemic effect, and their combination with TKI have improve anti-tumor effects while provide an opportunity to decrease kinase inhibitors related toxicities in some malignancies such as lung adenocarcinoma [95]. Interestingly, Kauko *et al*. determined that PP2A inactivation is a mechanism of kinase inhibitor resistance in cancer, thus the use of DT-061 could overcome the initial therapeutic resistance [96]. These observations raise the question on the

**65**

**Acknowledgements**

*The Key Role of the Phosphatase PP2A in the Development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia*

reducing the toxicity induced by general activation of PP2A.

inactivated in a large part of patients with AML.

appropriate temporal application of the drug: before the appearance of the resistance or upon its arrival. Whatever the answer, the important fact is that developing drugs against specific B regulatory subunits is a key event to face crucial pathogenic

These findings open new possibilities to establish innovative therapeutic approach that targets PP2A in order to improve therapeutic options in AML

Despite cytogenetic heterogeneity in AML was discovered 30 years ago, it was not until 15 years ago when the molecular heterogeneity of the disease began to be studied in depth. However, the general therapeutic strategy in AML patients has not changed substantially and high dose of chemotherapy continues to be the standard one. Consequently, the outcome for most patients, especially elder patients, remains poor. Thus, many new drugs targeting a variety of pathological cellular processes have been developed over the last years for the treatment of AML, although few have been translated into clinical practice. The reason is that they are used as single agents instead of following a combinatory therapy, decreasing its effectiveness. The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network confirmed the molecular heterogeneity of the disease and organized important mutated genes in AML into a functional category, pointing out the importance of developing new compound against

specific cancer pathways. In this regard, the tumor-suppressor PP2A has emerged as an important promising therapeutic target because its anti-proliferative function is

PP2A inactivation is a recurrent event in AML patients. PP2A reactivation by PADs has shown important antileukemic effects in both KIT-positive and KIT-negative AML cells. Preclinical studies show that pharmacological restoration of PP2A tumor-suppressor activity by PADs (FTY720, OP499 or CM-1231) prevents the growth of tumor cells, increasing the cell death ratio. Furthermore, the combination of these drugs with both conventional chemotherapy and tyrosine kinases has synergistic cytotoxic effects in AML cells, decreasing the appearance of side effects. However, recently, have been developed small molecules that are capable of activating specific PP2A complexes that target particular disease-causing pathogenic pathways. The importance on knowing which B subunit is deregulated to applied a specific compound that reactivates this subunit opens new possibilities for personalize medicine, or personalized treatment, which improve the overall survival of patients with hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic malignancies.

This work was supported by grants from the ISCIII and Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competiveness (grants PI14/02073 and PI17/02272) (M.D.O.) and by CIBERONC (CB16/12/00489, CB16/12/00369, CB19/07/00031) (M.D.O., D.A.)

Similarly, a class of small-molecules iHAPs (improved heterocyclic activators of PP2A) facilitate the assembly of the holoenzyme PP2R1A-B56ε-PPP2CA, which dephosphorylates MYBL2 transcription factor in Ser241, causing irreversible arrest of leukemic cells in the prometaphase [97]. Thus, the use of these molecules to target deregulated PP2A subunits; facilitate the activation/deactivation of specific molecular targets deregulated by PP2A inactivation in the tumoral scenario,

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94380*

drivers [95].

patients.

**3. Conclusion**

*The Key Role of the Phosphatase PP2A in the Development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94380*

appropriate temporal application of the drug: before the appearance of the resistance or upon its arrival. Whatever the answer, the important fact is that developing drugs against specific B regulatory subunits is a key event to face crucial pathogenic drivers [95].

Similarly, a class of small-molecules iHAPs (improved heterocyclic activators of PP2A) facilitate the assembly of the holoenzyme PP2R1A-B56ε-PPP2CA, which dephosphorylates MYBL2 transcription factor in Ser241, causing irreversible arrest of leukemic cells in the prometaphase [97]. Thus, the use of these molecules to target deregulated PP2A subunits; facilitate the activation/deactivation of specific molecular targets deregulated by PP2A inactivation in the tumoral scenario, reducing the toxicity induced by general activation of PP2A.

These findings open new possibilities to establish innovative therapeutic approach that targets PP2A in order to improve therapeutic options in AML patients.

#### **3. Conclusion**

*Acute Leukemias*

lation by SPHK2 [28].

driver of the disease.

potential in zebrafish xenograft models [28].

Mechanistically, FTY720 binds to globular amphipathic domain of the C-terminal

Our group has recently revealed a novel non-phosphorylable FTY720 analogue called CM-1231, which reactivates PP2A activity by preventing the formation of the SET/PP2A-C inhibitory complex, inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis in AML cell lines and primary patient samples. Importantly, CM-1231 does not induce cardiotoxicity in zebrafish models, maintaining its anti-leukemic

Other molecules have been tested to activate PP2A in AML, such as OP449 [87]. OP449 is a small physiological stable and cell-penetrating peptide, which binds specifically to SET leading to PP2A reactivation. It has been shown that OP449 treatment suppress tumor growth, enhance apoptosis and impairs clonogenicity of CML and AML cell lines and primary samples [87, 88]. Furthermore, the combination of OP449 with chemotherapy or specific TKI in AML and CML cell lines and primary patient samples have a synergistic effect [27]. However, OP449 like others PADs are unable to activate specific PP2A complexes against the exact pathogenic

The ability of PP2A to dephosphorylate hundreds of proteins is mediated by over 40 specificity-determining B subunit, which competes for the assembly and activation of PP2A heterogeneous complex [89–91]. Therefore, it is essential to identify which regulatory isoform is deregulated in order to selectively reactivate it and direct PP2A against pathogenic drivers [92–94]. DT-061, a SMAP (small molecules that activate the phosphatase PP2A), selectively binds and stabilizes a PP2A complex containing a single B-subunit, B56α, which promote the dephosphorylation of selective PP2A substrates such as c-Myc. Stabilization of the PP2A-B56α complex by DT-061 has shown potent anti-leukemic effect, and their combination with TKI have improve anti-tumor effects while provide an opportunity to decrease kinase inhibitors related toxicities in some malignancies such as lung adenocarcinoma [95]. Interestingly, Kauko *et al*. determined that PP2A inactivation is a mechanism of kinase inhibitor resistance in cancer, thus the use of DT-061 could overcome the initial therapeutic resistance [96]. These observations raise the question on the

hydrophobic pocket of SET [85], preventing the formation of the SET/PP2A-C inhibitory complex and reactivating PP2A functionality [12, 29–32]. Our group has confirmed these results in AML, showing that FTY720 binds to SET within the last 100 amino acids of the C-terminal fragment, producing a destabilization of the SET/PP2A-C inhibitory complex, which promote PP2A reactivation and a reduction of AML cell viability [30]. Several reports back it up pointing out the efficacy of FTY720 in vitro and in vivo models of AML, suggesting that PP2A restoration decreases clonogenicity and induces a suppression of the disease [12, 29–32]. Moreover, FTY720 perturbs the sphingolipid metabolism pathway, favoring the accumulation of ceramide, a pro-apoptotic second messenger, mostly in the mitochondria, leading to the death of AML cells [86]. In the same way as in AML, the effects induced by FTY720 are well characterized in Ph positive and negative leukemias. In CML and Ph-positive B-ALL progenitors, the drug promotes the BCR-ABL1 inactivation and degradation, leading to the inhibition of survival factors such as JAK2, AKT and ERK1/2, which results in apoptosis of CD34+ progenitors in patients with TKI sensitive and TKI-resistant CML [12, 55, 84]. In addition, a recent study provide new evidences for the use of FTY720 as an oral therapeutic agent in AML, highlighting that FTY720 lipid nanoparticles were more effective in vitro and in vivo models than FTY720 solutions because are able to increase the bioavailability of the free drug [32]. However, the main problem of the usage of FTY720 continues due to the induction of cardiotoxicity at the anti-neoplastic dose by the phosphorylated form. So, it has been proposed FTY720 analogues that are not targets for phosphory-

**64**

Despite cytogenetic heterogeneity in AML was discovered 30 years ago, it was not until 15 years ago when the molecular heterogeneity of the disease began to be studied in depth. However, the general therapeutic strategy in AML patients has not changed substantially and high dose of chemotherapy continues to be the standard one. Consequently, the outcome for most patients, especially elder patients, remains poor. Thus, many new drugs targeting a variety of pathological cellular processes have been developed over the last years for the treatment of AML, although few have been translated into clinical practice. The reason is that they are used as single agents instead of following a combinatory therapy, decreasing its effectiveness. The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network confirmed the molecular heterogeneity of the disease and organized important mutated genes in AML into a functional category, pointing out the importance of developing new compound against specific cancer pathways. In this regard, the tumor-suppressor PP2A has emerged as an important promising therapeutic target because its anti-proliferative function is inactivated in a large part of patients with AML.

PP2A inactivation is a recurrent event in AML patients. PP2A reactivation by PADs has shown important antileukemic effects in both KIT-positive and KIT-negative AML cells. Preclinical studies show that pharmacological restoration of PP2A tumor-suppressor activity by PADs (FTY720, OP499 or CM-1231) prevents the growth of tumor cells, increasing the cell death ratio. Furthermore, the combination of these drugs with both conventional chemotherapy and tyrosine kinases has synergistic cytotoxic effects in AML cells, decreasing the appearance of side effects. However, recently, have been developed small molecules that are capable of activating specific PP2A complexes that target particular disease-causing pathogenic pathways. The importance on knowing which B subunit is deregulated to applied a specific compound that reactivates this subunit opens new possibilities for personalize medicine, or personalized treatment, which improve the overall survival of patients with hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic malignancies.

#### **Acknowledgements**

This work was supported by grants from the ISCIII and Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competiveness (grants PI14/02073 and PI17/02272) (M.D.O.) and by CIBERONC (CB16/12/00489, CB16/12/00369, CB19/07/00031) (M.D.O., D.A.) (Co-financed with FEDER funds), Department of Health of the Government of Navarra (29/2015) (M.D.O.), Department of Industry of the Government of Navarra (0011-1365-2016-000294) (M.D.O.).
