1
|
Kopparapu P, Löhr CV, Pearce MC, Tyavanagimatt S, Nakshatri H, Kolluri SK. Small Molecule Functional Converter of B-Cell Lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) Suppresses Breast Cancer Lung Metastasis. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1302-1309. [PMID: 38751629 PMCID: PMC11091964 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00360] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins plays a vital role in tumorigenesis. Cancer cells utilize the expression of Bcl-2 to evade therapy and develop resistance. Bcl-2 overexpression also causes cancer cells to be more invasive and metastatic. About 80% of cancer deaths are due to metastases, and yet targeted therapies for metastatic cancers are scarce. We discovered a small molecule, BFC1103, which changes the conformation of Bcl-2 to convert the antiapoptotic protein to a proapoptotic protein. BFC1103-induced apoptosis is dependent on the expression levels of Bcl-2, with higher levels causing more apoptosis. BFC1103 suppressed the growth of breast cancer lung metastasis. BFC1103 has the potential for further optimization and development for clinical testing in metastatic cancers that express Bcl-2. This study demonstrates a new approach to target Bcl-2 using a small molecule, BFC1103, to suppress metastatic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasad
R. Kopparapu
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-8580, United States
| | - Christiane V. Löhr
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-4801, United States
| | - Martin C. Pearce
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-8580, United States
| | - Shanthakumar Tyavanagimatt
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-8580, United States
| | - Harikrishna Nakshatri
- Department
of Surgery, Indiana University School of
Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-3082, United States
| | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer
Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-8580, United States
- Linus
Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ji Y, Duan Y, Li Y, Lu Q, Liu D, Yang Y, Chang R, Tian J, Yao W, Yin J, Gao X. A long-acting FGF21 attenuates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis-related fibrosis by modulating NR4A1-mediated Ly6C phenotypic switch in macrophages. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38679486 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16378] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Because of the absence of effective therapies for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), there is a rising interest in fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogues due to their potential anti-fibrotic activities in MASH treatment. PsTag-FGF21, a long-acting FGF21 analogue, has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in several MASH mouse models. However, its efficacy and mechanism against MASH-related fibrosis remain less well defined, compared with the specific mechanisms through which FGF21 improves glucose and lipid metabolism. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effectiveness of PsTag-FGF21 was evaluated in two MASH-fibrosis models. Co-culture systems involving macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were employed for further assessment. Hepatic macrophages were selectively depleted by administering liposome-encapsulated clodronate via tail vein injections. RNA sequencing and cytokine profiling were conducted to identify key factors involved in macrophage-HSC crosstalk. KEY RESULTS We first demonstrated the significant attenuation of hepatic fibrosis by PsTag-FGF21 in two MASH-fibrosis models. Furthermore, we highlighted the crucial role of macrophage phenotypic switch in PsTag-FGF21-induced HSC deactivation. FGF21 was demonstrated to regulate macrophages in a PsTag-FGF21-like manner. NR4A1, a nuclear factor which is notably down-regulated in human livers with MASH, was identified as a mediator responsible for PsTag-FGF21-induced phenotypic switch. Transcriptional control over insulin-like growth factor 1, a crucial factor in macrophage-HSC crosstalk, was exerted by the intrinsically disordered region domain of NR4A1. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results have elucidated the previously unclear mechanisms through which PsTag-FGF21 treats MASH-related fibrosis and identified NR4A1 as a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiliang Duan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingzhou Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruilong Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenbing Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangdong Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Draggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang L, Xiao Y, Luo Y, Master RP, Mo J, Kim MC, Liu Y, Maharjan CK, Patel UM, De U, Carelock ME, Tithi TI, Li X, Shaffer DR, Guertin KR, Zhuang H, Moser E, Smalley KS, Lv D, Zhou D, Zheng G, Zhang W. PROTAC-mediated NR4A1 degradation as a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20231519. [PMID: 38334978 PMCID: PMC10857906 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
An effective cancer therapy requires killing cancer cells and targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). Searching for molecules critical for multiple cell types in the TME, we identified NR4A1 as one such molecule that can maintain the immune suppressive TME. Here, we establish NR4A1 as a valid target for cancer immunotherapy and describe a first-of-its-kind proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC, named NR-V04) against NR4A1. NR-V04 degrades NR4A1 within hours in vitro and exhibits long-lasting NR4A1 degradation in tumors with an excellent safety profile. NR-V04 inhibits and frequently eradicates established tumors. At the mechanistic level, NR-V04 induces the tumor-infiltrating (TI) B cells and effector memory CD8+ T (Tem) cells and reduces monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (m-MDSC), all of which are known to be clinically relevant immune cell populations in human melanomas. Overall, NR-V04-mediated NR4A1 degradation holds promise for enhancing anticancer immune responses and offers a new avenue for treating various types of cancers such as melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yuewan Luo
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rohan P. Master
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jiao Mo
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Myung-Chul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju-si, South Korea
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chandra K. Maharjan
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Urvi M. Patel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Umasankar De
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Madison E. Carelock
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tanzia Islam Tithi
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Haoyang Zhuang
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily Moser
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Keiran S.M. Smalley
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Dongwen Lv
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Center of Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Center of Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kopparapu PR, Pearce MC, Löhr CV, Duong C, Jang HS, Tyavanagimatt S, O'Donnell EF, Nakshatri H, Kolluri SK. Identification and Characterization of a Small Molecule Bcl-2 Functional Converter. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:634-644. [PMID: 38329389 PMCID: PMC10911799 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells exploit the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 to evade apoptosis and develop resistance to therapeutics. High levels of Bcl-2 leads to sequestration of pro-apoptotic proteins causing the apoptotic machinery to halt. In this study, we report discovery of a small molecule, BFC1108 (5-chloro-N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-2-[(4-methoxybenzyol)amino]benzamide), which targets Bcl-2 and converts it into a pro-apoptotic protein. The apoptotic effect of BFC1108 is not inhibited, but rather potentiated, by Bcl-2 overexpression. BFC1108 induces a conformational change in Bcl-2, resulting in the exposure of its BH3 domain both in vitro and in vivo. BFC1108 suppresses the growth of triple-negative breast cancer xenografts with high Bcl-2 expression and inhibits breast cancer lung metastasis. This study demonstrates a novel approach to targeting Bcl-2 using BFC1108, a small molecule Bcl-2 functional converter that effectively induces apoptosis in Bcl-2-expressing cancers. SIGNIFICANCE We report the identification of a small molecule that exposes the Bcl-2 killer conformation and induces death in Bcl-2-expressing cancer cells. Selective targeting of Bcl-2 and elimination of cancer cells expressing Bcl-2 opens up new therapeutic avenues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasad R. Kopparapu
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Martin C. Pearce
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Christiane V. Löhr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Cathy Duong
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Hyo Sang Jang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Shanthakumar Tyavanagimatt
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Edmond F. O'Donnell
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | | | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen X, Gao M, Xia Y, Wang X, Qin J, He H, Liu W, Zhang X, Peng S, Zeng Z, Su Y, Zhang X. Phase separation of Nur77 mediates XS561-induced apoptosis by promoting the formation of Nur77/Bcl-2 condensates. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1204-1221. [PMID: 38486987 PMCID: PMC10935061 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.11.017] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is a critical regulator of the survival and death of tumor cells. The pro-death effect of Nur77 can be regulated by its interaction with Bcl-2, resulting in conversion of Bcl-2 from a survival to killer. As Bcl-2 is overexpressed in various cancers preventing them from apoptosis and promoting their resistance to chemotherapy, targeting the apoptotic pathway of Nur77/Bcl-2 may lead to new cancer therapeutics. Here, we report our identification of XS561 as a novel Nur77 ligand that induces apoptosis of tumor cells by activating the Nur77/Bcl-2 pathway. In vitro and animal studies revealed an apoptotic effect of XS561 in a range of tumor cell lines including MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and MCF-7/LCC2 tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer (TAMR) in a Nur77-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies showed XS561 potently induced the translocation of Nur77 from the nucleus to mitochondria, resulting in mitochondria-related apoptosis. Interestingly, XS561-induced accumulation of Nur77 at mitochondria was associated with XS561 induction of Nur77 phase separation and the formation of Nur77/Bcl-2 condensates. Together, our studies identify XS561 as a new activator of the Nur77/Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway and reveal a role of phase separation in mediating the apoptotic effect of Nur77 at mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Meichun Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Yongzhen Xia
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Jingbo Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Hongying He
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Weirong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Shuangzhou Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Zhiping Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| | - Ying Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
- NucMito Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Xiaokun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qin J, Niu B, Chen X, Hu C, Lu S, Li H, Liu W, Li J, Teng Z, Yang Y, Hu H, Xu Y, Huo S, Wu Z, Qiu Y, Zhou H, Fang M. Discovery of 5-(Pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-1 H-indole-2-carboxamide Derivatives as Nur77 Modulators with Selective and Potent Activity Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15847-15866. [PMID: 37983615 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01336] [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: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 has been validated as a potential drug target for treating breast cancer. Therefore, focusing on the SAR study of the lead 8b (KDSPR(Nur77) = 354 nM), we found the active compound ja which exhibited improved Nur77-binding capability (KDSPR(Nur77) = 91 nM) and excellent antiproliferative activities against breast cancer cell lines. Interestingly, ja acted as a potent and selective Nur77 antagonist, displaying good potency against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines but did not inhibit human normal breast cancer cell line MCF-10A (SI > 20). Exceptionally, ja Nur77-dependently caused mitochondria dysfunction and induced the caspase-dependent apoptosis by mediating the TP53 phosphorylation pathway. Moreover, ja significantly suppressed MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor growth but had no apparent side effects in mice and zebrafish. Overall, ja demonstrated to be the first Nur77 modulator mediating the TP53 phosphorylation pathway that has the potential as a novel anticancer agent for TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Qin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Boning Niu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Sheng Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hongsheng Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Weihao Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zihao Teng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yinghuang Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hongyu Hu
- Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Lanxi 321004, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shuaidong Huo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yingkun Qiu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang L, Xiao Y, Luo Y, Master RP, Mo J, Kim MC, Liu Y, Patel UM, Li X, Shaffer D, Guertin KR, Moser E, Smalley KS, Zhou D, Zheng G, Zhang W. Unleashing the Power of NR4A1 Degradation as a Novel Strategy for Cancer Immunotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.09.552650. [PMID: 37609171 PMCID: PMC10441411 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
An effective cancer therapy requires both killing cancer cells and targeting tumor-promoting pathways or cell populations within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We purposely search for molecules that are critical for multiple tumor-promoting cell types and identified nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) as one such molecule. NR4A1 has been shown to promote the aggressiveness of cancer cells and maintain the immune suppressive TME. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we establish NR4A1 as a valid therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Importantly, we have developed the first-of-its kind proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC, named NR-V04) against NR4A1. NR-V04 effectively degrades NR4A1 within hours of treatment in vitro and sustains for at least 4 days in vivo, exhibiting long-lasting NR4A1-degradation in tumors and an excellent safety profile. NR-V04 leads to robust tumor inhibition and sometimes eradication of established melanoma tumors. At the mechanistic level, we have identified an unexpected novel mechanism via significant induction of tumor-infiltrating (TI) B cells as well as an inhibition of monocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells (m-MDSC), two clinically relevant immune cell populations in human melanomas. Overall, NR-V04-mediated NR4A1 degradation holds promise for enhancing anti-cancer immune responses and offers a new avenue for treating various types of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yuewan Luo
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Current: Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Rohan P Master
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Current: College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Jiao Mo
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Current: R & D, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Myung-Chul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea 63243
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Urvi M Patel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin R Guertin
- Sanofi Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA 01890
| | - Emily Moser
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, the College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Keiran S Smalley
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Current: Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N DK-2200, Denmark
- Current: College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Current: R & D, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea 63243
- Sanofi Oncology, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA 01890
- Sanofi Integrated Drug Discovery, Sanofi, Cambridge, MA 01890
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, the College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 12902
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Center of innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Center of innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bending D, Zikherman J. Nr4a nuclear receptors: markers and modulators of antigen receptor signaling. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 81:102285. [PMID: 36764055 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Nr4a1-3 encode a small family of orphan nuclear hormone receptors with transcriptional activity. Their expression reflects both acute and chronic antigen-receptor signaling in T and B-cells, and they have been implicated in critical aspects of lymphocyte development, tolerance, and function. These include roles in regulatory T-cell (Treg), thymic-negative selection, humoral responses, anergy, and exhaustion. Here, we review recent advances in this field such as functional roles in B-cells, transcriptional targets, and mechanism of action. We highlight recurrent themes, including integration of antigen-receptor signaling with costimulatory input, as well as unanswered questions and translational applications of this work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Bending
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Julie Zikherman
- Division of Rheumatology, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Arthritis Research Center, Department of Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nur77 Serves as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker That Correlates with Immune Infiltration and May Act as a Good Target for Prostate adenocarcinoma. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031238. [PMID: 36770929 PMCID: PMC9921667 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is the most frequent malignancy, and is the second leading cause of death due to cancer in men. Thus, new prognostic biomarkers and drug targets for PRAD are urgently needed. As we know, nuclear receptor Nur77 is important in cancer development and changes in the tumor microenvironment; whereas, the function of Nur77 in PRAD remains to be elucidated. The TCGA database was used to explore the Nur77 expression and its role in the prognosis of PRAD. It was shown that Nur77 was down regulated in PRAD, and low Nur77 expression was correlated with advanced clinical pathologic characteristics (high grade, histological type, age) and poor prognosis. Furthermore, key genes screening was examined by univariate Cox analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival. Additionally, Nur77 was closely related to immune infiltration and some anti-tumor immune functions. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were presented by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Therefore, the expression level of Nur77 might help predict the survival of PRAD cases, which presents a new insight and a new target for the treatment of PRAD. In vitro experiments verified that natural product malayoside targeting Nur77 exhibited significant therapeutic effects on PRAD and largely induced cell apoptosis by up-regulating the expression of Nur77 and its mitochondrial localization. Taken together, Nur77 is a prognostic biomarker for patients with PRAD, which may refresh the profound understanding of PRAD individualized treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Differential vulnerability of adult neurogenic niches to dosage of the neurodevelopmental-disorder linked gene Foxg1. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:497-514. [PMID: 35318461 PMCID: PMC9812795 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXG1 serves pleiotropic functions in brain development ranging from the regulation of precursor proliferation to the control of cortical circuit formation. Loss-of-function mutations and duplications of FOXG1 are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in humans illustrating the importance of FOXG1 dosage for brain development. Aberrant FOXG1 dosage has been found to disrupt the balanced activity of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We report that FOXG1 is expressed in the main adult neurogenic niches in mice, i.e. the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subependymal zone/olfactory bulb system, where neurogenesis of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons persists into adulthood. These niches displayed differential vulnerability to increased FOXG1 dosage: high FOXG1 levels severely compromised survival and glutamatergic dentate granule neuron fate acquisition in the hippocampal neurogenic niche, but left neurogenesis of GABAergic neurons in the subependymal zone/olfactory bulb system unaffected. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed a significantly higher expression of the apoptosis-linked nuclear receptor Nr4a1 in FOXG1-overexpressing hippocampal neural precursors. Strikingly, pharmacological interference with NR4A1 function rescued FOXG1-dependent death of hippocampal progenitors. Our results reveal differential vulnerability of neuronal subtypes to increased FOXG1 dosage and suggest that activity of a FOXG1/NR4A1 axis contributes to such subtype-specific response.
Collapse
|
11
|
Discovery of 5-((4-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)amino)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as novel anti-cancer agents targeting Nur77. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114849. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
12
|
Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nur77 Mediates the Lethal Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Therapeutic Efficacy of Cryptomeridiol in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233870. [PMID: 36497127 PMCID: PMC9737475 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233870] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly possesses chronical elevation of IRE1α-ASK1 signaling. Orphan nuclear receptor Nur77, a promising therapeutic target in various cancer types, is frequently silenced in HCC. In this study, we show that cryptomeridiol (Bkh126), a naturally occurring sesquiterpenoid derivative isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Magnolia officinalis, has therapeutic efficacy in HCC by aggravating the pre-activated UPR and activating the silenced Nur77. Mechanistically, Nur77 is induced to sense IRE1α-ASK1-JNK signaling and translocate to the mitochondria, which leads to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). The Bkh126-induced aggravation of ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction result in increased cytotoxic product of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The in vivo anti-HCC activity of Bkh126 is superior to that of sorafenib, currently used to treat advanced HCC. Our study shows that Bkh126 induces Nur77 to connect ER stress to mitochondria-mediated cell killing. The identification of Nur77 as a molecular target of Bhk126 provides a basis for improving the leads for the further development of anti-HCC drugs.
Collapse
|
13
|
SAR study of oxidative DIMs analogs targeting the Nur77-mediated apoptotic pathway of cancer cells. Bioorg Chem 2022; 129:106156. [PMID: 36179441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nur77, an orphan nuclear receptor, is implicated in regulating diverse cellular biological processes including apoptosis and inflammation. We previously identified BI1071 (DIM-C-pPhCF3+MeSO3-), an oxidized methanesulfonate salt of (4-CF3-Ph-C-DIM), was a direct ligand of Nur77, which could activate the Nur77-Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway. To obtain more effective compounds targeting the Nur77-mediated apoptotic pathway, we designed and synthesized a series of BI1071 analogs by introducing various substituent groups in the indolyl-rings of BI1071. Structure-activity relationship study identified A11, B5 and B15 as improved analogs with stronger binding affinity to Nur77 and enhanced apoptotic activity compared to BI1071. Nur77-binding studies demonstrated that A11, B5 and B15 bind to Nur77 with a Kd of 34 nM, 19 nM and 16 nM, respectively. Furthermore, mechanism studies showed that A11, B5 and B15 induced apoptosis through utilizing the Nur77-Bcl-2 pathway.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Hedyotis diffusa Willd Induces Apoptosis via JNK/Nur77 Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1932777. [PMID: 36062172 PMCID: PMC9433286 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1932777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by poor diagnosis and high mortality. Novel and efficient therapeutic agents are urgently needed for the treatment. Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) is used to treat cancers, especially HCC in China. Purpose. The study aimed to identify the main anti-HCC extract in HDW and to explore the mechanism of the active extract. Materials and Methods. The high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS) method was used for the simultaneous determination of main compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction of HDW (EHDW). The toxicity test of different HDW fractions was carried out on larvae at 2 day-post-fertilization (dpf) for 72 h. The in vivo anti-HCC effect of different HDW fractions was evaluated on a zebrafish tumor model by immersion administration. The antiproliferative effect of HDW fractions was determined with MTT assay, as well as hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining assay. Hoechst 33258 staining was used to observe changes in nucleus morphology. Flow cytometry analysis was used to investigate apoptosis induction. Western blot analysis was used to examine apoptosis-related proteins, and key proteins in JNK/Nur77 signaling pathway. SP600125 was served to validate the apoptotic mechanism. Results. EHDW showed the strongest tumor cell growth inhibitory effect on zebrafish tumor model. Further study revealed that EHDW induced apoptosis in zebrafish tumor model and in cultured Hep3B cells. Meanwhile, it has been shown that the levels of BCL2-associated X (Bax), cytochrome c (cyto c), cleaved-caspase 3, and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cells were upregulated. In contrast, the level of antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was downregulated in Hep3B cells. Additionally, EHDW activated JNK/Nur77 pathway by increasing the levels of p-JNK(Thr183/Tyr185) and p-Nur77(Ser351). Further study showed that blockage of JNK by SP600125 reversed EHDW-induced JNK/Nur77 pathway and the downstream apoptotic proteins. Conclusion. In conclusion, EHDW exerted the anti-HCC effect, which may be attributed to the activation of JNK/Nur77 pathway. This study supported the rationale of HDW as an HCC therapeutic agent.
Collapse
|
15
|
Luo Q, Tang Y, Jiang Z, Bao H, Fu Q, Zhang H. hUCMSCs reduce theca interstitial cells apoptosis and restore ovarian function in premature ovarian insufficiency rats through regulating NR4A1-mediated mitochondrial mechanisms. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:125. [PMID: 35986315 PMCID: PMC9389823 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00992-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs, retrospectively registered) have a lot of promise for treating theca interstitial cells(TICs) dysfunction in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The mechanisms, however, are still unknown. METHODS To examine the therapeutic and find the cause, we used both in vivo cisplatin-induced POI rat model and in vitro TICs model. HUCMSCs were injected into the tail veins of POI rats in an in vivo investigation. Then, using ELISA, HE staining, TUNEL apoptosis test kit, immunohistochemistry and western blot, researchers examined hormonal levels, ovarian morphology, TICs apoptosis, NR4A1 and Cyp17a1 in response to cisplatin treatment and hUCMSCs. TICs were obtained from the ovaries of rats and treated with the cisplatin, hUCMSCs supernatant, and the antagonist of NR4A1--DIM-C-pPhOH. ELISA, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, JC-1 labeling and western blot analysis were used to detect T levels, Cyp17a1, NR4A1, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, as well as pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3, and cytochrome C(cytc). RESULTS We discovered that hUCMSCs restored the ovarian function, particularly TICs function based on measures of Cyp17a1 and T expression. NR4A1 was found in ovarian TICs of each group and NR4A1 expression was lower in the POI rats but higher following hUCMSCs therapy. The apoptosis of TICs generated by cisplatin was reduced after treatment with hUCMSCs. In vitro, NR4A1 was expressed in the nucleus of TICs, and NR4A1 as well as phospho-NR4A1 were decreased, following the apoptosis of TICs was emerged after cisplatin treatment. Interestingly, the localization of NR4A1 was translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm due to cisplatin. HUCMSCs were able to boost NR4A1 and phospho-NR4A1 expression while TICs' apoptosis and JC-1 polymorimonomor fluorescence ratios reduced. Furthermore, Bcl-2 expression dropped following cisplatin treatment, whereas Bax, cytc, caspase-9, and caspase-3 expression rose; however, hUCMSCs treatment reduced their expression. In addition, DIM-C-pPhOH had no effect on the NR4A1 expression, but it did increase the expression of apoptosis-related factors such as Bax, cytc, caspase-9, and caspase-3, causing the apoptosis of TICs. CONCLUSIONS These data show that hUCMSCs therapy improves ovarian function in POI rats by inhibiting TICs apoptosis through regulating NR4A1 -mediated mitochondrial mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Luo
- Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
- Basic Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Basic Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Zhonglin Jiang
- Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
- Basic Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Hongchu Bao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Pharmacology, Institute of Aging Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China.
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China.
- Basic Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sekiya T. Comparison Between Nr4a Transcription Factor Regulation and Function in Lymphoid and Tumor Treg Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:866339. [PMID: 35514961 PMCID: PMC9062029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.866339] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the “lymphoid” function of regulatory T (Treg) cells is crucial for organismal homeostasis, these cells are also known to suppress the antitumor immune response in the tumor microenvironments. Thus, a detailed understanding of Treg cell maintenance and function in both lymphoid organs and tumor environments may help to establish novel methods for the reactivating antitumor immunity, while retaining necessary immune tolerance towards self and non-hazardous antigens. Previous studies have hypothesized that Treg cells behave similarly in lymphoid organs and in tumor environments; however, few studies have been conducted specifically researching Treg cell activity in tumor environments. In addition, several recent studies identified a novel mechanism regulating Treg cell function in tumor environments. Our group has previously described the critical roles of the Nr4a family of nuclear orphan receptors, comprising Nr4a1, Nr4a2, and Nr4a3, in the differentiation and maintenance of Treg cells in lymphoid organs. Subsequently, it was found that Nr4a factors help to maintain Treg cell function in tumor environments, thereby playing a suppressive role against T cell antitumor immunity. Importantly, there were some differences between the activities of these Nr4a factors under these conditions, including the specific function of the COX/PGE2 axis in tumor environments. This review was designed to investigate the role of Nr4a factors in the regulation of Treg cell activities both in the lymphoid organs and tumor environments, highlighting the commonalities and differences in their behaviors between Treg cells in these two different environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sekiya
- Section of Immune Response Modification, Department of Immune Regulation, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan.,Department of Immune Regulation, The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hiwa R, Brooks JF, Mueller JL, Nielsen HV, Zikherman J. NR4A nuclear receptors in T and B lymphocytes: Gatekeepers of immune tolerance . Immunol Rev 2022; 307:116-133. [PMID: 35174510 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Random VDJ recombination early in T and B cell development enables the adaptive immune system to recognize a vast array of evolving pathogens via antigen receptors. However, the potential of such randomly generated TCRs and BCRs to recognize and respond to self-antigens requires layers of tolerance mechanisms to mitigate the risk of life-threatening autoimmunity. Since they were originally cloned more than three decades ago, the NR4A family of nuclear hormone receptors have been implicated in many critical aspects of immune tolerance, including negative selection of thymocytes, peripheral T cell tolerance, regulatory T cells (Treg), and most recently in peripheral B cell tolerance. In this review, we discuss important insights from many laboratories as well as our own group into the function and mechanisms by which this small class of primary response genes promotes self-tolerance and immune homeostasis to balance the need for host defense against the inherent risks posed by the adaptive immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Hiwa
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engelman Arthritis Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jeremy F Brooks
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engelman Arthritis Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James L Mueller
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engelman Arthritis Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hailyn V Nielsen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engelman Arthritis Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julie Zikherman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engelman Arthritis Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sellin M, Mack R, Rhodes MC, Zhang L, Berg S, Joshi K, Liu S, Wei W, S. J. PB, Larsen P, Taylor RE, Zhang J. Molecular mechanisms by which splice modulator GEX1A inhibits leukaemia development and progression. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:223-236. [PMID: 35422078 PMCID: PMC9296642 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01796-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Splice modulators have been assessed clinically in treating haematologic malignancies exhibiting splice factor mutations and acute myeloid leukaemia. However, the mechanisms by which such modulators repress leukaemia remain to be elucidated. OBJECTIVES The primary goal of this assessment was to assess the molecular mechanism by which the natural splice modulator GEX1A kills leukaemic cells in vitro and within in vivo mouse models. METHODS Using human leukaemic cell lines, we assessed the overall sensitivity these cells have to GEX1A via EC50 analysis. We subsequently analysed its effects using in vivo xenograft mouse models and examined whether cell sensitivities were correlated to genetic characteristics or protein expression levels. We also utilised RT-PCR and RNAseq analyses to determine splice change and RNA expression level differences between sensitive and resistant leukaemic cell lines. RESULTS We found that, in vitro, GEX1A induced an MCL-1 isoform shift to pro-apoptotic MCL-1S in all leukaemic cell types, though sensitivity to GEX1A-induced apoptosis was negatively associated with BCL-xL expression. In BCL-2-expressing leukaemic cells, GEX1A induced BCL-2-dependent apoptosis by converting pro-survival BCL-2 into a cell killer. Thus, GEX1A + selective BCL-xL inhibition induced synergism in killing leukaemic cells, while GEX1A + BCL-2 inhibition showed antagonism in BCL-2-expressing leukaemic cells. In addition, GEX1A sensitised FLT3-ITD+ leukaemic cells to apoptosis by inducing aberrant splicing and repressing the expression of FLT3-ITD. Consistently, in in vivo xenografts, GEX1A killed the bulk of leukaemic cells via apoptosis when combined with BCL-xL inhibition. Furthermore, GEX1A repressed leukaemia development by targeting leukaemia stem cells through inhibiting FASTK mitochondrial isoform expression across sensitive and non-sensitive leukaemia types. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that GEX1A is a potent anti-leukaemic agent in combination with BCL-xL inhibitors, which targets leukaemic blasts and leukaemia stem cells through distinct mechanisms.
Collapse
|
19
|
Lohan-Codeço M, Barambo-Wagner ML, Nasciutti LE, Ribeiro Pinto LF, Meireles Da Costa N, Palumbo A. Molecular mechanisms associated with chemoresistance in esophageal cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:116. [PMID: 35113247 PMCID: PMC11073146 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most incident and lethal tumors worldwide. Although surgical resection is an important approach in EC treatment, late diagnosis, metastasis and recurrence after surgery have led to the management of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies over the past few decades. In this scenario, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CISP), and more recently paclitaxel (PTX) and carboplatin (CBP), have been traditionally used in EC treatment. However, chemoresistance to these agents along EC therapeutic management represents the main obstacle to successfully treat this malignancy. In this sense, despite the fact that most of chemotherapy drugs were discovered several decades ago, in many cases, including EC, they still represent the most affordable and widely employed treatment approach for these tumors. Therefore, this review summarizes the main mechanisms through which the response to the most widely chemotherapeutic agents used in EC treatment is impaired, such as drug metabolism, apoptosis resistance, cancer stem cells (CSCs), cell cycle, autophagy, energetic metabolism deregulation, tumor microenvironment and epigenetic modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Lohan-Codeço
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria Luísa Barambo-Wagner
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eurico Nasciutti
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luis Felipe Ribeiro Pinto
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Meireles Da Costa
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Palumbo
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Role of NR4A family members in myeloid cells and leukemia. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 3:23-36. [PMID: 35496823 PMCID: PMC9040138 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2022.02.001] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The myeloid cellular compartment comprises monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and granulocytes. As diverse as this group of cells may be, they are all an important part of the innate immune system and are therefore linked by the necessity to be acutely sensitive to their environment and to rapidly and appropriately respond to any changes that may occur. The nuclear orphan receptors NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3 are encoded by immediate early genes as their expression is rapidly induced in response to various signals. It is perhaps because of this characteristic that this family of transcription factors has many known roles in myeloid cells. In this review, we will regroup and discuss the diverse roles NR4As have in different myeloid cell subsets, including in differentiation, migration, activation, and metabolism. We will also highlight the importance these molecules have in the development of myeloid leukemia. NR4A1-3 have important roles in the different cells of the myeloid compartment. These orphan receptors homeostasis, differentiation, and activation. NR4A family is important in suppressing the development of myeloid leukemias. NR4As have been linked to several diseases and could be pharmacological targets.
Collapse
|
21
|
Li M, Gebremedhin KH, Ma D, Pu Z, Xiong T, Xu Y, Kim JS, Peng X. Conditionally Activatable Photoredox Catalysis in Living Systems. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 144:163-173. [PMID: 34963281 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The transformational effect of photoredox catalytic chemistries has inspired new opportunities, enabling us to interrogate nature in ways that are not possible otherwise and to unveil new biotechnologies in therapy and diagnosis. However, the deployment of artificial photoredox catalysis in living systems remains challenging, mired by the off-target risk and safety concerns of photocatalyst toxicity. Here, we present an appealing approach, namely conditionally activatable photoredox catalysis (ConAPC), and as a proof of concept design the first ConAPC architecture (Se-NO2) based upon classic self-immolative chemistry, in which the inherent photocatalytic properties can be temporarily caged while the species becomes active only at the tumor sites via sensing to specific biomarkers. Such a masking strategy allows a spatial-temporal control of photoresponsivity in vitro and in vivo. In particular, for ConAPC design, a new biologically benign metal-free photocatalyst (Se-NH2), which is able to initiate NIR photoredox catalysis to manipulate the cellular electron pool in an O2-independent mechanism of action, is identified. With this unique strategy, potent tumor-specific targeting photocatalytic eradication (TGI: 95%) is obtained in a mouse model. Impressively, favorable features such as high-resolution tumor recognition (SBR: 33.6) and excellent biocompatibility and safety are also achieved. This work therefore offers a new possibility for chemists to leverage artificial photocatalytic reactions toward the development of facile and intelligent photocatalytic theranostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingle Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China.,Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Kalayou Hiluf Gebremedhin
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China.,Department of Chemistry, CNCS, Mekelle University, 231 Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Dandan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongji Pu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunjie Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Xiaojun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Dalian University of Technology in Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518057, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Payapilly A, Guilbert R, Descamps T, White G, Magee P, Zhou C, Kerr A, Simpson KL, Blackhall F, Dive C, Malliri A. TIAM1-RAC1 promote small-cell lung cancer cell survival through antagonizing Nur77-induced BCL2 conformational change. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109979. [PMID: 34758330 PMCID: PMC8595642 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), an aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy, has limited treatment options beyond platinum-based chemotherapy, whereafter acquired resistance is rapid and common. By analyzing expression data from SCLC tumors, patient-derived models, and established cell lines, we show that the expression of TIAM1, an activator of the small GTPase RAC1, is associated with a neuroendocrine gene program. TIAM1 depletion or RAC1 inhibition reduces viability and tumorigenicity of SCLC cells by increasing apoptosis associated with conversion of BCL2 from its pro-survival to pro-apoptotic function via BH3 domain exposure. This conversion is dependent upon cytoplasmic translocation of Nur77, an orphan nuclear receptor. TIAM1 interacts with and sequesters Nur77 in SCLC cell nuclei and TIAM1 depletion or RAC1 inhibition promotes Nur77 translocation to the cytoplasm. Mutant TIAM1 with reduced Nur77 binding fails to suppress apoptosis triggered by TIAM1 depletion. In conclusion, TIAM1-RAC1 signaling promotes SCLC cell survival via Nur77 nuclear sequestration.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/metabolism
- Protein Conformation
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/chemistry
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/genetics
- Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/metabolism
- Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/pathology
- T-Lymphoma Invasion and Metastasis-inducing Protein 1/genetics
- T-Lymphoma Invasion and Metastasis-inducing Protein 1/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- rac1 GTP-Binding Protein/genetics
- rac1 GTP-Binding Protein/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Payapilly
- Cell Signalling Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK
| | - Ryan Guilbert
- Cell Signalling Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK
| | - Tine Descamps
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Gavin White
- Cell Signalling Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Magee
- Cell Signalling Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK
| | - Cong Zhou
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Alastair Kerr
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Kathryn L Simpson
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Fiona Blackhall
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Caroline Dive
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Angeliki Malliri
- Cell Signalling Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gasymov OK, Celik S, Agaeva G, Akyuz S, Kecel-Gunduz S, Qocayev NM, Ozel AE, Agaeva U, Bakhishova M, Aliyev JA. Evaluation of anti-cancer and anti-covid-19 properties of cationic pentapeptide Glu-Gln-Arg-Pro-Arg, from rice bran protein and its d-isomer analogs through molecular docking simulations. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 108:107999. [PMID: 34352727 PMCID: PMC8325105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.107999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Bioactive peptides derived from food proteins are becoming increasingly popular due to the growing awareness of their health-promoting properties. The structure and mechanism of anti-cancer action of pentapeptide Glu-Gln-Arg-Pro-Arg (EQRPR) derived from a rice bran protein are not known. Theoretical and experimental methods were employed to fill this gap. The conformation analysis of the EQRPR pentapeptide was performed first and the obtained lowest energy conformer was optimized. The experimental structural data obtained by FTIR and CD spectroscopies agree well with the theoretical results. d-isomer introduced one-by-one to each position and all D-isomers of the peptide were also examined for its possible anti-proteolytic and activity enhancement properties. The molecular docking revealed avid binding of the pentapeptide to the integrins α5β1 and αIIbβ3, with Kd values of 90 nM and 180 nM, respectively. Moreover, the EQRPR and its D-isomers showed strong binding affinities to apo- and holo-forms of Mpro, spike glycoprotein, ACE2, and dACE2. The predicted results indicate that the pentapeptide may significantly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, the peptide has the potential to be the leading molecule in the drug discovery process as having multifunctional with diverse biological activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oktay K Gasymov
- Laboratory of Structure, Dynamics and Functions of Biomolecules, Institute of Biophysics of ANAS, 117 Z. Khalilov, Baku, AZ1171, Azerbaijan.
| | - Sefa Celik
- Physics Department, Science Faculty, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, 34134, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulshen Agaeva
- Department of Biophysics, Institute for Physical Problems, Baku State University, Z.Khalilov, 23, Baku, AZ1148, Azerbaijan
| | - Sevim Akyuz
- Physics Department, Science and Letters Faculty, Istanbul Kultur University, Atakoy Campus, Bakirkoy 34156, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serda Kecel-Gunduz
- Physics Department, Science Faculty, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, 34134, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Niftali M Qocayev
- Department of Physics, Baku State University, Z.Khalilov, 23, Baku, AZ1148, Azerbaijan
| | - Ayşen E Ozel
- Physics Department, Science Faculty, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, 34134, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ulker Agaeva
- Department of Biophysics, Institute for Physical Problems, Baku State University, Z.Khalilov, 23, Baku, AZ1148, Azerbaijan
| | - Matanat Bakhishova
- Laboratory of Structure, Dynamics and Functions of Biomolecules, Institute of Biophysics of ANAS, 117 Z. Khalilov, Baku, AZ1171, Azerbaijan
| | - Jamil A Aliyev
- National Center of Oncology, Azerbaijan Republic Ministry of Health, H.Zardabi, 79B, Baku, AZ1012, Azerbaijan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
di Martino O, Niu H, Hadwiger G, Ferris MA, Welch JS. Cytokine exposure mediates transcriptional activation of the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 in hematopoietic cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101240. [PMID: 34571009 PMCID: PMC8528724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is an immediate-early response gene that based on tissue and cell context is implicated in a plethora of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metabolism, and inflammation. Nur77 has a ligand-binding pocket that is obstructed by hydrophobic side groups. Naturally occurring, cell-endogenous ligands have not been identified, and Nur77 transcriptional activity is thought to be regulated through posttranslational modification and modulation of protein levels. To determine whether Nur77 is transcriptionally active in hematopoietic cells in vivo, we used an upstream activating sequence (UAS)-GFP transgenic reporter. We found that Nur77 is transcriptionally inactive in vivo in hematopoietic cells under basal conditions, but that activation occurs following cytokine exposure by G-CSF or IL-3. We also identified a series of serine residues required for cytokine-dependent transactivation of Nur77. Moreover, a kinase inhibitor library screen and proximity labeling-based mass spectrometry identified overlapping kinase pathways that physically interacted with Nur77 and whose inhibition abrogated cytokine-induced activation of Nur77. We determined that transcriptional activation of Nur77 by G-CSF or IL-3 requires functional JAK and mTor signaling since their inhibition leads to Nur77 transcriptional inactivation. Thus, intracellular cytokine signaling networks appear to regulate Nur77 transcriptional activity in mouse hematopoietic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orsola di Martino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Haixia Niu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Gayla Hadwiger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Margaret A Ferris
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John S Welch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Peng SZ, Chen XH, Chen SJ, Zhang J, Wang CY, Liu WR, Zhang D, Su Y, Zhang XK. Phase separation of Nur77 mediates celastrol-induced mitophagy by promoting the liquidity of p62/SQSTM1 condensates. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5989. [PMID: 34645818 PMCID: PMC8514450 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation promotes the formation of membraneless condensates that mediate diverse cellular functions, including autophagy of misfolded proteins. However, how phase separation participates in autophagy of dysfunctional mitochondria (mitophagy) remains obscure. We previously discovered that nuclear receptor Nur77 (also called TR3, NGFI-B, or NR4A1) translocates from the nucleus to mitochondria to mediate celastrol-induced mitophagy through interaction with p62/SQSTM1. Here, we show that the ubiquitinated mitochondrial Nur77 forms membraneless condensates capable of sequestrating damaged mitochondria by interacting with the UBA domain of p62/SQSTM1. However, tethering clustered mitochondria to the autophagy machinery requires an additional interaction mediated by the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of Nur77 and the N-terminal PB1 domain of p62/SQSTM1, which confers Nur77-p62/SQSTM1 condensates with the magnitude and liquidity. Our results demonstrate how composite multivalent interaction between Nur77 and p62/SQSTM1 coordinates to sequester damaged mitochondria and to connect targeted cargo mitochondria for autophagy, providing mechanistic insight into mitophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Zhou Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Si-Jie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Chuan-Ying Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Wei-Rong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Ying Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
- NucMito Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Nuclear receptor Nur77: its role in chronic inflammatory diseases. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:927-939. [PMID: 34328179 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20210004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nur77 is a nuclear receptor that has been implicated as a regulator of inflammatory disease. The expression of Nur77 increases upon stimulation of immune cells and is differentially expressed in chronically inflamed organs in human and experimental models. Furthermore, in a variety of animal models dedicated to study inflammatory diseases, changes in Nur77 expression alter disease outcome. The available studies comprise a wealth of information on the function of Nur77 in diverse cell types and tissues. Negative cross-talk of Nur77 with the NFκB signaling complex is an example of Nur77 effector function. An alternative mechanism of action has been established, involving Nur77-mediated modulation of metabolism in macrophages as well as in T cells. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the role of Nur77 in atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis. Detailed insight in the control of inflammatory responses will be essential in order to advance Nur77-targeted therapeutic interventions in inflammatory disease.
Collapse
|
27
|
Willems S, Zaienne D, Merk D. Targeting Nuclear Receptors in Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9592-9638. [PMID: 34251209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors, also known as ligand-activated transcription factors, regulate gene expression upon ligand signals and present as attractive therapeutic targets especially in chronic diseases. Despite the therapeutic relevance of some nuclear receptors in various pathologies, their potential in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation is insufficiently established. This perspective gathers preclinical and clinical data for a potential role of individual nuclear receptors as future targets in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, and concomitantly evaluates the level of medicinal chemistry targeting these proteins. Considerable evidence suggests the high promise of ligand-activated transcription factors to counteract neurodegenerative diseases with a particularly high potential of several orphan nuclear receptors. However, potent tools are lacking for orphan receptors, and limited central nervous system exposure or insufficient selectivity also compromises the suitability of well-studied nuclear receptor ligands for functional studies. Medicinal chemistry efforts are needed to develop dedicated high-quality tool compounds for the therapeutic validation of nuclear receptors in neurodegenerative pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Willems
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Zaienne
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Merk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
NR4A1 Ligands as Potent Inhibitors of Breast Cancer Cell and Tumor Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112682. [PMID: 34072371 PMCID: PMC8198788 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77, TR3) is more highly expressed in breast and solid tumors compared to non-tumor tissues and is a pro-oncogenic factor in solid tumor-derived cancers. NR4A1 regulates cancer cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, and bis-indole-derived compounds (CDIMs) that bind NR4A1 act as antagonists and inhibit tumor growth. Preliminary structure-binding studies identified 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(3,5-disubstitutedphenyl)methane analogs as NR4A1 ligands with low KD values; we further investigated the anticancer activity of the four most active analogs (KD's ≤ 3.1 µM) in breast cancer cells and in athymic mouse xenograft models. The treatment of MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 breast cancer cells with the 3-bromo-5-methoxy, 3-chloro-5-trifluoromethoxy, 3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl, and 3-bromo-5-trifluoromethoxy phenyl-substituted analogs decreased cell growth and the expression of epidermal of growth factor receptor (EGFR), hepatocyte growth factor receptor (cMET), and PD-L1 as well as inhibited mTOR phosphorylation. In addition, all four compounds inhibited tumor growth in athymic nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 cells (orthotopic) at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d, which was not accompanied by changes in body weight. These 3,5-disubstituted analogs were the most potent CDIM/NR4A1 ligands reported and are being further developed for clinical applications.
Collapse
|
29
|
Hu QY, Zhang XK, Wang JN, Chen HX, He LP, Tang JS, Yao XS, Liu J. Malayoside, a cardenolide glycoside extracted from Antiaris toxicaria Lesch, induces apoptosis in human non-small lung cancer cells via MAPK-Nur77 signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114622. [PMID: 34043967 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with poor prognosis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy, is the most common histological type of lung cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new and more effective treatment strategy for NSCLC. Nur77, an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, induces apoptosis in cancer cells including NSCLC cells, by high expression and translocation to mitochondria. Small molecules trigger expression and mitochondrial localization of Nur77 may be an ideal anti-cancer drug candidate. Here, we report malayoside, a cardiac glycoside in the extract of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch., had different sensitivities to NSCLC cells. Malayoside induced apoptosis in NCI-H460 cells. Meanwhile, malayoside induced Nur77 expression and mitochondrial localization, and its induction of apoptosis was Nur77-dependent. To investigate the molecular mechanism of malayoside inducing Nur77 and apoptosis, we found that malayoside activated MAPK signaling pathway, including both ERK and p38 phosphorylation. The suppression of MAPK signaling activation inhibited the expression of Nur77 and apoptosis induced by malayoside. Our studies in nude mice showed that malayside potently inhibited the growth of tumor cells in vivo. Furthermore, the anti-cancer effect of malayosidwas in vivo was also related to the elevated expression of Nur77, p-ERK, and p-p38 proteins. Our results suggest that malayoside possesses an anti-NSCLC activity in vitro and in vivo mainly via activation of MAPK-Nur77 signaling pathway, indicating that malayoside is a promising chemotherapeutic candidate for NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Ying Hu
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao-Xuan Chen
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lian-Ping He
- School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin-Shan Tang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xin-Sheng Yao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu L, Ma D, Zhuo L, Pang X, You J, Feng J. Progress and Promise of Nur77-based Therapeutics for Central Nervous System Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:486-497. [PMID: 32504502 PMCID: PMC8206462 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200606231723] [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: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nur77 belongs to the NR4A subgroup of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Unlike other nuclear receptors, a natural ligand for Nur77 has not been identified yet. However, a few small molecules can interact with this receptor and induce a conformational change to mediate its activity. The expression and activation of Nur77 can be rapidly increased using various physiological and pathological stimuli. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated its regulatory role in tissues and cells of multiple systems by means of participation in cell differentiation, apoptosis, metabolism, mitochondrial homeostasis, and other processes. Although research on Nur77 in the pathophysiology of the central nervous system (CNS) is currently limited, the present data support the fact that Nur77 is involved in many neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease. This indicates that activation of Nur77 has considerable potential in treating these diseases. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of Nur77 in CNS diseases and presents available evidence for its potential as targeted therapy, especially for cerebrovascular and inflammation-related CNS diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Di Ma
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - La Zhuo
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xinyuan Pang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jiulin You
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jiachun Feng
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Xie G, Zhou Y, Tu X, Ye X, Xu L, Xiao Z, Wang Q, Wang X, Du M, Chen Z, Chi X, Zhang X, Xia J, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Li Z, Xie C, Sheng L, Zeng Z, Zhou H, Yin Z, Su Y, Xu Y, Zhang XK. Centrosomal Localization of RXRα Promotes PLK1 Activation and Mitotic Progression and Constitutes a Tumor Vulnerability. Dev Cell 2020; 55:707-722.e9. [PMID: 33321102 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα), a nuclear receptor of transcription factor, controls various physiological and pathological pathways including cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Here, we report that RXRα is phosphorylated at its N-terminal A/B domain by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) at the onset of mitosis, triggering its translocation to the centrosome, where phosphorylated-RXRα (p-RXRα) interacts with polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) through its N-terminal A/B domain by a unique mechanism. The interaction promotes PLK1 activation, centrosome maturation, and mitotic progression. Levels of p-RXRα are abnormally elevated in cancer cell lines, during carcinogenesis in animals, and in clinical tumor tissues. An RXRα ligand XS060, which specifically inhibits p-RXRα/PLK1 interaction but not RXRα heterodimerization, promotes mitotic arrest and catastrophe in a tumor-specific manner. These findings unravel a transcription-independent action of RXRα at the centrosome during mitosis and identify p-RXRα as a tumor-specific vulnerability for developing mitotic drugs with improved therapeutic index.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guobin Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yuqi Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; NucMito Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Xiamen 361101, Fujian, China
| | - Xuhuang Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohong Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Lin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Zhijian Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Qiqiang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Mingxuan Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Ziwen Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; NucMito Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Xiamen 361101, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoqin Chi
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Ji Xia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yunxia Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Zongxi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Chengrong Xie
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian, China
| | - Luoyan Sheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiping Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; NucMito Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Xiamen 361101, Fujian, China
| | - Yang Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Regulatory Effects of Nur77 on Airway Remodeling and ASMC Proliferation in House Dust Mite-Induced Asthma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/4565246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Airway remodeling played a vital role in the development of asthma, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass was its hallmark. However, few strategies targeting ASM remodeling were developed in treating asthma. Nur77 was the transcription factor nuclear receptor involved in the pathogenesis of several lung diseases. Nur77 distribution and expression were determined in an HDM-mediated allergic asthma model. Its effect on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), chronic inflammation, and ASM remodeling in asthmatic mice was evaluated using a lentivirus-mediated shRNA. Possible mechanisms were explored by examining Nur77 actions and its underlying pathways in primary human AMC cells (ASMCs). In this study, we reported that Nur77 expression was mainly distributed along ASM and increased in lungs of HDM-challenged mice. Nur77 depletion by lentivirus-mediated shRNA ameliorated AHR, chronic inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway remodeling in the asthmatic mouse model. By means of primary human ASMC, we discovered that Nur77 upregulation by HDM stimulation promoted cell proliferation and ROS production, as well as reduced antioxidant gene expression. These alterations might associate with MFN2/MAPK/AKT pathways. These findings broadened our understanding of airway remodeling and ASMC proliferation, which might provide a novel therapeutic target for asthma patients.
Collapse
|
33
|
Tu X, Chen X, Zhang D, Gao M, Liang J, Bao G, Zhang J, Peng S, Zhang X, Zeng Z, Su Y. Optimization of novel oxidative DIMs as Nur77 modulators of the Nur77-Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113020. [PMID: 33279290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nur77, an orphan nuclear receptor, is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Nur77 plays important roles in various biological processes. Previously we reported that BI1071(DIM-C-pPhCF3+MeSO3-), an oxidized form and methanesulfonate salt of (4-CF3-Ph-C-DIM), can modulate Nur77's non-genomic apoptotic pathway through that Nur77 translocated from the nucleus to mitochondria to induce cytochrome c releasing and promote apoptosis of cancer cell. Here we report our efforts to further optimize BI1071. A series of BI1071 analogs were designed, synthesized and their apoptosis potency was systematically evaluated. Our preliminary structure-activity relationship study identified compound 10b as a better modulator with strong binding to Nur77 and enhanced apoptotic activity. Binding studies demonstrated that 10b could bind to its target Nur77 with an affinity value of 33 nM. Furthermore, mechanism studies reveal that 10b acts as an anticancer agent by utilizing the Nur77-Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Molecular Docking Simulation
- Molecular Structure
- Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/metabolism
- Oxidation-Reduction
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Structure-Activity Relationship
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuhuang Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Dongliang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Meichun Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Jingmei Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Guoliang Bao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Shuangzhou Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Xiaokun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China
| | - Zhiping Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China.
| | - Ying Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Fujian, 361002, China; NucMito Pharmaceuticals, Xiamen 361000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang Y, Gao W, Li Y, Chow ST, Xie W, Zhang X, Zhou J, Chan FL. Interplay between orphan nuclear receptors and androgen receptor-dependent or-independent growth signalings in prostate cancer. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 78:100921. [PMID: 33121737 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is well-established that both the initial and advanced growth of prostate cancer depends critically on androgens and thus on the activated androgen receptor (AR) -mediated signaling pathway. The unique hormone-dependent feature of prostate cancer forms the biological basis of hormone or androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) that aims to suppress the AR signaling by androgen depletion or AR antagonists. ADT still remains the mainstay treatment option for locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. However, most patients upon ADT will inevitably develop therapy-resistance and progress to relapse in the form of castration-resistant disease (castration-resistant prostate cancer or CRPC) or even a more aggressive androgen-independent subtype (therapy-related neuroendocrine prostate cancer or NEPC). Recent advances show that besides AR, some ligand-independent members of nuclear receptor superfamily-designated as orphan nuclear receptors (ONRs), as their endogenous physiological ligands are either absent or not yet identified to date, also play significant roles in the growth regulation of prostate cancer via multiple AR-dependent or -independent (AR-bypass) pathways or mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the newly elucidated roles of ONRs in prostate cancer, with a focus on their interplay in the AR-dependent pathways (intratumoral androgen biosynthesis and suppression of AR signaling) and AR-independent pathways or cellular processes (hypoxia, oncogene- or tumor suppressor-induced senescence, apoptosis and regulation of prostate cancer stem cells). These ONRs with their newly characterized roles not only can serve as novel biomarkers but also as potential therapeutic targets for management of advanced prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuliang Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Weijie Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Youjia Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sin Ting Chow
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenjuan Xie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianfu Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510370, China
| | - Franky Leung Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Safe S, Karki K. The Paradoxical Roles of Orphan Nuclear Receptor 4A (NR4A) in Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:180-191. [PMID: 33106376 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The three-orphan nuclear receptor 4A genes are induced by diverse stressors and stimuli, and there is increasing evidence that NR4A1 (Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1), and NR4A3 (Nor1) play an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and in pathophysiology. In blood-derived tumors (leukemias and lymphomas), NR4A expression is low and NR4A1-/-/NR4A3-/- double knockout mice rapidly develop acute myelocytic leukemia, suggesting that these receptors exhibit tumor suppressor activity. Treatment of leukemia and most lymphoma cells with drugs that induce expression of NR4A1and NR4A3 enhances apoptosis, and this represents a potential clinical application for treating this disease. In contrast, most solid tumor-derived cell lines express high levels of NR4A1 and NR4A2, and both receptors exhibit pro-oncogenic activities in solid tumors, whereas NR4A3 exhibits tumor-specific activities. Initial studies with retinoids and apoptosis-inducing agents demonstrated that their cytotoxic activity is NR4A1 dependent and involved drug-induced nuclear export of NR4A1 and formation of a mitochondrial proapoptotic NR4A1-bcl-2 complex. Drug-induced nuclear export of NR4A1 has been reported for many agents/biologics and involves interactions with multiple mitochondrial and extramitochondrial factors to induce apoptosis. Synthetic ligands for NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 have been identified, and among these compounds, bis-indole derived (CDIM) NR4A1 ligands primarily act on nuclear NR4A1 to inhibit NR4A1-regulated pro-oncogenic pathways/genes and similar results have been observed for CDIMs that bind NR4A2. Based on results of laboratory animal studies development of NR4A inducers (blood-derived cancers) and NR4A1/NR4A2 antagonists (solid tumors) may be promising for cancer therapy and also for enhancing immune surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
| | - Keshav Karki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lith SC, van Os BW, Seijkens TTP, de Vries CJM. 'Nur'turing tumor T cell tolerance and exhaustion: novel function for Nuclear Receptor Nur77 in immunity. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1643-1652. [PMID: 33063848 PMCID: PMC7702156 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear receptor Nur77 is expressed in a multitude of tissues, regulating cell differentiation and homeostasis. Dysregulation of Nur77 signaling is associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and disorders of the CNS. The role of Nur77 in T cells has been studied for almost 30 years now. There is a clear appreciation that Nur77 is crucial for apoptosis of self‐reactive T cells. However, the regulation and function of Nur77 in mature T cells remains largely unclear. In an exciting development, Nur77 has been recently demonstrated to impinge on cancer immunotherapy involving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). These studies indicated that Nur77 deficiency reduced T cell tolerance and exhaustion, thus raising the effectiveness of immune therapy in mice. Based on these novel insights, it may be proposed that regulation of Nur77 activity holds promise for innovative drug development in the field of cellular immunotherapy in cancer. In this review, we therefore summarize the role of Nur77 in T cell selection and maturation; and further develop the idea of targeting its activity in these cells as a potential strategy to augment current cancer immunotherapy treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne C Lith
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bram W van Os
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom T P Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlie J M de Vries
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Role of Nurr1 in Carcinogenesis and Tumor Immunology: A State of the Art Review. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103044. [PMID: 33086676 PMCID: PMC7590204 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nuclear receptor related-1 protein (Nurr1) emerges as a therapeutic target in multiple malignancies and immunotherapies. Previous studies have highlighted its association with clinicopathological parameters, tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in cancers. In addition, recent studies unraveled its contribution to the suppression of antitumor immunity, suggesting that inhibition of Nurr1 is a potential method to repress cancer aggressiveness and disrupt tumor immune tolerance. In line with this evidence, the present review provides the roles of Nurr1 in tumor progression and the associated underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the significance of Nurr1 in promoting immune tolerance and potential strategies for Nurr1 inhibition are highlighted. Abstract Nuclear receptor related-1 protein (Nurr1), coded by an early response gene, is involved in multiple cellular and physiological functions, including proliferation, survival, and self-renewal. Dysregulation of Nurr1 has been frequently observed in many cancers and is attributed to multiple transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Besides, Nurr1 exhibits extensive crosstalk with many oncogenic and tumor suppressor molecules, which contribute to its potential pro-malignant behaviors. Furthermore, Nurr1 is a key player in attenuating antitumor immune responses. It not only potentiates immunosuppressive functions of regulatory T cells but also dampens the activity of cytotoxic T cells. The selective accessibility of chromatin by Nurr1 in T cells is closely associated with cell exhaustion and poor efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the reported findings of Nurr1 in different malignancies, the mechanisms that regulate Nurr1 expression, and the downstream signaling pathways that Nurr1 employs to promote a wide range of malignant phenotypes. We also give an overview of the association between Nurr1 and antitumor immunity and discuss the inhibition of Nurr1 as a potential immunotherapeutic strategy.
Collapse
|
38
|
Wan PKT, Leung THY, Siu MKY, Mo XT, Tang HWM, Chan KKL, Cheung ANY, Ngan HYS. HPV-induced Nurr1 promotes cancer aggressiveness, self-renewal, and radioresistance via ERK and AKT signaling in cervical cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 497:14-27. [PMID: 33010383 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiological agent of cervical cancer; however, the mechanisms underlying HPV-mediated carcinogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that nuclear receptor related-1 protein (Nurr1) was upregulated in primary cervical cancer tissue-derived spheroid cells and HPV-positive cell lines, and Nurr1 upregulation was correlated with cancer grade. Nurr1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent cell growth. In addition to its effect on cancer aggressiveness, Nurr1 enhanced the self-renewal ability of cells in vitro and in vivo, underscoring the importance of Nurr1 in maintaining the stemness of cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs). Mechanistically, Nurr1 independently activated the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascades. The MEK inhibitor trametinib (GSK) and PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor dactolisib (BEZ) were shown to abrogate Nurr1-augmented tumorigenesis by upregulating p21 and p27 expression and by suppressing MMP9 and KLF4 expression. We provided further evidence that BEZ, but not GSK, could abolish Nurr1-enhanced radioresistance, suggesting its potential value for radiosensitizing CSLCs in the clinical setting. This study highlights the unprecedented roles of Nurr1 and elucidates mechanisms by which Nurr1 promotes tumor progression and radioresistance, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kok-Ting Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Thomas Ho-Yin Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Michelle Kwan-Yee Siu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Xue-Tang Mo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hermit Wai-Man Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Karen Kar-Loen Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Annie Nga-Yin Cheung
- Department of Pathology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hextan Yuen-Sheung Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yu Z, Li L, Wang C, He H, Liu G, Ma H, Pang L, Jiang M, Lu Q, Li P, Qi H. Cantharidin Induces Apoptosis and Promotes Differentiation of AML Cells Through Nuclear Receptor Nur77-Mediated Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1321. [PMID: 32982739 PMCID: PMC7485522 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and accumulation of myeloblasts in the bone marrow (BM), blood, and other organs. The nuclear receptors Nur77 is a common feature in leukemic blasts and has emerged as a key therapeutic target for AML. Cantharidin (CTD), a main medicinal component of Mylabris (blister beetle), exerts an anticancer effect in multiple types of cancer cells. Purpose This study aims to characterize the anti-AML activity of CTD in vitro and in vivo and explore the potential role of Nur77 signaling pathway. Study Design/Methods The inhibition of CTD on cell viability was performed in different AML cells, and then the inhibition of CTD on proliferation and colony formation was detected in HL-60 cells. Induction of apoptosis and promotion of differentiation by CTD were further determined. Then, the potential role of Nur77 signaling pathway was assessed. Finally, anti-AML activity was evaluated in NOD/SCID mice. Results In our study, CTD exhibited potent inhibition on cell viability and colony formation ability of AML cells. Moreover, CTD significantly induced the apoptosis, which was partially reversed by Z-VAD-FMK. Meanwhile, CTD promoted the cleavage of caspases 8, 3 and PARP in HL-60 cells. Furthermore, CTD obviously suppressed the proliferation and induced the cell cycle arrest of HL-60 cells at G2/M phase. Meanwhile, CTD effectively promoted the differentiation of HL-60 cells. Notably, CTD transiently induced the expression of Nur77 protein. Interestingly, CTD promoted Nur77 translocation from the nucleus to the mitochondria and enhanced the interaction between Nur77 and Bcl-2, resulting in the exposure of the BH3 domain of Bcl-2, which is critical for the conversion of Bcl-2 from an antiapoptotic to a proapoptotic protein. Importantly, silencing of Nur77 attenuated CTD-induced apoptosis, reversed CTD-mediated cell cycle arrest and differentiation of HL-60 cells. Additionally, CTD also exhibited an antileukemic effect in NOD/SCID mice with the injection of HL-60 cells into the tail vein. Conclusions Our studies suggest that Nur77-mediated signaling pathway may play a critical role in the induction of apoptosis and promotion of differentiation by CTD on AML cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zanyang Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengqiang Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gen Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haoyue Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Pang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingdong Jiang
- Radiotherapy Department, Chongqing Ninth People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianwei Lu
- Radiotherapy Department, Chongqing Ninth People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan Li
- Radiotherapy Department, Chongqing Ninth People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyi Qi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pan Z, Chen Q, Zheng X, Wang K, Duan Y, Xiao K, Jia Z, Ding X. JuBei Oral Liquid Induces Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis in NSCLC Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:7585-7598. [PMID: 32821122 PMCID: PMC7423349 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s254464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although gefitinib brings about tremendous advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, most of patients become incurable due to drug resistance. JuBei oral liquid (JB) has been widely used to treat pneumonia in clinic. Components of JB were reported to induce apoptosis in NSCLC, which indicated that JB could be a potential antitumor agent for NSCLC patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of JB on gefitinib-sensitive PC-9 and gefitinib-resistant PC-9/GR, H1975 cells as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods PC-9, PC-9/GR and H1975 cells were treated with JB, LY294002, SCH772984, gefitinib alone or in combination. Then, cell viability, colony formation, cell death, expression of mitochondria-dependent pathway proteins, expression of EGFR, PI3K/AKT, MAPK signal pathway proteins, Bcl-2 mitochondrial translocation, ROS generation and cell apoptosis were examined by MTT, colony forming, live/dead cell staining, Western blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assay. Results Our results showed that JB significantly induced cell growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death in PC-9, PC-9/GR and H1975 cells. JB activated mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway through inhibiting Bcl-2 mitochondrial translocation while inducing Bax translocated into mitochondria along with accumulated ROS production, thereby increasing the release of cytochrome c, subsequently cleaving procaspase9 into cleaved-caspase9 and then cleaving procaspase3 into cleaved-caspase3. Furthermore, the employment of protein kinase inhibitors LY294002 and SCH772984 revealed that the induction of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by JB was reliant on inactivation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK signal pathways. Moreover, JB could synergize with gefitinib to induce apoptosis in PC-9, PC-9/GR and H1975 cells. Conclusion These data indicated that JB could be a potential therapeutic agent for NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutations as well as those under gefitinib resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Pan
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiufang Chen
- Department of Science and Education, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiulan Zheng
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalei Duan
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Xiao
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhirong Jia
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuansheng Ding
- Department of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Carotenoid metabolism in mitochondrial function. FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/fqsafe/fyaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that are found in most eukaryotic organisms. It is broadly accepted that mitochondria originally evolved from prokaryotic bacteria, e.g. proteobacteria. The mitochondrion has its independent genome that encodes 37 genes, including 13 genes for oxidative phosphorylation. Accumulative evidence demonstrates that mitochondria are not only the powerhouse of the cells by supplying adenosine triphosphate, but also exert roles as signalling organelles in the cell fate and function. Numerous factors can affect mitochondria structurally and functionally. Carotenoids are a large group of fat-soluble pigments commonly found in our diets. Recently, much attention has been paid in carotenoids as dietary bioactives in mitochondrial structure and function in human health and disease, though the mechanistic research is limited. Here, we update the recent progress in mitochondrial functioning as signalling organelles in human health and disease, summarize the potential roles of carotenoids in regulation of mitochondrial redox homeostasis, biogenesis, and mitophagy, and discuss the possible approaches for future research in carotenoid regulation of mitochondrial function.
Collapse
|
42
|
12-Deacetyl-12-epi-Scalaradial, a Scalarane Sesterterpenoid from a Marine Sponge Hippospongia sp., Induces HeLa Cells Apoptosis via MAPK/ERK Pathway and Modulates Nuclear Receptor Nur77. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18070375. [PMID: 32708154 PMCID: PMC7403966 DOI: 10.3390/md18070375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
12-Deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial, a scalarane sesterterpenoid from a marine sponge Hippospongia sp, has been reported to possess cytotoxic activity on HepG2, MCF-7, and HCT-116 cells. However, there is no research to indicate that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial exhibited anticancer effect on cervical cancer HeLa cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer activity of 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial against HeLa cells and to explore the mechanism. The results from a methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay suggested that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial suppressed the proliferation of HeLa cells and flow cytometry analysis showed 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial could induce the apoptosis of HeLa cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial triggered apoptosis via mediating the extrinsic pathway and was found to suppress MAPK/ERK pathway which was associate with cancer cell death. Nur77, a critical number of orphan nuclear receptors, plays diverse roles in tumor development as a transcription factor and has been considered as a promising anticancer drug target. The dual-luciferase reporter assays suggested that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial could selectively enhance the trans-activation activity of Nur77. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis and fluorescence quenching showed that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial could induce the phosphorylation of Nur77 and interact with the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of Nur77. Our research confirmed 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial as a potential agent for cervical cancer therapy and provided a view that 12-deacetyl-12-epi-scalaradial may be a modulator of Nur77.
Collapse
|
43
|
Lee S, Lee JY, Lee EW, Park S, Kang DH, Min C, Lee DJ, Kang D, Song J, Kwon J, Kang SW. Absence of Cytosolic 2-Cys Prx Subtypes I and II Exacerbates TNF-α-Induced Apoptosis via Different Routes. Cell Rep 2020; 26:2194-2211.e6. [PMID: 30784599 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There are abundant peroxiredoxin (Prx) enzymes, but an increase of cellular H2O2 level always happens in apoptotic cells. Here, we show that cellular H2O2 switches different apoptosis pathways depending on which type of Prx enzyme is absent. TNF-α-induced H2O2 burst preferentially activates the DNA damage-dependent apoptosis pathway in the absence of PrxI. By contrast, the same H2O2 burst stimulates the RIPK1-dependent apoptosis pathway in the absence of PrxII by inducing the destruction of cIAP1 in caveolar membrane. Specifically, H2O2 induces the oxidation of Cys308 residue in the cIAP1-BIR3 domain, which induces the dimerization-dependent E3 ligase activation. Thus, the reduction in cIAP level by the absence of PrxII triggers cell-autonomous apoptosis in cancer cells and tumors. Such differential functions of PrxI and PrxII are mediated by interaction with H2AX and cIAP1, respectively. Collectively, this study reveals the distinct switch roles of 2-Cys Prx isoforms in apoptosis signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunmi Lee
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; Research Center for Cell Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Eun Woo Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Sujin Park
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Kang
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; Research Center for Cell Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Chengchun Min
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; Research Center for Cell Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Doo Jae Lee
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; Research Center for Cell Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Dongmin Kang
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Jaewhan Song
- Department of Biochemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jongbum Kwon
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; Research Center for Cell Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Sang Won Kang
- Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; Research Center for Cell Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Reddy AT, Lakshmi SP, Banno A, Jadhav SK, Pulikkal Kadamberi I, Kim SC, Reddy RC. Cigarette smoke downregulates Nur77 to exacerbate inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229256. [PMID: 32084204 PMCID: PMC7034866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoke (CS) contains multiple gaseous and particulate materials that can cause lung inflammation, and smoking is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We sought to determine the mechanisms of how CS triggers lung inflammation. Nur77, a nuclear hormone receptor belonging to the immediate-early response gene family, controls inflammatory responses, mainly by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Because it is unknown if Nur77's anti-inflammatory role modulates COPD, we assessed if and how Nur77 expression and activity are altered in CS-induced airway inflammation. In lung tissues and bronchial epithelial cells from COPD patients, we found Nur77 was downregulated. In a murine model of CS-induced airway inflammation, CS promoted lung inflammation and also reduced Nur77 activity in wild type (WT) mice, whereas lungs of Nur77-deficient mice showed exaggerated CS-induced inflammatory responses. Our findings in in vitro studies of human airway epithelial cells complemented those in vivo data in mice, together showing that CS induced threonine-phosphorylation of Nur77, which is known to interfere with its anti-inflammatory functions. In summary, our findings point to Nur77 as an important regulator of CS-induced inflammatory responses and support the potential benefits of Nur77 activation for COPD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aravind T. Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sowmya P. Lakshmi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Asoka Banno
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shantanu Krishna Jadhav
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ishaque Pulikkal Kadamberi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Seong C. Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Raju C. Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gastric Cancer Stem Cells: Current Insights into the Immune Microenvironment and Therapeutic Targets. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8010007. [PMID: 31935894 PMCID: PMC7168269 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known to be involved in chemotherapy resistance and the development of metastases. Although CSCs harbor self-renewal and tumorigenic abilities, the immune microenvironment surrounding CSCs provides various factors and supports the maintenance of CSC properties. The current review summarizes the accumulating findings regarding the relationship between the immune microenvironment and gastric CSCs (GCSCs), which will support the possibility of developing novel therapeutic strategies for targeting GCSCs.
Collapse
|
46
|
Odagiu L, May J, Boulet S, Baldwin TA, Labrecque N. Role of the Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR4A Family in T-Cell Biology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:624122. [PMID: 33597928 PMCID: PMC7883379 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.624122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear orphan receptors NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 are immediate early genes that are induced by various signals. They act as transcription factors and their activity is not regulated by ligand binding and are thus regulated via their expression levels. Their expression is transiently induced in T cells by triggering of the T cell receptor following antigen recognition during both thymic differentiation and peripheral T cell responses. In this review, we will discuss how NR4A family members impact different aspects of the life of a T cell from thymic differentiation to peripheral response against infections and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Odagiu
- Laboratory of Immunology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julia May
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Salix Boulet
- Laboratory of Immunology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Troy A. Baldwin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Troy A. Baldwin, ; Nathalie Labrecque,
| | - Nathalie Labrecque
- Laboratory of Immunology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Troy A. Baldwin, ; Nathalie Labrecque,
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Czimmerer Z, Halasz L, Nagy L. Unorthodox Transcriptional Mechanisms of Lipid-Sensing Nuclear Receptors in Macrophages: Are We Opening a New Chapter? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:609099. [PMID: 33362723 PMCID: PMC7758493 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.609099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Work over the past 30 years has shown that lipid-activated nuclear receptors form a bridge between metabolism and immunity integrating metabolic and inflammatory signaling in innate immune cells. Ligand-induced direct transcriptional activation and protein-protein interaction-based transrepression were identified as the most common mechanisms of liganded-nuclear receptor-mediated transcriptional regulation. However, the integration of different next-generation sequencing-based methodologies including chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing and global run-on sequencing allowed to investigate the DNA binding and ligand responsiveness of nuclear receptors at the whole-genome level. Surprisingly, these studies have raised the notion that a major portion of lipid-sensing nuclear receptor cistromes are not necessarily responsive to ligand activation. Although the biological role of the ligand insensitive portion of nuclear receptor cistromes is largely unknown, recent findings indicate that they may play roles in the organization of chromatin structure, in the regulation of transcriptional memory, and the epigenomic modification of responsiveness to other microenvironmental signals in macrophages. In this review, we will provide an overview and discuss recent advances of our understanding of lipid-activated nuclear receptor-mediated non-classical or unorthodox actions in macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Czimmerer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Halasz
- Departments of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
| | - Laszlo Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Departments of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Laszlo Nagy,
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Hao W, Hu C, Huang Y, Chen Y. Coadministration of kla peptide with HPRP-A1 to enhance anticancer activity. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223738. [PMID: 31703065 PMCID: PMC6839859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The apoptosis-inducing peptide kla (KLAKLAK)2 possesses the ability to disrupt mitochondrial membranes and induce cancer cell apoptosis, but this peptide has a poor eukaryotic cell-penetrating potential. Thus, it requires the assistance of other peptides for effective translocation at micromolar concentrations. In this study, breast and lung cancer cells were treated by kla peptide co-administrated with membrane-active anticancer peptide HPRP-A1. HPRP-A1 assisted kla to enter cancer cells and localized on mitochondrial membranes to result in cytochrome C releasing and mitochondrial depolarization which ultimately induced apoptosis.The apoptosis rate was up to 65%and 45% on MCF-7 and A549 cell lines, respectively, induced by HPRP-A1 coadministration with kla group. The breast cancer model was constructed in mice, and the anticancer peptides were injected to observe the changes in cancer volume, andimmunohistochemical analysis was performed on the tissues and organs after the drug was administered. Both the weight and volume of tumor tissue were remarkable lower in HPRP-A1 with kla group compared with thosepeptidealonggroups. The results showed that the combined drug group effectively inhibited the growth of cancer and did not cause toxic damage to normal tissues, as well as exhibited significantly improvement on peptide anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Hao
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Cuihua Hu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cross-Scale Micro and Nano Manufacturing, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
- International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Yibing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- JiangsuProteLight Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Jiangyin, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Xiong J, Kuang X, Lu T, Liu X, Cheng B, Wang W, Wei D, Li X, Zhang Z, Fang Q, Wu D, Wang J. Fenretinide-induced Apoptosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells via NR4A1 Translocation into Mitochondria and Bcl-2 Transformation. J Cancer 2019; 10:6767-6778. [PMID: 31839811 PMCID: PMC6909957 DOI: 10.7150/jca.32167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Fenretinide is reported to induce NR4A1-associated apoptosis in several types of cancer cells. However, it remains unclear about its specific role and the underlying mechanism in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of fenretinide-induced apoptosis in AML. METHOD: Firstly, the NR4A1 mRNA level in the newly diagnosed AML patients was measured, then AML cells were treated with fenretinide at various time points and doses, and cell viability was investigated by using the cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Additionally, apoptosis and cell cycles were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Moreover, siNR4A1 was utilized to knockdown NR4A1 expression, and leptomycin B (LMB) was adopted to inhibit the nuclear export; afterwards, the apoptosis rate and expression of apoptotic proteins in AML cells were detected. In addition, the expression levels of NR4A1 in the nuclei and mitochondria of fenretinide-treated AML cells were also measured. Meanwhile, the interaction between NR4A1 and Bcl-2, as well as the Bcl-2 transformation, was also examined. The anti-leukemic effect of fenretinide on NOD/SCID mice was also determined through subcutaneous injection of HL-60 cells. RESULTS: NR4A1 expression in AML patients was markedly down-regulated compared with that in normal donors. Fenretinide induced the expression of NR4A1 and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway-associated proteins in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Importantly, both siNR4A1 alone or the combination of fenretinide with LMB could attenuate the fenretinide-induced apoptosis and expression of apoptotic proteins. Under the action of fenretinide, the NR4A1 protein expression was down-regulated in nuclear extracts whereas up-regulated in mitochondrial extracts. At the same time, fenretinide promoted NR4A1 translocation from nuclei into mitochondria, and enhanced the interaction between NR4A1 and Bcl-2, thereby exposing the BH3 domain of Bcl-2 to exert the anti-apoptotic effect. Moreover, fenretinide also exhibited an anti-leukemic effect and induced NR4A1 expression in the AML mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: Fenretinide exerts an obvious effect on AML cells both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, the NR4A1-mediated signaling pathway is highly involved in the fenretinide-induced apoptosis of AML cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiong
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis under Ministry of Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Suzhou Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation,188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Xingyi Kuang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Tingting Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Bingqing Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Danna Wei
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Qin Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Depei Wu
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis under Ministry of Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Suzhou Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation,188 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jishi Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Hematological Disease Diagnostic & Treat Centre of Guizhou Province. Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550001, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Function of Nr4a Orphan Nuclear Receptors in Proliferation, Apoptosis and Fuel Utilization Across Tissues. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111373. [PMID: 31683815 PMCID: PMC6912296 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nr4a family of nuclear hormone receptors is composed of three members-Nr4a1/Nur77, Nr4a2/Nurr1 and Nr4a3/Nor1. While currently defined as ligandless, these transcription factors have been shown to regulate varied processes across a host of tissues. Of particular interest, the Nr4a family impinge, in a tissue dependent fashion, on cellular proliferation, apoptosis and fuel utilization. The regulation of these processes occurs through both nuclear and non-genomic pathways. The purpose of this review is to provide a balanced perspective of the tissue specific and Nr4a family member specific, effects on cellular proliferation, apoptosis and fuel utilization.
Collapse
|