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Sui Q, Zhu C, Shi S, Xu J, Zhang J, Wang A, Chen P, Liang G, Zhang Y. Ganoderic acid A: an in-depth review of pharmacological effects and molecular docking analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 349:119868. [PMID: 40316150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2025] [Accepted: 04/22/2025] [Indexed: 05/04/2025]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ganoderic acid A (GAA, C30H44O7) is one of the most abundant and active components of Ganoderic acids (GAs). GAs are highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoid compounds mainly derived from Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst (Chinese: ). GAA is primarily isolated from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. Modern pharmacological investigations have established the broad pharmacological effects of GAA, highlighting its notable influence on managing various conditions, including inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. This review provides a comprehensive summary of GAA's pharmacological activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS The literature in this review were searched in PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) using the keywords "Ganoderic acid A″, "Pharmacology" and "Pharmacokinetics". The literature cited in this review dates from 2000 to 2024. RESULTS According to the data, GAA exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, neuropsychopharmacological, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, renoprotective, and lung protective effects by regulating a variety of signal transduction pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Notch. Given its promising pharmacological activity, GAA holds excellent potential for treating human diseases. The pharmacokinetic properties of GAA have also been reviewed, revealing low bioavailability but high absorption and elimination rates. In addition, network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses verified that GAA plays a role in multiple diseases through MAPK3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), caspase-3 (CASP3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and β-catenin (CTNNB1) signaling pathways. CONCLUSION GAA plays a pivotal role in various pathological and physiological processes, boasting broad application prospects. Furthermore, the network pharmacological results reveal the mechanisms of GAA in the treatment of multiple diseases. In the future, it is necessary to conduct further experiments to elucidate its specific mechanism of action, thus laying the foundation for the scientific utilization of GAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Sui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China
| | - Chengkai Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China
| | - Sha Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China
| | - Jingnan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China
| | - Ao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, 50 Huzhou Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, 50 Huzhou Rd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
| | - Guang Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
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Shan D, Song J, Ren Y, Zhang Y, Ba Y, Luo P, Cheng Q, Xu H, Weng S, Zuo A, Liu S, Han X, Deng J, Liu Z. Copper in cancer: friend or foe? Metabolism, dysregulation, and therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2025; 45:577-607. [PMID: 39945125 PMCID: PMC12067407 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.70005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2025] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 05/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Copper, one of the essential nutrients for the human body, acts as an electron relay in multiple pathways due to its redox properties. Both deficiencies and excesses of copper lead to cellular fragility. Therefore, it can manifest pro- and anti-cancer properties in tumors. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify the copper activity within the cell. We have thoughtfully summarized the metabolic activities of copper from a macro and micro perspective. Cuproptosis, as well as other forms of cell death, is directly or indirectly interfered with by Cu2+, causing cancer cell death. Meanwhile, we did pan-cancer analysis of cuproptosis-related genes to further clarify the roles of these genes. In addition, copper has been found to be involved in multiple pathways within the metastasis of cancer cells. Given the complexity of copper's role, we are compelled to ask: is copper a friend or a foe? Up to now, copper has been used in various clinical applications, including protocols for measurement of copper concentration and bioimaging of radioactive 64Cu. But therapeutically it is still a continuation of the old medicine, and new possibilities need to be explored, such as the use of nanomaterials. Some studies have also shown that copper has considerable interventional power in metabolic cancers, which provides the great applications potential of copper therapy in specific cancer types. This paper reviews the dual roles played by cuproptosis in cancer from the new perspectives of oxidative stress, cell death, and tumor metastasis, and points out the value of its application in specific cancer types, summarizes the value of its testing and imaging from the perspective of clinical application as well as the current feasible options for the new use of the old drugs, and emphasizes the prospects for the application of nano-copper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
- University Hospital GalwayNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
- Department of Biobehavioral SciencesColumbia UniversityNew YorkUSA
| | - Jinling Song
- Division of PulmonologyDepartment of PediatricsThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Yuqing Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Yuyuan Zhang
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Yuhao Ba
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Peng Luo
- The Department of OncologyZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanP. R. China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Anning Zuo
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Shutong Liu
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan ProvinceZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
| | - Jinhai Deng
- Richard Dimbleby Department of Cancer ResearchComprehensive Cancer Centre, Kings College LondonLondonUK
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
- Interventional Institute of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
- Interventional Treatment and Clinical Research Center of Henan ProvinceZhengzhouHenanP. R. China
- Institute of Basic Medical SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingP. R. China
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Roy J, Mouawad R, Kyani A, Hanafi M, Xu Y, Wen B, Sun D, Neamati N. Copper-KRAS-COX2 Axis: A Therapeutic Vulnerability in Pancreatic Cancer. J Med Chem 2025; 68:8400-8428. [PMID: 40135521 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c03159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
KRAS mutations are a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), occurring in over 90% of tumors. Tumors with these mutations are highly dependent on copper, making the targeting of copper homeostasis an attractive strategy for treating PDAC due to the higher copper requirement of cancer cells compared to normal cells. Herein, we present the discovery, lead optimization, and structure-activity relationship study of a series of novel quinolyl pyrazinamides for the treatment PDAC. These compounds induce cell death through copper-mediated apoptosis and necroptosis. Our optimized compounds, 39 and 52, are potent, water-soluble and metabolically stable. Compound 52 exhibits 55% oral bioavailability and demonstrates significant in vivo efficacy without obvious toxicity in syngeneic models of PDAC. Additionally, compound 52 showed significant synergy with celecoxib, a selective COX2 inhibitor, both in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that compound 52 is a promising candidate for further development in KRAS-mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyeeta Roy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Rima Mouawad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Armita Kyani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Maha Hanafi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Yibin Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Ling W, Li S, Zhu Y, Wang X, Jiang D, Kang B. Inducers of Autophagy and Cell Death: Focus on Copper Metabolism. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2025; 290:117725. [PMID: 39823670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2025] [Indexed: 01/19/2025]
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace element in biological systems, playing a key role in various physiological functions, including redox reactions and energy metabolism. However, an imbalance in copper homeostasis can induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, ultimately leading to significant cytotoxicity and cell death. According to recent research, copper can bind to lipoylation sites on proteins involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, causing aggregation of lipoylated proteins, the loss of Fe-S cluster proteins, proteotoxic stress, and ultimately, cell death. This new type of programmed cell death is called "Cuproptosis". Furthermore, autophagy may be activated by a disruption in copper homeostasis, while it plays a dual role in regulating copper-induced cell death by acting both as an inhibitor of cell death and as a promoter of cytotoxicity. This review summarizes research progress on copper metabolic patterns, molecular mechanisms of copper-induced cell death, and mechanisms of copper-induced autophagy-cytotoxicity interactions. Meanwhile, the application of copper-induced cell death in cancer therapy is discussed, aiming to provide new insights and guiding future research toward advancing cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chendu 611130, PR China.
| | - Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chendu 611130, PR China.
| | - Yang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chendu 611130, PR China.
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chendu 611130, PR China.
| | - Dongmei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chendu 611130, PR China.
| | - Bo Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chendu 611130, PR China.
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Qin L, Lv Z, Luo B, Yu J, Li M, Jing R, Li J. Hypoxia-induced autophagy attenuates ferredoxin 1-mediated cuproptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Hum Exp Toxicol 2025; 44:9603271251335393. [PMID: 40294285 DOI: 10.1177/09603271251335393] [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] [Indexed: 04/30/2025]
Abstract
IntroductionCuproptosis has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigated the role of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) in regulating cuproptosis under hypoxic conditions and explored the impact of autophagy on this process in CRC.MethodsCRC patient samples and cell lines were used in this study. Cells were exposed to hypoxia and treated with Es-Cu (a copper supplement) and rapamycin, an autophagy inducer. FDX1 expression in clinical tissues was assessed in clinical tissues using qPCR and Western blot. The CCK8 assay, EdU staining, and Transwell assay were employed to evaluate the malignant behavior of tumor cells. Copper content and DLAT oligomerization were measured. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to explore the role of FDX1 under hypoxic conditions.ResultsCompared with adjacent normal tissues, elevated FDX1 expression was observed in CRC tissues. In vitro, hypoxia or Es-Cu treatment upregulated FDX1 expression in CRC cell lines, resulting in reduced cell proliferation and increased cellular damage. FDX1 overexpression under hypoxic conditions suppressed migration, invasion, and proliferation while promoting cellular damage and DLAT oligomerization. Rapamycin-induced autophagy reversed the inhibitory effects of FDX1 overexpression on CRC cells. In vivo, rapamycin treatment attenuated the tumor-suppressive effects of FDX1 overexpression in nude mouse xenograft models.DiscussionThis study demonstrated that hypoxia-induced autophagy inhibits FDX1-mediated cuproptosis, leading to resistance to copper-induced cell death in CRC cells. Targeting the autophagy pathway may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to cuproptosis and improving CRC treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Qin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Nan Chong Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - ZhenBing Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Nan Chong Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - BinYu Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Nan Chong Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Nan Chong Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of General Surgery, Nan Chong Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Rong Jing
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nan Chong Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - JingDong Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Lv H, Yang H, Duan Y, Yan C, Li G, Zhao G, Sun F, Feng Y, Li Y, Fu Y, Li Y, Zhao Z, Jia X. S-(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamoyl)-N-acetyl-l-cysteine for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer through regulating NF-κB signalling pathway without neurotoxicity. J Drug Target 2024; 32:1111-1124. [PMID: 38962807 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2374037] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of novel targeted agents for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains an important research landscape due to the limited efficacy, side effects and drug resistance of current treatment options. Among many repurposed drugs, disulphiram (DSF) has shown the potential to target tumours. However, its unpleasant neurotoxicity greatly limits its use. A DSF derivative, S-(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamoyl)-N-acetyl-l-cysteine (DS-NAC), was synthesised against NSCLC. The therapeutic effects, mechanism and toxicities of DS-NAC were evaluated in A549 and H460 cells and the mouse model of in situ lung cancer. The in vitro results exhibited that DS-NAC had potent anti-proliferation, apoptotic, anti-metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inhibition effects. In the orthotopic lung cancer mouse model, therapeutic effects of DS-NAC were better than those of DSF and were similar to docetaxel (DTX). Also, results from western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that DS-NAC in combination with copper exerted therapeutic effects via regulating NF-κB signalling pathway and ROS-related proteins such as HIF-1α, Nrf2 and PKC-δ rather than regulating ROS level directly. Moreover, the safety evaluation study showed that DS-NAC had low haematologic and hepatic toxicities in comparison with DTX as well as low neurological toxicity compared with DSF. DS-NAC could be a promising anti-lung cancer agent with a favourable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyou Lv
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Huatian Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yifei Duan
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Chongzheng Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Genju Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guozhi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengqin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yafei Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuhan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yaqing Fu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yizhe Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongxi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key University Laboratory of Pharmaceutics & Drug Delivery Systems of Shandong Province, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiumei Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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Zhang C, Huang T, Li L. Targeting cuproptosis for cancer therapy: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:68. [PMID: 39152464 PMCID: PMC11328505 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01589-8] [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: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death induced by excessive copper (Cu) accumulation within cells. Mechanistically, cuproptosis results from Cu-induced aggregation of dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase, correlated with the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and the loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, ultimately resulting in proteotoxic stress and triggering cell death. Recently, cuproptosis has garnered significant interest in tumor research due to its potential as a crucial therapeutic strategy against cancer. In this review, we summarized the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relationship with other types of cell death. Additionally, we reviewed the current drugs or strategies available to induce cuproptosis in tumor cells, including Cu ionophores, small compounds, and nanomedicine. Furthermore, we targeted cell metabolism and specific regulatory genes in cancer therapy to enhance tumor sensitivity to cuproptosis. Finally, we discussed the feasibility of targeting cuproptosis to overcome tumor chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance and suggested future research directions. This study suggested that targeting cuproptosis could open new avenues for developing tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenliang Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Huang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Zeng M, Wu B, Wei W, Jiang Z, Li P, Quan Y, Hu X. Disulfiram: A novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1389-1398. [PMID: 38275022 PMCID: PMC11188872 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002909] [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: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is a major global health issue. Effective therapeutic strategies can prolong patients' survival and reduce the costs of treatment. Drug repurposing, which identifies new therapeutic uses for approved drugs, is a promising approach with the advantages of reducing research costs, shortening development time, and increasing efficiency and safety. Disulfiram (DSF), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat chronic alcoholism, has a great potential as an anticancer drug by targeting diverse human malignancies. Several studies show the antitumor effects of DSF, particularly the combination of DSF and copper (DSF/Cu), on a wide range of cancers such as glioblastoma (GBM), breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. In this review, we summarize the antitumor mechanisms of DSF/Cu, including induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and various cell death signaling pathways, and inhibition of proteasome activity, as well as inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Furthermore, we highlight the ability of DSF/Cu to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which provides a new approach to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Strikingly, DSF/Cu inhibits several molecular targets associated with drug resistance, and therefore it is becoming a novel option to increase the sensitivity of chemo-resistant and radio-resistant patients. Studies of DSF/Cu may shed light on its improved application to clinical tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Baibei Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wenjie Wei
- Institute of Biochemistry of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zihan Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Peiqiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuanting Quan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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9
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Huang N, Feng Y, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Liu L, Zhang B, Zhang T, Su Z, Xue L, Wu ZB. Disulfiram mediated anti-tumour effect in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours by inducing cuproptosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112159. [PMID: 38692018 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112159] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Medical treatment plays a critical role in pituitary neuroendocrine tumour (PitNET) treatment. Dopamine agonists and somatostatin receptor agonists are the only known drugs for effectively treating PitNET. Thus, the identification of potential therapeutic targets and drugs is urgently needed. OBJECTIVE To discover potential drugs that can suppress PitNET growth and to further investigate the underlying mechanism involved. METHODS High-throughput drug screening of primary cultures of 17 patient-derived PitNETs was performed to identify potential therapeutic compounds. Cell viability assays, Western blot analysis and flow cytometry were used to investigate pituitary neuroendocrine tumour cell lines and patient-derived PitNET cultures in vitro. In vivo drug efficacy was examined in a mouse xenograft model. RESULTS Seventeen primary PitNET samples were collected for high-throughput drug screening, and a class of copper ionophores that can effectively inhibit cell growth, such as zinc pyrithione, elesclomol, and disulfiram (DSF), was identified. Subsequent experiments initially validated the dose-dependent cell growth-suppressing effect of these copper ionophores on AtT20, GH3, and MMQ cells and several primary PitNET cell lines. Moreover, we confirmed that the cytotoxic effect of DSF depends on the presence of copper. Additionally, we determined that cell death occurs via cuproptosis, with events such as Fe-S cluster protein loss, dihydrolipoyl transacetylase oligomerization and heat shock protein 70 upregulation. Finally, we verified the cytotoxic effects of DSF in vivo. CONCLUSION The present study revealed copper ionophores as a potential class of drugs for PitNET treatment. DSF induced PitNET cell death via cuproptosis and might be a promising option for PitNET therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanting Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Li Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhe Bao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumour, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Hu R, Huang Y, Jiang X, Xu Y, Zheng Z, Shi Y, Liu Y. Maternal dietary copper deficiency induces cardiomyopathy and liver injury in mice by activating autophagy. Nutr Res 2024; 126:1-10. [PMID: 38555686 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.02.010] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Maternal nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy result in birth defects and elevate the risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that deficiency of copper, a fundamental trace element involved in several pivotal physiological processes, promotes the onset of multiple diseases, notably heart and liver diseases. Yet, exploration into the effects of maternal copper deficiency (CuD) on offspring is still limited. In this study, we hypothesized that maternal CuD induced cardiomyopathy and liver injury in offspring through the activation of autophagy. We established a maternal CuD mouse model by feeding pregnant C57BL/6 mice with a CuD diet until the end of the experiment. Echocardiography, histological analysis, western blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed on offspring at postnatal day 14. We found that maternal CuD caused growth retardation and early postnatal death in the offspring. Furthermore, our results revealed that CuD induced cardiac systolic dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, hepatic steatosis, and liver injury. Moreover, higher expression of LC3 and lower expression of p62 were observed in the heart tissues and liver tissues of CuD mice compared with the control group, indicating that CuD induced autophagy activation. In conclusion, maternal CuD caused severely deleterious effects on the heart and liver of the offspring via activating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixiang Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Yipu Huang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Yi Xu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Zhirui Zheng
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Yuansen Shi
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Yun Liu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China.
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11
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Li T, Rong M, Wang Y, Sun W, Lu L. A cascade nanoplatform for intelligent response to tumor microenvironment and collaborative cancer therapy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:2537-2546. [PMID: 38345306 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02879h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF), a new potential anticancer drug, has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity dependent on the formation of CuET, the chelation product of DSF with Cu2+. However, the poor stability of DSF and insufficient physiological concentration of Cu2+ hinder its practical application. To achieve the co-delivery of DSF and Cu2+ while overcoming the inefficiency of single chemotherapy, in this study, a cascade nanoplatform, DSF/Ce6@ZIF-8@CuO2, was constructed by encapsulating DSF and chlorin e6 (Ce6, a photosensitizer) in zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8, a nanocarrier) and then loading CuO2, which self-supplied H2O2/O2, onto DSF/Ce6@ZIF-8. By triggering the response of DSF/Ce6@ZIF-8@CuO2 to the acidic tumor microenvironment, encapsulated DSF, Ce6 and CuO2 were released to achieve multimodal synergistic treatment with enhanced DSF chemotherapy and chemodynamic/photodynamic therapy (CDT/PDT). In vitro and animal studies indicated that the designed DSF/Ce6@ZIF-8@CuO2 has strong tumor-inhibitory effects and provides a promising paradigm for designing smart nanoplatforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Mingjie Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China.
| | - Lehui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China.
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
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12
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Tang Y, Wang T, Li Q, Shi J. A cuproptosis score model and prognostic score model can evaluate clinical characteristics and immune microenvironment in NSCLC. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:68. [PMID: 38341588 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03267-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) are associated with lung adenocarcinoma. However, the links between CRGs and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not clear. In this study, we aimed to develop two cuproptosis models and investigate their correlation with NSCLC in terms of clinical features and tumor microenvironment. METHODS CRG expression profiles and clinical data from NSCLC and normal tissues was obtained from GEO (GSE42127) and TCGA datasets. Molecular clusters were classified into three patterns based on CRGs and cuproptosis cluster-related specific differentially expressed genes (CRDEGs). Then, two clinical models were established. First, a prognostic score model based on CRDEGs was established using univariate/multivariate Cox analysis. Then, through principal component analysis, a cuproptosis score model was established based on prognosis-related genes acquired via univariate analysis of CRDEGs. NSCLC patients were divided into high/low risk groups. RESULTS Eighteen CRGs were acquired, all upregulated in tumor tissues, 15 of which significantly (P < 0.05). Among the three CRG clusters, cluster B had the best prognosis. In the CRDEG clusters, cluster C had the best survival. In the prognostic score model, the high-risk group had worse prognosis, higher tumor mutation load, and lower immune infiltration while in the cuproptosis score model, a high score represented better survival, lower tumor mutation load, and high-level immune infiltration. CONCLUSIONS The cuproptosis score model and prognostic score model may be associated with NSCLC prognosis and immune microenvironment. These novel findings on the progression and immune landscape of NSCLC may facilitate the provision of more personalized immunotherapy interventions for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Tang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qixuan Li
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahai Shi
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Zhang P, Zhou C, Ren X, Jing Q, Gao Y, Yang C, Shen Y, Zhou Y, Hu W, Jin F, Xu H, Yu L, Liu Y, Tong X, Li Y, Wang Y, Du J. Inhibiting the compensatory elevation of xCT collaborates with disulfiram/copper-induced GSH consumption for cascade ferroptosis and cuproptosis. Redox Biol 2024; 69:103007. [PMID: 38150993 PMCID: PMC10788306 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.103007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death globally, which is characterized by complicated pathophysiology, high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. Our previous study has demonstrated that disulfiram (DSF)/Cu could be repurposed for the treatment of HCC by inducing ferroptosis. However, the effectiveness of DSF/Cu may be compromised by compensatory mechanisms that weaken its sensitivity. The mechanisms underlying these compensatory responses are currently unknown. Herein, we found DSF/Cu induces endoplasmic reticulum stress with disrupted ER structures, increased Ca2+ level and activated expression of ATF4. Further studies verified that DSF/Cu induces both ferroptosis and cuproptosis, accompanied by the depletion of GSH, elevation of lipid peroxides, and compensatory increase of xCT. Comparing ferroptosis and cuproptosis, it is interesting to note that GSH acts at the crossing point of the regulation network and therefore, we hypothesized that compensatory elevation of xCT may be a key aspect of the therapeutic target. Mechanically, knockdown of ATF4 facilitated the DSF/Cu-induced cell death and exacerbated the generation of lipid peroxides under the challenge of DSF/Cu. However, ATF4 knockdown was unable to block the compensatory elevation of xCT and the GSH reduction. Notably, we found that DSF/Cu induced the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, promoted the half-life of xCT protein, and dramatically dampened the ubiquitination-proteasome mediated degradation of xCT. Moreover, both pharmacologically and genetically suppressing xCT exacerbated DSF/Cu-induced cell death. In conclusion, the current work provides an in-depth study of the mechanism of DSF/Cu-induced cell death and describes a framework for the further understanding of the crosstalk between ferroptosis and cuproptosis. Inhibiting the compensatory increase of xCT renders HCC cells more susceptible to DSF/Cu, which may provide a promising synergistic strategy to sensitize tumor therapy and overcome drug resistance, as it activates different programmed cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoting Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueying Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiangan Jing
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhuan Shen
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanye Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifan Jin
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haifeng Xu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingyan Yu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingchao Liu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jing Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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14
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Wang D, Yang F, Han G, Zhang J, Wang H, Xiao Z, Chen W, Li P. Identification of a 5-Gene Cuproptosis Signature Predicting the Prognosis for Colon Adenocarcinoma Based on WGCNA. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241250285. [PMID: 38802999 PMCID: PMC11135095 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241250285] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer is a highly aggressive malignant tumor that primarily affects the digestive system. It is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Cuproptosis is a copper-dependent form cell death mechanism, distinct from all other known pathways underlying cell death, tumor progression, prognosis, and immune response. Although the role of cuproptosis in colorectal cancer has been investigated over time, there is still an urgent need to explore new methods and insights to understand its potential function. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas gene expression data were systematically explored to investigate the role of cuproptosis in colon adenocarcinoma. The weighted gene coexpression network analysis was used to construct a gene coexpression network and identify the critical module and cuproptosis-related genes correlated with colon adenocarcinoma prognosis. A cuproptosis-related genes prognostic signature for colon adenocarcinoma was identified and validated. To validate the identified gene signature, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed. Cell proliferation assays were analyzed by CCK8 and cell cycle detection. In addition, reactive oxygen species assay was also analyzed. Results: Five hub cuproptosis-related genes (Dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase, Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, ATOX1, VEGFA, and ULK1) were screened and a prognostic risk model for predicting overall survival was established based on these genes. The model was successfully tested in the validation cohort and the GEPIA database. Colon adenocarcinoma patients were categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups based on risk scores. The study revealed that patients with higher risk scores were more likely to have a poor prognosis. Moreover, Dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase was a tumor suppressor gene that can induce cell death and affected the redox reactions in the colon cancer cell line. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the newly identified 5-gene signature may serve as a more reliable prognostic factor than clinical factors such as age and stage of disease. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for further investigation into potential cuproptosis-related biomarkers for predicting colon adenocarcinoma prognosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Wang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Funing Yang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guiping Han
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongjia Wang
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zunyu Xiao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiyu Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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15
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Xanthis V, Mantso T, Dimtsi A, Pappa A, Fadouloglou VE. Human Aldehyde Dehydrogenases: A Superfamily of Similar Yet Different Proteins Highly Related to Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4419. [PMID: 37686694 PMCID: PMC10650815 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The superfamily of human aldehyde dehydrogenases (hALDHs) consists of 19 isoenzymes which are critical for several physiological and biosynthetic processes and play a major role in the organism's detoxification via the NAD(P) dependent oxidation of numerous endogenous and exogenous aldehyde substrates to their corresponding carboxylic acids. Over the last decades, ALDHs have been the subject of several studies as it was revealed that their differential expression patterns in various cancer types are associated either with carcinogenesis or promotion of cell survival. Here, we attempt to provide a thorough review of hALDHs' diverse functions and 3D structures with particular emphasis on their role in cancer pathology and resistance to chemotherapy. We are especially interested in findings regarding the association of structural features and their changes with effects on enzymes' functionalities. Moreover, we provide an updated outline of the hALDHs inhibitors utilized in experimental or clinical settings for cancer therapy. Overall, this review aims to provide a better understanding of the impact of ALDHs in cancer pathology and therapy from a structural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vasiliki E. Fadouloglou
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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16
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Li R, Chai L, Lei L, Guo R, Wen X. CDKL3 Promotes Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Suppressing Autophagy Via Activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1421-1431. [PMID: 36630073 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the role of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 3 (CDKL3) in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as the underlying mechanisms. Western blot and qRT-PCR were utilized to analyze CDKL3 expression in 30 pairs of NSCLC and paraneoplastic tissues. A549 cells with CDKL3 knockdown and PC9 cells with CDKL3 overexpression were constructed by infecting cells with lentiviruses expressing shRNA of CDKL3 and expressing a full-length CDKL3 mRNA, respectively. The CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay were carried out to detect cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, respectively. Autophagosome morphology was observed by electron microscopy experiments, the expression of key components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was examined via Western blot and their mRNA expression levels were determined. Besides, the stably infected NSCLC cells with reduced expression or overexpression of CDKL3 were inoculated into the right-back flank of mice to generate tumors. The results showed that CDKL3 expression was dramatically increased in NSCLC tissues. Moreover, CDKL3 promoted the viability and migration of NSCLC cells by suppressing autophagy in vitro and in vivo. In addition, CDKL3 might modulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in NSCLC. Overall, CDKL3 might promote NSCLC cell viability and metastasis by inhibiting autophagy and activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
| | - Linyan Chai
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiulin Wen
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China.
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17
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Xue Q, Kang R, Klionsky DJ, Tang D, Liu J, Chen X. Copper metabolism in cell death and autophagy. Autophagy 2023; 19:2175-2195. [PMID: 37055935 PMCID: PMC10351475 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2200554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 131.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace element in biological systems, maintaining the activity of enzymes and the function of transcription factors. However, at high concentrations, copper ions show increased toxicity by inducing regulated cell death, such as apoptosis, paraptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. Furthermore, copper ions can trigger macroautophagy/autophagy, a lysosome-dependent degradation pathway that plays a dual role in regulating the survival or death fate of cells under various stress conditions. Pathologically, impaired copper metabolism due to environmental or genetic causes is implicated in a variety of human diseases, such as rare Wilson disease and common cancers. Therapeutically, copper-based compounds are potential chemotherapeutic agents that can be used alone or in combination with other drugs or approaches to treat cancer. Here, we review the progress made in understanding copper metabolic processes and their impact on the regulation of cell death and autophagy. This knowledge may help in the design of future clinical tools to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.Abbreviations: ACSL4, acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4; AIFM1/AIF, apoptosis inducing factor mitochondria associated 1; AIFM2, apoptosis inducing factor mitochondria associated 2; ALDH, aldehyde dehydrogenase; ALOX, arachidonate lipoxygenase; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; APAF1, apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1; ATF4, activating transcription factor 4; ATG, autophagy related; ATG13, autophagy related 13; ATG5, autophagy related 5; ATOX1, antioxidant 1 copper chaperone; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; ATP7A, ATPase copper transporting alpha; ATP7B, ATPase copper transporting beta; BAK1, BCL2 antagonist/killer 1; BAX, BCL2 associated X apoptosis regulator; BBC3/PUMA, BCL2 binding component 3; BCS, bathocuproinedisulfonic acid; BECN1, beclin 1; BID, BH3 interacting domain death agonist; BRCA1, BRCA1 DNA repair associated; BSO, buthionine sulphoximine; CASP1, caspase 1; CASP3, caspase 3; CASP4/CASP11, caspase 4; CASP5, caspase 5; CASP8, caspase 8; CASP9, caspase 9; CCS, copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase; CD274/PD-L1, CD274 molecule; CDH2, cadherin 2; CDKN1A/p21, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A; CDKN1B/p27, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B; COMMD10, COMM domain containing 10; CoQ10, coenzyme Q 10; CoQ10H2, reduced coenzyme Q 10; COX11, cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone COX11; COX17, cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone COX17; CP, ceruloplasmin; CYCS, cytochrome c, somatic; DBH, dopamine beta-hydroxylase; DDIT3/CHOP, DNA damage inducible transcript 3; DLAT, dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase; DTC, diethyldithiocarbamate; EIF2A, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A; EIF2AK3/PERK, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; ESCRT-III, endosomal sorting complex required for transport-III; ETC, electron transport chain; FABP3, fatty acid binding protein 3; FABP7, fatty acid binding protein 7; FADD, Fas associated via death domain; FAS, Fas cell surface death receptor; FASL, Fas ligand; FDX1, ferredoxin 1; GNAQ/11, G protein subunit alpha q/11; GPX4, glutathione peroxidase 4; GSDMD, gasdermin D; GSH, glutathione; HDAC, histone deacetylase; HIF1, hypoxia inducible factor 1; HIF1A, hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha; HMGB1, high mobility group box 1; IL1B, interleukin 1 beta; IL17, interleukin 17; KRAS, KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase; LOX, lysyl oxidase; LPCAT3, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3; MAP1LC3, microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAP2K1, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1; MAP2K2, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinases; MAPK14/p38, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14; MEMO1, mediator of cell motility 1; MT-CO1/COX1, mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I; MT-CO2/COX2, mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase II; MTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTs, metallothioneins; NAC, N-acetylcysteine; NFKB/NF-Κb, nuclear factor kappa B; NLRP3, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3; NPLOC4/NPL4, NPL4 homolog ubiquitin recognition factor; PDE3B, phosphodiesterase 3B; PDK1, phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1; PHD, prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain; PIK3C3/VPS34, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; PMAIP1/NOXA, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1; POR, cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase; PUFA-PL, PUFA of phospholipids; PUFAs, polyunsaturated fatty acids; ROS, reactive oxygen species; SCO1, synthesis of cytochrome C oxidase 1; SCO2, synthesis of cytochrome C oxidase 2; SLC7A11, solute carrier family 7 member 11; SLC11A2/DMT1, solute carrier family 11 member 2; SLC31A1/CTR1, solute carrier family 31 member 1; SLC47A1, solute carrier family 47 member 1; SOD1, superoxide dismutase; SP1, Sp1 transcription factor; SQSTM1/p62, sequestosome 1; STEAP4, STEAP4 metalloreductase; TAX1BP1, Tax1 binding protein 1; TEPA, tetraethylenepentamine; TFEB, transcription factor EB; TM, tetrathiomolybdate; TP53/p53, tumor protein p53; TXNRD1, thioredoxin reductase 1; UCHL5, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L5; ULK1, Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; ULK1, unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; ULK2, unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2; USP14, ubiquitin specific peptidase 14; VEGF, vascular endothelial gro wth factor; XIAP, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xue
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Affliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J. Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jinbao Liu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Affliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Affliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang S, Zong Y, Chen L, Li Q, Li Z, Meng R. The immunomodulatory function and antitumor effect of disulfiram: paving the way for novel cancer therapeutics. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:103. [PMID: 37326784 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 60 years ago, disulfiram (DSF) was employed for the management of alcohol addiction. This promising cancer therapeutic agent inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant tumor cells. Furthermore, divalent copper ions can enhance the antitumor effects of DSF. Molecular structure, pharmacokinetics, signaling pathways, mechanisms of action and current clinical results of DSF are summarized here. Additionally, our attention is directed towards the immunomodulatory properties of DSF and we explore novel administration methods that may address the limitations associated with antitumor treatments based on DSF. Despite the promising potential of these various delivery methods for utilizing DSF as an effective anticancer agent, further investigation is essential in order to extensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of these delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan Zong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Leichong Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qianwen Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Rui Meng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Cheng FT, Geng YD, Liu YX, Nie X, Zhang XG, Chen ZL, Tang LQ, Wang LH, You YZ, Zhang L. Co-delivery of a tumor microenvironment-responsive disulfiram prodrug and CuO 2 nanoparticles for efficient cancer treatment. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:3336-3347. [PMID: 37325521 PMCID: PMC10262962 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00004d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) has been used as a hangover drug for more than seven decades and was found to have potential in cancer treatment, especially mediated by copper. However, the uncoordinated delivery of disulfiram with copper and the instability of disulfiram limit its further applications. Herein, we synthesize a DSF prodrug using a simple strategy that could be activated in a specific tumor microenvironment. Poly amino acids are used as a platform to bind the DSF prodrug through the B-N interaction and encapsulate CuO2 nanoparticles (NPs), obtaining a functional nanoplatform Cu@P-B. In the acidic tumor microenvironment, the loaded CuO2 NPs will produce Cu2+ and cause oxidative stress in cells. At the same time, the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) will accelerate the release and activation of the DSF prodrug and further chelate the released Cu2+ to produce the noxious copper diethyldithiocarbamate complex, which causes cell apoptosis effectively. Cytotoxicity tests show that the DSF prodrug could effectively kill cancer cells with only a small amount of Cu2+ (0.18 μg mL-1), inhibiting the migration and invasion of tumor cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that this functional nanoplatform could kill tumor cells effectively with limited toxic side effects, showing a new perspective in DSF prodrug design and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Ting Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
| | - Ya-Di Geng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
| | - Yun-Xiao Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
| | - Xuan Nie
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China
| | - Xin-Ge Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
| | - Zhao-Lin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
| | - Li-Qin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
| | - Long-Hai Wang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China
| | - Ye-Zi You
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230001 China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University Hefei Anhui 230032 China
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Kang X, Jadhav S, Annaji M, Huang CH, Amin R, Shen J, Ashby CR, Tiwari AK, Babu RJ, Chen P. Advancing Cancer Therapy with Copper/Disulfiram Nanomedicines and Drug Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1567. [PMID: 37376016 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is a thiocarbamate based drug that has been approved for treating alcoholism for over 60 years. Preclinical studies have shown that DSF has anticancer efficacy, and its supplementation with copper (CuII) significantly potentiates the efficacy of DSF. However, the results of clinical trials have not yielded promising results. The elucidation of the anticancer mechanisms of DSF/Cu (II) will be beneficial in repurposing DSF as a new treatment for certain types of cancer. DSF's anticancer mechanism is primarily due to its generating reactive oxygen species, inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity inhibition, and decreasing the levels of transcriptional proteins. DSF also shows inhibitory effects in cancer cell proliferation, the self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs), angiogenesis, drug resistance, and suppresses cancer cell metastasis. This review also discusses current drug delivery strategies for DSF alone diethyldithocarbamate (DDC), Cu (II) and DSF/Cu (II), and the efficacious component Diethyldithiocarbamate-copper complex (CuET).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Kang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Sanika Jadhav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Manjusha Annaji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Chung-Hui Huang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rajesh Amin
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Charles R Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11431, USA
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - R Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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21
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Wang X, Zhou M, Liu Y, Si Z. Cope with copper: From copper linked mechanisms to copper-based clinical cancer therapies. Cancer Lett 2023; 561:216157. [PMID: 37011869 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have established a strong link between copper and cancer biology, as copper is necessary for cancer growth and metastasis. Beyond the conventional concept of copper serving as a catalytic cofactor of metalloenzymes, emerging evidence demonstrates copper as a regulator for signaling transduction and gene expression, which are vital for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Interestingly, strong redox-active properties make copper both beneficial and detrimental to cancer cells. Cuproplasia is copper-dependent cell growth and proliferation, whereas cuproptosis is copper-dependent cell death. Both mechanisms act in cancer cells, suggesting that copper depletion and copper supplementation may be viable approaches for developing novel anticancer therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of copper's biological role and related molecular mechanisms in cancer proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, autophagy, immunosuppressive microenvironment development, and copper-mediated cancer cell death. We also highlighted copper-based strategies for cancer treatment. The current challenges of copper in cancer biology and therapy and their potential solutions were also discussed. Further investigation in this field will yield a more comprehensive molecular explanation for the causal relationship between copper and cancers. It will reveal a series of key regulators governing copper-dependent signaling pathways, thereby providing potential targets for developing copper-related anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xidi Wang
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, PR China; Department of Pathology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Ningbo, PR China.
| | - Miao Zhou
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, PR China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, PR China
| | - Zizhen Si
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, PR China.
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22
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Xia J, Li S, Liu S, Zhang L. Aldehyde dehydrogenase in solid tumors and other diseases: Potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e195. [PMID: 36694633 PMCID: PMC9842923 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) contains 19 isozymes and is involved in the oxidation of endogenous and exogenous aldehydes to carboxylic acids, which contributes to cellular and tissue homeostasis. ALDHs play essential parts in detoxification, biosynthesis, and antioxidants, which are of important value for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in normal body tissues. However, ALDHs are frequently dysregulated and associated with various diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and especially solid tumors. Notably, the involvement of the ALDHs in tumor progression is responsible for the maintenance of the stem-cell-like phenotype, triggering rapid and aggressive clinical progressions. ALDHs have captured increasing attention as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Nevertheless, these require further longitudinal clinical studies in large populations for broad application. This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding ALDHs as potential biomarkers in tumors and several non-tumor diseases, as well as recent advances in our understanding of the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of ALDHs in disease development. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of ALDHs in diseases, especially in tumor therapy with an emphasis on their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xia
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Siqin Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lixing Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Cancer Institutes, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, The International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Chang MR, Rusanov DA, Arakelyan J, Alshehri M, Asaturova AV, Kireeva GS, Babak MV, Ang WH. Targeting emerging cancer hallmarks by transition metal complexes: Cancer stem cells and tumor microbiome. Part I. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Solovieva M, Shatalin Y, Odinokova I, Krestinina O, Baburina Y, Lomovskaya Y, Pankratov A, Pankratova N, Buneeva O, Kopylov A, Medvedev A, Akatov V. Disulfiram Oxy-Derivatives Suppress Protein Retrotranslocation across the ER Membrane to the Cytosol and Initiate Paraptosis-like Cell Death. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:845. [PMID: 36135864 PMCID: PMC9506514 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12090845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) and its derivatives were here investigated as antineoplastic agents, and their important feature is the ability to influence the UPS. We have recently shown that hydroxocobalamin catalyzes the aerobic oxidation of diethyldithiocarbamate to form disulfiram and its oxy-derivatives (DSFoxy; i.e., sulfones and sulfoxides), which induce cytoplasm vacuolization and paraptosis-like cancer cell death. We used LC-MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis to determine the key points in these processes. DSFoxy was found to induce an increase in the number of ubiquitinated proteins, including oxidized ones, and a decrease in the monomeric ubiquitin. Enhanced ubiquitination was revealed for proteins involved in the response to exogenous stress, regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, DNA damage/repair, transcription and translation, folding and ubiquitination, retrograde transport, the MAPK cascade, and some other functions. The results obtained indicate that DSF oxy-derivatives enhance the oxidation and ubiquitination of many proteins regulating proteostasis (including E3 ligases and deubiquitinases), which leads to inhibition of protein retrotranslocation across the ER membrane into the cytosol and accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER followed by ER swelling and initiates paraptosis-like cell death. Our results provide new insight into the role of protein ubiquitination/deubiquitination in regulating protein retrotranslocation across the ER membrane into the cytosol and paraptosis-like cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Solovieva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Yuri Shatalin
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Irina Odinokova
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Olga Krestinina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Yulia Baburina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Yana Lomovskaya
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Anton Pankratov
- Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology RAS—The Branch of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Natalia Pankratova
- Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology RAS—The Branch of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Olga Buneeva
- Department of Proteomic Research and Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 Pogodinskaya Street, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Arthur Kopylov
- Department of Proteomic Research and Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 Pogodinskaya Street, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexei Medvedev
- Department of Proteomic Research and Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10 Pogodinskaya Street, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Akatov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
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Zhang C, Zeng Y, Guo X, Shen H, Zhang J, Wang K, Ji M, Huang S. Pan-cancer analyses confirmed the cuproptosis-related gene FDX1 as an immunotherapy predictor and prognostic biomarker. Front Genet 2022; 13:923737. [PMID: 35991547 PMCID: PMC9388757 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.923737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The latest research identified cuproptosis as an entirely new mechanism of cell death. However, as a key regulator in copper-induced cell death, the prognostic and immunotherapeutic value of FDX1 in pan-cancer remains unclear. Methods: Data from the UCSC Xena, GEPIA, and CPTAC were analyzed to conduct an inquiry into the overall differential expression of FDX1 across multiple cancer types. The expression of FDX1 in GBM, LUAD and HCC cell lines as well as their control cell lines was verified by RT-QPCR. The survival prognosis, clinical features, and genetic changes of FDX1 were also evaluated. Finally, the relationship between FDX1 and immunotherapy response was further explored through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis enrichment analysis, tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, immune gene co-expression and drug sensitivity analysis. Results: The transcription and protein expression of FDX1 were significantly reduced in most cancer types and had prognostic value for the survival of certain cancer patients such as ACC, KIRC, HNSC, THCA and LGG. In some cancer types, FDX1 expression was also markedly correlated with the clinical characteristics, TMB, MSI, and antitumor drug susceptibility or resistance of different tumors. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that FDX1 was significantly associated with immune-related pathways. Moreover, the expression level of FDX1 was confirmed to be strongly correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, and immune regulatory genes to a certain extent. Conclusion: This study comprehensively explored the potential value of FDX1 as a prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker for pan-cancer, providing new direction and evidence for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanxiao Zeng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiuchen Guo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hangjing Shen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kaikai Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Ji
- Operating Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shengwei Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shengwei Huang,
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26
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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: 0.3] [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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27
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Kast RE, Alfieri A, Assi HI, Burns TC, Elyamany AM, Gonzalez-Cao M, Karpel-Massler G, Marosi C, Salacz ME, Sardi I, Van Vlierberghe P, Zaghloul MS, Halatsch ME. MDACT: A New Principle of Adjunctive Cancer Treatment Using Combinations of Multiple Repurposed Drugs, with an Example Regimen. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2563. [PMID: 35626167 PMCID: PMC9140192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In part one of this two-part paper, we present eight principles that we believe must be considered for more effective treatment of the currently incurable cancers. These are addressed by multidrug adjunctive cancer treatment (MDACT), which uses multiple repurposed non-oncology drugs, not primarily to kill malignant cells, but rather to reduce the malignant cells' growth drives. Previous multidrug regimens have used MDACT principles, e.g., the CUSP9v3 glioblastoma treatment. MDACT is an amalgam of (1) the principle that to be effective in stopping a chain of events leading to an undesired outcome, one must break more than one link; (2) the principle of Palmer et al. of achieving fractional cancer cell killing via multiple drugs with independent mechanisms of action; (3) the principle of shaping versus decisive operations, both being required for successful cancer treatment; (4) an idea adapted from Chow et al., of using multiple cytotoxic medicines at low doses; (5) the idea behind CUSP9v3, using many non-oncology CNS-penetrant drugs from general medical practice, repurposed to block tumor survival paths; (6) the concept from chess that every move creates weaknesses and strengths; (7) the principle of mass-by adding force to a given effort, the chances of achieving the goal increase; and (8) the principle of blocking parallel signaling pathways. Part two gives an example MDACT regimen, gMDACT, which uses six repurposed drugs-celecoxib, dapsone, disulfiram, itraconazole, pyrimethamine, and telmisartan-to interfere with growth-driving elements common to cholangiocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. gMDACT is another example of-not a replacement for-previous multidrug regimens already in clinical use, such as CUSP9v3. MDACT regimens are designed as adjuvants to be used with cytotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Alfieri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.A.); (M.-E.H.)
| | - Hazem I. Assi
- Naef K. Basile Cancer Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1100, Lebanon;
| | - Terry C. Burns
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Ashraf M. Elyamany
- Oncology Unit, Hemato-Oncology Department, SECI Assiut University Egypt/King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 7790, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Maria Gonzalez-Cao
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | | | - Christine Marosi
- Clinical Division of Medical Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Michael E. Salacz
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Iacopo Sardi
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Mohamed S. Zaghloul
- Children’s Cancer Hospital & National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt;
| | - Marc-Eric Halatsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.A.); (M.-E.H.)
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28
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Hasan A, Rizvi SF, Parveen S, Pathak N, Nazir A, Mir SS. Crosstalk Between ROS and Autophagy in Tumorigenesis: Understanding the Multifaceted Paradox. Front Oncol 2022; 12:852424. [PMID: 35359388 PMCID: PMC8960719 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.852424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer formation is a highly regulated and complex process, largely dependent on its microenvironment. This complexity highlights the need for developing novel target-based therapies depending on cancer phenotype and genotype. Autophagy, a catabolic process, removes damaged and defective cellular materials through lysosomes. It is activated in response to stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is induced by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are multifaceted molecules that drive several pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. Moreover, autophagy also plays a dual role, initially inhibiting tumor formation but promoting tumor progression during advanced stages. Mounting evidence has suggested an intricate crosstalk between autophagy and ROS where they can either suppress cancer formation or promote disease etiology. This review highlights the regulatory roles of autophagy and ROS from tumor induction to metastasis. We also discuss the therapeutic strategies that have been devised so far to combat cancer. Based on the review, we finally present some gap areas that could be targeted and may provide a basis for cancer suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Lucknow, India.,Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Suroor Fatima Rizvi
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Lucknow, India.,Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Sana Parveen
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Lucknow, India.,Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Neelam Pathak
- Department of Biochemistry, Dr. RML Avadh University, Faizabad, India
| | - Aamir Nazir
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Molecular Toxicology, Division of Neuroscience and Ageing Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Lucknow, India.,Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow, India
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29
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Guo H, Ouyang Y, Yin H, Cui H, Deng H, Liu H, Jian Z, Fang J, Zuo Z, Wang X, Zhao L, Zhu Y, Geng Y, Ouyang P. Induction of autophagy via the ROS-dependent AMPK-mTOR pathway protects copper-induced spermatogenesis disorder. Redox Biol 2022; 49:102227. [PMID: 34979450 PMCID: PMC8728583 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is a necessary micronutrient at lower concentration, while excessive Cu exposure or Cu homeostasis disorders can lead to toxicity. The mechanism of male reproductive toxicity induced by Cu is still unknown. This study aims to investigate whether autophagy plays an important role in copper-induced spermatogenesis disorder in vivo and vitro. The present study showed that copper sulfate (CuSO4) might significantly promote autophagy level in the testis and mouse-derived spermatogonia cell line GC-1 spg cells. Concurrently, CuSO4 could induce autophagy via AMPK-mTOR pathway that downregulated p-mTOR/mTOR and subsequently upregulated p-AMPKα/AMPKα as well as p-ULK1/ULK1. In the meanwhile, CuSO4 treatment could also increase expression levels of the autophagy-related proteins. Then, the role of oxidative stress in CuSO4-induced autophagy was investigated. The findings demonstrated that oxidative stress inhibitor (NAC) attenuated CuSO4-induced autophagy in vivo and vitro, reversing the activation for AMPK-mTOR pathway. Additionally, the study also investigated how autophagy worked under the spermatogenesis disorder induced by CuSO4. Inhibition of autophagy could decrease cell viability, and enhance the ROS accumulation and apoptosis in the GC-1 cells, meanwhile, the spermatogenesis disorder, oxidative stress and histopathological changes were increased in the testis. Furthermore, co-treatment with the apoptosis inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK) could decrease the spermatogenesis disorder but not influence autophagy. Besides, the crosslink between autophagy and ferroptosis were also measured, the data showed that inhibition of autophagy could suppress CuSO4-induced ferroptosis in in vivo and vitro. Altogether, abovementioned results indicated that CuSO4 induced autophagy via oxidative stress-dependent AMPK-mTOR pathway in the GC-1 cells and testis, and autophagy activation possibly led to the generation of protection mechanism through oxidative damage and apoptosis inhibition, however, autophagy also aggravate CuSO4 toxicology through promoting ferroptosis. Overall, autophagy plays a positive role for attenuating CuSO4-induced testicular damage and spermatogenesis disorder. Our study provides a possible targeted therapy for Cu overload-induced reproduction toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agriculture University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yujuan Ouyang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Heng Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Hengmin Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agriculture University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Engineering of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agriculture University, Yaan, Sichuan, 625014, China.
| | - Huidan Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agriculture University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Huan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhijie Jian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jing Fang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agriculture University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhicai Zuo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agriculture University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agriculture University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Environmental Hazards of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agriculture University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yanqiu Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yi Geng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Ping Ouyang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, China
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30
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Hu Y, Qian Y, Wei J, Jin T, Kong X, Cao H, Ding K. The Disulfiram/Copper Complex Induces Autophagic Cell Death in Colorectal Cancer by Targeting ULK1. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:752825. [PMID: 34887757 PMCID: PMC8650091 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.752825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent worldwide, but there has been limited development of efficient and affordable treatment. Induced autophagy has recently been recognized as a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment, and disulfiram (DSF), a well-known antialcohol drug, is also found to inhibit tumor growth in various malignancies. Recently, DSF has been reported to induce excessive autophagy in oral squamous cells; however, little is known about whether it can induce autophagy and suppress proliferation in CRC. In this study, we investigate the effect of DSF with copper (DSF/Cu) on CRC both in vitro and in vivo and find that the combination significantly inhibits CRC cell viability and mainly induces autophagy instead of apoptosis. Furthermore, we use whole genome CRISPR library screening and identify a new mechanism by which DSF triggers autophagy by ULK1. Overall, these findings provide a potential CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeting Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yucheng Qian
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingsun Wei
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tian Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangxing Kong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongfeng Cao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
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31
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Yan H, Yang H, Wang L, Sun X, Han L, Cong P, Chen X, Lu D, Che C. Disulfiram inhibits IL-1β secretion and inflammatory cells recruitment in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 102:108401. [PMID: 34883353 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Disulfiram, an inhibitor of gasdermin D-induced pore formation, is known to suppress interleukin (IL)-1β secretion and pyroptosis. However, its effects on fungal keratitis remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of disulfiram in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. METHODS In vitro, Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and cell scratch test were performed to determine optimal concentration. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted in a mouse model, human neutrophils, and mouse peritoneal macrophages. We pre-treated the mice or cells with disulfiram and infected them with A. fumigatus at specific times. We subsequently evaluated the development of fungal keratitis lesions, the recruitment of inflammatory cells, and the production of inflammatory cytokines using slit lamp microscopy, clinical evaluation, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. We also used slit lamp microscopy and clinical evaluation to assess the effect of natamycin with or without disulfiram. RESULTS Disulfiram at 20 μM has no significant cytotoxic effect and does not affect cell migration. In the mouse model, disulfiram significantly suppressed inflammatory responses, reduced neutrophil and macrophage recruitment, and down-regulated myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide synthase levels at earlier stages of infection. Disulfiram had no effect on IL-1β production and maturation, but it inhibited IL-1β secretion in macrophages. Disulfiram combined with natamycin significantly increased corneal transparency in the mice model. CONCLUSION Overall, disulfiram reduced the host immune response in fungal keratitis by attenuating neutrophil and macrophage recruitment and inhibiting IL-1β secretion in macrophages. Disulfiram in combination with antifungal agents may serve as a novel therapeutic method for reducing corneal opacity in fungal keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Limei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lin Han
- Gout Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Peishan Cong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaomeng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Danli Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chengye Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
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32
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Zhang W, Zhou L, Qin S, Jiang J, Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Shi Z, Lin J. Sertaconazole provokes proapoptotic autophagy via stabilizing TRADD in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:821-837. [PMID: 34977879 PMCID: PMC8706745 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and lethal cancers characterized by relatively low overall cure and poor survival rates with great challenge for consistent effective clinical treatment. Here we demonstrated that the antifungal sertaconazole displays potent anti-NSCLC effect by promoting apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Further studies found that sertaconazole induces complete autophagic flux, which contributes to sertaconazole-induced apoptosis and subsequent growth suppression in NSCLC cells. Further studies demonstrated that sertaconazole provokes TNF receptor type 1 associated death domain protein (TRADD) expression via stabilizing it from ubiquitination-mediated degradation, which results in Akt dephosphorylation and thereby triggers proapoptotic autophagy in NSCLC cells. Moreover, we found that TRADD suppression reverses sertaconazole-induced proapoptotic autophagy and relieves growth suppression, indicating the vital role of TRADD-regulated proapoptotic autophagy in the anti-NSCLC activity of sertaconazole. In summary, our findings suggest that sertaconazole could be a highly promising anti-NSCLC drug by triggering proapoptotic autophagy via stabilizing TRADD, which may provide a new potential therapeutic option for patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Zhang
- Department of Medical OncologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical UniversityKunmingP.R. China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduP.R. China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduP.R. China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduP.R. China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduP.R. China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengduP.R. China
| | - Xiyu Zhang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Clinical Medical College & Affiliated hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduP.R. China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Medical OncologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical UniversityKunmingP.R. China
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33
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Xu Y, Lu L, Luo J, Wang L, Zhang Q, Cao J, Jiao Y. Disulfiram Alone Functions as a Radiosensitizer for Pancreatic Cancer Both In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Oncol 2021; 11:683695. [PMID: 34631519 PMCID: PMC8494980 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.683695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of pancreatic cancer remains very poor worldwide, partly due to the lack of specificity of early symptoms and innate resistance to chemo-/radiotherapy. Disulfiram (DSF), an anti-alcoholism drug widely used in the clinic, has been known for decades for its antitumor effects when simultaneously applied with copper ions, including pancreatic cancer. However, controversy still exists in the context of the antitumor effects of DSF alone in pancreatic cancer and related mechanisms, especially in its potential roles as a sensitizer for cancer radiotherapy. In the present study, we focused on whether and how DSF could facilitate ionizing radiation (IR) to eliminate pancreatic cancer. DSF alone significantly suppressed the survival of pancreatic cancer cells after exposure to IR, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, DSF treatment alone caused DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and further enhanced IR-induced DSBs in pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, DSF alone boosted IR-induced cell cycle G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer exposed to IR. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis results suggested that DSF could trigger cell adhesion molecule (CAM) signaling, which might be involved in its function in regulating the radiosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells. In conclusion, we suggest that DSF alone may function as a radiosensitizer for pancreatic cancer, probably by regulating IR-induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, at least partially through the CAM signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lunjie Lu
- Department of Radiation Physics, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Judong Luo
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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34
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Disulfiram-loaded copper sulfide nanoparticles for potential anti-glioma therapy. Int J Pharm 2021; 607:120978. [PMID: 34371152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is an effective copper (Cu2+)-dependent antitumor agent. In the present study, we explored use of transferrin (Tf)-modified DSF/copper sulfide (CuS) nanocomplex (Tf-DSF/CuS) for glioma therapy. Tf was used as glioma targeting motifs, DSF as an anticancer agent, and CuS as a source of Cu2+ ions and a photothermal agent. DSF was loaded on CuS by metal-chelation, and released from the nanocomplex under acidic condition. The Tf-DSF/CuS complex exhibited high cytotoxic effect in vitro. Notably, cytotoxic activity was correlated with pH triggered release of Cu2+ which initiated non-toxicity to toxicity switch of DSF. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technique was used for highly selective accumulation of intravenous injected Tf-DSF/CuS in the glioma orthotopic tumor as compared with the free drugs and non-targeted DSF/CuS groups. Magnetic resonance imaging and pathological examinations showed that Tf-DSF/CuS effectively suppressed tumor growth, with an inhibition ratio of ~85%. Additionally, DSF load did not compromise photothermal conversion ability of CuS nanoparticles. Efficacy of the photothermal ablation therapy of Tf-DSF/CuS was evaluated under 808 nm laser irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. These findings show that copper-sulfide based disulfiram nanoparticles are effective agents for anti-glioma therapy.
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Zha J, Bi S, Deng M, Chen K, Shi P, Feng L, He J, Pu X, Guo C, Zhao H, Li Z, Jiang Y, Song H, Xu B. Disulfiram/copper shows potent cytotoxic effects on myelodysplastic syndromes via inducing Bip-mediated apoptosis and suppressing autophagy. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 902:174107. [PMID: 33865831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who resist or fail to respond to hypomethylating agents (HMAs) show very poor outcomes and have no effective treatment strategies. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed for MDS patients harboring adverse prognostic factors. Repurposing disulfiram (DSF), an alcohol-abuse drug, with or without Copper (Cu) has attracted considerable attentions as a candidate anti-tumor therapy in diverse malignancies. However, the effect of DSF in the presence or absence of Cu on MDS has not been reported yet. In this study, we found that monotherapy with DSF showed mild cytotoxic effects on MDS preclinical models. However, the anti-tumor activity of DSF was significantly enhanced in the presence of Cu in MDS in vitro and in vivo with minimal safety profiles. DSF/Cu combination blocked MDS cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase, accompanied by reduction of the S phase. Accordingly, co-treatment with DSF and Cu downregulated the expression of Cyclin D1 and Cyclin A2, whereas this combination upregulated the level of P21 and P27. Mechanistically, the anti-MDS effectiveness of DSF/Cu was potentially associated with activation of the ER stress-related Bip pathway and inactivation of the Akt pathway. In addition, inhibition of autophagy process also contributed to the cytotoxicity of DSF/Cu in MDS cells. In conclusion, these findings provide impressive evidence that the DSF/Cu complex shows potent anti-tumor efficacies on MDS preclinical models, representing a potential alternative therapy for MDS patients and warranting further investigation in clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zha
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China; Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Silei Bi
- Department of Hematology, Heze Municipal Hospital, Heze, 274031, China
| | - Manman Deng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China; Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Kai Chen
- The First People's Hospital of Foshan (The Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University), Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Pengcheng Shi
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liying Feng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China; Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Jixiang He
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523059, China
| | - Xuan Pu
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Chengcen Guo
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Haijun Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China; Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Zhifeng Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China; Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Yirong Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, 523059, China.
| | - Haihan Song
- Department of Immunology, DICAT Biomedical Computation Centre, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1N9, Canada.
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China; Key Laboratory of Xiamen for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Malignancy, Xiamen, 361003, China.
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Wu H, Li W, Wang T, Rong Y, He Z, Huang S, Zhang L, Wu Z, Liu C. α-Tomatine, a novel early-stage autophagy inhibitor, inhibits autophagy to enhance apoptosis via Beclin-1 in Skov3 cells. Fitoterapia 2021; 152:104911. [PMID: 33901572 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.104911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the autophagy process is considered to be a promising new strategy for drug treatment of ovarian cancer. α-Tomatine, a steroidal alkaloid extracted, is mainly isolated from leaves, roots and immature green tomatoes. α-Tomatine has biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory. The study aimed to explore the effects of α-tomatine on proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy and the underlying mechanisms in ovarian cancer Skov3 cells. After treatment with different concentrations of α-tomatine (0, 0.75, 1 and 1.5 μM) in Skov3 cells for 24 h, proliferation was determined by the CCK-8 assay, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometric analysis. Autophagy in cells was determined by the number of fluorescent spots using confocal fluorescence microscopy after mRFP-GFP-LC3 transfection. The relationship between autophagy and apoptosis was proved by Beclin-1 overexpression. The protein expression levels were tested by western blotting. The results demonstrated that α-tomatine effectively repressed proliferation, exerted a proapoptotic effect and inhibited early-stage autophagy in Skov3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, Beclin-1 overexpression significantly suppressed α-tomatine-treated apoptosis in Skov3 cells, indicating that α-tomatine inhibits autophagy to induce apoptosis. We also found α-tomatine inhibited the protein expression levels of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. However, the autophagy inhibition of α-tomatine could be reversed obviously by Beclin-1 overexpression. Taken together, α-tomatine inhibited autophagy through Beclin-1. Our study suggests that α-tomatine, as a novel early-stage autophagy inhibitor, might be a potential drug for further treatment of ovarian cancer by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailun Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Cancer Hospital and Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China
| | - Weibin Li
- Xiang'An Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yan Rong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Cancer Hospital and Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China
| | - Ziying He
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Cancer Hospital and Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China
| | - Siting Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Cancer Hospital and Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China
| | - Lifan Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Zuoxing Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Chanzhen Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Cancer Hospital and Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, China.
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Guo W, Zhang X, Lin L, Wang H, He E, Wang G, Zhao Q. The disulfiram/copper complex induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in human osteosarcoma by activating the ROS/JNK signaling pathway. J Biochem 2021; 170:275-287. [PMID: 33792698 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the huge cost, long research and development (R&D) time and uncertain side effects of discovering new drugs, drug repositioning of those approved to treat diseases clinically as new drugs for other pathological conditions, especially cancers, is a potential alternative strategy. Disulfiram (DSF), an old drug used to treat alcoholism, has been found to exhibit anticancer activity and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy in cancers by an increasing number of studies. In addition, the combination of DSF and copper may be a more effective therapeutic strategy. In this study, we report the toxicity of the DSF/Cu complex to human osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo. DSF/Cu significantly inhibited the proliferation and clonogenicity of osteosarcoma cell lines. Furthermore, the generation of ROS was triggered by DSF/Cu, and cell arrest, autophagy and apoptosis were induced in a ROS-dependent manner. The underlying mechanism of this process was explored, and DSF/Cu may mainly inhibit osteosarcoma by inducing apoptosis by activating the ROS/JNK pathway. DSF/Cu also inhibited osteosarcoma growth in a xenograft model with low levels of organ-related toxicities. These results suggest that the DSF/Cu complex could be an efficient and safe option for the treatment of osteosarcoma in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiaoxing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Longshuai Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Enjun He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Qinghua Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
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Lu C, Li X, Ren Y, Zhang X. Disulfiram: a novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 87:159-172. [PMID: 33426580 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a major health issue worldwide and the global burden of cancer is expected to reduce the costs of treatment as well as prolong the survival time. One of the promising approaches is drug repurposing, because it reduces costs and shortens the production cycle of research and development. Disulfiram (DSF), which was originally approved as an anti-alcoholism drug, has been proven safe and shows the potential to target tumours. Its anti-tumour effect has been reported in many preclinical studies and recently on seven types of cancer in humans: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma (GBM) and melanoma and has a successful breakthrough in the treatment of NSCLC and GBM. The mechanisms, particularly the intracellular signalling pathways, still remain to be completely elucidated. As shown in our previous study, DSF inhibits NF-kB signalling, proteasome activity, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. It induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy and has been used as an adjuvant therapy with irradiation or chemotherapy drugs. On the other hand, DSF not only kills the normal cancer cells but also has the ability to target cancer stem cells, which provides a new approach to prevent tumour recurrence and metastasis. Furthermore, other researchers have reported the ability of DSF to bind to nuclear protein localization protein 4 (NPL4), induce its immobilization and dysfunction, ultimately leading to cell death. Here, we provide an overview of DSF repurposing as a treatment in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and review studies describing the mechanisms underlying its anti-neoplastic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lu
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongya Ren
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Wang L, Chai X, Wan R, Zhang H, Zhou C, Xiang L, Paul ME, Li Y. Disulfiram Chelated With Copper Inhibits the Growth of Gastric Cancer Cells by Modulating Stress Response and Wnt/β-catenin Signaling. Front Oncol 2020; 10:595718. [PMID: 33409152 PMCID: PMC7780754 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.595718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is a well-known drug for alcohol abuse. In recent decades, DSF has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-tumor activity; DSF chelated with copper shows enhanced anti-tumor effect. Our goal was to explore the effect of DSF/Cu complex on the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) in vitro and in vivo. DSF/Cu complex suppressed the proliferation, migration of MKN-45 and BGC-823 GC cells. Furthermore, DSF/Cu treatment reduced the tumor volume in GC mouse models with a tumor suppression rate of 48.24%. Additionally, DSF/Cu induced apoptosis in vitro in MKN-45 and BGC-823 GC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner as well as in vivo in the xenograft tumor mouse model. Furthermore, DSF/Cu induced autophagy and autophagic flux in MKN-45 and BGC-823 cells, increased the expression of autophagy-related Beclin-1 and LC3 proteins in vivo. Additionally, DSF/Cu suppressed aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation by reducing oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate, respectively, in MKN-45 and BGC-823 cells. Treatment with DSF/Cu induced oxidative stress and DNA damage response by elevating the reactive oxygen species levels; increasing the expression of P53, P21, and γ-H2AX proteins; and inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vitro and in vivo. Thus, DSF/Cu suppressed the growth and metastasis of GC cells via modulating the stress response and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Hence, DSF may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoke Chai
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Run Wan
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lin Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Maswikiti Ewetse Paul
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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Molinaro C, Martoriati A, Pelinski L, Cailliau K. Copper Complexes as Anticancer Agents Targeting Topoisomerases I and II. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2863. [PMID: 33027952 PMCID: PMC7601307 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Organometallics, such as copper compounds, are cancer chemotherapeutics used alone or in combination with other drugs. One small group of copper complexes exerts an effective inhibitory action on topoisomerases, which participate in the regulation of DNA topology. Copper complexes inhibitors of topoisomerases 1 and 2 work by different molecular mechanisms, analyzed herein. They allow genesis of DNA breaks after the formation of a ternary complex, or act in a catalytic mode, often display DNA intercalative properties and ROS production, and sometimes display dual effects. These amplified actions have repercussions on the cell cycle checkpoints and death effectors. Copper complexes of topoisomerase inhibitors are analyzed in a broader synthetic view and in the context of cancer cell mutations. Finally, new emerging treatment aspects are depicted to encourage the expansion of this family of highly active anticancer drugs and to expend their use in clinical trials and future cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Molinaro
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (C.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Alain Martoriati
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (C.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Lydie Pelinski
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181-UCCS-Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Katia Cailliau
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000 Lille, France; (C.M.); (A.M.)
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Disulfiram potentiates docetaxel cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells through enhanced ROS and autophagy. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1749-1765. [PMID: 32617902 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays a critical role in reducing the drug sensitivity of docetaxel (DTX) therapy. Disulfiram (DSF) has exhibited potent autophagy inducing activity in multiple studies. We hypothesized that DSF co-treatment could sensitize breast cancer cells to DTX therapy via autophagy modulation. METHODS Breast cancer cells, MCF7, and 4T1, were treated with DTX and DSF, alone and in combination. The effects were analyzed by evaluating cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis, induction of autophagy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In addition, the consequence of autophagy and ROS inhibition on the DTX + DSF mediated cytotoxicity was also evaluated. RESULTS Significant synergism in cytotoxicity was observed with DTX + DSF combination in breast cancer cells, MCF7, and 4T1. Hyper induction of ROS and autophagy was also found with the combination treatment. ROS inhibition by N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), as well as autophagy inhibition by ATG5 silencing significantly reduced the autophagy level as well as cytotoxicity of the DTX + DSF combination, indicating that the induction of autophagy mediated by high ROS generation played a critical role behind the synergistic cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that DTX + DSF combination therapy can effectively sensitize cancer cells by hyper inducing autophagy through ROS generation and can be developed as a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment in the future.
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Zhang J, Pu K, Bai S, Peng Y, Li F, Ji R, Guo Q, Sun W, Wang Y. The anti-alcohol dependency drug disulfiram inhibits the viability and progression of gastric cancer cells by regulating the Wnt and NF-κB pathways. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520925996. [PMID: 32529870 PMCID: PMC7294493 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520925996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disulfiram is commonly used for alcohol abuse; however, recent studies have revealed its potential as an anti-cancer treatment. This study investigated the effects of disulfiram on gastric cancer and its underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS The gastric cancer cell lines MKN-45 and SGC-7901 were used for all experiments. Cell proliferation was investigated using cell counting kit-8, cell migration and invasion were examined using Transwell assays, the proliferation and metastasis related proteins PCNA and MMP-2, respectively, were detected by ELISA. To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, we also examined levels of proteins involved in the Wnt and NF-κB pathways by ELISA. RESULTS Disulfiram significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells and decreased PCNA and MMP-2 levels. Additionally, disulfiram-treated MKN-45 and SGC-7901 cells showed reduced expression of Wnt, β-catenin, and NF-κB. CONCLUSION Disulfiram regulates the Wnt and NF-κB pathways, and thus could be a potential treatment for managing gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ke Pu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Suyang Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yukui Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rui Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qinghong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weiming Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Krasnovskaya O, Naumov A, Guk D, Gorelkin P, Erofeev A, Beloglazkina E, Majouga A. Copper Coordination Compounds as Biologically Active Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3965. [PMID: 32486510 PMCID: PMC7312030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper-containing coordination compounds attract wide attention due to the redox activity and biogenicity of copper ions, providing multiple pathways of biological activity. The pharmacological properties of metal complexes can be fine-tuned by varying the nature of the ligand and donor atoms. Copper-containing coordination compounds are effective antitumor agents, constituting a less expensive and safer alternative to classical platinum-containing chemotherapy, and are also effective as antimicrobial, antituberculosis, antimalarial, antifugal, and anti-inflammatory drugs. 64Сu-labeled coordination compounds are promising PET imaging agents for diagnosing malignant pathologies, including head and neck cancer, as well as the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease amyloid-β (Aβ). In this review article, we summarize different strategies for possible use of coordination compounds in the treatment and diagnosis of various diseases, and also various studies of the mechanisms of antitumor and antimicrobial action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Krasnovskaya
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Materials Science of Semiconductors and Dielectrics, National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), Leninskiy prospect 4, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey Naumov
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Dmitry Guk
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Peter Gorelkin
- Department of Materials Science of Semiconductors and Dielectrics, National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), Leninskiy prospect 4, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander Erofeev
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Materials Science of Semiconductors and Dielectrics, National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), Leninskiy prospect 4, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Elena Beloglazkina
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Alexander Majouga
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1,3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (D.G.); (A.E.); (E.B.); (A.M.)
- Department of Materials Science of Semiconductors and Dielectrics, National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), Leninskiy prospect 4, 101000 Moscow, Russia;
- Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya Ploshchad’ 9, 125047 Moscow, Russia
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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: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [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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Yang D, Li X, Zhang X. Ginsenoside Rh2 induces DNA damage and autophagy in vestibular schwannoma is dependent of LAMP2 transcriptional suppression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 522:300-307. [PMID: 31771882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2), a component of ginseng extraction, exerted anti-tumor property in the occurrence and progress of human tumors. Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a kind of benign tumor. Extraction of traditional Chinese herb has been applied to treat VS as adjuvant therapy. Nevertheless, G-Rh2-related molecular mechanisms in VS progress are not yet clear. The purpose of current study is to unveil the function and potential molecular mechanism of Rh2 in VS cellular functions. At first, the viability and apoptosis of VS cells treated with different concentrations of Rh2 were assessed. Autophagy and DNA damage response can be induced by multiple drugs. Here, we observed the changes of autophagy and DNA damage in Rh2-induced VS cells. Based on the experimental data, treatment with Rh2 contributed to cell apoptosis by inducing DNA damage and suppressing DNA damage. LAMP2 (lysosomal associated membrane protein 2), an autophagy inducer, was downregulated in Rh2-treated VS cells. Through mechanism study, we determined that Rh2 led to the transcriptional inactivation of LAMP2 by downregulating its transcription activator NR2F2 (nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2). In addition, NR2F2 overexpression recovered the role of Rh2 in cell functions, which was further rescued by the silence of LAMP2. Collectively, our study unveiled a novel NR2F2/LAMP2 axis in Rh2-mediated VS cells, which potentially contributes to the therapy for VS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No.154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, No.168 Litang Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102218, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Allergy, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao City, No.258 Cultural Road, Qinhuangdao, 066000, Hebei, China
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Vitamin B 12b Enhances the Cytotoxicity of Diethyldithiocarbamate in a Synergistic Manner, Inducing the Paraptosis-Like Death of Human Larynx Carcinoma Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10010069. [PMID: 31906414 PMCID: PMC7023477 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown that hydroxycobalamin (vitamin B12b) increases the toxicity of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) to tumor cells by catalyzing the formation of disulfiram (DSF) oxi-derivatives. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of tumor cell death induced by the combination DDC + B12b. It was found that cell death induced by DDC + B12b differed from apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. During the initiation of cell death, numerous vacuoles formed from ER cisterns in the cytoplasm, and cell death was partially suppressed by the inhibitors of protein synthesis and folding, the IP3 receptor inhibitor as well as by thiols. At this time, a short-term rise in the expression of ER-stress markers BiP and PERK with a steady increase in the expression of CHOP were detected. After the vacuolization of the cytoplasm, functional disorders of mitochondria and an increase in the generation of superoxide anion in them occurred. Taken together, the results obtained indicate that DDC and B12b used in combination exert a synergistic toxic effect on tumor cells by causing severe ER stress, extensive ER vacuolization, and inhibition of apoptosis, which ultimately leads to the induction of paraptosis-like cell death.
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Photodynamic therapy enhances skin cancer chemotherapy effects through autophagy regulation. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2019; 28:159-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2019.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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The biological activity of bispecific trastuzumab/pertuzumab plant biosimilars may be drastically boosted by disulfiram increasing formaldehyde accumulation in cancer cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16168. [PMID: 31700025 PMCID: PMC6838051 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52507-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of breast cancer therapy have examined the improvement of bispecific trastuzumab/pertuzumab antibodies interacting simultaneously with two different epitopes of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Here, we describe the creation and production of plant-made bispecific antibodies based on trastuzumab and pertuzumab plant biosimilars (bi-TPB-PPB). Using surface plasmon resonance analysis of bi-TPB-PPB antibodies binding with the HER2 extracellular domain, we showed that the obtained Kd values were within the limits accepted for modified trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Despite the ability of bi-TPB-PPB antibodies to bind to Fcγ receptor IIIa and HER2 oncoprotein on the cell surface, a proliferation inhibition assay did not reveal any effect until α1,3-fucose and β1,2-xylose in the Asn297-linked glycan were removed. Another approach to activating bi-TPB-PPB may be associated with the use of disulfiram (DSF) a known aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) inhibitor. We found that disulfiram is capable of killing breast cancer cells with simultaneous formaldehyde accumulation. Furthermore, we investigated the capacity of DSF to act as an adjuvant for bi-TPB-PPB antibodies. Although the content of ALDH2 mRNA was decreased after BT-474 cell treatment with antibodies, we only observed cell proliferation inhibiting activity of bi-TPB-PPB in the presence of disulfiram. We concluded that disulfiram can serve as a booster and adjuvant for anticancer immunotherapy.
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Process of immunogenic cell death caused by disulfiram as the anti-colorectal cancer candidate. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:891-897. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.03.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Zhang Y, Wang J, Hui B, Sun W, Li B, Shi F, Che S, Chai L, Song L. Pristimerin enhances the effect of cisplatin by inhibiting the miR‑23a/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway and suppressing autophagy in lung cancer cells. Int J Mol Med 2019; 43:1382-1394. [PMID: 30664149 PMCID: PMC6365073 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a common type of cancer with a high mortality rate in China. Cisplatin (Cis) is one of the most effective broad‑spectrum chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of advanced lung cancer. However, Cis resistance remains an obstacle in the treatment of advanced lung cancer. Pristimerin (Pris), a naturally occurring triterpenoid quinone compound, not only possesses anticancer properties, but also enhances chemosensitivity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether Pris can enhance the chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells to Cis and identify the underlying mechanism. A Cell Counting kit‑8 and flow cytometry were used to determine cell viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis in A549 and NCI‑H446 cells. Western blotting was used to determine cell apoptosis‑related, cell cycle‑related and autophagy‑related proteins. The results showed that Pris inhibited cell proliferation, and induced G0/G1 arrest and cell apoptosis in A549 and NCI‑H446 cells. The western blotting revealed that Pris effectively synergized with Cis to induce cell apoptosis by inhibiting the microRNA‑23a/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase 3β signaling pathway and suppressing autophagy. In vivo xenograft experiments confirmed that Pris effectively synergized with Cis to suppress tumor growth. Collectively, these results indicate that Pris synergized with Cis and that this may be a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbing Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jiquan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Beina Hui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wenze Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Bin Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, P.R. China
| | - Fan Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shaomin Che
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Linyan Chai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Liping Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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