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An H, Chen S, Zhang X, Ke S, Ke J, Lu Y. PHF19 before and post induction treatment possess favorable potency of reflecting treatment response to protease inhibitors, event-free survival, and overall survival in multiple myeloma patients. Hematology 2024; 29:2331389. [PMID: 38511642 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2024.2331389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Plant homeodomain finger protein 19 (PHF19) regulates hematopoietic stem cell differentiation and promotes multiple myeloma (MM) progression. This study intended to explore the potency of PHF19 at baseline and post induction treatment in estimating treatment response to protease inhibitors and survival in MM patients. METHODS This retrospective study screened 69 MM patients who received protease inhibitors with bone marrow (BM) samples available at both baseline and post induction treatment. Twenty healthy BM donors were included as healthy controls (HCs). PHF19 in plasma cells from BM was quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS PHF19 at baseline and post induction treatment in MM patients were increased than in HCs. In MM patients, PHF19 was declined post induction treatment. Elevated PHF19 at baseline and post induction treatment were correlated with renal impairment, beta-2-microglobulin ≥5.5 mg/L, t (4; 14), higher international staging system (ISS) stage, and higher revised ISS (R-ISS) stage. Concerning treatment response, PHF19 at baseline and post induction treatment were negatively associated with complete response and overall response rate. Notably, abnormal PHF19 (above 95% quantile value of PHF19 in HCs) at baseline and post induction treatment were linked with shortened event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). After adjustment, abnormal PHF19 post induction treatment was independently related to shortened EFS (hazard ratio = 2.474) and OS (hazard ratio = 3.124). CONCLUSION PHF19 is aberrantly high and declines post induction therapy, which simultaneously reflects unfavorable treatment response to protease inhibitors as well as shorter EFS and OS in MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu An
- Department of Hematology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Hematology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shandong Ke
- Department of Hematology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyong Ke
- Department of Hematology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalan Lu
- Department of Hematology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435000, People's Republic of China
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Liu W, Khalid M, Wahab S, Faizan Siddiqui M, Hasan Khan S, Sadiq M, Khatoon Z. A multitier virtual screening study of phytoconstituents as Myeloid Cell Leukemias 1 inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5219-5228. [PMID: 37418235 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2226739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid Cell Leukemia 1 (MCL1) is an anti-apoptotic protein that plays a critical role in regulating cell survival, particularly in cancer cells. It is a member of the BCL-2 family of proteins, which control the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. MCL1 has emerged as a promising target for cancer therapy because it is overexpressed in a wide range of cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, and hematologic malignancies. Due to its remarkable role in cancer progression, it has been reflected as a promising drug target for cancer therapy. A few MCL1 inhibitors have been identified previously, but further research is needed to develop novel, effective and safe MCL1 inhibitors that can overcome resistance mechanisms and minimize toxicity in normal cells. In this study, we aim to search for compounds that target the critical binding site of MCL1 from phytoconstituent library from the IMPPAT database. To accomplish this, a multitier virtual screening approach involving molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were used to evaluate their suitability for the receptor. Notably, certain screened phytoconstituents have appreciable docking scores and stable interactions toward the binding pocket of MCL1. The screened compounds underwent ADMET and bioactivity analysis to establish their anticancer properties. One phytoconstituent, Isopongaflavone, was identified that exhibiting higher docking and drug-likeness than the already reported MCL1 inhibitor, Tapotoclax. Isopongaflavone and and Tapotoclax, along with MCL1, were subjected to 100 nanoseconds (ns) MDS study to verify their stability inside the binding site of MCL1. The MDS findings demonstrated a strong binding affinity between Isopongaflavone and the MCL1 binding pocket, resulting in reduced conformational fluctuations. This investigation proposes Isopongaflavone as a promising candidate for the development of innovative anticancer therapeutics, pending the necessary validation procedures. Also, the findings provide valuable information for designing MCL1 inhibitors based on the protein's structure.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Liu
- School of Environment and Resources, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Shaheer Hasan Khan
- Enzymology and nanotechnology laboratory, Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Mohd Sadiq
- Department of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Zeenat Khatoon
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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3
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Ledesma DA, Marques-Piubelli ML, Li-Ning-Tapia E, Hudgens C, Gu J, Lazcano R, Casavilca-Zambrano S, Castillo M, Davies MA, Hwu WJ, Aung PP, Giubellino A, Curry JL, Torres-Cabala C. Apoptosis Pathway-Associated Proteins Are Frequently Expressed in Melanoma: A Study of 32 Cases With Focus on Acral Lentiginous Melanoma. Am J Dermatopathol 2024; 46:410-415. [PMID: 38718197 PMCID: PMC11178464 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is an aggressive type of cutaneous melanoma (CM) that arises on palms, soles, and nail units. ALM is rare in White population, but it is relatively more frequent in dark-skinned populations. There is an unmet need to develop new personalized and more effective treatments strategies for ALM. Increased expression of antiapoptotic proteins (ie, BCL2, MCL1) has been shown to contribute to tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in multiple tumor types and has been observed in a subset of ALM and mucosal melanoma cell lines in vivo and in vitro. However, little is known about their expression and clinical significance in patients with ALM. Thus, we assessed protein expression of BCL2, MCL1, BIM, and BRAF V600E by immunohistochemistry in 32 melanoma samples from White and Hispanic populations, including ALM and non-ALM (NALM). BCL2, MCL1, and BIM were expressed in both ALM and NALM tumors, and no significant differences in expression of any of these proteins were detected between the groups, in our relatively small cohort. There were no significant associations between protein expression and BRAF V600E status, overall survival, or ethnicity. In summary, ALM and NALM demonstrate frequent expressions of apoptosis-related proteins BCL2, MCL1, and BIM. Our findings suggest that patients with melanoma, including ALM, may be potential candidates for apoptosis-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora A Ledesma
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Mario L Marques-Piubelli
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Elsa Li-Ning-Tapia
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Courtney Hudgens
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jun Gu
- School of Health Professions, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Rossana Lazcano
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Sandro Casavilca-Zambrano
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (INEN), Lima, and Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Huánuco, Huánuco, Peru (SCZ)
| | - Miluska Castillo
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (INEN), Lima, and Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Huánuco, Huánuco, Peru (SCZ)
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Wen-Jen Hwu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Phyu P Aung
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Alessio Giubellino
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN; and
| | - Jonathan L Curry
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Carlos Torres-Cabala
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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4
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Pathania AS, Chava H, Balusu R, Pasupulati AK, Coulter DW, Challagundla KB. The crosstalk between non-coding RNAs and cell-cycle events: A new frontier in cancer therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200785. [PMID: 38595981 PMCID: PMC10973673 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The cell cycle comprises sequential events during which a cell duplicates its genome and divides it into two daughter cells. This process is tightly regulated to ensure that the daughter cell receives identical copied chromosomal DNA and that any errors in the DNA during replication are correctly repaired. Cyclins and their enzyme partners, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), are critical regulators of G- to M-phase transitions during the cell cycle. Mitogenic signals induce the formation of the cyclin/CDK complexes, resulting in phosphorylation and activation of the CDKs. Once activated, cyclin/CDK complexes phosphorylate specific substrates that drive the cell cycle forward. The sequential activation and inactivation of cyclin-CDK complexes are tightly controlled by activating and inactivating phosphorylation events induced by cell-cycle proteins. The non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which do not code for proteins, regulate cell-cycle proteins at the transcriptional and translational levels, thereby controlling their expression at different cell-cycle phases. Deregulation of ncRNAs can cause abnormal expression patterns of cell-cycle-regulating proteins, resulting in abnormalities in cell-cycle regulation and cancer development. This review explores how ncRNA dysregulation can disrupt cell division balance and discusses potential therapeutic approaches targeting these ncRNAs to control cell-cycle events in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S. Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Haritha Chava
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ramesh Balusu
- Department of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Anil K. Pasupulati
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046, India
| | - Don W. Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kishore B. Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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5
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Kuo MY, Dai WC, Chang JL, Chang JS, Lee TM, Chang CC. Fucoxanthin induces human melanoma cytotoxicity by thwarting the JAK2/STAT3/BCL-xL signaling axis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3356-3366. [PMID: 38444163 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal skin malignancy. Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid with significant anticancer activities. Intriguingly, Fucoxanthin's impact on human melanoma remains elusive. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) represents a promising target in cancer therapy due to its persistent activation in various cancers, including melanoma. Herein, we revealed that Fucoxanthin is cytotoxic to human melanoma cell lines A2758 and A375 while showing limited cytotoxicity to normal human melanocytes. Apoptosis is a primary reason for Fucoxanthin's melanoma cytotoxicity, as the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk drastically abrogated Fucoxanthin-elicited clonogenicity blockage. Besides, Fucoxanthin downregulated tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3 (Y705)), either inherently present in melanoma cells or inducible by interleukin 6 (IL-6) stimulation. Notably, ectopic expression of STAT3-C, a dominant-active STAT3 mutant, abolished Fucoxanthin-elicited melanoma cell apoptosis and clonogenicity inhibition, supporting the pivotal role of STAT3 blockage in Fucoxanthin's melanoma cytotoxicity. Moreover, Fucoxanthin lowered BCL-xL levels by blocking STAT3 activation, while ectopic BCL-xL expression rescued melanoma cells from Fucoxanthin-induced killing. Lastly, Fucoxanthin was found to diminish the levels of JAK2 with dual phosphorylation at tyrosine residues 1007 and 1008 in melanoma cells, suggesting that Fucoxanthin impairs STAT3 signaling by blocking JAK2 activation. Collectively, we present the first evidence that Fucoxanthin is cytotoxic selectively against human melanoma cells while sparing normal melanocytes. Mechanistically, Fucoxanthin targets the JAK2/STAT3/BCL-xL antiapoptotic axis to provoke melanoma cell death. This discovery implicates the potential application of Fucoxanthin as a chemopreventive or therapeutic strategy for melanoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Yung Kuo
- Pediatric Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chyi Dai
- Doctoral Program in Biotechnology Industrial Innovation and Management, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Li Chang
- Taichung Municipal Taichung First Senior High School, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tse-Min Lee
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Che Chang
- Doctoral Program in Biotechnology Industrial Innovation and Management, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Master Program in Precision Health, Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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6
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Deng H, Han Y, Liu L, Zhang H, Liu D, Wen J, Huang M, Zhao L. Targeting Myeloid Leukemia-1 in Cancer Therapy: Advances and Directions. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5963-5998. [PMID: 38597264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
As a tripartite cell death switch, B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) family members precisely regulate the endogenous apoptosis pathway in response to various cell signal stresses through protein-protein interactions. Myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), a key anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, is positioned downstream in the endogenous apoptotic pathway and plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial function. Mcl-1 is highly expressed in a variety of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, contributing to tumorigenesis, poor prognosis, and chemoresistance, making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. This Perspective aims to discuss the mechanism by which Mcl-1 regulates apoptosis and non-apoptotic functions in cancer cells and to outline the discovery and optimization process of potent Mcl-1 modulators. In addition, we summarize the structural characteristics of potent inhibitors that bind to Mcl-1 through multiple co-crystal structures and analyze the cardiotoxicity caused by current Mcl-1 inhibitors, providing prospects for rational targeting of Mcl-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yu Han
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jiachen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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7
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Mukherjee N, Katsnelson E, Brunetti TM, Michel K, Couts KL, Lambert KA, Robinson WA, McCarter MD, Norris DA, Tobin RP, Shellman YG. MCL1 inhibition targets Myeloid Derived Suppressors Cells, promotes antitumor immunity and enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:198. [PMID: 38459020 PMCID: PMC10923779 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06524-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now the first-line treatment for patients with advanced melanoma. Despite promising clinical results, many patients fail to respond to these therapies. BH3 mimetics, a novel class of small molecule inhibitors that bind and inhibit anti-apoptotic members of the BCL2 family proteins such as BCL2 or MCL1, have been very successful in treating hematologic malignancies. However, there are limited studies on the immunomodulatory role of the BH3 mimetics. Several factors contribute to ICI resistance including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that exert immunosuppressive effects through direct and indirect inhibition of antitumor immunity. Thus, targeting MDSCs to enhance antitumor immunity has the potential to enhance the efficacy of ICIs. In this study, we show that the MCL1 inhibitor S64315 reduces melanoma tumor growth in an immune cell-dependent manner in mice. Specifically, S64315 enhances antitumor immunity by reducing MDSC frequency and by promoting the activity of CD8+T cells. Additionally, human MDSCs are 10 times more sensitive to S64315 than cutaneous melanoma lines. Further, we found that a higher expression of MCL1 is associated with poor survival for patients treated with anti-PD-1. Finally, combining S64315 and anti-PD-1 significantly slowed tumor growth compared to either agent alone. Together, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of combining an MCL1 inhibitor with anti-PD-1 in the treatment of melanoma. It justifies the further development of next generation MCL1 inhibitors to improve efficacy of ICIs in treating malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabanita Mukherjee
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Elizabeth Katsnelson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tonya M Brunetti
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kylie Michel
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kasey L Couts
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Karoline A Lambert
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - William A Robinson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Martin D McCarter
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - David A Norris
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dermatology Section, Denver, CO, 80220, USA
| | - Richard P Tobin
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Yiqun G Shellman
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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8
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Li YR, Halladay T, Yang L. Immune evasion in cell-based immunotherapy: unraveling challenges and novel strategies. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:5. [PMID: 38217016 PMCID: PMC10785504 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-00998-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-based immunotherapies (CBIs), notably exemplified by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cell therapy, have emerged as groundbreaking approaches for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, akin to various other therapeutic modalities, tumor cells employ counterstrategies to manifest immune evasion, thereby circumventing the impact of CBIs. This phenomenon is facilitated by an intricately immunosuppression entrenched within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Principal mechanisms underpinning tumor immune evasion from CBIs encompass loss of antigens, downregulation of antigen presentation, activation of immune checkpoint pathways, initiation of anti-apoptotic cascades, and induction of immune dysfunction and exhaustion. In this review, we delve into the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the capacity of tumor cells to resist CBIs and proffer prospective stratagems to navigate around these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Tyler Halladay
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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9
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Spoerri L, Beaumont KA, Anfosso A, Murphy RJ, Browning AP, Gunasingh G, Haass NK. Real-Time Cell Cycle Imaging in a 3D Cell Culture Model of Melanoma, Quantitative Analysis, Optical Clearing, and Mathematical Modeling. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2764:291-310. [PMID: 38393602 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3674-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant cell cycle progression is a hallmark of solid tumors. Therefore, cell cycle analysis is an invaluable technique to study cancer cell biology. However, cell cycle progression has been most commonly assessed by methods that are limited to temporal snapshots or that lack spatial information. In this chapter, we describe a technique that allows spatiotemporal real-time tracking of cell cycle progression of individual cells in a multicellular context. The power of this system lies in the use of 3D melanoma spheroids generated from melanoma cells engineered with the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI). This technique, combined with mathematical modeling, allows us to gain further and more detailed insight into several relevant aspects of solid cancer cell biology, such as tumor growth, proliferation, invasion, and drug sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Spoerri
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kimberley A Beaumont
- The Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Uniquest, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Ryan J Murphy
- Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexander P Browning
- Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gency Gunasingh
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- The Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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10
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Cammann C, Kulla J, Wiebusch L, Walz C, Zhao F, Lowinus T, Topfstedt E, Mishra N, Henklein P, Bommhardt U, Bossaller L, Hagemeier C, Schadendorf D, Schmidt B, Paschen A, Seifert U. Proteasome inhibition potentiates Kv1.3 potassium channel expression as therapeutic target in drug-sensitive and -resistant human melanoma cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115635. [PMID: 37816303 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary and acquired therapy resistance is a major problem in patients with BRAF-mutant melanomas being treated with BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFI, MEKi). Therefore, development of alternative therapy regimes is still required. In this regard, new drug combinations targeting different pathways to induce apoptosis could offer promising alternative approaches. Here, we investigated the combination of proteasome and Kv1.3 potassium channel inhibition on chemo-resistant, BRAF inhibitor-resistant as well as sensitive human melanoma cells. Our experiments demonstrated that all analyzed melanoma cell lines were sensitive to proteasome inhibitor treatment at concentrations that are not toxic to primary human fibroblasts. To further reduce proteasome inhibitor-associated side effects, and to foster apoptosis, potassium channels, which are other targets to induce pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells, were blocked. In support, combined exposure of melanoma cells to proteasome and Kv1.3 channel inhibitor resulted in synergistic effects and significantly reduced cell viability. On the molecular level, enhanced apoptosis correlated with an increase of intracellular Kv1.3 channels and pro-apoptotic proteins such as Noxa and Bak and a reduction of anti-apoptotic proteins. Thus, use of combined therapeutic strategies triggering different apoptotic pathways may efficiently prevent the outgrowth of drug-resistant and -sensitive BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. In addition, this could be the basis for an alternative approach to treat other tumors expressing mutated BRAF such as non-small-cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Cammann
- Friedrich Loeffler - Institute of Medical Microbiology - Virology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jonas Kulla
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lüder Wiebusch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Walz
- Clemens Schöpf-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Alarich Weiss-Straße 4-8, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Theresa Lowinus
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Eylin Topfstedt
- Friedrich Loeffler - Institute of Medical Microbiology - Virology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Neha Mishra
- Section of Rheumatology, Clinic and Policlinic of Internal Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Petra Henklein
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ursula Bommhardt
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Bossaller
- Section of Rheumatology, Clinic and Policlinic of Internal Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Hagemeier
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Boris Schmidt
- Clemens Schöpf-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Alarich Weiss-Straße 4-8, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Annette Paschen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Seifert
- Friedrich Loeffler - Institute of Medical Microbiology - Virology, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany.
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11
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Arnett E, Pahari S, Leopold Wager CM, Hernandez E, Bonifacio JR, Lumbreras M, Renshaw C, Montoya MJ, Opferman JT, Schlesinger LS. Combination of MCL-1 and BCL-2 inhibitors is a promising approach for a host-directed therapy for tuberculosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115738. [PMID: 37864894 PMCID: PMC10841846 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) accounts for 1.6 million deaths annually and over 25% of deaths due to antimicrobial resistance. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) drives MCL-1 expression (family member of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins) to limit apoptosis and grow intracellularly in human macrophages. The feasibility of re-purposing specific MCL-1 and BCL-2 inhibitors to limit M.tb growth, using inhibitors that are in clinical trials and FDA-approved for cancer treatment has not be tested previously. We show that specifically inhibiting MCL-1 and BCL-2 induces apoptosis of M.tb-infected macrophages, and markedly reduces M.tb growth in human and murine macrophages, and in a pre-clinical model of human granulomas. MCL-1 and BCL-2 inhibitors limit growth of drug resistant and susceptible M.tb in macrophages and act in additive fashion with the antibiotics isoniazid and rifampicin. This exciting work uncovers targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway as a promising approach for TB host-directed therapy. Since safety and activity studies are underway in cancer clinics for MCL-1 and BCL-2 inhibitors, we expect that re-purposing them for TB treatment should translate more readily and rapidly to the clinic. Thus, the work supports further development of this host-directed therapy approach to augment current TB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eusondia Arnett
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA.
| | - Susanta Pahari
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Chrissy M Leopold Wager
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hernandez
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Jordan R Bonifacio
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Miranda Lumbreras
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Charles Renshaw
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Maria J Montoya
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | | | - Larry S Schlesinger
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA.
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12
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Fitzgerald MC, O'Halloran PJ, Kerrane SA, Ní Chonghaile T, Connolly NMC, Murphy BM. The identification of BCL-XL and MCL-1 as key anti-apoptotic proteins in medulloblastoma that mediate distinct roles in chemotherapy resistance. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:705. [PMID: 37898609 PMCID: PMC10613306 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06231-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour, representing 20% of all paediatric intercranial tumours. Current aggressive treatment protocols and the use of radiation therapy in particular are associated with high levels of toxicity and significant adverse effects, and long-term sequelae can be severe. Therefore, improving chemotherapy efficacy could reduce the current reliance on radiation therapy. Here, we demonstrated that systems-level analysis of basal apoptosis protein expression and their signalling interactions can differentiate between medulloblastoma cell lines that undergo apoptosis in response to chemotherapy, and those that do not. Combining computational predictions with experimental BH3 profiling, we identified a therapeutically-exploitable dependence of medulloblastoma cells on BCL-XL, and experimentally validated that BCL-XL targeting, and not targeting of BCL-2 or MCL-1, can potentiate cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in medulloblastoma cell lines with low sensitivity to cisplatin treatment. Finally, we identified MCL-1 as an anti-apoptotic mediator whose targeting is required for BCL-XL inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Collectively, our study identifies that BCL-XL and MCL-1 are the key anti-apoptotic proteins in medulloblastoma, which mediate distinct protective roles. While BCL-XL has a first-line role in protecting cells from apoptosis basally, MCL-1 represents a second line of defence that compensates for BCL-XL upon its inhibition. We provide rationale for the further evaluation of BCL-XL and MCL-1 inhibitors in the treatment of medulloblastoma, and together with current efforts to improve the cancer-specificity of BCL-2 family inhibitors, these novel treatment strategies have the potential to improve the future clinical management of medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Fitzgerald
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre at the Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512, Ireland
| | - Philip J O'Halloran
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sean A Kerrane
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre at the Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512, Ireland
| | - Triona Ní Chonghaile
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Niamh M C Connolly
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Brona M Murphy
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland.
- National Children's Research Centre at the Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512, Ireland.
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13
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Hartman ML, Koziej P, Kluszczyńska K, Czyz M. Pro-Apoptotic Activity of MCL-1 Inhibitor in Trametinib-Resistant Melanoma Cells Depends on Their Phenotypes and Is Modulated by Reversible Alterations Induced by Trametinib Withdrawal. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4799. [PMID: 37835493 PMCID: PMC10571954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although BRAFV600/MEK inhibitors improved the treatment of melanoma patients, resistance is acquired almost inevitably. METHODS Trametinib withdrawal/rechallenge and MCL-1 inhibition in trametinib-resistance models displaying distinct p-ERK1/2 levels were investigated. RESULTS Trametinib withdrawal/rechallenge caused reversible changes in ERK1/2 activity impacting the balance between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins. Reversible alterations were found in MCL-1 levels and MCL-1 inhibitors, BIM and NOXA. Taking advantage of melanoma cell dependency on MCL-1 for survival, we used S63845. While it was designed to inhibit MCL-1 activity, we showed that it also significantly reduced NOXA levels. S63845-induced apoptosis was detected as the enhancement of Annexin V-positivity, caspase-3/7 activation and histone H2AX phosphorylation. Percentages of Annexin V-positive cells were increased most efficiently in trametinib-resistant melanoma cells displaying the p-ERK1/2low/MCL-1low/BIMhigh/NOXAlow phenotype with EC50 values at concentrations as low as 0.1 μM. Higher ERK1/2 activity associated with increased MCL-1 level and reduced BIM level limited pro-apoptotic activity of S63845 further influenced by a NOXA level. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the notion that the efficiency of an agent designed to target a single protein can largely depend on the phenotype of cancer cells. Thus, it is important to define appropriate phenotype determinants to stratify the patients for the novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (M.L.H.); (P.K.); (K.K.)
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14
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Lee TH, Checco JW, Malcolm T, Eller CH, Raines RT, Gellman SH, Lee EF, Fairlie WD, Aguilar MI. Differential membrane binding of α/β-peptide foldamers: implications for cellular delivery and mitochondrial targeting. Aust J Chem 2023; 76:482-492. [PMID: 37780415 PMCID: PMC10540276 DOI: 10.1071/ch23063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic pathway of apoptosis is regulated by the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Inhibition of the anti-apoptotic members represents a strategy to induce apoptotic cell death in cancer cells. We have measured the membrane binding properties of a series of peptides, including modified α/β-peptides, designed to exhibit enhanced membrane permeability to allow cell entry and improved access for engagement of Bcl-2 family members. The peptide cargo is based on the pro-apoptotic protein Bim, which interacts with all anti-apoptotic proteins to initiate apoptosis. The α/β-peptides contained cyclic β-amino acid residues designed to increase their stability and membrane-permeability. Dual polarisation interferometry was used to study the binding of each peptide to two different model membrane systems designed to mimic either the plasma membrane or the outer mitochondrial membrane. The impact of each peptide on the model membrane structure was also investigated, and the results demonstrated that the modified peptides had increased affinity for the mitochondrial membrane and significantly altered the structure of the bilayer. The results also showed that the presence of an RRR motif significantly enhanced the ability of the peptides to bind to and insert into the mitochondrial membrane mimic, and provide insights into the role of selective membrane targeting of peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzong-Hsien Lee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton Vic, 3800, Australia
| | - James W Checco
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Current address: Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
- Current address: The Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (NCIBC), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Tess Malcolm
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton Vic, 3800, Australia
- Current address: School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3052, Australia
| | - Chelcie H Eller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Ronald T Raines
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Samuel H Gellman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Erinna F Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - W Douglas Fairlie
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Marie-Isabel Aguilar
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton Vic, 3800, Australia
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15
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Potter DS, Du R, Bohl SR, Chow KH, Ligon KL, Bueno R, Letai A. Dynamic BH3 profiling identifies pro-apoptotic drug combinations for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2897. [PMID: 37210412 PMCID: PMC10199949 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38552-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has relatively ineffective first/second-line therapy for advanced disease and only 18% five-year survival for early disease. Drug-induced mitochondrial priming measured by dynamic BH3 profiling identifies efficacious drugs in multiple disease settings. We use high throughput dynamic BH3 profiling (HTDBP) to identify drug combinations that prime primary MPM cells derived from patient tumors, which also prime patient derived xenograft (PDX) models. A navitoclax (BCL-xL/BCL-2/BCL-w antagonist) and AZD8055 (mTORC1/2 inhibitor) combination demonstrates efficacy in vivo in an MPM PDX model, validating HTDBP as an approach to identify efficacious drug combinations. Mechanistic investigation reveals AZD8055 treatment decreases MCL-1 protein levels, increases BIM protein levels, and increases MPM mitochondrial dependence on BCL-xL, which is exploited by navitoclax. Navitoclax treatment increases dependency on MCL-1 and increases BIM protein levels. These findings demonstrate that HTDBP can be used as a functional precision medicine tool to rationally construct combination drug regimens in MPM and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Potter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ruochen Du
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Stephan R Bohl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kin-Hoe Chow
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Center for Patient Derived Models, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Keith L Ligon
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Center for Patient Derived Models, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Raphael Bueno
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Anthony Letai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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16
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Harris TJ, Liao Y, Shi W, Evangelista M, Pal B, Puthalakath H, Aston R, Mollard R, Mariadason JM, Lee EF, Fairlie WD. Induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress is associated with the anti-tumor activity of monepantel across cancer types. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 37148543 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monepantel is an anti-helminthic drug that also has anti-cancer properties. Despite several studies over the years, the molecular target of monepantel in mammalian cells is still unknown, and its mechanism-of-action is not fully understood, though effects on cell cycle, mTOR signalling and autophagy have been implicated. METHODS Viability assays were performed on >20 solid cancer cell cells, and apoptosis assays were performed on a subset of these, including 3D cultures. Genetic deletion of BAX/BAK and ATG were used to establish roles of apoptosis and autophagy in killing activity. RNA-sequencing was performed on four cell lines after monepantel treatment, and differentially regulated genes were confirmed by Western blotting. RESULTS We showed that monepantel has anti-proliferative activity on a broad range of cancer cell lines. In some, this was associated with induction of apoptosis which was confirmed using a BAX/BAK-deficient cell line. However, proliferation is still inhibited in these cells following monepantel treatment, indicating cell-cycle disruption as the major anti-cancer effect. Previous studies have also indicated autophagic cell death occurs following monepantel treatment. We showed autophagy induction in multiple cell lines; however, deletion of a key autophagy regulator ATG7 had minimal impact on monepantel's anti-proliferative activity, suggesting autophagy is associated with, but not required for its anti-tumour effects. Transcriptomic analysis of four cell lines treated with monepantel revealed downregulation of many genes involved in the cell cycle, and upregulation of genes linked to ATF4-mediated ER stress responses, especially those involved in amino-acid metabolism and protein synthesis. CONCLUSIONS As these outcomes are all associated with mTOR signalling, cell cycle and autophagy, we now provide a likely triggering mechanism for the anti-cancer activity of monepantel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany J Harris
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yang Liao
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wei Shi
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marco Evangelista
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bhupinder Pal
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hamsa Puthalakath
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Richard Mollard
- PharmAust Ltd, Claremont, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John M Mariadason
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erinna F Lee
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Walter D Fairlie
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Bhattacharyya S, Ghosh H, Covarrubias-Zambrano O, Jain K, Swamy KV, Kasi A, Hamza A, Anant S, VanSaun M, Weir SJ, Bossmann SH, Padhye SB, Dandawate P. Anticancer Activity of Novel Difluorinated Curcumin Analog and Its Inclusion Complex with 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin against Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076336. [PMID: 37047307 PMCID: PMC10093935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the primary reason for cancer-related deaths in the US. Genetic mutations, drug resistance, the involvement of multiple signaling pathways, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and desmoplastic stroma, which hinders drug penetrance, contribute to poor chemotherapeutic efficacy. Hence, there is a need to identify novel drugs with improved delivery to improve treatment outcomes. Curcumin is one such compound that can inhibit multiple signaling pathways and CSCs. However, curcumin’s clinical applicability for treating PDAC is limited because of its poor solubility in water and metabolic instability. Hence, we developed a difluorinated curcumin (CDF) analog that accumulates selectively in the pancreas and inhibits PDAC growth in vitro and in vivo. In the present work, we developed its 2-hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HCD) inclusion complex to increase its water solubility and hydrolytic stability. The CDFHCD inclusion complex was characterized by spectroscopic, thermal, and microscopic techniques. The inclusion complex exhibited increased aqueous solubility, hydrolytic stability, and antiproliferative activity compared to parent CDF. Moreover, CDF and CDFHCD inhibited colony and spheroid formation, and induced cell cycle and apoptosis in PDAC cell lines. Hence, CDFHCD self-assembly is an efficient approach to increase water solubility and anticancer therapeutic efficacy, which now warrants advancement towards a clinical proof of concept in PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangita Bhattacharyya
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Hindole Ghosh
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | | | - Krishan Jain
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - K. Venkateswara Swamy
- MIT School of Bioengineering, Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune 412201, India
| | - Anup Kasi
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ameer Hamza
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Michael VanSaun
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Scott J. Weir
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Stefan H. Bossmann
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Subhash B. Padhye
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
- Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Research Academy (ISTRA), Azam Campus, University of Pune, Pune 411001, India
| | - Prasad Dandawate
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-913-945-6336
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18
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Peng Z, Gillissen B, Richter A, Sinnberg T, Schlaak MS, Eberle J. Enhanced Apoptosis and Loss of Cell Viability in Melanoma Cells by Combined Inhibition of ERK and Mcl-1 Is Related to Loss of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, Caspase Activation and Upregulation of Proapoptotic Bcl-2 Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054961. [PMID: 36902392 PMCID: PMC10002974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting of MAP kinase pathways by BRAF inhibitors has evolved as a key therapy for BRAF-mutated melanoma. However, it cannot be applied for BRAF-WT melanoma, and also, in BRAF-mutated melanoma, tumor relapse often follows after an initial phase of tumor regression. Inhibition of MAP kinase pathways downstream at ERK1/2, or inhibitors of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, such as Mcl-1, may serve as alternative strategies. As shown here, the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and the ERK inhibitor SCH772984 showed only limited efficacy in melanoma cell lines, when applied alone. However, in combination with the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845, the effects of vemurafenib were strongly enhanced in BRAF-mutated cell lines, and the effects of SCH772984 were enhanced in both BRAF-mutated and BRAF-WT cells. This resulted in up to 90% loss of cell viability and cell proliferation, as well as in induction of apoptosis in up to 60% of cells. The combination of SCH772984/S63845 resulted in caspase activation, processing of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), phosphorylation of histone H2AX, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome c release. Proving the critical role of caspases, a pan-caspase inhibitor suppressed apoptosis induction, as well as loss of cell viability. As concerning Bcl-2 family proteins, SCH772984 enhanced expression of the proapoptotic Bim and Puma, as well as decreased phosphorylation of Bad. The combination finally resulted in downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and enhanced expression of the proapoptotic Noxa. In conclusion, combined inhibition of ERK and Mcl-1 revealed an impressive efficacy both in BRAF-mutated and WT melanoma cells, and may thus represent a new strategy for overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Peng
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Clinical Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Bernhard Gillissen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Richter
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Max S. Schlaak
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Eberle
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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19
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Kong S, Moharil P, Handly‐Santana A, Boehnke N, Panayiotou R, Gomerdinger V, Covarrubias G, Pires IS, Zervantonakis I, Brugge J, Hammond PT. Synergistic combination therapy delivered via layer-by-layer nanoparticles induces solid tumor regression of ovarian cancer. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10429. [PMID: 36925689 PMCID: PMC10013771 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) develop recurrent disease and chemotherapy resistance. To identify drug combinations that would be effective in treatment of chemotherapy resistant disease, we examined the efficacy of drug combinations that target the three antiapoptotic proteins most commonly expressed in HGSOC-BCL2, BCL-XL, and MCL1. Co-inhibition of BCL2 and BCL-XL (ABT-263) with inhibition of MCL1 (S63845) induces potent synergistic cytotoxicity in multiple HGSOC models. Since this drug combination is predicted to be toxic to patients due to the known clinical morbidities of each drug, we developed layer-by-layer nanoparticles (LbL NPs) that co-encapsulate these inhibitors in order to target HGSOC tumor cells and reduce systemic toxicities. We show that the LbL NPs can be designed to have high association with specific ovarian tumor cell types targeted in these studies, thus enabling a more selective uptake when delivered via intraperitoneal injection. Treatment with these LbL NPs displayed better potency than free drugs in vitro and resulted in near-complete elimination of solid tumor metastases of ovarian cancer xenografts. Thus, these results support the exploration of LbL NPs as a strategy to deliver potent drug combinations to recurrent HGSOC. While these findings are described for co-encapsulation of a BCL2/XL and a MCL1 inhibitor, the modular nature of LbL assembly provides flexibility in the range of therapies that can be incorporated, making LbL NPs an adaptable vehicle for delivery of additional combinations of pathway inhibitors and other oncology drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kong
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
- Department of Chemical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
| | - Pearl Moharil
- Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard UniversityBostonMassachusettsUnited States
| | | | - Natalie Boehnke
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
| | - Richard Panayiotou
- Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard UniversityBostonMassachusettsUnited States
| | - Victoria Gomerdinger
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
- Department of Chemical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
| | - Gil Covarrubias
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
| | - Ivan S. Pires
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
- Department of Chemical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
| | - Ioannis Zervantonakis
- Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard UniversityBostonMassachusettsUnited States
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUnited States
| | - Joan Brugge
- Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard UniversityBostonMassachusettsUnited States
| | - Paula T. Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
- Department of Chemical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUnited States
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20
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Oubella A, Bimoussa A, Byadi S, Laamari Y, Fawzi M, N'ait Ousidi A, Oblak D, Auhmani A, Riahi A, Morjani H, Ait Itto MY. Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of some (R)-carvone-isoxazoline derivatives on human fibrosarcoma and carcinoma cells: experimental evaluation for cytotoxicity, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:1930-1943. [PMID: 35014592 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2025903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of isoxazoline derivatives with monoterpene scaffold 9a-e in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma, and A-549 lung carcinoma. The cytotoxic effects data revealed that compounds 9a-e generally induced significant cell growth inhibition in all cell lines, with IC50 ranging from 10 to 30 µM. However, for compounds 9c and 9e, the IC50 reached a value of 100 µM in HT-1080 cells. Compounds 9a, 9b, and 9d could induce apoptosis in HT-1080 cells as demonstrated by Annexin-V labeling and Caspase-3/7 activity. The apoptotic effect was accompanied by cell cycle arrest in the S phase. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics confirmed the empirical assay results and confirmed the stability of the complex with the inhibition of the anti-apoptotic protein, leading to cancer cell death. Overall, these data suggest that the proposed isoxazoline derivatives may be potential candidates for further investigation to evaluate their efficacy and optimal use in cancer treatment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Oubella
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Physico-Molecular Chemistry, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Abdoullah Bimoussa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Physico-Molecular Chemistry, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Said Byadi
- Equipe de spectroscopie d'extraction et de valorisation, Synthèse organique, Laboratoire d'extraction et de valorisation, Faculté des sciences d'Ain Chock, Université Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Yassine Laamari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Physico-Molecular Chemistry, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Mourad Fawzi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Physico-Molecular Chemistry, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Abdellah N'ait Ousidi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Physico-Molecular Chemistry, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Domen Oblak
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aziz Auhmani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Physico-Molecular Chemistry, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Abdelkhalek Riahi
- Equipe MSO, CNRS UMR 7312 Institut de Chimie Moléculaire Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, REIMS Cédex 2, France
| | - Hamid Morjani
- BioSpectroscopie Translationnelle, BioSpecT-EA7506, UFR de Pharmacie, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims Cedex, France
| | - My Youssef Ait Itto
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Physico-Molecular Chemistry, Marrakech, Morocco
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21
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Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib Downregulates RIPK4 Level. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030918. [PMID: 36765875 PMCID: PMC9913565 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vemurafenib and dabrafenib are BRAF kinase inhibitors (BRAFi) used for the treatment of patients with melanoma carrying the V600E BRAF mutation. However, melanoma cells develop resistance to both drugs when used as monotherapy. Therefore, mechanisms of drug resistance are investigated, and new molecular targets are sought that could completely inhibit melanoma progression. Since receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK4) probably functions as an oncogene in melanoma and its structure is similar to the BRAF protein, we analyzed the impact of vemurafenib and dabrafenib on RIPK4 in melanomas. The in silico study confirmed the high similarity of BRAF kinase domains to the RIPK4 protein at both the sequence and structural levels and suggests that BRAFi could directly bind to RIPK4 even more strongly than to ATP. Furthermore, BRAFi inhibited ERK1/2 activity and lowered RIPK4 protein levels in BRAF-mutated melanoma cells (A375 and WM266.4), while in wild-type BRAF cells (BLM and LoVo), both inhibitors decreased the level of RIPK4 and enhanced ERK1/2 activity. The phosphorylation of phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1 (PEBP1)-a suppressor of the BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway-via RIPK4 observed in pancreatic cancer did not occur in melanoma. Neither downregulation nor upregulation of RIPK4 in BRAF- mutated cells affected PEBP1 levels or the BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway. The downregulation of RIPK4 inhibited cell proliferation and the FAK/AKT pathway, and increased BRAFi efficiency in WM266.4 cells. However, the silencing of RIPK4 did not induce apoptosis or necroptosis. Our study suggests that RIPK4 may be an off-target for BRAF inhibitors.
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22
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Targeting anti-apoptotic pathways eliminates senescent melanocytes and leads to nevi regression. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7923. [PMID: 36564381 PMCID: PMC9789033 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35657-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human melanocytic nevi (moles) result from a brief period of clonal expansion of melanocytes. As a cellular defensive mechanism against oncogene-induced hyperplasia, nevus-resident melanocytes enter a senescent state of stable cell cycle arrest. Senescent melanocytes can persist for months in mice and years in humans with a risk to escape the senescent state and progress to melanoma. The mechanisms providing prolonged survival of senescent melanocytes remain poorly understood. Here, we show that senescent melanocytes in culture and in nevi express high level of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family member BCL-W but remain insensitive to the pan-BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-263. We demonstrate that resistance to ABT-263 is driven by mTOR-mediated enhanced translation of another anti-apoptotic member, MCL-1. Strikingly, the combination of ABT-263 and MCL-1 inhibitors results in synthetic lethality to senescent melanocytes, and its topical application sufficient to eliminate nevi in male mice. These data highlight the important role of redundant anti-apoptotic mechanisms for the survival advantage of senescent melanocytes, and the proof-of-concept for a non-invasive combination therapy for nevi removal.
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23
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Pan T, Wang S, Feng H, Xu J, Zhang M, Yao Y, Xu K, Niu M. Preclinical evaluation of the ROCK1 inhibitor, GSK269962A, in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1064470. [PMID: 36561342 PMCID: PMC9763303 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1064470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with high mortality that urgently requires new treatments. ROCK1 plays an essential role in regulating growth and survival in AML cells. In this study, we evaluated GSK269962A, a selective ROCK1 inhibitor, in preclinical models of AML. Compared with solid tumors, GSK269962A selectively inhibited cell growth and clonogenicity of AML cells. Furthermore, GSK269962A arrested AML cells in the G2 phase and induced apoptosis by regulating multiple cell cycle- and apoptosis-associated proteins. Strikingly, GSK269962A could eliminate leukemia cells from bone marrow, liver, and spleen in an animal model of AML and significantly prolong mouse survival. Mechanistically, GSK269962A could inhibit the growth of AML by blocking ROCK1/c-Raf/ERK signaling pathway. Notably, a correlation was found between the expression levels of ROCK1 protein and the sensitivity of GSK269962A in AML. These data highlight the potential role of ROCK1 as an attractive target for treating AML, as well as the potential of GSK269962A for use in clinical trials of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Pan
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Feng
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawen Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Kailin Xu, ; Mingshan Niu,
| | - Mingshan Niu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Kailin Xu, ; Mingshan Niu,
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24
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Udrea AM, Dinache A, Staicu A, Avram S. Target Prediction of 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(4'-Sulfonatophenyl)-Porphyrin Using Molecular Docking. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2390. [PMID: 36365208 PMCID: PMC9692331 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy has the potential to be a new and effective cancer treatment. Even if in vitro and in vivo research show promise, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, molecular docking simulations predict the binding affinity of the 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4'-sulfonatophenyl)-porphyrin tetraammonium photosensitizer on several potential targets in photodynamic treatment. Our results indicate that this photosensitizer binds to several receptor targets, including B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and other related proteins BCL-xL, MCL-1, or A1. The binding affinity of the porphyrin derivative with human serum albumin was determined using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and predicted using molecular docking. We conclude that the studied porphyrin photosensitizer binds to human serum albumin and may inhibit the cancer cell line through its interactions with HIS and MET AA residues from BCL-2, MCL-1, and β-catenin receptors or through its low estimated free energy of binding when interacting with A1 and BCL-B receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Udrea
- Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor 409, 077125 Magurele, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andra Dinache
- Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor 409, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Angela Staicu
- Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor 409, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Speranta Avram
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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25
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Noxa and Mcl-1 expression influence the sensitivity to BH3-mimetics that target Bcl-xL in patient-derived glioma stem cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17729. [PMID: 36273072 PMCID: PMC9587994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20910-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The recurrence of Glioblastoma is partly attributed to the highly resistant subpopulation of glioma stem cells. A novel therapeutic approach focuses on restoring apoptotic programs in these cancer stem cells, as they are often deregulated. BH3-mimetics, targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, are emerging as promising compounds to sensitize cancer cells to antineoplastic treatments. Herein, we determined that the most abundantly expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, are the most relevant in regulating patient-derived glioma stem cell survival. We exposed these cells to routinely used chemotherapeutic drugs and BH3-mimetics (ABT-263, WEHI-539, and S63845). We observed that the combination of BH3-mimetics targeting Bcl-xL with chemotherapeutic agents caused a marked increase in cell death and that this sensitivity to Bcl-xL inhibition correlated with Noxa expression levels. Interestingly, whereas co-targeting Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 led to massive cell death in all tested cell lines, down-regulation of Noxa promoted cell survival only in cell lines expressing higher levels of this BH3-only. Therefore, in glioma stem cells, the efficacy of Bcl-xL inhibition is closely associated with Mcl-1 activity and Noxa expression. Hence, a potentially effective strategy would consist of combining Bcl-xL inhibitors with chemotherapeutic agents capable of inducing Noxa, taking advantage of this pro-apoptotic factor.
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26
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Alizadeh Zeinabad H, Szegezdi E. TRAIL in the Treatment of Cancer: From Soluble Cytokine to Nanosystems. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5125. [PMID: 36291908 PMCID: PMC9600485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The death ligand tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF cytokine superfamily, has long been recognized for its potential as a cancer therapeutic due to its low toxicity against normal cells. However, its translation into a therapeutic molecule has not been successful to date, due to its short in vivo half-life associated with insufficient tumor accumulation and resistance of tumor cells to TRAIL-induced killing. Nanotechnology has the capacity to offer solutions to these limitations. This review provides a perspective and a critical assessment of the most promising approaches to realize TRAIL's potential as an anticancer therapeutic, including the development of fusion constructs, encapsulation, nanoparticle functionalization and tumor-targeting, and discusses the current challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojjat Alizadeh Zeinabad
- Apoptosis Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Building, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
| | - Eva Szegezdi
- Apoptosis Research Centre, Biomedical Sciences Building, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
- Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
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27
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Zhang ZY, Ding Y, Ezhilarasan R, Lhakhang T, Wang Q, Yang J, Modrek AS, Zhang H, Tsirigos A, Futreal A, Draetta GF, Verhaak RGW, Sulman EP. Lineage-coupled clonal capture identifies clonal evolution mechanisms and vulnerabilities of BRAF V600E inhibition resistance in melanoma. Cell Discov 2022; 8:102. [PMID: 36202798 PMCID: PMC9537441 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapies have revolutionized treatment but their efficacies are limited by the development of resistance driven by clonal evolution within tumors. We developed "CAPTURE", a single-cell barcoding approach to comprehensively trace clonal dynamics and capture live lineage-coupled resistant cells for in-depth multi-omics analysis and functional exploration. We demonstrate that heterogeneous clones, either preexisting or emerging from drug-tolerant persister cells, dominated resistance to vemurafenib in BRAFV600E melanoma. Further integrative studies uncovered diverse resistance mechanisms. This includes a previously unrecognized and clinically relevant mechanism, chromosome 18q21 gain, which leads to vulnerability of the cells to BCL2 inhibitor. We also identified targetable common dependencies of captured resistant clones, such as oxidative phosphorylation and E2F pathways. Our study provides new therapeutic insights into overcoming therapy resistance in BRAFV600E melanoma and presents a platform for exploring clonal evolution dynamics and vulnerabilities that can be applied to study treatment resistance in other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Yingwen Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ravesanker Ezhilarasan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tenzin Lhakhang
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qianghu Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aram S Modrek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hua Zhang
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aristotelis Tsirigos
- Applied Bioinformatics Laboratories, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giulio F Draetta
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roel G W Verhaak
- Department of Computational Biology, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Erik P Sulman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
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28
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Bai X, Quek C. Unravelling Tumour Microenvironment in Melanoma at Single-Cell Level and Challenges to Checkpoint Immunotherapy. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101757. [PMID: 36292642 PMCID: PMC9601741 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is known as one of the most immunogenic tumours and is often characterised by high mutation burden, neoantigen load and immune infiltrate. The application of immunotherapies has led to impressive improvements in the clinical outcomes of advanced stage melanoma patients. The standard of care immunotherapies leverage the host immunological influence on tumour cells, which entail complex interactions among the tumour, stroma, and immune cells at the tumour microenvironmental level. However, not all cancer patients can achieve a long-term durable response to immunotherapy, and a significant proportion of patients develops resistance and still die from their disease. Owing to the multi-faceted problems of tumour and microenvironmental heterogeneity, identifying the key factors underlying tumour progression and immunotherapy resistance poses a great challenge. In this review, we outline the main challenges to current cancer immunotherapy research posed by tumour heterogeneity and microenvironment complexities including genomic and transcriptomic variability, selective outgrowth of tumour subpopulations, spatial and temporal tumour heterogeneity and the dynamic state of host immunity and microenvironment orchestration. We also highlight the opportunities to dissect tumour heterogeneity using single-cell sequencing and spatial platforms. Integrative analyses of large-scale datasets will enable in-depth exploration of biological questions, which facilitates the clinical application of translational research.
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29
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Peng T, Li S, Liu L, Yang C, Farhan M, Chen L, Su Q, Zheng W. Artemisinin attenuated ischemic stroke induced cell apoptosis through activation of ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4578-4594. [PMID: 35864966 PMCID: PMC9295073 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.69892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is characterized by the presence of both brain ischemic and reperfusion-induced injuries in the brain, leading to neuronal dysfunction and death. Artemisinin, an FDA-approved antimalarial drug, has been reported to have neuroprotective properties. However, the effect of artemisinin on ischemic stroke is not known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of artemisinin on ischemic stroke using an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/RP) cellular model and a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model and examined the underlying mechanisms. The obtained results revealed that a subclinical antimalarial concentration of artemisinin increased cell viability and decreased LDH release and cell apoptosis. Artemisinin also attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Importantly, artemisinin attenuated the infarction volume and the brain water content in the MCAO animal model. Artemisinin also improved neurological and behavioural outcomes and restored grasp strength and the recovery of motor function in MCAO animals. Furthermore, artemisinin treatment significantly inhibited the molecular indices of apoptosis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and activated the ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway. Further validation of the involved signaling pathway by the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 revealed that inhibiting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway or silencing ERK1/2 reversed the neuroprotective effects of artemisinin. These results indicate that artemisinin provides neuroprotection against ischemic stroke via the ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway. Our study suggests that artemisinin may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tangming Peng
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University and Neurosurgical Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Mohd Farhan
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University and Neurosurgical Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Qiaozhu Su
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
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Deng H, Huang M, Liu H, Zhang H, Liu L, Gao B, Li X, Li J, Niu Q, Zhang Z, Luan S, Zhang J, Jing Y, Liu D, Zhao L. Development of a series of novel Mcl-1 inhibitors bearing an indole carboxylic acid moiety. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:106018. [PMID: 35901526 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The B cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins regulate cell apoptosis by participating in the endogenous apoptosis pathway. As an important anti-apoptotic protein, Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) is overexpressed in a variety of tumor cells, and targeting this protein has been a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Herein, based on the 1H-indole-5-carboxylic acid structure previously discovered, we have developed a series of novel compounds with increased affinities and selectivity toward Mcl-1 through structure-based drug design. Among those compounds, 26 exerted relatively better affinity and selectivity for Mcl-1 with moderate inhibition in HL-60 cells. Mechanism studies showed that compound 26 could induce cancer cells apoptosis in an Mcl-1-dependent manner. It also exhibited good microsomal and plasma stability with acceptable pharmacokinetics profiles. Furthermore, treatment with target compound in a 4T1 xenograft mouse model significantly suppressed the tumor growth. Overall, the small molecule described herein represents a promising Mcl-1 inhibitor for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Targeting Drugs for Hematological Malignancies, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bensheng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xianlu Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qun Niu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhenwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shenglin Luan
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Targeting Drugs for Hematological Malignancies, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yongkui Jing
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Targeting Drugs for Hematological Malignancies, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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31
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Gayan S, Joshi G, Dey T. Biomarkers of mitochondrial origin: a futuristic cancer diagnostic. Integr Biol (Camb) 2022; 14:77-88. [PMID: 35780307 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a highly fatal disease without effective early-stage diagnosis and proper treatment. Along with the oncoproteins and oncometabolites, several organelles from cancerous cells are also emerging as potential biomarkers. Mitochondria isolated from cancer cells are one such biomarker candidates. Cancerous mitochondria exhibit different profiles compared with normal ones in morphology, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic landscape. Here, the possibilities of exploring such characteristics as potential biomarkers through single-cell omics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are discussed. Furthermore, the prospects of exploiting the biomarker-based diagnosis and its futuristic utilization through circulatory tumor cell technology are analyzed. A successful alliance of circulatory tumor cell isolation protocols and a single-cell omics platform can emerge as a next-generation diagnosis and personalized treatment procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Gayan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Gargee Joshi
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Tuli Dey
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
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32
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Mcl-1 levels critically impact the sensitivities of human colorectal cancer cells to APG-1252-M1, a novel Bcl-2/Bcl-XL dual inhibitor that induces Bax-dependent apoptosis. Neoplasia 2022; 29:100798. [PMID: 35462114 PMCID: PMC9046866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
New treatment options, such as targeted therapies, are urgently needed for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The current study focuses on demonstrating the therapeutic efficacies of APG-1252-M1 (an active form of the prodrug, APG-1252 or pelcitoclax), a highly potent Bcl-2/Bcl-XL dual inhibitor in clinical trials, against CRC and understanding the underlying mechanisms. APG-1252-M1 effectively decreased the survival of CRC cell lines, particularly those expressing relatively low levels of Mcl-1, with the induction of apoptosis. High levels of Mcl-1 were significantly correlated with decreased sensitivity of CRC cell lines to APG-1252-M1. When combined with an Mcl-1 inhibitor, APG-1252-M1 synergistically decreased the survival and induced apoptosis of APG-1252-M1-insensitive cell lines with high levels of Mcl-1. This combination further decreased the survival and enhanced apoptosis even in sensitive cell lines with relatively low levels of Mcl-1, whereas enforced expression of ectopic Mcl-1 in these cells abrogated APG-1252-M1’s effects on decreasing cell survival and inducing apoptosis, which could be reversed by Mcl-1 inhibition. APG-1252-M1 rapidly induced cytochrome C and Smac release from mitochondria with caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Deficiency of Bax in CRC cells abolished APG-1252-M1’s ability to induce apoptosis, indicating that APG-1252-M1 induces Bax-dependent apoptosis. The current study thus demonstrates the potential of APG-1252-M1 as a monotherapy in the treatment of CRC, particularly those with low Mcl-1 expression, or in combination with an Mcl-1 inhibitor, warranting further evaluation in vivo and in the clinic.
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BH3 mimetic drugs cooperate with Temozolomide, JQ1 and inducers of ferroptosis in killing glioblastoma multiforme cells. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:1335-1348. [PMID: 35332309 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-00977-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer, with treatment options often constrained due to inherent resistance of malignant cells to conventional therapy. We investigated the impact of triggering programmed cell death (PCD) by using BH3 mimetic drugs in human GBM cell lines. We demonstrate that co-targeting the pro-survival proteins BCL-XL and MCL-1 was more potent at killing six GBM cell lines compared to conventional therapy with Temozolomide or the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 in vitro. Enhanced cell killing was observed in U251 and SNB-19 cells in response to dual treatment with TMZ or JQ1 combined with a BCL-XL inhibitor, compared to single agent treatment. This was reflected in abundant cleavage/activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP1, markers of apoptosis. U251 and SNB-19 cells were more readily killed by a combination of BH3 mimetics targeting BCL-XL and MCL-1 as opposed to dual treatment with the BCL-2 inhibitor Venetoclax and a BCL-XL inhibitor. The combined loss of BAX and BAK, the essential executioners of intrinsic apoptosis, rendered U251 and SNB-19 cells refractory to any of the drug combinations tested, demonstrating that apoptosis is responsible for their killing. In an orthotopic mouse model of GBM, we demonstrate that the BCL-XL inhibitor A1331852 can penetrate the brain, with A1331852 detected in both tumour and healthy brain regions. We also investigated the impact of combining small molecule inducers of ferroptosis, erastin and RSL3, with BH3 mimetic drugs. We found that a BCL-XL or an MCL-1 inhibitor potently cooperates with inducers of ferroptosis in killing U251 cells. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential of dual targeting of distinct PCD signalling pathways in GBM and may guide the utility of BCL-XL inhibitors and inducers of ferroptosis with standard of care treatment for improved therapies for GBM.
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Byadi S, Sadik K, Hachim ME, Daoudi M, Podlipnik Č, Aboulmouhajir A. Discovery of a New Mcl‐1 Protein Inhibitor through the QSAR Approach and Molecular Docking Study. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.202100590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Said Byadi
- Organic Synthesis Extraction and Valorization Laboratory Team of Extraction Spectroscopy and Valorization Sciences Faculty of Ain Chock Hassan II University Casablanca 20100 Morocco
| | - Karima Sadik
- Team of Molecular Modelling and Spectroscopy Sciences Faculty Chouaib Doukkali University El Jadida 24000 Morocco
| | - Mouhi Eddine Hachim
- Team of Molecular Modelling and Spectroscopy Sciences Faculty Chouaib Doukkali University El Jadida 24000 Morocco
| | - Mohamed Daoudi
- Laboratory of Organic and Bio‐Organic Chemistry and the Environment Sciences Faculty Chouaib Doukkali University El Jadida 24000 Morocco
| | - Črtomir Podlipnik
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology University of Ljubljana Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia
| | - Aziz Aboulmouhajir
- Organic Synthesis Extraction and Valorization Laboratory Team of Extraction Spectroscopy and Valorization Sciences Faculty of Ain Chock Hassan II University Casablanca 20100 Morocco
- Team of Molecular Modelling and Spectroscopy Sciences Faculty Chouaib Doukkali University El Jadida 24000 Morocco
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Feeney OM, Ardipradja K, Noi KF, Mehta D, De Rose R, Yuen D, Johnston APR, Kingston L, Ericsson C, Elmore CS, Hufton R, Owen DJ, Ashford MB, Porter CJH. Subcutaneous delivery of a dendrimer-BH3 mimetic improves lymphatic uptake and survival in lymphoma. J Control Release 2022; 348:420-430. [PMID: 35636618 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
As a malignant tumour of lymphatic origin, B-cell lymphoma represents a significant challenge for drug delivery, where effective therapies must access malignant cells in the blood, organs and lymphatics while avoiding off-target toxicity. Subcutaneous (SC) administration of nanomedicines allows preferential access to both the lymphatic and blood systems and may therefore provide a route to enhanced drug exposure to lymphomas. Here we examine the impact of SC dosing on lymphatic exposure, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of AZD0466, a small molecule dual Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor conjugated to a 'DEP®' G5 poly-l-lysine dendrimer. PK studies reveal that the plasma half-life of the dendrimer-drug conjugate is 8-times longer than that of drug alone, providing evidence of slow release from the circulating dendrimer nanocarrier. The SC dosed construct also shows preferential lymphatic transport, with over 50% of the bioavailable dose recovered in thoracic lymph. Increases in dose (up to 400 mg/kg) are well tolerated after SC administration and studies in a model of disseminated lymphoma in mice show that high dose SC treatment outperforms IV administration using doses that lead to similar total plasma exposure (lower peak concentrations but extended exposure after SC). These data show that the DEP® dendrimer can act as a circulating drug depot accessing both the lymphatic and blood circulatory systems. SC administration improves lymphatic exposure and facilitates higher dose administration due to improved tolerability. Higher dose SC administration also results in improved efficacy, suggesting that drug delivery systems that access both plasma and lymph hold significant potential for the treatment of haematological cancers where lymphatic and extranodal dissemination are poor prognostic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlagh M Feeney
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Katie Ardipradja
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Ka Fung Noi
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dharmini Mehta
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert De Rose
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Daniel Yuen
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Angus P R Johnston
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Lee Kingston
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Ericsson
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Charles S Elmore
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - David J Owen
- Starpharma PTY Ltd., Abbotsford, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marianne B Ashford
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK.
| | - Christopher J H Porter
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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Wang H, Man Q, Huo F, Gao X, Lin H, Li S, Wang J, Su F, Cai, L, Shi Y, Liu, B, Bu L. STAT3 pathway in cancers: Past, present, and future. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e124. [PMID: 35356799 PMCID: PMC8942302 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, discovered in the cytoplasm of almost all types of mammalian cells, plays a significant role in biological functions. The duration of STAT3 activation in normal tissues is a transient event and is strictly regulated. However, in cancer tissues, STAT3 is activated in an aberrant manner and is induced by certain cytokines. The continuous activation of STAT3 regulates the expression of downstream proteins associated with the formation, progression, and metastasis of cancers. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of STAT3 regulation and designing inhibitors targeting the STAT3 pathway are considered promising strategies for cancer treatment. This review aims to introduce the history, research advances, and prospects concerning the STAT3 pathway in cancer. We review the mechanisms of STAT3 pathway regulation and the consequent cancer hallmarks associated with tumor biology that are induced by the STAT3 pathway. Moreover, we summarize the emerging development of inhibitors that target the STAT3 pathway and novel drug delivery systems for delivering these inhibitors. The barriers against targeting the STAT3 pathway, the focus of future research on promising targets in the STAT3 pathway, and our perspective on the overall utility of STAT3 pathway inhibitors in cancer treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han‐Qi Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Qi‐Wen Man
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fang‐Yi Huo
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xin Gao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hao Lin
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Su‐Ran Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jing Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fu‐Chuan Su
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Lulu Cai,
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceDepartment of PharmacySchool of MedicineSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory MedicineSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Bing Liu,
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Lin‐Lin Bu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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Montero J, Haq R. Adapted to Survive: Targeting Cancer Cells with BH3 Mimetics. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1217-1232. [PMID: 35491624 PMCID: PMC9306285 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of cancer is cell death evasion, underlying suboptimal responses to chemotherapy, targeted agents, and immunotherapies. The approval of the antiapoptotic BCL2 antagonist venetoclax has finally validated the potential of targeting apoptotic pathways in patients with cancer. Nevertheless, pharmacologic modulators of cell death have shown markedly varied responses in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we review emerging concepts in the use of this class of therapies. Building on these observations, we propose that treatment-induced changes in apoptotic dependency, rather than pretreatment dependencies, will need to be recognized and targeted to realize the precise deployment of these new pharmacologic agents. SIGNIFICANCE Targeting antiapoptotic family members has proven efficacious and tolerable in some cancers, but responses are infrequent, particularly for patients with solid tumors. Biomarkers to aid patient selection have been lacking. Precision functional approaches that overcome adaptive resistance to these compounds could drive durable responses to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Montero
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Corresponding Authors: Rizwan Haq, Department of Medical Oncology M423A, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-632-6168; E-mail: ; and Joan Montero, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Barcelona 08028, Spain. Phone: 34-93-403-9956; E-mail:
| | - Rizwan Haq
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Authors: Rizwan Haq, Department of Medical Oncology M423A, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-632-6168; E-mail: ; and Joan Montero, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Barcelona 08028, Spain. Phone: 34-93-403-9956; E-mail:
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MEK and MCL-1 sequential inhibition synergize to enhance rhabdomyosarcoma treatment. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:172. [PMID: 35393436 PMCID: PMC8989976 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00959-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Targeted agents have emerged as promising molecules for cancer treatment, but most of them fail to achieve complete tumor regression or attain durable remissions due to tumor adaptations. We used dynamic BH3 profiling to identify targeted agents effectiveness and anti-apoptotic adaptations upon targeted treatment in rhabdomyosarcoma. We focused on studying the use of BH3 mimetics to specifically inhibit pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins, overwhelm resistance to therapy and prevent relapse. We observed that the MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib rapidly depleted the pro-apoptotic protein NOXA, thus increasing MCL-1 availability. Indeed, we found that the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845 synergistically enhanced trametinib cytotoxicity in rhabdomyosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the combination of a BH3 mimetic targeting MCL-1 with trametinib improves efficiency on rhabdomyosarcoma by blocking tumor adaptation to treatment.
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Zehnle PMA, Wu Y, Pommerening H, Erlacher M. Stayin‘ alive: BCL-2 proteins in the hematopoietic system. Exp Hematol 2022; 110:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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40
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Abdul Rahman SF, Azlan A, Lo KW, Azzam G, Mohana-Kumaran N. Dual inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL and MCL-1 enhances cytotoxicity of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:9. [PMID: 35201512 PMCID: PMC8814124 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00470-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the many strategies that cancer cells evade death is through up-regulation of the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins. Hence, these proteins have become attractive therapeutic targets. Given that different cell populations rely on different anti-apoptotic proteins for survival, it is crucial to determine which proteins are important for Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell survival. Here we determined the survival requirements for the NPC cells using a combination of the CRISPR/Cas9 technique and selective BH3-mimetics. A human apoptosis RT2 Profiler PCR Array was first employed to profile the anti-apoptotic gene expressions in NPC cell lines HK-1 and C666-1. The HK-1 cells expressed all the anti-apoptotic genes (MCL-1, BFL-1, BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-w). Similarly, the C666-1 cells expressed all the anti-apoptotic genes except BFL-1 (undetectable level). Notably, both cell lines highly expressed MCL-1. Deletion of MCL-1 sensitized the NPC cells to BCL-XL selective inhibitor A-1331852, suggesting that MCL-1 and BCL-XL may be important for NPC cell survival. Co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-2 with MCL-1 selective inhibitor S63845 and BCL-2 selective inhibitor ABT-199 inhibited NPC cell proliferation but the effect on cell viability was more profound with co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL with S63845 and A-1331852, implying that MCL-1 and BCL-XL are crucial for NPC cell survival. Furthermore, co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL inhibited the growth and invasion of NPC spheroids. Deletion of BFL-1 sensitized NPC cells to A-1331852 suggesting that BFL-1 may play a role in NPC cell survival. Taken together co-inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1/BFL-1 could be potential treatment strategies for NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azali Azlan
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Kwok-Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology and State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Central Ave, Hong Kong
| | - Ghows Azzam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
- Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
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Thummuri D, Khan S, Underwood PW, Zhang P, Wiegand J, Zhang X, Budamagunta V, Sobh A, Tagmount A, Loguinov A, Riner AN, Akki AS, Williamson E, Hromas R, Vulpe CD, Zheng G, Trevino JG, Zhou D. Overcoming Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer Using the BCL-X L-Specific Degrader DT2216. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:184-192. [PMID: 34667112 PMCID: PMC8742767 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Although gemcitabine is the standard of care for most patients with pancreatic cancer, its efficacy is limited by the development of resistance. This resistance may be attributable to the evasion of apoptosis caused by the overexpression of BCL-2 family antiapoptotic proteins. In this study, we investigated the role of BCL-XL in gemcitabine resistance to identify a combination therapy to more effectively treat pancreatic cancer. We used CRISPR-Cas9 screening to identify the key genes involved in gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer cell dependencies on different BCL-2 family proteins and the efficacy of the combination of gemcitabine and DT2216 (a BCL-XL proteolysis targeting chimera or PROTAC) were determined by MTS, Annexin-V/PI, colony formation, and 3D tumor spheroid assays. The therapeutic efficacy of the combination was investigated in several patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models of pancreatic cancer. We identified BCL-XL as a key mediator of gemcitabine resistance. The combination of gemcitabine and DT2216 synergistically induced cell death in multiple pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro In vivo, the combination significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice compared with the individual agents in pancreatic cancer PDX models. Their synergistic antitumor activity is attributable to DT2216-induced degradation of BCL-XL and concomitant suppression of MCL-1 by gemcitabine. Our results suggest that DT2216-mediated BCL-XL degradation augments the antitumor activity of gemcitabine and their combination could be more effective for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Thummuri
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sajid Khan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Patrick W Underwood
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Janet Wiegand
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Vivekananda Budamagunta
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Amin Sobh
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Abderrahmane Tagmount
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Alexander Loguinov
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Andrea N Riner
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ashwin S Akki
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Elizabeth Williamson
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Robert Hromas
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Christopher D Vulpe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jose G Trevino
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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Diepstraten ST, Anderson MA, Czabotar PE, Lessene G, Strasser A, Kelly GL. The manipulation of apoptosis for cancer therapy using BH3-mimetic drugs. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:45-64. [PMID: 34663943 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is regulated by the balance between prosurvival and proapoptotic BCL-2 protein family members. Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer that arises when this balance is tipped in favour of survival. One form of anticancer therapeutic, termed 'BH3-mimetic drugs', has been developed to directly activate the apoptosis machinery in malignant cells. These drugs bind to and inhibit specific prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins, thereby mimicking their interaction with the BH3 domains of proapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. The BCL-2-specific inhibitor venetoclax is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and many regulatory authorities worldwide for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia. BH3-mimetic drugs targeting other BCL-2 prosurvival proteins have been tested in preclinical models of cancer, and drugs targeting MCL-1 or BCL-XL have advanced into phase I clinical trials for certain cancers. As with all therapeutics, efficacy and tolerability need to be carefully balanced to achieve a therapeutic window whereby there is significant anticancer activity with an acceptable safety profile. In this Review, we outline the current state of BH3-mimetic drugs targeting various prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins and discuss emerging data regarding primary and acquired resistance to these agents and approaches that may overcome this. We highlight issues that need to be addressed to further advance the clinical application of BH3-mimetic drugs, both alone and in combination with additional anticancer agents (for example, standard chemotherapeutic drugs or inhibitors of oncogenic kinases), for improved responses in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Diepstraten
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Computational design of an apoptogenic protein that binds BCL-xL and MCL-1 simultaneously and potently. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:3019-3029. [PMID: 35782728 PMCID: PMC9218148 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is their ability to evade apoptosis, which confers survival advantages and resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Cancers often exhibit overexpression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins, the loss of which triggers apoptosis. In particular, the inhibition of both BCL-xL and MCL-1, but neither one individually, synergistically enhances apoptotic cell death. Here, we report computational design to produce a protein that inhibits both BCL-xL and MCL-1 simultaneously. To a reported artificial three-helix bundle whose second helix was designed to bind MCL-1, we added a fourth helix and designed it to bind BCL-xL. After structural validation of the design and further structure-based sequence design, we produced a dual-binding protein that interacts with both BCL-xL and MCL-1 with apparent dissociation constants of 820 pM and 196 pM, respectively. Expression of this dual binder in a subset of cancer cells induced apoptotic cell death at levels significantly higher than those induced by the pro-apoptotic BIM protein. With a genetic fusion of a mitochondria-targeting sequence or the BH3 sequence of BIM, the activity of the dual binder was enhanced even further. These data suggest that targeted delivery of this dual binder alone or as a part of a modular protein to cancers in the form of protein, mRNA, or DNA may be an effective way to induce cancer cell apoptosis.
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Westaby D, Jimenez-Vacas JM, Padilha A, Varkaris A, Balk SP, de Bono JS, Sharp A. Targeting the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway: A Window of Opportunity for Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:51. [PMID: 35008216 PMCID: PMC8750516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major improvements in the management of advanced prostate cancer over the last 20 years, the disease remains invariably fatal, and new effective therapies are required. The development of novel hormonal agents and taxane chemotherapy has improved outcomes, although primary and acquired resistance remains problematic. Inducing cancer cell death via apoptosis has long been an attractive goal in the treatment of cancer. Apoptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is a highly controlled process, split into two main pathways (intrinsic and extrinsic), and is stimulated by a multitude of factors, including cellular and genotoxic stress. Numerous therapeutic strategies targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway are in clinical development, and BH3 mimetics have shown promising efficacy for hematological malignancies. Utilizing these agents for solid malignancies has proved more challenging, though efforts are ongoing. Molecular characterization and the development of predictive biomarkers is likely to be critical for patient selection, by identifying tumors with a vulnerability in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This review provides an up-to-date overview of cell death and apoptosis, specifically focusing on the intrinsic pathway. It summarizes the latest approaches for targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway with BH3 mimetics and discusses how these strategies may be leveraged to treat prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Westaby
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London SM2 5PT, UK
| | - Juan M. Jimenez-Vacas
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
| | - Ana Padilha
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
| | - Andreas Varkaris
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (A.V.); (S.P.B.)
| | - Steven P. Balk
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (A.V.); (S.P.B.)
| | - Johann S. de Bono
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London SM2 5PT, UK
| | - Adam Sharp
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London SM2 5PT, UK
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Crocco M, Panciroli M, Milanaccio C, Morerio C, Verrico A, Garrè ML, Di Iorgi N, Capra V. Case Report: The Emerging Role of Ring Chromosome 22 in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome With Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor: The First Child Treated With Growth Hormone. Front Neurol 2021; 12:741062. [PMID: 34777208 PMCID: PMC8585933 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.741062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) in the rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndromes are most often caused by germline mutations of the SMARCB1 gene located in chromosome 22q11.2. Although rarely, it can also result from the constitutional ring chromosome 22 (r22): during mitosis the ring chromosome may lead to an increased rate of somatic mutations, resulting in rhabdoid tumor predispositions when the tumor-suppressor gene SMARCB1 is involved. Individuals with r22 may present similar features as those with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS) due to 22q13.3 deletion, including the SHANK3 gene. Despite several reports on AT/RT in children with r22 and/or PMDS have been published, the role of constitutional r22 as new oncogenic mechanism for AT/RT is still under investigation. There is not a lot of data available on therapeutic and prognostic implications of r22 in AT/RT and PMDS. Herein, we present the first case of a child with constitutional r22, PMDS and AT/RT of the brain, who is a long term survivor and is been treated with growth hormone. We also describe an unexpected adverse reaction to midazolam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Crocco
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marta Panciroli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Milanaccio
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Morerio
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Verrico
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Garrè
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Natascia Di Iorgi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Capra
- Medical Genetics Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
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Müller D, Mazzeo P, Koch R, Bösherz MS, Welter S, von Hammerstein-Equord A, Hinterthaner M, Cordes L, Belharazem D, Marx A, Ströbel P, Küffer S. Functional apoptosis profiling identifies MCL-1 and BCL-xL as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in advanced thymomas and thymic carcinomas. BMC Med 2021; 19:300. [PMID: 34781947 PMCID: PMC8594228 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-omics studies have shown a high and lack of common driver mutations in most thymomas (TH) and thymic carcinomas (TC) that hamper the development of novel treatment approaches. However, deregulation of apoptosis has been proposed as a common hallmark of TH and TC. BH3 profiling can be utilized to study the readiness of living cancer cells to undergo apoptosis and their dependency on pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins. METHODS We screened a cohort of 62 TH and TC patient samples for expression of BCL-2 family proteins and used the TC cell line 1889c and native TH for dynamic BH3 profiling and treatment with BH3 mimetics. RESULTS Immunohistochemical overexpression of MCL-1 and BCL-xL was a strong prognostic marker of TH and TC, and BH3 profiling indicated a strong dependency on MCL-1 and BCL-xL in TH. Single inhibition of MCL-1 resulted in increased binding of BIM to BCL-xL as an escape mechanism that the combined inhibition of both factors could overcome. Indeed, the inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-xL in combination induced apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner in untreated and MCL-1-resistant 1889c cells. CONCLUSION TH and TC are exquisitely dependent on the pro-survival factors MCL-1 and BCL-xL, making them ideal candidates for co-inhibition by BH3 mimetics. Since TH show a heterogeneous dependency on BCL-2 family proteins, upfront BH3 profiling could select patients and tailor the optimal therapy with the least possible toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Müller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paolo Mazzeo
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raphael Koch
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mark-Sebastian Bösherz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Welter
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Lung Clinic Hemer, Hemer, Germany
| | | | - Marc Hinterthaner
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lucia Cordes
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Lung Clinic Hemer, Hemer, Germany
| | - Djeda Belharazem
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Stefan Küffer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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Huang C, Radi RH, Arbiser JL. Mitochondrial Metabolism in Melanoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113197. [PMID: 34831420 PMCID: PMC8618235 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma and its associated alterations in cellular pathways have been growing areas of interest in research, especially as specific biological pathways are being elucidated. Some of these alterations include changes in the mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma. Many mitochondrial metabolic changes lead to differences in the survivability of cancer cells and confer resistance to targeted therapies. While extensive work has gone into characterizing mechanisms of resistance, the role of mitochondrial adaptation as a mode of resistance is not completely understood. In this review, we wish to explore mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma and how it impacts modes of resistance. There are several genes that play a major role in melanoma mitochondrial metabolism which require a full understanding to optimally target melanoma. These include BRAF, CRAF, SOX2, MCL1, TRAP1, RHOA, SRF, SIRT3, PTEN, and AKT1. We will be discussing the role of these genes in melanoma in greater detail. An enhanced understanding of mitochondrial metabolism and these modes of resistance may result in novel combinatorial and sequential therapies that may lead to greater therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Huang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
| | - Rakan H. Radi
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
| | - Jack L. Arbiser
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (C.H.); (R.H.R.)
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(404)-727-5063; Fax: +1-(404)-727-0923
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Rauca VF, Patras L, Luput L, Licarete E, Toma VA, Porfire A, Mot AC, Rakosy-Tican E, Sesarman A, Banciu M. Remodeling tumor microenvironment by liposomal codelivery of DMXAA and simvastatin inhibits malignant melanoma progression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22102. [PMID: 34764332 PMCID: PMC8585864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01284-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapies for melanoma have not yet been translated into meaningful clinical benefit for patients, due to the development of drug-induced resistance in cancer cells, mainly caused by hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) overexpression and enhanced oxidative stress mediated by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Our previous study demonstrated synergistic antitumor actions of simvastatin (SIM) and 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) on an in vitro melanoma model via suppression of the aggressive phenotype of melanoma cells and inhibition of TAMs-mediated angiogenesis. Therefore, we took the advantage of long circulating liposomes (LCL) superior tumor targeting capacity to efficiently deliver SIM and DMXAA to B16.F10 melanoma in vivo, with the final aim of improving the outcome of the anti-angiogenic therapy. Thus, we assessed the effects of this novel combined tumor-targeted treatment on s.c. B16.F10 murine melanoma growth and on the production of critical markers involved in tumor development and progression. Our results showed that the combined liposomal therapy almost totally inhibited (> 90%) the growth of melanoma tumors, due to the enhancement of anti-angiogenic effects of LCL-DMXAA by LCL-SIM and simultaneous induction of a pro-apoptotic state of tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These effects were accompanied by the partial re-education of TAMs towards an M1 phenotype and augmented by combined therapy-induced suppression of major invasion and metastasis promoters (HIF-1α, pAP-1 c-Jun, and MMPs). Thus, this novel therapy holds the potential to remodel the TME, by suppressing its most important malignant biological capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin-Florian Rauca
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 29 Biedersteiner Street, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Patras
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lavinia Luput
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emilia Licarete
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Molecular Biology Centre, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences of Babes-Bolyai University, 42 Treboniu Laurian Street, 400271, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad-Alexandru Toma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Experimental Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Research, Branch of NIRDBS Bucharest, 48 Republicii Street, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute of Research and Development for Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donath Street, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina Porfire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", 8 Babeş Street, 400012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Augustin Catalin Mot
- Research Center for Advanced Chemical Analysis, Instrumentation and Chemometrics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, 11 Arany Janos Street, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Elena Rakosy-Tican
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alina Sesarman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Manuela Banciu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor Street, 400006, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Targeting the BCL-2-regulated apoptotic pathway for the treatment of solid cancers. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2397-2410. [PMID: 34581776 PMCID: PMC8589438 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The deregulation of apoptosis is a key contributor to tumourigenesis as it can lead to the unwanted survival of rogue cells. Drugs known as the BH3-mimetics targeting the pro-survival members of the BCL-2 protein family to induce apoptosis in cancer cells have achieved clinical success for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, despite our increasing knowledge of the pro-survival factors mediating the unwanted survival of solid tumour cells, and our growing BH3-mimetics armamentarium, the application of BH3-mimetic therapy in solid cancers has not reached its full potential. This is mainly attributed to the need to identify clinically safe, yet effective, combination strategies to target the multiple pro-survival proteins that typically mediate the survival of solid tumours. In this review, we discuss current and exciting new developments in the field that has the potential to unleash the full power of BH3-mimetic therapy to treat currently recalcitrant solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Douglas Fairlie
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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Spoerri L, Gunasingh G, Haass NK. Fluorescence-Based Quantitative and Spatial Analysis of Tumour Spheroids: A Proposed Tool to Predict Patient-Specific Therapy Response. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:668390. [PMID: 34713141 PMCID: PMC8521823 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.668390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour spheroids are widely used to pre-clinically assess anti-cancer treatments. They are an excellent compromise between the lack of microenvironment encountered in adherent cell culture conditions and the great complexity of in vivo animal models. Spheroids recapitulate intra-tumour microenvironment-driven heterogeneity, a pivotal aspect for therapy outcome that is, however, often overlooked. Likely due to their ease, most assays measure overall spheroid size and/or cell death as a readout. However, as different tumour cell subpopulations may show a different biology and therapy response, it is paramount to obtain information from these distinct regions within the spheroid. We describe here a methodology to quantitatively and spatially assess fluorescence-based microscopy spheroid images by semi-automated software-based analysis. This provides a fast assay that accounts for spatial biological differences that are driven by the tumour microenvironment. We outline the methodology using detection of hypoxia, cell death and PBMC infiltration as examples, and we propose this procedure as an exploratory approach to assist therapy response prediction for personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Spoerri
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gency Gunasingh
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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