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Ávila Ávila A, Nuantang K, Oliveira ML, Druillennec S, Zaniboni B, Lengliné E, Asnafi V, Ghysdael J, Tran Quang C. Targeting the TNF/IAP pathway synergizes with anti-CD3 immunotherapy in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood 2024; 143:2166-2177. [PMID: 38437728 PMCID: PMC11143533 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022455] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy. Current treatments, based on intensive chemotherapy regimens provide overall survival rates of ∼85% in children and <50% in adults, calling the search of new therapeutic options. We previously reported that targeting the T-cell receptor (TCR) in T-ALL with anti-CD3 (αCD3) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) enforces a molecular program akin to thymic negative selection, a major developmental checkpoint in normal T-cell development; induces leukemic cell death; and impairs leukemia progression to ultimately improve host survival. However, αCD3 monotherapy resulted in relapse. To find out actionable targets able to re-enforce leukemic cells' vulnerability to αCD3 mAbs, including the clinically relevant teplizumab, we identified the molecular program induced by αCD3 mAbs in patient-derived xenografts derived from T-ALL cases. Using large-scale transcriptomic analysis, we found prominent expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), lymphotoxin α (LTα), and multiple components of the "TNFα via NF-κB signaling" pathway in anti-CD3-treated T-ALL. We show in vivo that etanercept, a sink for TNFα/LTα, enhances αCD3 antileukemic properties, indicating that TNF/TNF receptor (TNFR) survival pathways interferes with TCR-induced leukemic cell death. However, suppression of TNF-mediated survival and switch to TNFR-mediated cell death through inhibition of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1/2 (cIAP1/2) with the second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetic birinapant synergizes with αCD3 to impair leukemia expansion in a receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1-dependent manner and improve mice survival. Thus, our results advocate the use of either TNFα/LTα inhibitors, or birinapant/other SMAC mimetics to improve anti-CD3 immunotherapy in T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ávila Ávila
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3348, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
- INSERM, U1278, Orsay, France
- University Paris Sud, Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Kanokporn Nuantang
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3348, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
- INSERM, U1278, Orsay, France
- University Paris Sud, Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Mariana L Oliveira
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3348, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
- INSERM, U1278, Orsay, France
- University Paris Sud, Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Sabine Druillennec
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- University Paris Sud, Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1021, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
| | - Benedetta Zaniboni
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3348, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
- INSERM, U1278, Orsay, France
- University Paris Sud, Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Lengliné
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint Louis, Unité d'Hématologie, Paris, France
| | - Vahid Asnafi
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades, INSERM U1151, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Ghysdael
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3348, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
- INSERM, U1278, Orsay, France
- University Paris Sud, Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Christine Tran Quang
- Institut Curie, Orsay, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3348, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
- INSERM, U1278, Orsay, France
- University Paris Sud, Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- PSL Research University, Paris, France
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Li W, Hu JK, Hu MG. CDK6: an attractive therapeutic target for T-ALL/LBL. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1087-1096. [PMID: 37975616 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2285775] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) is a type of cancer that originates from the bone marrow and spreads quickly to other organs. Long-term survival rate with current available chemotherapy is less than 20%. Despite the potentially huge market, a truly effective and safe therapy for T-ALL/LBL is elusive. Thus, it is imperative to identify new therapeutic ways to target essential pathways in T-ALL that regulate the proliferation and survival of these cancer cells. AREAS COVERED The role of the Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) pathway in human T-ALL is of significant interest with major clinical/translational relevance. This review covers the recent advances in elucidating the essential roles of CDK6 and its closely regulated networks in proliferation, survival, and metabolism of T-ALL cells, with new insight into its mechanisms of action which hopefully could trigger the identification of new therapeutic avenues. EXPERT OPINION Animal models showed that inhibition of CDK6 and its related networks blocked initiation, growth, and survival of T-ALL in vivo. Numerous clinical trials of CDK4/6 inhibitors are ongoing in T-ALL. Specific CDK6 inhibitors alone or novel combination regimens may hopefully delay the progression, or even reverse the symptoms of T-ALL, leading to disease eradication and cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Jamie Katy Hu
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Miaofen G Hu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA
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Yang J, Li Y, Han X, Pei X, Lin Z, Li C. The antitumor effect of the novel agent MCL/ACT001 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04542-9. [PMID: 36547690 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04542-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major challenge in cancer therapy, there are more than four hundred thousand deaths per year, and the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%. The incidence continues to rise. Treatment with classic drugs offers limited therapeutic benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism and effect of the new agent ACT001, the active metabolite of Micheliolide (MCL), in vitro and in vivo against PDAC. METHODS MTT assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry were used to assess the effects of MCL/ACT001 in vitro. DCFH-DA assay was used to assess ROS accumulation. Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL assay were also conducted to determine the mechanisms. PANC-1-Luc cells and bioluminescent reporter imaging were used to assess antitumor effect of ACT001 using a orthotopic xenograft model in vivo. RESULTS MCL/ACT001 significantly inhibited cell growth in PDAC in a dose-dependent manner, induced cell apoptosis, cell migration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in vitro. In vivo, ACT001 (400 mg/kg/day) inhibited PDAC tumor growth in orthotopic xenograft mice. We verified that EGFR and Akt were markedly overexpressed in PDAC cells and patient tumors. Mechanistic investigations revealed that MCL exerted its antitumor activity via regulation of the EGFR-Akt-Bim signaling pathway, thus inducing Bim expression both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION MCL/ACT001 is a highly promising agent in the treatment of PDAC patients.
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Tian Y, Tirrell MV, LaBelle JL. Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Biomacromolecules through Intracellular Delivery of Nucleic Acids, Peptides, and Proteins. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102600. [PMID: 35285167 PMCID: PMC9232950 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biomacromolecules have long been at the leading edge of academic and pharmaceutical drug development and clinical translation. With the clinical advances of new therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies and nucleic acids, the array of medical applications of biomacromolecules has broadened considerably. A major on-going effort is to expand therapeutic targets within intracellular locations. Owing to their large sizes, abundant charges, and hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors, advanced delivery technologies are required to deliver biomacromolecules effectively inside cells. In this review, strategies used for the intracellular delivery of three major forms of biomacromolecules: nucleic acids, proteins, and peptides, are highlighted. An emphasis is placed on synthetic delivery approaches and the major hurdles needed to be overcome for their ultimate clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Matthew V Tirrell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - James L LaBelle
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, 900 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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Molina B, Chavez J, Grainger S. Zebrafish models of acute leukemias: Current models and future directions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2021; 10:e400. [PMID: 33340278 PMCID: PMC8213871 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemias (ALL) are heterogenous diseases encompassing a wide array of genetic mutations with both loss and gain of function phenotypes. Ultimately, these both result in the clonal overgrowth of blast cells in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and other tissues. As a consequence of this, normal hematopoietic stem cell function is severely hampered. Technologies allowing for the early detection of genetic alterations and understanding of these varied molecular pathologies have helped to advance our treatment regimens toward personalized targeted therapies. In spite of this, both AML and ALL continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in part because molecular therapies for the plethora of genetic abnormalities have not been developed. This underscores the current need for better model systems for therapy development. This article reviews the current zebrafish models of AML and ALL and discusses how novel gene editing tools can be implemented to generate better models of acute leukemias. This article is categorized under: Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Molina
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jasmine Chavez
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Grainger
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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MYC in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: functional implications and targeted strategies. BLOOD SCIENCE 2021; 3:65-70. [PMID: 35402840 PMCID: PMC8974894 DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological cancer that frequently occurs in children and adolescents, which results from the transformation of immature T-cell progenitors. Aberrant cell growth and proliferation of T-ALL lymphoblasts are sustained by activation of strong oncogenic drivers. Mounting evidence highlights the critical role of the NOTCH1-MYC highway toward the initiation and progression of T-ALL. MYC has been emphasized as a primary NOTCH1 transcriptional target impinging in leukemia-initiating cell activity particularly responsible for disease onset and relapse. These findings lay a foundation of T-ALL as an ideal disease model for studying MYC-mediated cancer. The biology of MYC deregulation in T-ALL supports innovative strategies for therapeutic targeting of MYC. To summarize the relevant literature and data in recent years, we here provide a comprehensive overview of the functional importance of MYC in T-ALL development, and the molecular mechanisms underlying MYC deregulation in T-ALL. Finally, we illustrate the innovative MYC-targeted approaches that have been evaluated in pre-clinical models and shown significant efficacy. Given the complexity of T-ALL molecular pathogenesis, we propose that a combination of anti-MYC strategies with conventional chemotherapies or other targeted/immunotherapies may provide the most durable response, especially for those patients with relapsed and refractory T-ALL.
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Abstract
Zebrafish are rapidly becoming a leading model organism for cancer research. The genetic pathways driving cancer are highly conserved between zebrafish and humans, and the ability to easily manipulate the zebrafish genome to rapidly generate transgenic animals makes zebrafish an excellent model organism. Transgenic zebrafish containing complex, patient-relevant genotypes have been used to model many cancer types. Here we present a comprehensive review of transgenic zebrafish cancer models as a resource to the field and highlight important areas of cancer biology that have yet to be studied in the fish. The ability to image cancer cells and niche biology in an endogenous tumor makes zebrafish an indispensable model organism in which we can further understand the mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis and screen for potential new cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M. McConnell
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02138, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Haley R. Noonan
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02138, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Leonard I. Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02138, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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A phase I study of a dual PI3-kinase/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 21:70. [PMID: 32993794 PMCID: PMC7523358 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-00446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Combined inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes may be an efficient treatment for acute leukemia. The primary objective of this phase I single center open label study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of the dual pan-class I PI3K and mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in patients with advanced leukemia. Methods Herein patients > 18 years of age who had relapsed or showed refractory leukemia were treated with BEZ235 (orally at 300–400 mg BID (cohort − 1/1)) to assess safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy and pharmacokinetic (PK). Adverse events data and serious adverse events were analyzed and haematological and clinical biochemistry toxicities were assessed from laboratory test parameters. Response was assessed for the first time at the end of cycle 1 (day 29) and after every subsequent cycle. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of BEZ235 were also included (BEZ235 plasma levels, phosphorylation of AKT, S6 and 4EBP1). On statistics this trial is a multiple ascending dose study in which a following variant of the 3 + 3 rule (“Rolling Six”), a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 patients was recruited for the dose escalation and another 5 were planned for the expansion phase. Results Twenty-four patients with ALL (n = 11) or AML (n = 12) or CML-BP (n = 1) were enrolled. All patients had failed one (n = 5) or more lines of therapy (n = 5) and 14 patients were in refractory / refractory relapse. No formal MTD was defined, stomatitis and gastrointestinal toxicity at 400 mg BID dose was considered incompatible with prolonged treatment. The RP2D of BEZ235 was defined as 300 mg BID. Four of 24 patients showed clinical benefit. Twenty-two of 24 patients discontinued because of progression, (median time to progression 27 days (4d-112d). There was no association between PK parameters and efficacy or tolerability. Conclusions Combined inhibition of PI3K and mTOR inhibits a clinically meaningful driver pathway in a small subset of patients with ALL, with no benefit in patients with AML. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01756118. retrospectively registered 19th December 2012, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01756118.
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Toscan CE, Jing D, Mayoh C, Lock RB. Reversal of glucocorticoid resistance in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is dependent on restoring BIM expression. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1769-1781. [PMID: 32242100 PMCID: PMC7283241 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0824-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common paediatric malignancy. Glucocorticoids form a critical component of chemotherapy regimens and resistance to glucocorticoid therapy is predictive of poor outcome. We have previously shown that glucocorticoid resistance is associated with upregulation of the oncogene C-MYC and failure to induce the proapoptotic gene BIM. METHODS A high-throughput screening (HTS) campaign was carried out to identify glucocorticoid sensitisers against an ALL xenograft derived from a glucocorticoid-resistant paediatric patient. Gene expression analysis was carried out using Illumina microarrays. Efficacy, messenger RNA and protein analysis were carried out by Resazurin assay, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. RESULTS A novel glucocorticoid sensitiser, 2-((4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)thio)-N-isopropyl-N-phenylacetamide (GCS-3), was identified from the HTS campaign. The sensitising effect was specific to glucocorticoids and synergy was observed in a range of dexamethasone-resistant and dexamethasone-sensitive xenografts representative of B-ALL, T-ALL and Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL. GCS-3 in combination with dexamethasone downregulated C-MYC and significantly upregulated BIM expression in a glucocorticoid-resistant ALL xenograft. The GCS-3/dexamethasone combination significantly increased binding of the glucocorticoid receptor to a novel BIM enhancer, which is associated with glucocorticoid sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the potential of the novel glucocorticoid sensitiser, GCS-3, as a biological tool to interrogate glucocorticoid action and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Toscan
- Children's Cancer Institute, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Duohui Jing
- Children's Cancer Institute, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- Children's Cancer Institute, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard B Lock
- Children's Cancer Institute, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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hsa-miR-20b-5p and hsa-miR-363-3p Affect Expression of PTEN and BIM Tumor Suppressor Genes and Modulate Survival of T-ALL Cells In Vitro. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051137. [PMID: 32380791 PMCID: PMC7290785 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy arising from T lymphocyte precursors. We have previously shown by miRNA-seq, that miRNAs from the mir-106a-363 cluster are overexpressed in pediatric T-ALL. In silico analysis indicated their potential involvement in the regulation of apoptosis. Here, we aimed to test the hypothesis on the pro-tumorigenic roles of these miRNAs in T-ALL cells in vitro. We demonstrate, for the first time, that hsa-miR-20b-5p and hsa-miR-363-3p from the mir-106a-363 cluster, when upregulated in T-ALL cells in vitro, protect leukemic cells from apoptosis, enhance proliferation, and contribute to growth advantage. We show, using dual luciferase reporter assays, Ago2-RNA immunoprecipitation, RT-qPCR, and Western blots, that the oncogenic effects of these upregulated miRNAs might, at least in part, be mediated by the downregulation of two important tumor suppressor genes, PTEN and BIM, targeted by both miRNAs. Additionally, we demonstrate the cooperative effects of these two miRNAs by simultaneous inhibition of both miRNAs as compared to the inhibition of single miRNAs. We postulate that hsa-miR-20b-5p and hsa-miR-363-3p from the mir-106a-363 cluster might serve as oncomiRs in T-ALL, by contributing to post-transcriptional repression of key tumor suppressors, PTEN and BIM.
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Park G, Burroughs-Garcia J, Foster CA, Hasan A, Borga C, Frazer JK. Zebrafish B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: new findings in an old model. Oncotarget 2020; 11:1292-1305. [PMID: 32341750 PMCID: PMC7170496 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric, and ninth most common adult, cancer. ALL can develop in either B or T lymphocytes, but B-lineage ALL (B-ALL) exceeds T-ALL clinically. As for other cancers, animal models allow study of the molecular mechanisms driving ALL. Several zebrafish (Danio rerio) T-ALL models have been reported, but until recently, robust D. rerio B-ALL models were not described. Then, D. rerio B-ALL was discovered in two related zebrafish transgenic lines; both were already known to develop T-ALL. Here, we report new B-ALL findings in one of these models, fish expressing transgenic human MYC (hMYC). We describe B-ALL incidence in a large cohort of hMYC fish, and show B-ALL in two new lines where T-ALL does not interfere with B-ALL detection. We also demonstrate B-ALL responses to steroid and radiation treatments, which effect ALL remissions, but are usually followed by prompt relapses. Finally, we report gene expression in zebrafish B lymphocytes and B-ALL, in both bulk samples and single B- and T-ALL cells. Using these gene expression profiles, we compare differences between the two new D. rerio B-ALL models, which are both driven by transgenic mammalian MYC oncoproteins. Collectively, these new data expand the utility of this new vertebrate B-ALL model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilseung Park
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Jessica Burroughs-Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Clay A Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Ameera Hasan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Chiara Borga
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - J Kimble Frazer
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Hu P, Li H, Yu X, Liu X, Wang X, Qing Y, Wang Z, Wang H, Zhu M, Xu J, Tan R, Guo Q, Hui H. GL-V9 exerts anti-T cell malignancies effects via promoting lysosome-dependent AKT1 degradation and activating AKT1/FOXO3A/BIM axis. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 145:237-249. [PMID: 31560953 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
T-cell malignancies are characterized by the excessive proliferation of hematopoietic precursor cells of T-cell lineage lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Previous studies suggest that T-cell malignancies are usually accompanied by highly activated PI3K/AKT signaling which confers the ability of cancer cells to proliferate and survive. Here, we found that GL-V9, a newly synthesized flavonoid compound, had a potent to inhibit the activation of AKT1 and induce the cell apoptosis in T-cell malignancies including cell lines and primary lymphoblastic leukemia. Results showed that GL-V9-induced degradation of AKT1 blocked PI3K/AKT1 signaling and the degradation of AKT1 could be reversed by NH4Cl, an inhibitor of lysosomal function. Inhibiting AKT1 promoted dephosphorylation of FOXO3A and its nuclear translocation. We further demonstrated that GL-V9-induced apoptosis effects were dependent on the binding of FOXO3A to the BIM promoter, resulting in the production of BH3-only protein BIM. Moreover, GL-V9 showed a more persistent and stronger apoptosis induction effects than pharmacologic PI3K inhibitor. The in vivo studies also verified that GL-V9 possessed the anti-tumor effects by reducing the leukemic burden in T-ALL-bearing BALB/c nude mice. In conclusion, our study provides a new insight into the mechanism of GL-V9-induced apoptosis, suggesting the potency of GL-V9 to be a promising agent against T-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjie Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyan Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated DrumTower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Renxiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Tackling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-One Fish at a Time. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215313. [PMID: 31731471 PMCID: PMC6862667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a need for improved strategies to decrease morbidity and improve cure rates in relapsed/refractory ALL still exists. Such approaches include the identification and implementation of novel targeted combination regimens, and more precise upfront patient risk stratification to guide therapy. New curative strategies rely on an understanding of the pathobiology that derives from systematically dissecting each cancer’s genetic and molecular landscape. Zebrafish models provide a powerful system to simulate human diseases, including leukemias and ALL specifically. They are also an invaluable tool for genetic manipulation, in vivo studies, and drug discovery. Here, we highlight and summarize contributions made by several zebrafish T-ALL models and newer zebrafish B-ALL models in translating the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms operative in ALL, and also highlight their potential utility for drug discovery. These models have laid the groundwork for increasing our understanding of the molecular basis of ALL to further translational and clinical research endeavors that seek to improve outcomes in this important cancer.
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14
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Hadji A, Schmitt GK, Schnorenberg MR, Roach L, Hickey CM, Leak LB, Tirrell MV, LaBelle JL. Preferential targeting of MCL-1 by a hydrocarbon-stapled BIM BH3 peptide. Oncotarget 2019; 10:6219-6233. [PMID: 31692812 PMCID: PMC6817437 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BCL-2 family proteins are central regulators of apoptosis and represent prime therapeutic targets for overcoming cell death resistance in malignancies. However, plasticity of anti-apoptotic members, such as MCL-1, often allows for a switch in cell death dependency patterns that lie outside the binding profile of targeted BH3-mimetics. Therefore discovery of therapeutics that effectively inactivate all anti-apoptotic members is a high priority. To address this we tested the potency of a hydrocarbon stapled BIM BH3 peptide (BIM SAHBA) to overcome both BCL-2 and MCL-1 apoptotic resistance given BIM’s naturally wide ranging affinity for all BCL-2 family multidomain members. BIM SAHBA effectively killed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines regardless of their anti-apoptotic dependence. Despite BIM BH3’s ability to bind all BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins, BIM SAHBA’s dominant intracellular target was MCL-1 and this specificity was exploited in sequenced combination BH3-mimetic treatments targeting BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-W. Extending this MCL-1 functional dependence, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient in MCL-1 were resistant to mitochondrial changes induced by BIM SAHBA. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding BH3 mimetic functional intracellular affinities for optimized use and highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic promise of a BIM BH3 peptide mimetic as a potential MCL-1 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Hadji
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation and Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Greta K Schmitt
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation and Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mathew R Schnorenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation and Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.,Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lauren Roach
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation and Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Connie M Hickey
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation and Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Logan B Leak
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation and Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Matthew V Tirrell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - James L LaBelle
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation and Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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15
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Konantz M, Schürch C, Hanns P, Müller JS, Sauteur L, Lengerke C. Modeling hematopoietic disorders in zebrafish. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:12/9/dmm040360. [PMID: 31519693 PMCID: PMC6765189 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.040360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish offer a powerful vertebrate model for studies of development and disease. The major advantages of this model include the possibilities of conducting reverse and forward genetic screens and of observing cellular processes by in vivo imaging of single cells. Moreover, pathways regulating blood development are highly conserved between zebrafish and mammals, and several discoveries made in fish were later translated to murine and human models. This review and accompanying poster provide an overview of zebrafish hematopoiesis and discuss the existing zebrafish models of blood disorders, such as myeloid and lymphoid malignancies, bone marrow failure syndromes and immunodeficiencies, with a focus on how these models were generated and how they can be applied for translational research. Summary: This At A Glance article and poster summarize the last 20 years of research in zebrafish models for hematopoietic disorders, highlighting how these models were created and are being applied for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Konantz
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Schürch
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Hanns
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Joëlle S Müller
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Sauteur
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Lengerke
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland.,Division of Hematology, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
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16
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Zebrafish and Medaka: Two Teleost Models of T-Cell and Thymic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174179. [PMID: 31454991 PMCID: PMC6747487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, studies have demonstrated that several features of T-cell and thymic development are conserved from teleosts to mammals. In particular, works using zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes) have shed light on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these biological processes. In particular, the ease of noninvasive in vivo imaging of these species enables direct visualization of all events associated with these processes, which are, in mice, technically very demanding. In this review, we focus on defining the similarities and differences between zebrafish and medaka in T-cell development and thymus organogenesis; and highlight their advantages as two complementary model systems for T-cell immunobiology and modeling of human diseases.
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17
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Borga C, Frazer JK. Zebrafish MYC-induced leukemia models: unique in vivo systems to study B and T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Int J Hematol Oncol 2019; 8:IJH12. [PMID: 30863529 PMCID: PMC6410022 DOI: 10.2217/ijh-2018-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borga
- Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - John Kimble Frazer
- Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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18
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Targeting mTOR in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020190. [PMID: 30795552 PMCID: PMC6406494 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive hematologic disorder and constitutes approximately 25% of cancer diagnoses among children and teenagers. Pediatric patients have a favourable prognosis, with 5-years overall survival rates near 90%, while adult ALL still correlates with poorer survival. However, during the past few decades, the therapeutic outcome of adult ALL was significantly ameliorated, mainly due to intensive pediatric-based protocols of chemotherapy. Mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase belonging to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-related kinase family (PIKK) and resides in two distinct signalling complexes named mTORC1, involved in mRNA translation and protein synthesis and mTORC2 that controls cell survival and migration. Moreover, both complexes are remarkably involved in metabolism regulation. Growing evidence reports that mTOR dysregulation is related to metastatic potential, cell proliferation and angiogenesis and given that PI3K/Akt/mTOR network activation is often associated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in ALL, there is a constant need to discover novel inhibitors for ALL treatment. Here, the current knowledge of mTOR signalling and the development of anti-mTOR compounds are documented, reporting the most relevant results from both preclinical and clinical studies in ALL that have contributed significantly into their efficacy or failure.
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19
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Flow Cytometry-Based Detection and Analysis of BCL-2 Family Proteins and Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Permeabilization (MOMP). Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1877:77-91. [PMID: 30535999 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8861-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The BCL-2 family of proteins orchestrates a complex signaling network that governs the balance between cellular survival and death. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic interactions between these proteins continues to evolve in normal and malignant cells. The functional variation by individual BCL-2 proteins in different cell types has driven clinical therapeutic development in targeting individual BCL-2 members with the goal of fine-tuning cell death in diseased cells. Given the importance of understanding and validating the effect of activating or inhibiting BCL-2 protein interactions in individual cells, the methods used to measure apoptotic cell death have undergone increased scrutiny. Here, we describe two in vitro flow cytometry-based methods that are useful in measuring BCL-2 proteins and mitochondrial-based cell death in complex cell populations.
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20
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Ariës IM, Bodaar K, Karim SA, Chonghaile TN, Hinze L, Burns MA, Pfirrmann M, Degar J, Landrigan JT, Balbach S, Peirs S, Menten B, Isenhart R, Stevenson KE, Neuberg DS, Devidas M, Loh ML, Hunger SP, Teachey DT, Rabin KR, Winter SS, Dunsmore KP, Wood BL, Silverman LB, Sallan SE, Van Vlierberghe P, Orkin SH, Knoechel B, Letai AG, Gutierrez A. PRC2 loss induces chemoresistance by repressing apoptosis in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Exp Med 2018; 215:3094-3114. [PMID: 30404791 PMCID: PMC6279404 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20180570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial apoptotic priming predicts response to cancer chemotherapy, but the mechanisms underlying variability in this mitochondrial phenotype among closely related tumors are poorly understood. Ariës et al. show that PRC2 loss-of-function mutations induce resistance to mitochondrial apoptosis in T-ALL. The tendency of mitochondria to undergo or resist BCL2-controlled apoptosis (so-called mitochondrial priming) is a powerful predictor of response to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Fully exploiting this finding will require unraveling the molecular genetics underlying phenotypic variability in mitochondrial priming. Here, we report that mitochondrial apoptosis resistance in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is mediated by inactivation of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). In T-ALL clinical specimens, loss-of-function mutations of PRC2 core components (EZH2, EED, or SUZ12) were associated with mitochondrial apoptosis resistance. In T-ALL cells, PRC2 depletion induced resistance to apoptosis induction by multiple chemotherapeutics with distinct mechanisms of action. PRC2 loss induced apoptosis resistance via transcriptional up-regulation of the LIM domain transcription factor CRIP2 and downstream up-regulation of the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1. These findings demonstrate the importance of mitochondrial apoptotic priming as a prognostic factor in T-ALL and implicate mitochondrial chaperone function as a molecular determinant of chemotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid M Ariës
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kimberly Bodaar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Salmaan A Karim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Triona Ni Chonghaile
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Deparment of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Hinze
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Melissa A Burns
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Maren Pfirrmann
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - James Degar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jack T Landrigan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sebastian Balbach
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sofie Peirs
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Randi Isenhart
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kristen E Stevenson
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Donna S Neuberg
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Mignon L Loh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Stephen P Hunger
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David T Teachey
- Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Karen R Rabin
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Stuart S Winter
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Department, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Brent L Wood
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Lewis B Silverman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Stephen E Sallan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Birgit Knoechel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Anthony G Letai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alejandro Gutierrez
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA .,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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21
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Rodríguez-Galán A, Fernández-Messina L, Sánchez-Madrid F. Control of Immunoregulatory Molecules by miRNAs in T Cell Activation. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2148. [PMID: 30319616 PMCID: PMC6167432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MiRNA targeting of key immunoregulatory molecules fine-tunes the immune response. This mechanism boosts or dampens immune functions to preserve homeostasis while supporting the full development of effector functions. MiRNA expression changes during T cell activation, highlighting that their function is constrained by a specific spatiotemporal frame related to the signals that induce T cell-based effector functions. Here, we update the state of the art regarding the miRNAs that are differentially expressed during T cell stimulation. We also revisit the existing data on miRNA function in T cell activation, with a special focus on the modulation of the most relevant immunoregulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rodríguez-Galán
- Servicio de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IP), Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lola Fernández-Messina
- Servicio de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IP), Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Sánchez-Madrid
- Servicio de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IP), Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Baeten JT, de Jong JLO. Genetic Models of Leukemia in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:115. [PMID: 30294597 PMCID: PMC6158309 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish animal model is gaining increasing popularity as a tool for studying human disease. Over the past 15 years, many models of leukemia and other hematological malignancies have been developed in the zebrafish. These confer some significant advantages over similar models in other animals and systems, representing a powerful resource for investigation of the molecular basis of human leukemia. This review discusses the various zebrafish models of lymphoid and myeloid leukemia available, the major discoveries that have been made possible by them, and opportunities for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jill L. O. de Jong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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23
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Enßle JC, Boedicker C, Wanior M, Vogler M, Knapp S, Fulda S. Co-targeting of BET proteins and HDACs as a novel approach to trigger apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 428:160-172. [PMID: 29709701 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Histone acetylation marks exert essential functions in regulating gene expression. These marks are written by histone acetyltransferases (HATs), removed by histone deacetylases (HDACs) and read by e.g. BET proteins. While BET inhibitors are promising new anticancer drugs, little is yet known about their antitumor activity in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We therefore investigated the efficacy of the prototypic BET inhibitor JQ1 alone or in combination with other epigenetic modifiers, namely HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs). Here, we discover a synergistic interaction of the panBET inhibitor JQ1 together with various HDACIs, i.e. Quisinostat (JNJ-26481585), Vorinostat (SAHA), Entinostat (MS-275) and Panobinostat (LBH589), inducing apoptosis in RMS cells, whereas JQ1 as single agent exhibits little cytotoxicity. Calculation of combination index (CI) confirmed the synergism of this combination. Importantly, JQ1 and JNJ-26481585 act in concert to suppress colony formation and to trigger apoptosis in an in vivo model. Mechanistic studies revealed that combination of JQ1 and JNJ-26481585 cooperatively upregulates BIM and BMF, while downregulating BCL-xL. This shifted ratio of pro- and antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins engages activation of BAX and BAK and increases caspases-3 and -7 activity. Individual silencing of BIM or NOXA, overexpression of BCL-2 or MCL-1 as well as addition of the caspase inhibitor zVAD.fmk significantly rescue JQ1/JNJ-26481585-induced apoptosis. Thus, co-targeting of histone acetylation by concomitant inhibition of HDAC and BET proteins synergistically induces mitochondrial apoptosis by shifting the ratio of pro- and antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins towards apoptosis. These findings indicate that combinatorial use of BET and HDACIs may represent a promising new strategy for the treatment of RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius C Enßle
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstrasse 3a, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Cathinka Boedicker
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstrasse 3a, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marek Wanior
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, J.W. Goethe-University and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Meike Vogler
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstrasse 3a, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, J.W. Goethe-University and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstrasse 3a, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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24
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Hedgehog pathway mutations drive oncogenic transformation in high-risk T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2018; 32:2126-2137. [PMID: 29654263 PMCID: PMC6148437 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0097-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The role of Hedgehog signaling in normal and malignant T-cell development is controversial. Recently, Hedgehog pathway mutations have been described in T-ALL, but whether mutational activation of Hedgehog signaling drives T-cell transformation is unknown, hindering the rationale for therapeutic intervention. Here, we show that Hedgehog pathway mutations predict chemotherapy resistance in human T-ALL, and drive oncogenic transformation in a zebrafish model of the disease. We found Hedgehog pathway mutations in 16% of 109 childhood T-ALL cases, most commonly affecting its negative regulator PTCH1. Hedgehog mutations were associated with resistance to induction chemotherapy (P = 0.009). Transduction of wild-type PTCH1 into PTCH1-mutant T-ALL cells induced apoptosis (P = 0.005), a phenotype that was reversed by downstream Hedgehog pathway activation (P = 0.007). Transduction of most mutant PTCH1, SUFU, and GLI alleles into mammalian cells induced aberrant regulation of Hedgehog signaling, indicating that these mutations are pathogenic. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 system for lineage-restricted gene disruption in transgenic zebrafish, we found that ptch1 mutations accelerated the onset of notch1-induced T-ALL (P = 0.0001), and pharmacologic Hedgehog pathway inhibition had therapeutic activity. Thus, Hedgehog-activating mutations are driver oncogenic alterations in high-risk T-ALL, providing a molecular rationale for targeted therapy in this disease.
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25
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Sawyer TK, Partridge AW, Kaan HYK, Juang YC, Lim S, Johannes C, Yuen TY, Verma C, Kannan S, Aronica P, Tan YS, Sherborne B, Ha S, Hochman J, Chen S, Surdi L, Peier A, Sauvagnat B, Dandliker PJ, Brown CJ, Ng S, Ferrer F, Lane DP. Macrocyclic α helical peptide therapeutic modality: A perspective of learnings and challenges. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:2807-2815. [PMID: 29598901 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Macrocyclic α-helical peptides have emerged as a compelling new therapeutic modality to tackle targets confined to the intracellular compartment. Within the scope of hydrocarbon-stapling there has been significant progress to date, including the first stapled α-helical peptide to enter into clinical trials. The principal design concept of stapled α-helical peptides is to mimic a cognate (protein) ligand relative to binding its target via an α-helical interface. However, it was the proclivity of such stapled α-helical peptides to exhibit cell permeability and proteolytic stability that underscored their promise as unique macrocyclic peptide drugs for intracellular targets. This perspective highlights key learnings as well as challenges in basic research with respect to structure-based design, innovative chemistry, cell permeability and proteolytic stability that are essential to fulfill the promise of stapled α-helical peptide drug development.
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26
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Identification of differential PI3K pathway target dependencies in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia through a large cancer cell panel screen. Oncotarget 2017; 7:22128-39. [PMID: 26989080 PMCID: PMC5008349 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR inhibitors are currently under evaluation in clinical studies. To identify tumor types that are sensitive to PI3K pathway inhibitors we screened compounds targeting PI3Kα/δ (AZD8835), PI3Kβ/δ (AZD8186), AKT (AZD5363) and mTORC1/2 (AZD2014) against a cancer cell line panel (971 cell lines). There was an enrichment of hematological malignancies that were sensitive to AKT and mTOR inhibition, with the greatest degree of sensitivity observed in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). We found that all NOTCH mutant T-ALL cell lines were sensitive to AKT and mTORC1/2 inhibitors, with only partial sensitivity to agents that target the PI3K α, β or δ isoforms. Induction of apoptosis only occurred following AKTi treatment in cell lines with PTEN protein loss and high levels of active AKT. In summary, we have demonstrated that T-ALL cell lines show differential sensitivity to inhibition at different nodes in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and inhibiting AKT or mTOR may have a therapeutic benefit in this disease setting.
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Xu JY, Luo JM. [Association between BIM gene and glucocorticoid resistance in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2017; 19:945-949. [PMID: 28774373 PMCID: PMC7390050 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignant hematological disease in childhood. Glucocorticoids are frequently used in the chemoradiotherapy regimen for ALL and can induce the apoptosis of ALL cells through several signaling pathways, but about 10% of ALL children have poor response to glucocorticoids. Studies have revealed that glucocorticoids induce the apoptosis of ALL cells by upregulating the expression of BIM gene, and BIM gene is associated with glucocorticoid resistance in childhood ALL. This article reviews the recent studies on glucocorticoid resistance in childhood ALL, especially the role of BIM and its expression products in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yun Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
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28
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Wang Y, Mo H, Gu J, Chen K, Han Z, Liu Y. Cordycepin induces apoptosis of human acute monocytic leukemia cells via downregulation of the ERK/Akt signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:3067-3073. [PMID: 28912858 PMCID: PMC5585717 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the apoptotic effect of cordycepin (COR) on human THP-1 acute monocytic leukemia cells. THP-1 cells were exposed to different concentrations of COR for 24, 48, 72 or 96 h. The cell viability and apoptotic rate were analyzed. The gene expression of Akt1, Akt2, Akt3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were assessed by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein levels of phosphorylated (p)-Akt, p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cleaved caspase-3. It was found that the viability of THP-1 cells was inhibited by COR in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After treatment with 200 µM COR for 24 h, the percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly increased. COR also downregulated the levels of Bcl-2, Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3, and elevated the expression of Bax. The protein levels of p-Akt and p-ERK were suppressed and cleaved caspase-3 was increased after treatment of COR. In conclusion, COR was found to induce apoptosis of THP-1 acute monocytic leukemia cells through downregulation of ERK/Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Mo
- Institute of Hematology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Jun Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Kan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Zhihua Han
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai 200127, P.R. China
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29
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Stefanzl G, Berger D, Cerny-Reiterer S, Blatt K, Eisenwort G, Sperr WR, Hoermann G, Lind K, Hauswirth AW, Bettelheim P, Sill H, Melo JV, Jäger U, Valent P. The pan-BCL-2-blocker obatoclax (GX15-070) and the PI3-kinase/mTOR-inhibitor BEZ235 produce cooperative growth-inhibitory effects in ALL cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:67709-67722. [PMID: 28978065 PMCID: PMC5620205 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by leukemic expansion of lymphoid blasts in hematopoietic tissues. Despite improved therapy only a subset of patients can be cured. Therefore, current research is focusing on new drug-targets. Members of the BCL-2 family and components of the PI3-kinase/mTOR pathway are critically involved in the regulation of growth and survival of ALL cells. We examined the effects of the pan-BCL-2 blocker obatoclax and the PI3-kinase/mTOR-inhibitor BEZ235 on growth and survival of ALL cells. In 3H-thymidine uptake experiments, both drugs suppressed the in vitro proliferation of leukemic cells in all patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) ALL and Ph− ALL (obatoclax IC50: 0.01-5 μM; BEZ235, IC50: 0.01-1 μM). Both drugs were also found to produce growth-inhibitory effects in all Ph+ and all Ph− cell lines tested. Moreover, obatoclax and BEZ235 induced apoptosis in ALL cells. In drug-combination experiments, obatoclax and BEZ235 exerted synergistic growth-inhibitory effects on ALL cells. Finally, we confirmed that ALL cells, including CD34+/CD38− stem cells and all cell lines express transcripts for PI3-kinase, mTOR, BCL-2, MCL-1, and BCL-xL. Taken together, this data shows that combined targeting of the PI3-kinase/mTOR-pathway and BCL-2 family-members is a potent approach to counteract growth and survival of ALL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Stefanzl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Berger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Cerny-Reiterer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Blatt
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Eisenwort
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang R Sperr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Hoermann
- The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Lind
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander W Hauswirth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Bettelheim
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Elisabethinen Hospital Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Heinz Sill
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Junia V Melo
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ulrich Jäger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Valent
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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30
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Abstract
The zebrafish, Danio rerio, is a well-established, invaluable model system for the study of human cancers. The genetic pathways that drive oncogenesis are highly conserved between zebrafish and humans, and multiple unique attributes of the zebrafish make it a tractable tool for analyzing the underlying cellular processes that give rise to human disease. In particular, the high conservation between human and zebrafish hematopoiesis (Jing & Zon, 2011) has stimulated the development of zebrafish models for human hematopoietic malignancies to elucidate molecular pathogenesis and to expedite the preclinical investigation of novel therapies. While T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the first transgenic cancer model in zebrafish (Langenau et al., 2003), a wide spectrum of zebrafish models of human hematopoietic malignancies has been established since 2003, largely through transgenesis and genome-editing approaches. This chapter presents key examples that validate the zebrafish as an indispensable model system for the study of hematopoietic malignancies and highlights new models that demonstrate recent advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- S He
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - C-B Jing
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - A T Look
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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31
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Zebrafish Models of Human Leukemia: Technological Advances and Mechanistic Insights. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 916:335-69. [PMID: 27165361 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30654-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Insights concerning leukemic pathophysiology have been acquired in various animal models and further efforts to understand the mechanisms underlying leukemic treatment resistance and disease relapse promise to improve therapeutic strategies. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a vertebrate organism with a conserved hematopoietic program and unique experimental strengths suiting it for the investigation of human leukemia. Recent technological advances in zebrafish research including efficient transgenesis, precise genome editing, and straightforward transplantation techniques have led to the generation of a number of leukemia models. The transparency of the zebrafish when coupled with improved lineage-tracing and imaging techniques has revealed exquisite details of leukemic initiation, progression, and regression. With these advantages, the zebrafish represents a unique experimental system for leukemic research and additionally, advances in zebrafish-based high-throughput drug screening promise to hasten the discovery of novel leukemia therapeutics. To date, investigators have accumulated knowledge of the genetic underpinnings critical to leukemic transformation and treatment resistance and without doubt, zebrafish are rapidly expanding our understanding of disease mechanisms and helping to shape therapeutic strategies for improved outcomes in leukemic patients.
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32
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Sang W, Sun C, Zhang C, Zhang D, Wang Y, Xu L, Zhang Z, Wei X, Pan B, Yan D, Zhu F, Yan Z, Cao J, Loughran TP, Xu K. MicroRNA-150 negatively regulates the function of CD4(+) T cells through AKT3/Bim signaling pathway. Cell Immunol 2016; 306-307:35-40. [PMID: 27329362 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Donor-derived CD4(+) T lymphocytes are the major effector cells directly involved in the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). As a negative regulator of immune cell differentiation and development, microRNA-150 (miR-150) induces immunological tolerance in CD4(+) T cells after transplantation. However, the specific mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-150 is capable of not only inhibiting proliferation and activation of CD4(+) T cells but also promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, miR-150 targets v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 3 (AKT3), and subsequently downregulates B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) interacting mediator of cell death (BIM). We have also demonstrated that re-expression of AKT3 reversed miR-150-mediated inhibition of CD4(+) T lymphocyte development. Therefore, we conclude that miR-150 negatively regulates CD4(+) T cell function by inhibiting the AKT3/BIM signaling pathway. These findings also suggest that manipulating the levels of miRNA-150 could be a valuable strategy in prevention and/or treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cai Sun
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of hematology, Huaibei Miners General Hospital, Anhui Province, China
| | - Dianzheng Zhang
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Linyan Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiangyu Wei
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Pan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dongmei Yan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiling Yan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiang Cao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Cancer Center, VA, USA.
| | - Kailin Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Transplantation Immunity, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China.
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33
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Beekman AM, Howell LA. Small-Molecule and Peptide Inhibitors of the Pro-Survival Protein Mcl-1. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:802-13. [PMID: 26696548 PMCID: PMC4991272 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The ability of protein-protein interactions to regulate cellular processes in both beneficial and detrimental ways has made them obvious drug targets. The Bcl-2 family of proteins undergo a series of protein-protein interactions which regulate the intrinsic cell-death pathway. The pro-survival members of the Bcl-2 family, including Bcl-2, Bcl-xL , and Mcl-1, are commonly overexpressed in a number of human cancers. Effective modulators of members of the Bcl-2 family have been developed and are undergoing clinical trials, but the efficient modulation of Mcl-1 is still not represented in the clinic. In addition, Mcl-1 is a major cause of resistance to radio- and chemotherapies, including inhibitors that target other Bcl-2 family members. Subsequently, the inhibition of Mcl-1 has become of significant interest to the scientific community. This review covers the progress made to date in modulating the activity of Mcl-1, by both stapled peptides and small molecules. The development of peptides as drug candidates, and the advancement of experimental and computational techniques used to discover small molecules are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Beekman
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Lesley A Howell
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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34
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Galardy PJ, Bedekovics T, Hermiston ML. Targeting childhood, adolescent and young adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma: therapeutic horizons. Br J Haematol 2016; 173:625-36. [PMID: 27019108 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the third most common malignancy in children, adolescents and young adults (CAYA). NHL is a diverse set of diseases that arise at key regulatory checkpoints during B or T cell development in the bone marrow, germinal centre or thymus. While advances in the use of conventional cytotoxic agents have led to dramatic improvements in survival, these cures are associated with significant acute and long-term toxicities. Moreover, the prognosis for CAYA patients with relapsed or refractory NHL remains dismal, with the vast majority dying of their disease. Thanks to a large number of candidate-based biological studies, together with large-scale sequencing efforts, there has been an explosion of knowledge regarding the molecular pathophysiology of B- and T-NHL. This has ushered development of a flurry of novel therapeutic approaches that may simultaneously provide new hope for relapsed patients and an opportunity to reduce the therapeutic burden in newly diagnosed CAYA. Here we review a selection of the most promising new therapeutic approaches to these diseases. While the vast majority of these agents are untested in children, on-going work from many cooperative groups will soon explore their use in paediatric disease, in hope of further improving outcomes while maximizing quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Galardy
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tibor Bedekovics
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michelle L Hermiston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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35
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Cui W, Zhang Y, Yang C, Sun Y, Zhang M, Wang S. Hydrogen sulfide prevents Abeta-induced neuronal apoptosis by attenuating mitochondrial translocation of PTEN. Neuroscience 2016; 325:165-74. [PMID: 27026591 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal cell apoptosis is an important pathological change in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is known to be a novel gaseous signaling molecule and a cytoprotectant in many diseases including AD. However, the molecular mechanism of the antiapoptosis activity of H(2)S in AD is not yet fully understood. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the inhibitory effects of H(2)S on Abeta (Aβ)-induced apoptosis and the molecular mechanisms underlying primary neuron cells. Our results showed that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a donor of H(2)S, significantly ameliorated Aβ-induced cell apoptosis. NaHS also reversed the Aβ-induced translocation of the phosphatase and tensin homologs deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) from the cytosol to the mitochondria. Furthermore, H(2)S increased the level of p-AKT/AKT significantly. Interestingly, the antiapoptosis effects of H(2)S were blocked down by specific PI3K/AKT inhibitor wortmannin. In conclusion, these data indicate that H(2)S inhibits Aβ-induced neuronal apoptosis by attenuating mitochondrial translocation of PTEN and that activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a critical role in H(2)S-mediated neuronal protection. Our findings provide a novel route into the molecular mechanisms of neuronal apoptosis in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weigang Cui
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Department of Human Anatomy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China.
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Department of Human Anatomy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Chenxi Yang
- Undergraduate Students of Basic Medicine School, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Yiyuan Sun
- Undergraduate Students of Basic Medicine School, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Undergraduate Students of Basic Medicine School, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Songtao Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Department of Human Anatomy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
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36
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CDK6-mediated repression of CD25 is required for induction and maintenance of Notch1-induced T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2015; 30:1033-43. [PMID: 26707936 PMCID: PMC4856559 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a high-risk subset of acute leukemia, characterized by frequent activation of Notch1 or AKT signaling, where new_therapeutic approaches are needed. We showed previously that Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) is required for thymic lymphoblastic lymphoma induced by activated AKT. Here, we show CDK6 is required for initiation and maintenance of Notch-induced T-ALL. In a mouse retroviral model, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells lacking CDK6 protein or expressing kinase-inactive (K43M) CDK6 are resistant to induction of T-ALL by activated Notch, whereas those expressing INK4-insensitive (R31C) CDK6 are permissive. Pharmacologic inhibition of CDK6 kinase induces CD25 and RUNX1 expression, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in mouse and human T-ALL. Ablation of Cd25 in a K43M background restores Notch-induced T-leukemogenesis, with disease that is resistant to CDK6 inhibitors in vivo. These data support a model whereby CDK6-mediated suppression of CD25 is required for initiation of T-ALL by activated Notch1, and CD25 induction mediates the therapeutic response to CDK6 inhibition in established T-ALL. These results both validate CDK6 as a molecular target for therapy of this subset of T-ALL and suggest that CD25 expression could serve as a biomarker for responsiveness of T-ALL to CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy.
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37
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Sionov RV, Vlahopoulos SA, Granot Z. Regulation of Bim in Health and Disease. Oncotarget 2015; 6:23058-134. [PMID: 26405162 PMCID: PMC4695108 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The BH3-only Bim protein is a major determinant for initiating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Tight regulation of its expression and activity at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels together with the induction of alternatively spliced isoforms with different pro-apoptotic potential, ensure timely activation of Bim. Under physiological conditions, Bim is essential for shaping immune responses where its absence promotes autoimmunity, while too early Bim induction eliminates cytotoxic T cells prematurely, resulting in chronic inflammation and tumor progression. Enhanced Bim induction in neurons causes neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Moreover, type I diabetes is promoted by genetically predisposed elevation of Bim in β-cells. On the contrary, cancer cells have developed mechanisms that suppress Bim expression necessary for tumor progression and metastasis. This review focuses on the intricate network regulating Bim activity and its involvement in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Vogt Sionov
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Spiros A. Vlahopoulos
- First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Horemeio Research Laboratory, Thivon and Levadias, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Zvi Granot
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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38
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Peirs S, Van der Meulen J, Van de Walle I, Taghon T, Speleman F, Poppe B, Van Vlierberghe P. Epigenetics in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Immunol Rev 2015; 263:50-67. [PMID: 25510271 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Normal T-cell development is a strictly regulated process in which hematopoietic progenitor cells migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus and differentiate from early T-cell progenitors toward mature and functional T cells. During this maturation process, cooperation between a variety of oncogenes and tumor suppressors can drive immature thymocytes into uncontrolled clonal expansion and cause T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Despite improved insights in T-ALL disease biology and comprehensive characterization of its genetic landscape, clinical care remained largely similar over the past decades and still consists of high-dose multi-agent chemotherapy potentially followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Even with such aggressive treatment regimens, which are often associated with considerable side effects, clinical outcome is still extremely poor in a significant subset of T-ALL patients as a result of therapy resistance or hematological relapses. Recent genetic studies have identified recurrent somatic alterations in genes involved in DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications in T-ALL, suggesting that epigenetic homeostasis is critically required in restraining tumor development in the T-cell lineage. In this review, we provide an overview of the epigenetic regulators that could be implicated in T-ALL disease biology and speculate how the epigenetic landscape of T-ALL could trigger the development of epigenetic-based therapies to further improve the treatment of human T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Peirs
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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39
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Akahane K, Sanda T, Mansour MR, Radimerski T, DeAngelo DJ, Weinstock DM, Look AT. HSP90 inhibition leads to degradation of the TYK2 kinase and apoptotic cell death in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2015; 30:219-28. [PMID: 26265185 PMCID: PMC4703488 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We previously found that TYK2 tyrosine kinase signaling through its downstream effector phospho-STAT1 (p-STAT1) acts to upregulate BCL2, which in turn mediates aberrant survival of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells. Here we show that pharmacologic inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) with a small-molecule inhibitor, NVP-AUY922 (AUY922), leads to rapid degradation of TYK2 and apoptosis in T-ALL cells. STAT1 protein levels were not affected by AUY922 treatment, but p-STAT1 (Tyr 701) levels rapidly became undetectable, consistent with a block in signaling downstream of TYK2. BCL2 expression was downregulated after AUY922 treatment, and although this effect was necessary for AUY922-induced apoptosis, it was not sufficient because many T-ALL cell lines were resistant to ABT-199, a specific inhibitor of BCL2. Unlike ABT-199, AUY922 also upregulated the proapoptotic proteins BIM and BAD, whose increased expression was required for AUY922-induced apoptosis. Thus, the potent cytotoxicity of AUY922 involves the synergistic combination of BCL2 downregulation coupled with upregulation of the proapoptotic proteins BIM and BAD. This two-pronged assault on the mitochondrial apoptotic machinery identifies HSP90 inhibitors as promising drugs for targeting the TYK2-mediated prosurvival signaling axis in T-ALL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Akahane
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - T Sanda
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - M R Mansour
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - T Radimerski
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - D J DeAngelo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D M Weinstock
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A T Look
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Cromm PM, Spiegel J, Grossmann TN. Hydrocarbon stapled peptides as modulators of biological function. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:1362-75. [PMID: 25798993 DOI: 10.1021/cb501020r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Peptide-based drug discovery has experienced a significant upturn within the past decade since the introduction of chemical modifications and unnatural amino acids has allowed for overcoming some of the drawbacks associated with peptide therapeutics. Strengthened by such features, modified peptides become capable of occupying a niche that emerges between the two major classes of today's therapeutics-small molecules (<500 Da) and biologics (>5000 Da). Stabilized α-helices have proven particularly successful at impairing disease-relevant PPIs previously considered "undruggable." Among those, hydrocarbon stapled α-helical peptides have emerged as a novel class of potential peptide therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the development and applications of hydrocarbon stapled peptides discussing the benefits and limitations of this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M. Cromm
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technical University Dortmund, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jochen Spiegel
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technical University Dortmund, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tom N. Grossmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Technical University Dortmund, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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Hall CP, Reynolds CP, Kang MH. Modulation of Glucocorticoid Resistance in Pediatric T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Increasing BIM Expression with the PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor BEZ235. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 22:621-32. [PMID: 26080839 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of our study is to evaluate the preclinical therapeutic activity and mechanism of action of BEZ235, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, in combination with dexamethasone in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The cytotoxic effects of BEZ235 and dexamethasone as single agents and in combination were assessed in a panel of ALL cell lines and xenograft models. The underlying mechanism of BEZ235 and dexamethasone was evaluated using immunoblotting, TaqMan RT-PCR, siRNA, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway with the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 enhanced dexamethasone-induced anti-leukemic activity in in vitro (continuous cell lines and primary ALL cultures) and systemic in vivo models of T-ALL (including a patient-derived xenograft). Through inhibition of AKT1, BEZ235 was able to alleviate AKT1-mediated suppression of dexamethasone-induced apoptotic pathways leading to increased expression of the proapoptotic BCL-2 protein BIM. Downregulation of MCL-1 by BEZ235 further contributed to the modulation of dexamethasone resistance by increasing the amount of BIM available to induce apoptosis, especially in PTEN-null T-ALL where inhibition of AKT only partially overcame AKT-induced BIM suppression. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the further investigation of agents targeting the PI3K/mTOR pathway to modulate glucocorticoid resistance in T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor P Hall
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - C Patrick Reynolds
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Min H Kang
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas.
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Synergistic signaling of KRAS and thyroid hormone receptor β mutants promotes undifferentiated thyroid cancer through MYC up-regulation. Neoplasia 2015; 16:757-69. [PMID: 25246276 PMCID: PMC4234871 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma is one of the most aggressive human cancers with frequent RAS mutations. How mutations of the RAS gene contribute to undifferentiated thyroid cancer remains largely unknown. Mice harboring a potent dominant negative mutant thyroid hormone receptor β, TRβPV (Thrb(PV/PV)), spontaneously develop well-differentiated follicular thyroid cancer similar to human cancer. We genetically targeted the Kras(G12D) mutation to thyroid epithelial cells of Thrb(PV/PV) mice to understand how Kras(G12D) mutation could induce undifferentiated thyroid cancer in Thrb(PV/PV)Kras(G12D) mice. Thrb(PV/PV)Kras(G12D) mice exhibited poorer survival due to more aggressive thyroid tumors with capsular invasion, vascular invasion, and distant metastases to the lung occurring at an earlier age and at a higher frequency than Thrb(PV/PV) mice did. Importantly, Thrb(PV/PV)Kras(G12D) mice developed frequent anaplastic foci with complete loss of normal thyroid follicular morphology. Within the anaplastic foci, the thyroid-specific transcription factor paired box gene 8 (PAX8) expression was virtually lost and the loss of PAX8 expression was inversely correlated with elevated MYC expression. Consistently, co-expression of KRAS(G12D) with TRβPV upregulated MYC levels in rat thyroid pccl3 cells, and MYC acted to enhance the TRβPV-mediated repression of the Pax8 promoter activity of a distant upstream enhancer, critical for thyroid-specific Pax8 expression. Our findings indicated that synergistic signaling of KRAS(G12D) and TRβPV led to increased MYC expression. Upregulated MYC contributes to the initiation of undifferentiated thyroid cancer, in part, through enhancing TRβPV-mediated repression of the Pax8 expression. Thus, MYC might serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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Immunotherapy with liposome-bound TRAIL overcomes partial protection to soluble TRAIL-induced apoptosis offered by down-regulation of Bim in leukemic cells. Clin Transl Oncol 2015; 17:657-67. [PMID: 25967100 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-015-1295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human Apo2-Ligand/TRAIL secreted by natural killer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes plays an important role immunosurveillance controlling tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, the fact that Apo2L/TRAIL is capable of inducing cell death in tumor cells but not in normal cells makes this death ligand a promising anti-tumor agent. Previous data from our group demonstrated that Apo2L/TRAIL was physiologically released as transmembrane protein inserted in lipid vesicles, called exosomes. Recently, we demonstrated that artificial lipid nanoparticles coated with bioactive Apo2L/TRAIL (LUV-TRAIL) resembling the natural exosomes, greatly improved Apo2L/TRAIL activity and were able to induce apoptosis in hematological malignancies. In this study, we have deepened in the underlying mechanism of action of LUV-TRAIL in hematologic cells. METHODS/PATIENTS Cytotoxic ability of LUV-TRAIL was assessed on Jurkat cells either over-expressing the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl1 or down-regulating the pro-apoptotic protein Bim previously generated in our laboratory. We also tested LUV-TRAIL cytotoxic ability against primary human leukemic cells from T-cell ALL patient. RESULTS Silencing Bim but not Mcl-1 over-expression partially protects Jurkat cells from apoptosis induced by sTRAIL. LUV-TRAIL induced caspase-8 and caspase-3 activation and killed Jurkat-Mcl1 and Jurkat-shBim more efficiently than sTRAIL independently of the mitochondrial pathway. On the other hand, LUV-TRAIL were clearly more cytotoxic against primary leukemic cells from a T-cell ALL patient than sTRAIL. CONCLUSION Tethering Apo2L/TRAIL to the surface of lipid nanoparticles greatly increases its bioactivity and could be of potential use in anti-tumor therapeutics.
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Zebrafish as a model for leukemia and other hematopoietic disorders. J Hematol Oncol 2015; 8:29. [PMID: 25884214 PMCID: PMC4389495 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-015-0126-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish is an established model for the study of vertebrate development, and is especially amenable for investigating hematopoiesis, where there is strong conservation of key lineages, genes, and developmental processes with humans. Over recent years, zebrafish has been increasingly utilized as a model for a range of human hematopoietic diseases, including malignancies. This review provides an overview of zebrafish hematopoiesis and describes its application as a model of leukemia and other hematopoietic disorders.
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Sawyer TK, Guerlavais V, Darlak K, Feyfant E. Macrocyclic α-Helical Peptide Drug Discovery. MACROCYCLES IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/9781782623113-00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Macrocyclic α-helical peptides have emerged as a promising new drug class and within the scope of hydrocarbon-stapled peptides such molecules have advanced into the clinic. The overarching concept of designing proteomimetics of an α-helical ‘ligand’ which binds its cognate ‘target’ relative to α-helical interfacing protein-protein interactions has been well-validated and expanded through numerous investigations for a plethora of therapeutic targets oftentimes referred to as “undruggable” with respect to other modalities (e.g., small-molecule or proteins). This chapter highlights the evolution of macrocyclic α-helical peptides in terms of target space, biophysical and computational chemistry, structural diversity and synthesis, drug design and chemical biology. It is noteworthy that hydrocarbon-stapled peptides have successfully risen to the summit of such drug discovery campaigns.
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Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common malignancy in children. Although it is now curable in 80-90% of cases, patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) experience a higher frequency of induction failure and early relapse. Despite aggressive treatment approaches, including transplantation and new salvage regimens, most children with relapsed T-ALL will not be cured. As such, we are in need of new targeted therapies for the disease. Recent advances in the molecular characterization of T-ALL have uncovered a number of new therapeutic targets. This review will summarize recent advancements in the study of inhibiting the NOTCH1, PI3K-AKT, and Cyclin D3:CDK4/6 pathways as therapeutic strategies for T-ALL. We will focus on pre-clinical studies supporting the testing of small-molecule inhibitors targeting these proteins and the rationale of combination therapies. Moreover, epigenetic approaches to modulate T-ALL are rapidly emerging. Here, we will discuss the data supporting the role of bromodomain and extra-terminal bromodomain inhibitors in human T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Roti
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, MA , USA ; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, MA , USA ; Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, University of Perugia , Perugia , Italy
| | - Kimberly Stegmaier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, MA , USA ; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, MA , USA ; Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, MA , USA
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