1
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Granata I, Barboro P. Identification of Molecular Markers Associated with Prostate Cancer Subtypes: An Integrative Bioinformatics Approach. Biomolecules 2024; 14:87. [PMID: 38254687 PMCID: PMC10813078 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is characterised by androgen dependency. Unfortunately, under anti-androgen treatment pressure, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) emerges, characterised by heterogeneous cell populations that, over time, lead to the development of different androgen-dependent or -independent phenotypes. Despite important advances in therapeutic strategies, CRPC remains incurable. Context-specific essential genes represent valuable candidates for targeted anti-cancer therapies. Through the investigation of gene and protein annotations and the integration of published transcriptomic data, we identified two consensus lists to stratify PCa patients' risk and discriminate CRPC phenotypes based on androgen receptor activity. ROC and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used for gene set validation in independent datasets. We further evaluated these genes for their association with cancer dependency. The deregulated expression of the PCa-related genes was associated with overall and disease-specific survival, metastasis and/or high recurrence risk, while the CRPC-related genes clearly discriminated between adeno and neuroendocrine phenotypes. Some of the genes showed context-specific essentiality. We further identified candidate drugs through a computational repositioning approach for targeting these genes and treating lethal variants of PCa. This work provides a proof-of-concept for the use of an integrative approach to identify candidate biomarkers involved in PCa progression and CRPC pathogenesis within the goal of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Granata
- High Performance Computing and Networking Institute (ICAR), National Council of Research (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Barboro
- Proteomic and Mass Spectrometry Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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2
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Loffelmann M, Škrott Z, Majera D, Štarha P, Kryštof V, Mistrík M. Identification of novel dithiocarbamate-copper complexes targeting p97/NPL4 pathway in cancer cells. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115790. [PMID: 37690264 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Dithiocarbamates (DTCs) are simple organic compounds with many applications in industry and medicine. They are potent metal chelators forming complexes with various metal ions, including copper. Recently, bis(diethyldithiocarbamate)-copper complex (CuET) has been identified as a metabolic product of the anti-alcoholic drug Antabuse (disulfiram, DSF), standing behind DSF's reported anticancer activity. Mechanistically, CuET in cells causes aggregation of NPL4 protein, an essential cofactor of the p97 segregase, an integral part of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The malfunction of p97/NPL4 caused by CuET leads to proteotoxic stress accompanied by heat shock and unfolded protein responses and cancer cell death. However, it is not known whether the NPL4 inhibition is unique for CuET or whether it is shared with other dithiocarbamate-copper complexes. Thus, we tested 20 DTCs-copper complexes in this work for their ability to target and aggregate NPL4 protein. Surprisingly, we have found that certain potency against NPL4 is relatively common for structurally different DTCs-copper complexes, as thirteen compounds scored in the cellular NPL4 aggregation assay. These compounds also shared typical cellular phenotypes reported previously for CuET, including the NPL4/p97 proteins immobilization, accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins, the unfolded protein, and the heat shock responses. Moreover, the active complexes were also toxic to cancer cells (the most potent in the nanomolar range), and we have found a strong positive correlation between NPL4 aggregation and cytotoxicity, confirming NPL4 as a relevant target. These results show the widespread potency of DTCs-copper complexes to target NPL4 with subsequent induction of lethal proteotoxic stress in cancer cells with implications for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Loffelmann
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Škrott
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Dušana Majera
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Štarha
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, 17. listopadu 1192/12, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Kryštof
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, Slechtitelu 27, Olomouc, 783 71, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Mistrík
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Hnevotinska 1333/5, Olomouc, 779 00, Czech Republic.
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3
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Macedo-Silva C, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Tavares NT, Barros-Silva D, Lencart J, Lobo J, Oliveira Â, Correia MP, Altucci L, Jerónimo C. Epigenetic regulation of TP53 is involved in prostate cancer radioresistance and DNA damage response signaling. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:395. [PMID: 37840069 PMCID: PMC10577134 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
External beam radiotherapy (RT) is a leading first-line therapy for prostate cancer (PCa), and, in recent years, significant advances have been accomplished. However, RT resistance can arise and result in long-term recurrence or disease progression in the worst-case scenario. Thus, making crucial the discovery of new targets for PCa radiosensitization. Herein, we generated a radioresistant PCa cell line, and found p53 to be highly expressed in radioresistant PCa cells, as well as in PCa patients with recurrent/disease progression submitted to RT. Mechanism dissection revealed that RT could promote p53 expression via epigenetic modulation. Specifically, a decrease of H3K27me3 occupancy at TP53 gene promoter, due to increased KDM6B activity, was observed in radioresistant PCa cells. Furthermore, p53 is essential for efficient DNA damage signaling response and cell recovery upon stress induction by prolonged fractionated irradiation. Remarkably, KDM6B inhibition by GSK-J4 significantly decreased p53 expression, consequently attenuating the radioresistant phenotype of PCa cells and hampering in vivo 3D tumor formation. Overall, this work contributes to improve the understanding of p53 as a mediator of signaling transduction in DNA damage repair, as well as the impact of epigenetic targeting for PCa radiosensitization.
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Grants
- CJ’s Research is funded by Research Center of Portuguese Institute of Porto (BF.CBEG CI-IPOP-27-2016) and EpiParty PI 159-CI-IPOP-152-2021).
- CM-S holds a fellowship grant from UniCampania, Naples, Italy (2019-UNA2CLE-0170010).
- VM-G was funded by P.CCC: Centro Compreensivo de Cancro do Porto” – NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-072678, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
- NTT was funded by P.CCC: Centro Compreensivo de Cancro do Porto” – NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-072678, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
- DB-S holds a fellowship grant from FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (SFRH/BD/136007/2018).
- MPC was funded by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (CEECINST/00091/2018).
- LA’s research is funded by Epi-MS under the VALERE 2019 Program; V:ALERE 2020—“CIRCE”; Campania Regional Government Technology Platform 2038 Lotta alle Patologie Oncologiche iCURE-B21C17000030007; Campania Regional Government FASE2: IDEAL; MIUR, Proof of Concept POC01_00043; POR Campania FSE 2014-2020 ASSE III; PON RI 2014/2020 “Dottorati Innovativi con caratterizzazione ndustrial”; Horizon EU: CAN-SERV BBMRI; EPI-MET MISE 2022; Bando giovani ricercatori D.R. n.834 del 30/09/2022 Università Vanvitelli project: Miranda; National Plan for NRRP Complementary Investments – Law Decree May 6, 2021, n. 59, converted and modified as to Law n. 101/2021Research initiatives for technologies and innovative trajectories in the health and care sectors: project ANTHEM (AdvaNced Technologies for Human-centrEd Medicine).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Macedo-Silva
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Tiago Tavares
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Barros-Silva
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Lencart
- Medical Physics, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection Group-Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Medical Physics, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lobo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Oliveira
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margareta P Correia
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
- BIOGEM, Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Institute, 83100, Avellino, Italy
- IEOS, Institute of Endocrinology and Oncology, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology & Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/ CI-IPOP@ RISE (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, ICBAS-School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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4
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Li X, Zheng C, Xue X, Wu J, Li F, Song D, Li X. Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing identifies a signature based on macrophage marker genes involved in prostate cancer prognosis and treatment responsiveness. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:115. [PMID: 37010617 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) interact with cancer cells and contribute to the progression of solid tumors. Nonetheless, the clinical significance of TAM-related biomarkers in prostate cancer (PCa) is largely unexplored. The present study aimed to construct a macrophage-related signature (MRS) for predicting PCa patient prognosis based on macrophage marker genes. Six cohorts comprising 1056 PCa patients with RNA-Seq and follow-up data were enrolled. Based on macrophage marker genes identified by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, univariate analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso)-Cox regression, and machine learning procedures were performed to derive a consensus MRS. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), concordance index, and decision curve analyses were used to confirm the predictive capacity of the MRS. The predictive performance of the MRS for recurrence-free survival (RFS) was stable and robust, and the MRS outperformed traditional clinical variables. Furthermore, high-MRS-score patients presented abundant macrophage infiltration and high-expression levels of immune checkpoints (CTLA4, HAVCR2, and CD86). The frequency of mutations was relatively high in the high-MRS-score subgroup. However, the low-MRS-score patients had a better response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and leuprolide-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Notably, abnormal ATF3 expression may be associated with docetaxel and cabazitaxel resistance in PCa cells, T stage, and the Gleason score. In this study, a novel MRS was first developed and validated to accurately predict patient survival outcomes, evaluate immune characteristics, infer therapeutic benefits, and provide an auxiliary tool for personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiugai Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Chang Zheng
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiaoxia Xue
- Science Experiment Center, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Junying Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Dan Song
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Xuelian Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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5
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Lin C, Liu P, Shi C, Qiu L, Shang D, Lu Z, Tu Z, Liu H. Therapeutic targeting of DNA damage repair pathways guided by homologous recombination deficiency scoring in ovarian cancers. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023; 37:194-214. [PMID: 36130021 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The susceptibility of cells to DNA damage and their DNA repair ability are crucial for cancer therapy. Homologous recombination is one of the major repairing mechanisms for DNA double-strand breaks. Approximately half of ovarian cancer (OvCa) cells harbor homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Considering that HRD is a major hallmark of OvCas, scholars proposed HRD scoring to evaluate the HRD degree and guide the choice of therapeutic strategies for OvCas. In the last decade, synthetic lethal strategy by targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in HR-deficient OvCas has attracted considerable attention in view of its favorable clinical effort. We therefore suggested that the uses of other DNA damage/repair-targeted drugs in HR-deficient OvCas might also offer better clinical outcome. Here, we reviewed the current small molecule compounds that targeted DNA damage/repair pathways and discussed the HRD scoring system to guide their clinical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiu Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chaowen Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lipeng Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongsheng Shang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziwen Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhigang Tu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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6
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Teng M, Luo Y, Wang C, Lei A. Effect of Disulfiram on the Reproductive Capacity of Female Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032371. [PMID: 36768698 PMCID: PMC9916984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the process of assisted reproduction, the high-oxygen in vitro environment can easily cause oxidative damage to oocytes. Disulfiram (DSF) can play an anti-oxidant or pro-oxidant role in different cells, and the effect of DSF on oocytes remains unclear. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the use of DSF in the early stages of pregnancy has a negative impact on the fetus. In this study, we found that DSF increased serum FSH levels and increased the ovulation rate in mice. Moreover, DSF enhanced the antioxidant capacity of oocytes and contributed to the success rate of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, the use of DSF in early pregnancy in mice increased the uterine horn volume and the degree of vascularization, which contributed to a successful pregnancy. In addition, it was found that DSF regulated the mRNA expression of angiogenesis-related genes (VEGF), follicular development-related genes (C1QTNF3, mTOR and PI3K), ovulation-related genes (MAPK1, MAPK3 and p38 MAPK) and antioxidant-related genes (GPX4 and CAT). These results indicate that DSF is helpful for increasing the antioxidant capacity of oocytes and the ovulation rate. In early pregnancy in mice, DSF promotes pregnancy by increasing the degree and volume of uterine vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anmin Lei
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-029-87080068
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7
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de la Calle CM, Shee K, Yang H, Lonergan PE, Nguyen HG. The endoplasmic reticulum stress response in prostate cancer. Nat Rev Urol 2022; 19:708-726. [PMID: 36168057 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00649-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In order to proliferate in unfavourable conditions, cancer cells can take advantage of the naturally occurring endoplasmic reticulum-associated unfolded protein response (UPR) via three highly conserved signalling arms: IRE1α, PERK and ATF6. All three arms of the UPR have key roles in every step of tumour progression: from cancer initiation to tumour growth, invasion, metastasis and resistance to therapy. At present, no cure for metastatic prostate cancer exists, as targeting the androgen receptor eventually results in treatment resistance. New research has uncovered an important role for the UPR in prostate cancer tumorigenesis and crosstalk between the UPR and androgen receptor signalling pathways. With an improved understanding of the mechanisms by which cancer cells exploit the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, targetable points of vulnerability can be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M de la Calle
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Shee
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heiko Yang
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peter E Lonergan
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hao G Nguyen
- Department of Urology, Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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8
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Wang L, Yu Y, Zhou C, Wan R, Li Y. Anticancer effects of disulfiram: a systematic review of in vitro, animal, and human studies. Syst Rev 2022; 11:109. [PMID: 35655266 PMCID: PMC9161604 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01858-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Cancer morbidity and mortality rates remain high, and thus, at present, considerable efforts are focused on finding drugs with higher sensitivity against tumor cells and fewer side effects. Disulfiram (DSF), as an anti-alcoholic drug, kills the cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Several preclinical and clinical studies have examined the potential of repurposing DSF as an anticancer treatment. This systematic review aimed to assess evidence regarding the antineoplastic activity of DSF in in vitro and in vivo models, as well as in humans. METHODS Two authors independently conducted this systematic review of English and Chinese articles from the PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases up to July 2019. Eligible in vitro studies needed to include assessments of the apoptosis rate by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide, and studies in animal models and clinical trials needed to examine tumor inhibition rates, and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Overall, 35 studies, i.e., 21 performed in vitro, 11 based on animal models, and three clinical trials, were finally included. In vitro and animal studies indicated that DSF was associated with enhanced apoptosis and tumor inhibition rates, separately. Human studies showed that DSF prolongs PFS and OS. The greatest anti-tumor activity was observed when DSF was used as combination therapy or as a nanoparticle-encapsulated molecule. There was no noticeable body weight loss after DSF treatment, which indicated that there was no major toxicity of DSF. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review provides evidence regarding the anti-tumor activity of DSF in vitro, in animals, and in humans and indicates the optimal forms of treatment to be evaluated in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Gastric Cancer Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, P.R. China.,Department of Tumor Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, P.R. China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, P.R. China
| | - Run Wan
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, P.R. China.,Department of Tumor Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, P.R. China
| | - Yumin Li
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, P.R. China. .,Department of Tumor Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, P.R. China.
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9
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Zhang T, Kephart J, Bronson E, Anand M, Daly C, Spasojevic I, Bakthavatsalam S, Franz K, Berg H, Karachaliou GS, James OG, Howard L, Halabi S, Harrison MR, Armstrong AJ, George DJ. Prospective clinical trial of disulfiram plus copper in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate 2022; 82:858-866. [PMID: 35286730 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In preclinical models of prostate cancer (PC), disulfiram (DSF) reduced tumor growth only when co-administered with copper (Cu), and Cu uptake in tumors is partially regulated by androgen-receptor signaling. However, prior trials of DSF in PC used DSF as monotherapy. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and efficacy of concurrent administration of DSF with Cu, we conducted a phase 1b clinical trial of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving Cu with DSF. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Patients with mCRPC were treated in two cohorts: mCRPC with nonliver/peritoneal metastases (A), and mCRPC with liver and/or peritoneal metastases (B). Baseline Cu avidity was measured by 64 CuCl2 PET scan. Intravenous (IV) CuCl2 was given weekly for three doses with oral daily DSF followed by daily oral Cu gluconate and DSF until disease progression. DSF and metabolite diethyldithiocarbamic acid methyl ester (Me-DDC) levels in plasma were measured. DSF and Me-DDC were then assessed for cytotoxicity in vitro. RESULTS We treated nine patients with mCRPC (six on cohort A and three on cohort B). Bone and nodal metastases showed differential and heterogeneous Cu uptake on 64 CuCl2 PET scans. No confirmed PSA declines or radiographic responses were observed. Median PFS was 2.8 months and median OS was 8.3 months. Common adverse events included fatigue and psychomotor depression; no Grade 4/5 AEs were observed. Me-DDC was measurable in all samples (LOQ = 0.512 ng/ml), whereas DSF was not (LOQ = 0.032 ng/ml, LOD = 0.01 ng/ml); Me-DDC was not cytotoxic in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Oral DSF is not an effective treatment for mCRPC due to rapid metabolism into an inactive metabolite, Me-DDC. This trial has stopped enrollment and further work is needed to identify a stable DSF formulation for treatment of mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhang
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Julie Kephart
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bronson
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Monika Anand
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christine Daly
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ivan Spasojevic
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Katherine Franz
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah Berg
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Georgia S Karachaliou
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Olga G James
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Howard
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan Halabi
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael R Harrison
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew J Armstrong
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel J George
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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10
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Zhao L, Zhang X, Wang X, Guan X, Zhang W, Ma J. Recent advances in selective photothermal therapy of tumor. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:335. [PMID: 34689765 PMCID: PMC8543909 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Photothermal therapy (PTT), which converts light energy to heat energy, has become a new research hotspot in cancer treatment. Although researchers have investigated various ways to improve the efficiency of tumor heat ablation to treat cancer, PTT may cause severe damage to normal tissue due to the systemic distribution of photothermal agents (PTAs) in the body and inaccurate laser exposure during treatment. To further improve the survival rate of cancer patients and reduce possible side effects on other parts of the body, it is still necessary to explore PTAs with high selectivity and precise treatment. In this review, we summarized strategies to improve the treatment selectivity of PTT, such as increasing the accumulation of PTAs at tumor sites and endowing PTAs with a self-regulating photothermal conversion function. The views and challenges of selective PTT were discussed, especially the prospects and challenges of their clinical applications. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Xiuwen Guan
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Target Drug Delivery System, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Shandong Engineering Research Center for Smart Materials and Regenerative Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Weifeng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Target Drug Delivery System, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Engineering Research Center for Smart Materials and Regenerative Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
| | - Jinlong Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Target Drug Delivery System, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Engineering Research Center for Smart Materials and Regenerative Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
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11
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Sargazi S, Mukhtar M, Rahdar A, Barani M, Pandey S, Díez-Pascual AM. Active Targeted Nanoparticles for Delivery of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibitors: A Preliminary Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10319. [PMID: 34638660 PMCID: PMC8508934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology has revolutionized novel drug delivery strategies through establishing nanoscale drug carriers, such as niosomes, liposomes, nanomicelles, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, and nanoparticles (NPs). Owing to their desirable cancer-targeting efficacy and controlled release, these nanotherapeutic modalities are broadly used in clinics to improve the efficacy of small-molecule inhibitors. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family members engage in various intracellular processes, including DNA repair, gene transcription, signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, cell division, and antioxidant response. PARP inhibitors are synthetic small-molecules that have emerged as one of the most successful innovative strategies for targeted therapy in cancer cells harboring mutations in DNA repair genes. Despite these advances, drug resistance and unwanted side effects are two significant drawbacks to using PARP inhibitors in the clinic. Recently, the development of practical nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems has tremendously improved the efficacy of PARP inhibitors. NPs can specifically accumulate in the leaky vasculature of the tumor and cancer cells and release the chemotherapeutic moiety in the tumor microenvironment. On the contrary, NPs are usually unable to permeate across the body's normal organs and tissues; hence the toxicity is zero to none. NPs can modify the release of encapsulated drugs based on the composition of the coating substance. Delivering PARP inhibitors without modulation often leads to the toxic effect; therefore, a delivery vehicle is essential to encapsulate them. Various nanocarriers have been exploited to deliver PARP inhibitors in different cancers. Through this review, we hope to cast light on the most innovative advances in applying PARP inhibitors for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Sargazi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan 9816743463, Iran;
| | - Mahwash Mukhtar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös utca 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zabol, Zabol 538-98615, Iran;
| | - Mahmood Barani
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616913555, Iran;
| | - Sadanad Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea; or
| | - Ana M. Díez-Pascual
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.6, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Zhao Y, Lin Z, Lin Z, Zhou C, Liu G, Lin J, Zhang D, Lin D. Overexpression of Mucin 1 Suppresses the Therapeutical Efficacy of Disulfiram against Canine Mammary Tumor. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010037. [PMID: 33375426 PMCID: PMC7823863 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Canine mammary tumor is one of the most prevalent canine tumor types in China. Clinical studies showed that the high expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) protein is significantly associated with the malignancy and poor prognosis of canine mammary tumor. Therefore, it is worthwhile to investigate the expression of mucin 1 in developing treatments against canine mammary tumors. In the present study, it is demonstrated that disulfiram, an approved medication in treating human alcoholism, also has inhibitory effects on the growth of canine mammary tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. With the overexpression of MUC1, the inhibitory effects of disulfiram decrease accordingly. Moreover, disulfiram is shown to inhibit phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt) signaling transduction, which is attenuated by MUC1 overexpression. Overall, these results indicate that the expression level of MUC1 is detrimental to determining the anti-tumor activity of disulfiram. Further consideration should be given when treating the canine mammary tumor with disulfiram or other PI3K/Akt inhibitors. Abstract Mucin 1 (MUC1), a transmembrane protein, is closely associated with the malignancy and metastasis of canine mammary tumors; however, the role of overexpressed MUC1 in the development of cancer cells and response to drug treatment remains unclear. To address this question, we developed a new canine mammary tumor cell line, CIPp-MUC1, with an elevated expression level of MUC1. In vitro studies showed that CIPp-MUC1 cells are superior in proliferation and migration than wild-type control, which was associated with the upregulation of PI3K, p-Akt, mTOR, Bcl-2. In addition, overexpression of MUC1 in CIPp-MUC1 cells inhibited the suppressing activity of disulfiram on the growth and metastasis of tumor cells, as well as inhibiting the pro-apoptotic effect of disulfiram. In vivo studies, on the other side, showed more rapid tumor growth and stronger resistance to disulfiram treatment in CIPp-MUC1 xenograft mice than in wild-type control. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the importance of MUC1 in affecting the therapeutical efficiency of disulfiram against canine mammary tumors, indicating that the expression level of MUC1 should be considered for clinical use of disulfiram or other drugs targeting PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Di Zhang
- Correspondence: (D.Z.); (D.L.); Tel.: +86-1369-326-2510 (D.Z.); +86-1380-105-8458 (D.L.)
| | - Degui Lin
- Correspondence: (D.Z.); (D.L.); Tel.: +86-1369-326-2510 (D.Z.); +86-1380-105-8458 (D.L.)
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13
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Medina PM, Ponce JM, Cruz CA. Revealing the anticancer potential of candidate drugs in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans mutant strains. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100940. [PMID: 33221682 PMCID: PMC7689339 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Wnt, Notch, and Ras-ERK signaling pathways in C. elegans lead to infertility, sterility, and multivulva formation. Phenotypic assays using C. elegans mutant strains can be used as in vivo models for drug repurposing. Itraconazole, disulfiram, etodolac, and ouabain have anticancer potential that can specifically target the Wnt, Notch, and RAS-ERK signaling pathways.
Drug repurposing is used as a strategy for finding new drugs for cancer. The process is a faster and a more cost-effective way of providing new indications for drugs that can address emerging drug resistance and numerous side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, the in vivo anticancer potential of itraconazole, disulfiram, etodolac, and ouabain were assessed using five different C. elegans mutant strains. Each strain contains mutations in genes involved in different signaling pathways such as Wnt (JK3476), Notch (JK1107 and BS3164), and Ras-ERK (SD939 and MT2124) that result to phenotypes of sterility, infertility, and multivulva formation. These same signaling pathways have been shown to be defective in several human cancer types. The four candidate drugs were tested on the C. elegans mutant strains to determine if they rescue the mutant phenotypes. Both ouabain and etodolac significantly reduced the sterile and infertile phenotypes of JK3476, JK1107, BS3164, and SD939 strains (p=0.0010). Finally, itraconazole and etodolac significantly reduced multivulva formation (p=0.0021). The degrees of significant phenotypic rescues of each mutant were significantly higher than vehicle only (1% DMSO). Therefore, this study demonstrated that the four candidate drugs have anticancer potential in vivo, and etodolac had the highest anticancer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mark Medina
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila 1000, Philippines.
| | - Jozelle Marie Ponce
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Christian Alfredo Cruz
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila 1000, Philippines
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14
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Proteotoxic Stress and Cell Death in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092385. [PMID: 32842524 PMCID: PMC7563887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To maintain proteostasis, cells must integrate information and activities that supervise protein synthesis, protein folding, conformational stability, and also protein degradation. Extrinsic and intrinsic conditions can both impact normal proteostasis, causing the appearance of proteotoxic stress. Initially, proteotoxic stress elicits adaptive responses aimed at restoring proteostasis, allowing cells to survive the stress condition. However, if the proteostasis restoration fails, a permanent and sustained proteotoxic stress can be deleterious, and cell death ensues. Many cancer cells convive with high levels of proteotoxic stress, and this condition could be exploited from a therapeutic perspective. Understanding the cell death pathways engaged by proteotoxic stress is instrumental to better hijack the proliferative fate of cancer cells.
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15
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Immunostimulation with chemotherapy in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2020; 17:725-741. [PMID: 32760014 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-0413-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 648] [Impact Index Per Article: 162.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapeutics have been developed into clinically useful agents based on their ability to preferentially kill malignant cells, generally owing to their elevated proliferation rate. Nonetheless, the clinical activity of various chemotherapies is now known to involve the stimulation of anticancer immunity either by initiating the release of immunostimulatory molecules from dying cancer cells or by mediating off-target effects on immune cell populations. Understanding the precise immunological mechanisms that underlie the efficacy of chemotherapy has the potential not only to enable the identification of superior biomarkers of response but also to accelerate the development of synergistic combination regimens that enhance the clinical effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) relative to their effectiveness as monotherapies. Indeed, accumulating evidence supports the clinical value of combining appropriately dosed chemotherapies with ICIs. In this Review, we discuss preclinical and clinical data on the immunostimulatory effects of conventional chemotherapeutics in the context of ICI-based immunotherapy.
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Majera D, Skrott Z, Chroma K, Merchut-Maya JM, Mistrik M, Bartek J. Targeting the NPL4 Adaptor of p97/VCP Segregase by Disulfiram as an Emerging Cancer Vulnerability Evokes Replication Stress and DNA Damage while Silencing the ATR Pathway. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020469. [PMID: 32085572 PMCID: PMC7072750 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on repurposing the old alcohol-aversion drug disulfiram (DSF) for cancer treatment has identified inhibition of NPL4, an adaptor of the p97/VCP segregase essential for turnover of proteins involved in multiple pathways, as an unsuspected cancer cell vulnerability. While we reported that NPL4 is targeted by the anticancer metabolite of DSF, the bis-diethyldithiocarbamate-copper complex (CuET), the exact, apparently multifaceted mechanism(s) through which the CuET-induced aggregation of NPL4 kills cancer cells remains to be fully elucidated. Given the pronounced sensitivity to CuET in tumor cell lines lacking the genome integrity caretaker proteins BRCA1 and BRCA2, here we investigated the impact of NPL4 targeting by CuET on DNA replication dynamics and DNA damage response pathways in human cancer cell models. Our results show that CuET treatment interferes with DNA replication, slows down replication fork progression and causes accumulation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Such a replication stress (RS) scenario is associated with DNA damage, preferentially in the S phase, and activates the homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathway. At the same time, we find that cellular responses to the CuET-triggered RS are seriously impaired due to concomitant malfunction of the ATRIP-ATR-CHK1 signaling pathway that reflects an unorthodox checkpoint silencing mode through ATR (Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related) kinase sequestration within the CuET-evoked NPL4 protein aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusana Majera
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 77 147 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Skrott
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 77 147 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Chroma
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 77 147 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Martin Mistrik
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 77 147 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Jiri Bartek
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 77 147 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (J.B.)
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Ekinci E, Rohondia S, Khan R, Dou QP. Repurposing Disulfiram as An Anti-Cancer Agent: Updated Review on Literature and Patents. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 14:113-132. [PMID: 31084595 DOI: 10.2174/1574892814666190514104035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite years of success of most anti-cancer drugs, one of the major clinical problems is inherent and acquired resistance to these drugs. Overcoming the drug resistance or developing new drugs would offer promising strategies in cancer treatment. Disulfiram, a drug currently used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism, has been found to have anti-cancer activity. OBJECTIVE To summarize the anti-cancer effects of Disulfiram through a thorough patent review. METHODS This article reviews molecular mechanisms and recent patents of Disulfiram in cancer therapy. RESULTS Several anti-cancer mechanisms of Disulfiram have been proposed, including triggering oxidative stress by the generation of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of the superoxide dismutase activity, suppression of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. In addition, Disulfiram can reverse the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs by inhibiting the P-glycoprotein multidrug efflux pump and suppressing the activation of NF-kB, both of which play an important role in the development of drug resistance. Furthermore, Disulfiram has been found to reduce angiogenesis because of its metal chelating properties as well as its ability to inactivate Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and matrix metalloproteinases. Disulfiram has also been shown to inhibit the proteasomes, DNA topoisomerases, DNA methyltransferase, glutathione S-transferase P1, and O6- methylguanine DNA methyltransferase, a DNA repair protein highly expressed in brain tumors. The patents described in this review demonstrate that Disulfiram is useful as an anti-cancer drug. CONCLUSION For years the FDA-approved, well-tolerated, inexpensive, orally-administered drug Disulfiram was used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism, but it has recently demonstrated anti-cancer effects in a range of solid and hematological malignancies. Its combination with copper at clinically relevant concentrations might overcome the resistance of many anti-cancer drugs in vitro, in vivo, and in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Ekinci
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Sagar Rohondia
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Raheel Khan
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Qingping P Dou
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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Disulfiram’s anti-cancer activity reflects targeting NPL4, not inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase. Oncogene 2019; 38:6711-6722. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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