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Del Bufalo D, Damia G. Overview of BH3 mimetics in ovarian cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102771. [PMID: 38875743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related death, still with a dismal five-year prognosis, mainly due to late diagnosis and the emergence of resistance to cytotoxic and targeted agents. Bcl-2 family proteins have a key role in apoptosis and are associated with tumor development/progression and response to therapy in different cancer types, including ovarian carcinoma. In tumors, evasion of apoptosis is a possible mechanism of resistance to therapy. BH3 mimetics are small molecules that occupy the hydrophobic pocket on pro-survival proteins, allowing the induction of apoptosis, and are currently under study as single agents and/or in combination with cytotoxic and targeted agents in solid tumors. Here, we discuss recent advances in targeting anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family for the treatment of ovarian cancer, focusing on BH3 mimetics, and how these approaches could potentially offer an alternative/complementary way to treat patients and overcome or delay resistance to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Experimental Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via M. Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy.
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2
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Cao C, Pei Y, Yu H, Qi H. Dual targeting Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL augments osteosarcoma response to doxorubicin. J Chemother 2024; 36:156-166. [PMID: 37309095 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2023.2220583] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance is the major cause of treatment failure in osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone malignancy, and sensitizing therapeutic strategy is required to improve the clinical outcome. In this study, we discovered that navitoclax, a selective inhibitor of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL, effectively combats chemoresistance in osteosarcoma. Our research revealed that Bcl-2, but not Bcl-xL, is upregulated in osteosarcoma cells that are resistant to doxorubicin. However, venetoclax, a specific inhibitor of Bcl-2, did not exhibit activity against doxorubicin-resistant cells. Further analysis showed that depleting either Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL alone was insufficient to overcome doxorubicin resistance. Only by depleting both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL significantly reduce the viability of doxorubicin-resistant cells. Similarly, navitoclax not only decreased the viability of doxorubicin-resistant cells but also acted synergistically with doxorubicin in cells sensitive to the drug. To confirm the ability of navitoclax to overcome doxorubicin resistance, we conducted experiments using multiple mouse models of osteosarcoma, both doxorubicin-sensitive and doxorubicin-resistant. The results provided confirmation that navitoclax is effective in overcoming doxorubicin resistance. Our findings demonstrate that simultaneous inhibition of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL could serve as a novel strategy to sensitize chemoresistant osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, our study presents preclinical evidence supporting the potential of a navitoclax and doxorubicin combination therapy for the treatment of osteosarcoma, paving the way for future clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhua Cao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Pei
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiying Yu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixiong Qi
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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3
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McCorkle JR, Ahn R, Cao CD, Hill KS, Dietrich CS, Kolesar JM. Antineoplastic Drug Synergy of Artesunate with Navitoclax in Models of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1321. [PMID: 38610999 PMCID: PMC11011058 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071321] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Artesunate belongs to a class of medications derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua) known as artemisinins. Artesunate has traditionally been used as a frontline treatment for severe malaria but has also demonstrated antineoplastic activity against various malignancies, including ovarian cancer. Data suggest that artesunate exacerbates cellular oxidative stress, triggering apoptosis. In the current study, we investigated the ability of navitoclax, an inhibitor of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein family, to enhance artesunate efficacy in ovarian cancer cells. Artesunate and navitoclax both demonstrated antiproliferative effects on 2D and 3D ovarian cancer cell models as single agents. Upon combination of navitoclax with artesunate, antineoplastic drug synergy was also observed in each of the 2D cell lines and ovarian tumor organoid models tested. Further investigation of this drug combination using intraperitoneal CAOV3 xenograft models in BALB/scid mice showed that the artesunate/navitoclax doublet was superior to single-agent artesunate and vehicle control treatment. However, it did not outperform single-agent navitoclax. With optimization, this drug combination could provide a new therapeutic option for ovarian cancer and warrants further preclinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Robert McCorkle
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.R.M.); (K.S.H.); (C.S.D.)
| | - Rebecca Ahn
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Connie D. Cao
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Kristen S. Hill
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.R.M.); (K.S.H.); (C.S.D.)
| | - Charles S. Dietrich
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.R.M.); (K.S.H.); (C.S.D.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Jill M. Kolesar
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.R.M.); (K.S.H.); (C.S.D.)
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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4
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Emiloju OE, Yin J, Koubek E, Reid JM, Borad MJ, Lou Y, Seetharam M, Edelman MJ, Sausville EA, Jiang Y, Kaseb AO, Posey JA, Davis SL, Gores GJ, Roberts LR, Takebe N, Schwartz GK, Hendrickson AEW, Kaufmann SH, Adjei AA, Hubbard JM, Costello BA. Phase 1 trial of navitoclax and sorafenib in patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors with hepatocellular carcinoma expansion cohort. Invest New Drugs 2024; 42:127-135. [PMID: 38270822 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-024-01420-8] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Navitoclax (ABT-263) is an oral BCL2 homology-3 mimetic that binds with high affinity to pro-survival BCL2 proteins, resulting in apoptosis. Sorafenib, an oral multi kinase inhibitor also promotes apoptosis and inhibits tumor angiogenesis. The efficacy of either agent alone is limited; however, preclinical studies demonstrate synergy with the combination of navitoclax and sorafenib. In this phase 1 study, we evaluated the combination of navitoclax and sorafenib in a dose escalation cohort of patients with refractory solid tumors, with an expansion cohort in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined using the continual reassessment method. Navitoclax and sorafenib were administered continuously on days 1 through 21 of 21-day cycles. Ten patients were enrolled in the dose escalation cohort and 15 HCC patients were enrolled in the expansion cohort. Two dose levels were tested, and the MTD was navitoclax 150 mg daily plus sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. Among all patients, the most common grade 3 toxicity was thrombocytopenia (5 patients, 20%): there were no grade 4 or 5 toxicities. Patients received a median of 2 cycles (range 1-36 cycles) and all patients were off study treatment at data cut off. Six patients in the expansion cohort had stable disease, and there were no partial or complete responses. Drug-drug interaction between navitoclax and sorafenib was not observed. The combination of navitoclax and sorafenib did not increase induction of apoptosis compared with navitoclax alone. Navitoclax plus sorafenib is tolerable but showed limited efficacy in the HCC expansion cohort. These findings do not support further development of this combination for the treatment of advanced HCC. This phase I trial was conducted under ClinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT01364051.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadunni E Emiloju
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jun Yin
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Emily Koubek
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (MPET), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Joel M Reid
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (MPET), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Mitesh J Borad
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 5881 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
| | - Yanyan Lou
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Mahesh Seetharam
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 5881 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
| | - Martin J Edelman
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Edward A Sausville
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James A Posey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Sarah L Davis
- University of Colorado Cancer Center - Anschutz Medical Campus, 1665 Aurora Ct, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD), National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Gary K Schwartz
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | | | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (MPET), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Alex A Adjei
- Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Joleen M Hubbard
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Brian A Costello
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Chen W, Wu Y, Wang J, Yu W, Shen X, Zhao K, Liang B, Hu X, Wang S, Jiang H, Liu X, Zhang M, Xing X, Wang C, Xing D. Clinical advances in TNC delivery vectors and their conjugate agents. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 253:108577. [PMID: 38081519 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Tenascin C (TNC), a glycoprotein that is abundant in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM), is strongly overexpressed in tumor tissues but virtually undetectable in most normal tissues. Many TNC antibodies, peptides, aptamers, and nanobodies have been investigated as delivery vectors, including 20A1, α-A2, α-A3, α-IIIB, α-D, BC-2, BC-4 BC-8, 81C6, ch81C6, F16, FHK, Ft, Ft-NP, G11, G11-iRGD, GBI-10, 19H12, J1/TN1, J1/TN2, J1/TN3, J1/TN4, J1/TN5, NJT3, NJT4, NJT6, P12, PL1, PL3, R6N, SMART, ST2146, ST2485, TN11, TN12, TNFnA1A2-Fc, TNfnA1D-Fc, TNfnBD-Fc, TNFnCD-Fc, TNfnD6-Fc, TNfn78-Fc, TTA1, TTA1.1, and TTA1.2. In particular, BC-2, BC-4, 81C6, ch81C6, F16, FHK, G11, PL1, PL3, R6N, ST2146, TN11, and TN12 have been tested in human tissues. G11-iRGD and simultaneous multiple aptamers and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) targeting (SMART) may be assessed in clinical trials because G11, iRGD and AS1411 (SMART components) are already in clinical trials. Many TNC-conjugate agents, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody fragment-drug conjugates (FDCs), immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISACs), and radionuclide-drug conjugates (RDCs), have been investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. RDCs investigated in clinical trials include 111In-DTPA-BC-2, 131I-BC-2, 131I-BC-4, 90Y-BC4, 131I81C6, 131I-ch81C6, 211At-ch81C6, F16124I, 131I-tenatumomab, ST2146biot, FDC 131I-F16S1PF(ab')2, and ISAC F16IL2. ADCs (including FHK-SSL-Nav, FHK-NB-DOX, Ft-NP-PTX, and F16*-MMAE) and ISACs (IL12-R6N and 125I-G11-IL2) may enter clinical trials because they contain components of marketed treatments or agents that were investigated in previous clinical studies. This comprehensive review presents historical perspectives on clinical advances in TNC-conjugate agents to provide timely information to facilitate tumor-targeting drug development using TNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Yudong Wu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Wanpeng Yu
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xin Shen
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China; Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Bing Liang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Xiaokun Hu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China; Interventional Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Therapy for Tumors in Weifang City, School of Medical Imaging, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261031, China
| | - Hongfei Jiang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Xinlin Liu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Xiaohui Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China.
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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6
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Jacob M, Wiedemann S, Brücher D, Pieper NM, Birkhold M, Särchen V, Jeroch J, Demes MC, Gretser S, Braun Y, Gradhand E, Rothweiler F, Michaelis M, Cinatl J, Vogler M. Increased MCL1 dependency leads to new applications of BH3-mimetics in drug-resistant neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1667-1678. [PMID: 37723317 PMCID: PMC10646009 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is a paediatric cancer that is characterised by poor prognosis for chemoresistant disease, highlighting the need for better treatment options. Here, we asked whether BH3-mimetics inhibiting BCL2 proteins may eliminate chemoresistant neuroblastoma cells. METHODS We utilised cisplatin-adapted neuroblastoma cell lines as well as patient tissues before and after relapse to study alterations of BCL2 proteins upon chemoresistance. RESULTS In a direct comparison of cisplatin-resistant cells we identified a prominent loss of sensitivity to BCL2/BCL-XL inhibitors that is associated with an increase in MCL1 dependency and high expression of MCL1 in patient tumour tissues. Screening of FDA-approved anti-cancer drugs in chemoresistant cells identified therapeutics that may be beneficial in combination with the clinically tested BH3-mimetic ABT263, but no synergistic drug interactions with the selective MCL1 inhibitor S63845. Further exploration of potential treatment options for chemoresistant neuroblastoma identified immunotherapy based on NK cells as highly promising, since NK cells are able to efficiently kill both parental and chemoresistant cells. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight that the application of BH3-mimetics may differ between first line treatment and relapsed disease. Combination of NK cell-based immunotherapy with BH3-mimetics may further increase killing of chemoresistant neuroblastoma, outlining a new treatment strategy for relapsed neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Jacob
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sara Wiedemann
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniela Brücher
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nadja M Pieper
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Moni Birkhold
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vinzenz Särchen
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan Jeroch
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Melanie C Demes
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen Gretser
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Yannick Braun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Florian Rothweiler
- Institute for Medical Virology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Dr. Petra Joh-Forschungshaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Michaelis
- Dr. Petra Joh-Forschungshaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute for Medical Virology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Dr. Petra Joh-Forschungshaus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Meike Vogler
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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7
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Zheng Y, Zhong G, He C, Li M. Targeted splicing therapy: new strategies for colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1222932. [PMID: 37664052 PMCID: PMC10470845 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is the process of forming mature mRNA, which is an essential phase necessary for gene expression and controls many aspects of cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Abnormal gene-splicing events are closely related to the development of tumors, and the generation of oncogenic isoform in splicing can promote tumor progression. As a main process of tumor-specific splicing variants, alternative splicing (AS) can promote tumor progression by increasing the production of oncogenic splicing isoforms and/or reducing the production of normal splicing isoforms. This is the focus of current research on the regulation of aberrant tumor splicing. So far, AS has been found to be associated with various aspects of tumor biology, including cell proliferation and invasion, resistance to apoptosis, and sensitivity to different chemotherapeutic drugs. This article will review the abnormal splicing events in colorectal cancer (CRC), especially the tumor-associated splicing variants arising from AS, aiming to offer an insight into CRC-targeted splicing therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chengcheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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8
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Valentini E, Di Martile M, Brignone M, Di Caprio M, Manni I, Chiappa M, Sergio I, Chiacchiarini M, Bazzichetto C, Conciatori F, D'Aguanno S, D'Angelo C, Ragno R, Russillo M, Colotti G, Marchesi F, Bellone ML, Dal Piaz F, Felli MP, Damia G, Del Bufalo D. Bcl-2 family inhibitors sensitize human cancer models to therapy. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:441. [PMID: 37460459 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05963-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BH3 mimetics, targeting the Bcl-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins, represent a promising therapeutic opportunity in cancers. ABT-199, the first specific Bcl-2 inhibitor, was approved by FDA for the treatment of several hematological malignancies. We have recently discovered IS21, a novel pan BH3 mimetic with preclinical antitumor activity in several tumor types. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of IS21 and other BH3 mimetics, both as single agents and combined with the currently used antineoplastic agents in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ovarian cancer, and melanoma. IS21 was found to be active in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, melanoma, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer cell lines. Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 protein levels predicted IS21 sensitivity in melanoma and ovarian cancer, respectively. Exploring IS21 mechanism of action, we found that IS21 activity depends on the presence of BAX and BAK proteins: complexes between Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins and their main binding partners were reduced after IS21 treatment. In combination experiments, BH3 mimetics sensitized leukemia cells to chemotherapy, ovarian cancer cells and melanoma models to PARP and MAPK inhibitors, respectively. We showed that this enhancing effect was related to the potentiation of the apoptotic pathway, both in hematologic and solid tumors. In conclusion, our data suggest the use of inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins as a therapeutic strategy to enhance the efficacy of anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Valentini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Brignone
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marica Di Caprio
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Chiappa
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Sergio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Chiacchiarini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Bazzichetto
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Conciatori
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona D'Aguanno
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen D'Angelo
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rino Ragno
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Russillo
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marchesi
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bellone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Dal Piaz
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The intrinsic apoptosis pathway is controlled by the BCL-2 family of proteins. Although the pro-survival members of this family can help cancer cells evade apoptosis, they may also produce apoptotic vulnerabilities that can potentially be exploited therapeutically. Apoptotic vulnerabilities can be driven by endogenous factors including altered genetics, signaling, metabolism, structure and lineage or differentiation state as well as imposed factors, the most prominent being exposure to anti-cancer agents. The recent development of BH3 mimetics that inhibit pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins has allowed these apoptotic vulnerabilities to be targeted with demonstrable clinical success. Here, we review the key concepts that are vital for understanding, uncovering, and exploiting apoptotic vulnerabilities in cancer for the potential improvement of patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher A. Sarosiek
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kris C. Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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10
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Bcl-2 pathway inhibition in solid tumors: a review of clinical trials. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:1554-1578. [PMID: 36639602 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to their key role in the pathogenesis of cancer through the regulation of apoptosis, the B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins have been an attractive target for cancer therapy for the past decades. Throughout the years, many Bcl-2 family inhibitors have been developed, with Venetoclax being now successfully used in treating hematological malignancies. Although their effectiveness in the treatment of solid tumors is yet to be established, some preclinical evidence indicates their possible clinical application. This review aims to summarize current data from completed clinical trials that used Bcl-2 protein family inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with other agents for the treatment of solid malignancies. We managed to include clinical trials of various phases which analyze the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drugs, as well as the effectiveness and adverse effects. Active and recruiting clinical trials are also briefly presented and future prospects and challenges are discussed.
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11
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Zhou M, Zhang P, Da M, Yang R, Ma Y, Zhao J, Ma T, Xia J, Shen G, Chen Y, Chen D. A pan-cancer analysis of the expression of STAT family genes in tumors and their relationship to the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:925537. [PMID: 36176415 PMCID: PMC9513395 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.925537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) protein family, a group of seven members (STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5A, STAT5B, and STAT6), has been widely used to investigate numerous biological functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune regulation. However, not much is known about the role of the STAT family genes in pan-cancer.MethodsTumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Sangerbox, cBioPortal, GSCALite, Xena Shiny, GeneMANIA, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and Metascape were used to analyze the relationship between STAT gene expression, clinical outcome, gene variation, methylation status, pathway activity, tumor immune infiltration, and microenvironment in different cancer types and screened drugs that could potentially influence STATs.ResultsThe Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer data showed that most STAT family genes were extensively changed in most tumors compared to the adjacent normal tissues. We also found that STAT gene expression could be used to predict patient survival in various cancers. The STAT gene family formed a network of interaction networks that was associated with several pathways. By mining the of Genomics Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database, we discovered a number of potential drugs that might target STAT regulators. Importantly, the close correlation between STATs and immunocell infiltration suggested the important role of dysregulation of STATs in tumor immune escape. Finally, the relation between STAT gene expression and the tumor microenvironment (TME) indicated that the higher expression of STAT regulators, the higher the degree of tumor stem cells.ConclusionConsidering these genomic alterations and clinical features of STAT family members across cancer types, it will be possible to change the relationship between STATs and tumorigenesis. It was beneficial to treat cancer by targeting these STAT regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mengting Da
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Research Institute for Reproductive Health and Genetic Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yulian Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haidong No.2 People’s Hospital of Qinghai Province, Haidong, China
| | - Jiuda Zhao
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jiazeng Xia
- Department of General Surgery and Translational Medicine Center, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Guoshuang Shen
- Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Chen, ; Guoshuang Shen, ; Daozhen Chen,
| | - Yu Chen
- Research Institute for Reproductive Health and Genetic Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Chen, ; Guoshuang Shen, ; Daozhen Chen,
| | - Daozhen Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
- Research Institute for Reproductive Health and Genetic Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haidong No.2 People’s Hospital of Qinghai Province, Haidong, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Chen, ; Guoshuang Shen, ; Daozhen Chen,
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