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Kashani B, Zandi Z, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Yousefi AM, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D. The PI3K signaling pathway; from normal lymphopoiesis to lymphoid malignancies. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38690706 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2350629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As a vital mechanism of survival, lymphopoiesis requires the collaboration of different signaling molecules to orchestrate each step of cell development and maturation. The PI3K pathway is considerably involved in the maturation of lymphatic cells and therefore, its dysregulation can immensely affect human well-being and cause some of the most prevalent malignancies. As a result, studies that investigate this pathway could pave the way for a better understanding of the lymphopoiesis mechanisms, the undesired changes that lead to cancer progression, and how to design drugs to solve this issue. AREAS COVERED The present review addresses the aforementioned aspects of the PI3K pathway and helps pave the way for future therapeutic approaches. In order to access the articles, databases such as Medicine Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were utilized. The search formula was established by identifying main keywords including PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, Lymphopoiesis, Lymphoid malignancies, and inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION The PI3K pathway is crucial for lymphocyte development and differentiation, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention in lymphoid cancers. Studies are focused on developing PI3K inhibitors to impede the progression of hematologic malignancies, highlighting the pathway's significance in lymphoma and lymphoid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Kashani
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, School of Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandi
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, School of Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, School of Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Luo D, Li S, Guo J, Yue H, Shi L, Liu R, Wang J, Shi X. The role and mechanism of AZD5363 anti-leukemia activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176268. [PMID: 38096965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive and heterogeneous hematologic malignancy. Chemotherapy resistance and refractory relapses are the most important challenges in T-ALL. PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway has been implicated in regulating cell survival, T-ALL development and resistance to chemotherapy. We explored the effects of AZD5363 (a potent pan-Akt inhibitor) alone and in combination with autophagy inhibitor hydroxycholoroquine sulfate (HCQ) in cultured CCRF-CEM, Jurkat and PF382 cells and a T-ALL xenograft mouse model. METHODS A xenograft mouse model was used to investigate the effect of AZD5363 on T-ALL progression. MTT assay, flow cytometry, siRNA, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting were performed in cultured CCRF-CEM, Jurkat and PF382 cells. The interaction between AZD5363 and HCQ was explored by molecular docking. RESULTS AZD5363 delayed T-ALL progression and increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and LC3B-II in mice. AZD5363 decreased cells viability by arresting cell cycle in the G1 phase and inducing apoptosis, and, significantly increased the number of autophagosomes (p < 0.01). The increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and LC3B-II, and phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR were significantly, inhibited by AZD5363. HCQ blocked AZD5363-induced autophagy and enhanced AZD5363-induced cell death (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AZD5363 suppressed T-ALL progression and its anti-leukemia activity was enhanced by HCQ in T-ALL cells, which might provide a potential therapeutic strategy for human T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Luo
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Shen Li
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Huixuan Yue
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Lixiao Shi
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Xiaodong Shi
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China.
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Jamal M, Lei Y, He H, Zeng X, Bangash HI, Xiao D, Shao L, Zhou F, Zhang Q. CCR9 overexpression promotes T-ALL progression by enhancing cholesterol biosynthesis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1257289. [PMID: 37745085 PMCID: PMC10512069 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1257289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy of the lymphoid progenitor cells, contributing to ∼ 20% of the total ALL cases, with a higher prevalence in adults than children. Despite the important role of human T-ALL cell lines in understanding the pathobiology of the disease, a detailed comparison of the tumorigenic potentials of two commonly used T-ALL cell lines, MOLT4 and JURKAT cells, is still lacking. Methodology: In the present study, NOD-Prkdc scid IL2rgd ull (NTG) mice were intravenously injected with MOLT4, JURKAT cells, and PBS as a control. The leukemiac cell homing/infiltration into the bone marrow, blood, liver and spleen was investigated for bioluminescence imaging, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry staining. Gene expression profiling of the two cell lines was performed via RNA-seq to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). CCR9 identified as a DEG, was further screened for its role in invasion and metastasis in both cell lines in vitro. Moreover, a JURKAT cell line with overexpressed CCR9 (Jurkat-OeCCR9) was investigated for T-ALL formation in the NTG mice as compared to the GFP control. Jurkat-OeCCR9 cells were then subjected to transcriptome analysis to identify the genes and pathways associated with the upregulation of CCR9 leading to enhanced tumirogenesis. The DEGs of the CCR9-associated upregulation were validated both at mRNA and protein levels. Simvastatin was used to assess the effect of cholesterol biosynthesis inhibition on the aggressiveness of T-ALL cells. Results: Comparison of the leukemogenic potentials of the two T-ALL cell lines showed the relatively higher leukemogenic potential of MOLT4 cells, characterized by their enhanced tissue infiltration in NOD-PrkdcscidIL2rgdull (NTG) mice. Transcriptmoe analysis of the two cell lines revealed numerous DEGs, including CCR9, enriched in vital signaling pathways associated with growth and proliferation. Notably, the upregulation of CCR9 also promoted the tissue infiltration of JURKAT cells in vitro and in NTG mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CCR9 overexpression facilitated cholesterol production by upregulating the expression of the transcriptional factor SREBF2, and the downstream genes: MSMO1, MVD, HMGCS1, and HMGCR, which was then corroborated at the protein levels. Notably, simvastatin treatment reduced the migration of the CCR9-overexpressing JURKAT cells, suggesting the importance of cholesterol in T-ALL progression. Conclusions: This study highlights the distinct tumorigenic potentials of two T-ALL cell lines and reveals CCR9-regulated enhanced cholesterol biosynthesis in T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Jamal
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufei Lei
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hengjing He
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingruo Zeng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hina Iqbal Bangash
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Di Xiao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Shao
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuling Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Quiping Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Ji Z, Shen J, Lan Y, Yi Q, Liu H. Targeting signaling pathways in osteosarcoma: Mechanisms and clinical studies. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e308. [PMID: 37441462 PMCID: PMC10333890 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly prevalent bone malignancy among adolescents, accounting for 40% of all primary malignant bone tumors. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with limb-preserving surgery has effectively reduced patient disability and mortality, but pulmonary metastases and OS cells' resistance to chemotherapeutic agents are pressing challenges in the clinical management of OS. There has been an urgent need to identify new biomarkers for OS to develop specific targeted therapies. Recently, the continued advancements in genomic analysis have contributed to the identification of clinically significant molecular biomarkers for diagnosing OS, acting as therapeutic targets, and predicting prognosis. Additionally, the contemporary molecular classifications have revealed that the signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT3, Hippo, Notch, PD-1/PD-L1, MAPK, and NF-κB, have an integral role in OS onset, progression, metastasis, and treatment response. These molecular classifications and biological markers have created new avenues for more accurate OS diagnosis and relevant treatment. We herein present a review of the recent findings for the modulatory role of signaling pathways as possible biological markers and treatment targets for OS. This review also discusses current OS therapeutic approaches, including signaling pathway-based therapies developed over the past decade. Additionally, the review covers the signaling targets involved in the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicines in the context of expression regulation of relevant genes and proteins through the signaling pathways to inhibit OS cell growth. These findings are expected to provide directions for integrating genomic, molecular, and clinical profiles to enhance OS diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Ji
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Jianlin Shen
- Department of OrthopaedicsAffiliated Hospital of Putian UniversityPutianFujianChina
| | - Yujian Lan
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
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Angot L, Schneider P, Vannier JP, Abdoul-Azize S. Beyond Corticoresistance, A Paradoxical Corticosensitivity Induced by Corticosteroid Therapy in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemias. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2812. [PMID: 37345151 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Known as a key effector in relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), resistance to drug-induced apoptosis, is tightly considered one of the main prognostic factors for the disease. ALL cells are constantly developing cellular strategies to survive and resist therapeutic drugs. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are one of the most important agents used in the treatment of ALL due to their ability to induce cell death. The mechanisms of GC resistance of ALL cells are largely unknown and intense research is currently focused on this topic. Such resistance can involve different cellular and molecular mechanisms, including the modulation of signaling pathways involved in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metabolism, epigenetic modifications and tumor suppressors. Recently, several studies point to the paradoxical role of GCs in many survival processes that may lead to therapy-induced resistance in ALL cells, which we called "paradoxical corticosensitivity". In this review, we aim to summarize all findings on cell survival pathways paradoxically activated by GCs with an emphasis on previous and current knowledge on gene expression and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Angot
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, IRIB, Inserm, U1234, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Pascale Schneider
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, IRIB, Inserm, U1234, 76183 Rouen, France
- Department of Pediatric Immuno-Hemato-Oncology, Rouen University Hospital, 76038 Rouen, France
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Lu G, Wang Y, Shi Y, Zhang Z, Huang C, He W, Wang C, Shen HM. Autophagy in health and disease: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic target. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e150. [PMID: 35845350 PMCID: PMC9271889 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy is an evolutionally conserved catabolic process in which cytosolic contents, such as aggregated proteins, dysfunctional organelle, or invading pathogens, are sequestered by the double‐membrane structure termed autophagosome and delivered to lysosome for degradation. Over the past two decades, autophagy has been extensively studied, from the molecular mechanisms, biological functions, implications in various human diseases, to development of autophagy‐related therapeutics. This review will focus on the latest development of autophagy research, covering molecular mechanisms in control of autophagosome biogenesis and autophagosome–lysosome fusion, and the upstream regulatory pathways including the AMPK and MTORC1 pathways. We will also provide a systematic discussion on the implication of autophagy in various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), metabolic diseases (obesity and diabetes), viral infection especially SARS‐Cov‐2 and COVID‐19, cardiovascular diseases (cardiac ischemia/reperfusion and cardiomyopathy), and aging. Finally, we will also summarize the development of pharmacological agents that have therapeutic potential for clinical applications via targeting the autophagy pathway. It is believed that decades of hard work on autophagy research is eventually to bring real and tangible benefits for improvement of human health and control of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Lu
- Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu China
| | - Yin Shi
- Department of Biochemistry Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu China
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research Southwest Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology Ningbo University School of Medicine Ningbo Zhejiang China
| | - Han-Ming Shen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology University of Macau Macau China
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Qi X, Li Q, Che X, Wang Q, Wu G. The Uniqueness of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Summary of the Process and Abnormality of Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Metabolism in ccRCC. Front Oncol 2021; 11:727778. [PMID: 34604067 PMCID: PMC8479096 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.727778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney cancer is a cancer with an increasing incidence in recent years. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for up to 80% of all kidney cancers. The understanding of the pathogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis of renal carcinoma is not yet perfect. Kidney cancer has some characteristics that distinguish it from other cancers, and the metabolic aspect is the most obvious. The specificity of glucose and lipid metabolism in kidney cancer cells has also led to its being studied as a metabolic disease. As the most common type of kidney cancer, ccRCC has many characteristics that represent the specificity of kidney cancer. There are features that we are very concerned about, including the presence of lipid droplets in cells and the obesity paradox. These two points are closely related to glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Therefore, we hope to explore whether metabolic changes affect the occurrence and development of kidney cancer by looking for evidence of changes on expression at the genomic and protein levels in glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in ccRCC. We begin with the representative phenomenon of abnormal cancer metabolism: the Warburg effect, through the collection of popular metabolic pathways and related genes in the last decade, as well as some research hotspots, including the role of ferroptosis and glutamine in cancer, systematically elaborated the factors affecting the incidence and metastasis of kidney cancer. This review also identifies the similarities and differences between kidney cancer and other cancers in order to lay a theoretical foundation and provide a valid hypothesis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Qi
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Quanlin Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiangyu Che
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qifei Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guangzhen Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Li HT, Zhu X. Quinoline-based Compounds with Potential Activity against Drugresistant Cancers. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:426-437. [PMID: 32552650 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200618113957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance is the major cause of the failure of cancer chemotherapy, so one of the most important features in developing effective cancer therapeutic strategies is to overcome drug resistance. Quinoline moiety has become one of the most privileged structural motifs in anticancer agent discovery since its derivatives possess potent activity against various cancers including drug-resistant cancers. Several quinoline-based compounds which are represented by Anlotinib, Bosutinib, Lenvatinib, and Neratinib have already been applied in clinical practice to fight against cancers, so quinoline-based compounds are potential anticancer agents. The present short review article provides an overview of the recent advances of quinoline-based compounds with potential activity against drug-resistant cancers. The structure-activity relationship and mechanisms of action are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Ting Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, 014040, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Zhejiang Province 311800, China
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Olivas-Aguirre M, Torres-López L, Pottosin I, Dobrovinskaya O. Overcoming Glucocorticoid Resistance in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Repurposed Drugs Can Improve the Protocol. Front Oncol 2021; 11:617937. [PMID: 33777761 PMCID: PMC7991804 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.617937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a central component of multi-drug treatment protocols against T and B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which are used intensively during the remission induction to rapidly eliminate the leukemic blasts. The primary response to GCs predicts the overall response to treatment and clinical outcome. In this review, we have critically analyzed the available data on the effects of GCs on sensitive and resistant leukemic cells, in order to reveal the mechanisms of GC resistance and how these mechanisms may determine a poor outcome in ALL. Apart of the GC resistance, associated with a decreased expression of receptors to GCs, there are several additional mechanisms, triggered by alterations of different signaling pathways, which cause the metabolic reprogramming, with an enhanced level of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis resistance, and multidrug resistance. Due to all this, the GC-resistant ALL show a poor sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic protocols. We propose pharmacological strategies that can trigger alternative intracellular pathways to revert or overcome GC resistance. Specifically, we focused our search on drugs, which are already approved for treatment of other diseases and demonstrated anti-ALL effects in experimental pre-clinical models. Among them are some “truly” re-purposed drugs, which have different targets in ALL as compared to other diseases: cannabidiol, which targets mitochondria and causes the mitochondrial permeability transition-driven necrosis, tamoxifen, which induces autophagy and cell death, and reverts GC resistance through the mechanisms independent of nuclear estrogen receptors (“off-target effects”), antibiotic tigecycline, which inhibits mitochondrial respiration, causing energy crisis and cell death, and some anthelmintic drugs. Additionally, we have listed compounds that show a classical mechanism of action in ALL but are not used still in treatment protocols: the BH3 mimetic venetoclax, which inhibits the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, the hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine, which restores the expression of the pro-apoptotic BIM, and compounds targeting the PI3K-Akt-mTOR axis. Accordingly, these drugs may be considered for the inclusion into chemotherapeutic protocols for GC-resistant ALL treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Olivas-Aguirre
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, University Center for Biomedical Research, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Liliana Torres-López
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, University Center for Biomedical Research, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Igor Pottosin
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, University Center for Biomedical Research, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Oxana Dobrovinskaya
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Ionic Transport Regulation, University Center for Biomedical Research, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
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Mologni L, Marzaro G, Redaelli S, Zambon A. Dual Kinase Targeting in Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13010119. [PMID: 33401428 PMCID: PMC7796318 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A new option to treat cancer is based on the use of so-called multi-targeting drugs. This strategy can replace the standard treatment based on the co-administration of several drugs. An increased and uncontrolled activity of kinases (enzymes devoted to the regulation of several cell pathways) is often seen in hematological malignancies. The development of multi-kinase inhibitors is having a great impact on the treatment of this kind of cancer. Here, we review the most recent findings on this novel class of drugs. Abstract Pharmacological cancer therapy is often based on the concurrent inhibition of different survival pathways to improve treatment outcomes and to reduce the risk of relapses. While this strategy is traditionally pursued only through the co-administration of several drugs, the recent development of multi-targeting drugs (i.e., compounds intrinsically able to simultaneously target several macromolecules involved in cancer onset) has had a dramatic impact on cancer treatment. This review focuses on the most recent developments in dual-kinase inhibitors used in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and lymphoid tumors, giving details on preclinical studies as well as ongoing clinical trials. A brief overview of dual-targeting inhibitors (kinase/histone deacetylase (HDAC) and kinase/tubulin polymerization inhibitors) applied to leukemia is also given. Finally, the very recently developed Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC)-based kinase inhibitors are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mologni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 5, I-35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Sara Redaelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Alfonso Zambon
- Department of Chemistry and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-059-2058-640
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A phase I study of a dual PI3-kinase/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 21:70. [PMID: 32993794 PMCID: PMC7523358 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-00446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Combined inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes may be an efficient treatment for acute leukemia. The primary objective of this phase I single center open label study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of the dual pan-class I PI3K and mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in patients with advanced leukemia. Methods Herein patients > 18 years of age who had relapsed or showed refractory leukemia were treated with BEZ235 (orally at 300–400 mg BID (cohort − 1/1)) to assess safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy and pharmacokinetic (PK). Adverse events data and serious adverse events were analyzed and haematological and clinical biochemistry toxicities were assessed from laboratory test parameters. Response was assessed for the first time at the end of cycle 1 (day 29) and after every subsequent cycle. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of BEZ235 were also included (BEZ235 plasma levels, phosphorylation of AKT, S6 and 4EBP1). On statistics this trial is a multiple ascending dose study in which a following variant of the 3 + 3 rule (“Rolling Six”), a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 patients was recruited for the dose escalation and another 5 were planned for the expansion phase. Results Twenty-four patients with ALL (n = 11) or AML (n = 12) or CML-BP (n = 1) were enrolled. All patients had failed one (n = 5) or more lines of therapy (n = 5) and 14 patients were in refractory / refractory relapse. No formal MTD was defined, stomatitis and gastrointestinal toxicity at 400 mg BID dose was considered incompatible with prolonged treatment. The RP2D of BEZ235 was defined as 300 mg BID. Four of 24 patients showed clinical benefit. Twenty-two of 24 patients discontinued because of progression, (median time to progression 27 days (4d-112d). There was no association between PK parameters and efficacy or tolerability. Conclusions Combined inhibition of PI3K and mTOR inhibits a clinically meaningful driver pathway in a small subset of patients with ALL, with no benefit in patients with AML. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01756118. retrospectively registered 19th December 2012, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01756118.
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Martorana A, La Monica G, Lauria A. Quinoline-Based Molecules Targeting c-Met, EGF, and VEGF Receptors and the Proteins Involved in Related Carcinogenic Pathways. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184279. [PMID: 32961977 PMCID: PMC7571062 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The quinoline ring system has long been known as a versatile nucleus in the design and synthesis of biologically active compounds. Currently, more than one hundred quinoline compounds have been approved in therapy as antimicrobial, local anaesthetic, antipsychotic, and anticancer drugs. In drug discovery, indeed, over the last few years, an increase in the publication of papers and patents about quinoline derivatives possessing antiproliferative properties has been observed. This trend can be justified by the versatility and accessibility of the quinoline scaffold, from which new derivatives can be easily designed and synthesized. Within the numerous quinoline small molecules developed as antiproliferative drugs, this review is focused on compounds effective on c-Met, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and EGF (epidermal growth factor) receptors, pivotal targets for the activation of important carcinogenic pathways (Ras/Raf/MEK and PI3K/AkT/mTOR). These signalling cascades are closely connected and regulate the survival processes in the cell, such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and angiogenesis. The antiproliferative biological data of remarkable quinoline compounds have been analysed, confirming the pivotal importance of this ring system in the efficacy of several approved drugs. Furthermore, in view of an SAR (structure-activity relationship) study, the most recurrent ligand–protein interactions of the reviewed molecules are summarized.
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13
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Bonaccorso P, Bugarin C, Buracchi C, Fazio G, Biondi A, Lo Nigro L, Gaipa G. Single‐cell profiling of pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Impact of
PTEN
exon 7 mutation on
PI3K
/
Akt
and
JAK–STAT
signaling pathways. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2020; 98:491-503. [DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bonaccorso
- M. Tettamanti Research Center University of Milano‐Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital Monza Italy
- Center of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Azienda Policlinico‐OVE, University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Cristina Bugarin
- M. Tettamanti Research Center University of Milano‐Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital Monza Italy
| | - Chiara Buracchi
- M. Tettamanti Research Center University of Milano‐Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital Monza Italy
| | - Grazia Fazio
- M. Tettamanti Research Center University of Milano‐Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital Monza Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- M. Tettamanti Research Center University of Milano‐Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital Monza Italy
- Pediatric Clinic University of Milano Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM/Ospedale San Gerardo Monza Italy
| | - Luca Lo Nigro
- Center of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Azienda Policlinico‐OVE, University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gaipa
- M. Tettamanti Research Center University of Milano‐Bicocca, San Gerardo Hospital Monza Italy
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14
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Horton RH, Wileman T, Rushworth SA. Autophagy Driven Extracellular Vesicles in the Leukaemic Microenvironment. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 20:501-512. [PMID: 32342819 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200428111051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The leukaemias are a heterogeneous group of blood cancers, which together, caused 310,000 deaths in 2016. Despite significant research into their biology and therapeutics, leukaemia is predicted to account for an increased 470,000 deaths in 2040. Many subtypes remain without targeted therapy, and therefore the mainstay of treatment remains generic cytotoxic drugs with bone marrow transplant the sole definitive option. In this review, we will focus on cellular mechanisms which have the potential for therapeutic exploitation to specifically target and treat this devastating disease. We will bring together the disciplines of autophagy and extracellular vesicles, exploring how the dysregulation of these mechanisms can lead to changes in the leukaemic microenvironment and the subsequent propagation of disease. The dual effect of these mechanisms in the disease microenvironment is not limited to leukaemia; therefore, we briefly explore their role in autoimmunity, inflammation and degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H Horton
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Wileman
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart A Rushworth
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, United Kingdom
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15
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Fattizzo B, Rosa J, Giannotta JA, Baldini L, Fracchiolla NS. The Physiopathology of T- Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Focus on Molecular Aspects. Front Oncol 2020; 10:273. [PMID: 32185137 PMCID: PMC7059203 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma is an aggressive hematological neoplasm whose classification is still based on immunophenotypic findings. Frontline treatment encompass high intensity combination chemotherapy with good overall survival; however, relapsing/refractory patients have very limited options. In the last years, the understanding of molecular physiopathology of this disease, lead to the identification of a subset of patients with peculiar genetic profile, namely “early T-cell precursors” lymphoblastic leukemia, characterized by dismal outcome and indication to frontline allogeneic bone marrow transplant. In general, the most common mutations occur in the NOTCH1/FBXW7 pathway (60% of adult patients), with a positive prognostic impact. Other pathogenic steps encompass transcriptional deregulation of oncogenes/oncosuppressors, cell cycle deregulation, kinase signaling (including IL7R-JAK-STAT pathway, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, ABL1 signaling pathway), epigenetic deregulation, ribosomal dysfunction, and altered expression of oncogenic miRNAs or long non-coding RNA. The insight in the genomic landscape of the disease paves the way to the use of novel targeted drugs that might improve the outcome, particularly in relapse/refractory patients. In this review, we analyse available literature on T-ALL pathogenesis, focusing on molecular aspects of clinical, prognostic, and therapeutic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fattizzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Oncoematologia, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Rosa
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Oncoematologia, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Juri Alessandro Giannotta
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Oncoematologia, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Baldini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Oncoematologia, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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16
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Autophagy in endothelial cells regulates their haematopoiesis-supporting ability. EBioMedicine 2020; 53:102677. [PMID: 32114389 PMCID: PMC7047195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelial cells (ECs) function as an instructive platform to support haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homeostasis. Our recent studies found that impaired bone marrow (BM) ECs are responsible for the defective haematopoiesis in patients with poor graft function (PGF), which is characterised by pancytopenia post-allotransplant. Although activated autophagy was reported to benefit ECs, whether EC autophagy plays a critical role in supporting HSCs and its effect on PGF patients post-allotransplant remain unclear. Methods To evaluate whether the autophagy status of ECs modulates their ability to support haematopoiesis, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and primary BM ECs derived from healthy donors were subjected to knockdown or overexpression of Beclin-1 (an autophagy-related protein). Moreover, BM ECs derived from PGF patients were studied. Findings Beclin-1 knockdown significantly reduced the haematopoiesis-supporting ability of ECs by suppressing autophagy, which could be restored by activating autophagy via Beclin-1 upregulation. Moreover, autophagy positively regulated haematopoiesis-related genes in HUVECs. Subsequently, a prospective case-control study demonstrated that defective autophagy reduced Beclin-1 expression and the colony-forming unit (CFU) plating efficiency in BM ECs from PGF patients compared to matched patients with good graft function. Rapamycin, an autophagy activator, quantitatively and functionally improved BM ECs from PGF patients in vitro and enhanced their ability to support HSCs by activating the Beclin-1 pathway. Interpretation Our results suggest that the autophagy status of ECs modulates their ability to support haematopoiesis by regulating the Beclin-1 pathway. Defective autophagy in BM ECs may be involved in the pathogenesis of PGF post-allotransplant. Rapamycin provides a promising therapeutic approach for PGF patients. Funding Please see funding sources.
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17
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Helmy MW, Ghoneim AI, Katary MA, Elmahdy RK. The synergistic anti-proliferative effect of the combination of diosmin and BEZ-235 (dactolisib) on the HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell line occurs through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/NF-κB axis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:2217-2230. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05327-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Hua C, Chen X, Yuan W, Li Y, Yu J, Li H, Ming L. Gene expression profiling by mRNA sequencing reveals dysregulation of core genes in Rictor deficient T-ALL mouse model. Leuk Res 2019; 87:106229. [PMID: 31698306 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2019.106229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a neoplastic disorder with peak incidence in children and young adults. The mTOR complex is an important component of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade and holds great promise for the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies. Previous studies have shown that the depression of Rictor, one of the components of the mTOR complex, prevents myeloproliferative disorders and leukemia However, knowledge of the progression of mTOR has not greatly improved the prognosis of T-ALL. To identify potential prognostic biomarkers for T-ALL, a whole-genome expression profile of Rictior deficient T-ALL mice was performed. As a result, 1475 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Network analysis revealed 46 genes with a high network degree and fold-change value. Kaplan-Meier analysis identified ten crucial genes which significantly associated with survival in Rictor deficient T-ALL mice. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets in leukemia and bear immediate relevance to patients with leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Hua
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Weiping Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Haijun Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Liang Ming
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
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19
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Paganelli F, Lonetti A, Anselmi L, Martelli AM, Evangelisti C, Chiarini F. New advances in targeting aberrant signaling pathways in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 74:100649. [PMID: 31523031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.100649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive disorder characterized by malignant transformation of immature progenitors primed towards T-cell development. Over the past 15 years, advances in the molecular characterization of T-ALL have uncovered oncogenic key drivers and crucial signaling pathways of this disease, opening new chances for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Currently, T-ALL patients are still treated with aggressive therapies, consisting of high dose multiagent chemotherapy. To minimize and overcome the unfavorable effects of these regimens, it is critical to identify innovative targets and test selective inhibitors of such targets. Major efforts are being made to develop small molecules against deregulated signaling pathways, which sustain T-ALL cell growth, survival, metabolism, and drug-resistance. This review will focus on recent improvements in the understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of T-ALL and on the challenging opportunities for T-ALL targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paganelli
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza-CNR National Research Council of Italy, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lonetti
- "Giorgio Prodi" Cancer Research Center, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Anselmi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza-CNR National Research Council of Italy, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza-CNR National Research Council of Italy, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
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20
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Luongo F, Colonna F, Calapà F, Vitale S, Fiori ME, De Maria R. PTEN Tumor-Suppressor: The Dam of Stemness in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1076. [PMID: 31366089 PMCID: PMC6721423 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PTEN is one of the most frequently inactivated tumor suppressor genes in cancer. Loss or variation in PTEN gene/protein levels is commonly observed in a broad spectrum of human cancers, while germline PTEN mutations cause inherited syndromes that lead to increased risk of tumors. PTEN restrains tumorigenesis through different mechanisms ranging from phosphatase-dependent and independent activities, subcellular localization and protein interaction, modulating a broad array of cellular functions including growth, proliferation, survival, DNA repair, and cell motility. The main target of PTEN phosphatase activity is one of the most significant cell growth and pro-survival signaling pathway in cancer: PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Several shreds of evidence shed light on the critical role of PTEN in normal and cancer stem cells (CSCs) homeostasis, with its loss fostering the CSC compartment in both solid and hematologic malignancies. CSCs are responsible for tumor propagation, metastatic spread, resistance to therapy, and relapse. Thus, understanding how alterations of PTEN levels affect CSC hallmarks could be crucial for the development of successful therapeutic approaches. Here, we discuss the most significant findings on PTEN-mediated control of CSC state. We aim to unravel the role of PTEN in the regulation of key mechanisms specific for CSCs, such as self-renewal, quiescence/cell cycle, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT), with a particular focus on PTEN-based therapy resistance mechanisms and their exploitation for novel therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Luongo
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Colonna
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Calapà
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Vitale
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Micol E Fiori
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
- Scientific Vice-Direction, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"-I.R.C.C.S., Largo Francesco Vito 1-8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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21
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Peptide microarray of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia is related to relapse and reveals involvement of DNA damage response and repair. Oncotarget 2019; 10:4679-4690. [PMID: 31384395 PMCID: PMC6659796 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients suffer from relapse and the exact etiology of AML remains unclear. The aim of this study was to gain comprehensive insights into the activity of signaling pathways in AML. In this study, using a high-throughput PepChip™ Kinomics microarray system, pediatric AML samples were analyzed to gain insights of active signal transduction pathway. Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis separated the AML blast profiles into two clusters. These two clusters were independent of patient characteristics, whereas the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was significantly higher in the patients belonging to cluster-2. In addition, cluster-2 samples showed to be significantly less sensitive to various chemotherapeutic drugs. The activated peptides in cluster-1 and cluster-2 reflected the activity of cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, apoptosis, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, metabolism regulation, transcription factors and GPCRs signaling pathways. The difference between two clusters might be explained by the higher cell cycle arrest response in cluster-1 patients and higher DNA repair mechanism in cluster-2 patients. In conclusion, our study identifies different signaling profiles in pediatric AML in relation with CIR involving DNA damage response and repair.
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22
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Wu YY, Wu HC, Wu JE, Huang KY, Yang SC, Chen SX, Tsao CJ, Hsu KF, Chen YL, Hong TM. The dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 restricts the growth of lung cancer tumors regardless of EGFR status, as a potent accompanist in combined therapeutic regimens. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:282. [PMID: 31262325 PMCID: PMC6604380 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide despite diagnostic improvements and the development of targeted therapies, notably including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling has been shown to contribute to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and resistance to therapy in most human cancer types, including lung cancer. Here, we explored the therapeutic effects of co-inhibition of PI3K and mTOR in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with different EGFR status. Methods The antiproliferative activity of a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 was examined by the WST-1 assay and the soft agar colony-formation assay in 2 normal cell lines and 12 NSCLC cell lines: 6 expressing wild-type EGFR and 6 expressing EGFR with activating mutations, including exon 19 deletions, and L858R and T790 M point mutations. The combination indexes of BEZ235 with cisplatin or an EGFR-TKI, BIBW2992 (afatinib), were calculated. The mechanisms triggered by BEZ235 were explored by western blotting analysis. The anti-tumor effect of BEZ235 alone or combined with cisplatin or BIBW2992 were also studied in vivo. Results BEZ235 suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase, but without causing cell death. It also reduced the expression of cyclin D1/D3 by regulating both its transcription and protein stability. Moreover, BEZ235 synergistically enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells by enhancing or prolonging DNA damage and BIBW2992-induced apoptosis in EGFR-TKI–resistant NSCLC cells containing a second TKI-resistant EGFR mutant. Conclusions The dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition by BEZ235 is an effective antitumor strategy for enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy or targeted therapy, even as a monotherapy, to restrict tumor growth in lung cancer treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1282-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ying Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.,Clinical Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chang Wu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Yong Kang, Tainan, 71004, Taiwan
| | - Jia-En Wu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Yen Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shuenn-Chen Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Si-Xuan Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Jung Tsao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, 73657, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Fu Hsu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Ling Chen
- Institute of Oral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Tse-Ming Hong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan. .,Clinical Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan.
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23
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Strategies to Overcome Resistance Mechanisms in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123021. [PMID: 31226848 PMCID: PMC6627878 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a major cause of recurrence and death from T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), both in adult and pediatric patients. In the majority of cases, drug-resistant disease is treated by selecting a combination of other drugs, without understanding the molecular mechanisms by which malignant cells escape chemotherapeutic treatments, even though a more detailed genomic characterization and the identification of actionable disease targets may enable informed decision of new agents to improve patient outcomes. In this work, we describe pathways of resistance to common chemotherapeutic agents including glucocorticoids and review the resistance mechanisms to targeted therapy such as IL7R, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, NOTCH1, BRD4/MYC, Cyclin D3: CDK4/CDK6, BCL2 inhibitors, and selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE). Finally, to overcome the limitations of the current trial-and-error method, we summarize the experiences of anti-cancer drug sensitivity resistance profiling (DSRP) approaches as a rapid and relevant strategy to infer drug activity and provide functional information to assist clinical decision one patient at a time.
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24
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Shahrabi S, Paridar M, Zeinvand-Lorestani M, Jalili A, Zibara K, Abdollahi M, Khosravi A. Autophagy regulation and its role in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:21746-21757. [PMID: 31161605 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy, the molecular machinery of self-eating, plays a dual role of a tumor promoter and tumor suppressor. This mechanism affects different clinical responses in cancer cells. Autophagy is targeted for treating patients resistant to chemotherapy or radiation. Limited reports investigate the significance of autophagy in cancer therapy, the regulation of hematopoietic and leukemic stem cells and leukemia formation. In the current review, the role of autophagy is discussed in various stages of hematopoiesis including quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Shahrabi
- Department of Biochemistry and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mostafa Paridar
- Deputy of Management and Resources Development, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Arsalan Jalili
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Zibara
- Biology Department, PRASE, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Khosravi
- Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Baeten JT, Waarts MR, Pruitt MM, Chan WC, Andrade J, de Jong JLO. The side population enriches for leukemia-propagating cell activity and Wnt pathway expression in zebrafish acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2019; 104:1388-1395. [PMID: 30630989 PMCID: PMC6601080 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.206417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells have been strongly linked to resistance and relapse in many malignancies. However, purifying them from within the bulk tumor has been challenging, so their precise genetic and functional characteristics are not well defined. The side population assay exploits the ability of some cells to efflux Hoechst dye via ATP-binding cassette transporters. Stem cells have increased expression of these transporters and this assay has been shown to enrich for stem cells in various tissues and cancers. This study identifies the side population within a zebrafish model of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and correlates the frequency of side population cells with the frequency of leukemia stem cells (more precisely referred to as leukemia-propagating cells within our transplantation model). In addition, the side population within the leukemia evolves with serial transplantation, increasing in tandem with leukemia-propagating cell frequency over subsequent generations. Sorted side population cells from these tumors are enriched for leukemia-propagating cells and have enhanced engraftment compared to sorted non-side population cells when transplanted into syngeneic recipients. RNA-sequencing analysis of sorted side population cells compared to non-side population cells identified a shared expression profile within the side population and pathway analysis yielded Wnt-signaling as the most overrepresented. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that stem cell differentiation and canonical Wnt-signaling were significantly upregulated in the side population. Overall, these results demonstrate that the side population in zebrafish acute lymphoblastic leukemia significantly enriches for leukemia-propagating cells and identifies the Wnt pathway as a likely genetic driver of leukemia stem cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy T Baeten
- University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division, Department of Pediatrics, Chicago
| | - Michael R Waarts
- University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division, Department of Pediatrics, Chicago
| | - Margaret M Pruitt
- University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division, Department of Pediatrics, Chicago
| | - Wen-Ching Chan
- University of Chicago, Center for Research Informatics, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jorge Andrade
- University of Chicago, Center for Research Informatics, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jill L O de Jong
- University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division, Department of Pediatrics, Chicago
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26
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Blood and skin-derived Sezary cells: differences in proliferation-index, activation of PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway and its prognostic relevance. Leukemia 2018; 33:1231-1242. [PMID: 30518812 PMCID: PMC6756225 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0305-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sézary syndrome (SS) is a rare and aggressive variant of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma characterized by neoplastic distribution mainly involving blood, skin, and lymph-node. Although a role of the skin microenvironment in SS pathogenesis has long been hypothesized, its function in vivo is poorly characterized. To deepen this aspect, here we compared skin to blood-derived SS cells concurrently obtained from SS patients highlighting a greater proliferation-index and a PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway activation level, particularly of mTOR protein, in skin-derived-SS cells. We proved that SDF-1 and CCL21 chemokines, both overexpressed in SS tissues, induce mTORC1 signaling activation, cell proliferation and Ki67 up-regulation in a SS-derived cell line and primary-SS cells. In a cohort of 43 SS cases, we observed recurrent copy number variations (CNV) of members belonging to this cascade, namely: loss of LKB1 (48%), PTEN (39%) and PDCD4 (35%) and gains of P70S6K (30%). These alterations represent druggable targets unraveling new therapeutic treatments as metformin here evaluated in vitro. Moreover, CNV of PTEN, PDCD4, and P70S6K, evaluated individually or in combination, are associated with reduced survival of SS patients. These data shed light on effects in vivo of skin-SS cells interaction underlying the prognostic and therapeutic relevance of mTORC1 pathway in SS.
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27
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Park YL, Kim HP, Cho YW, Min DW, Cheon SK, Lim YJ, Song SH, Kim SJ, Han SW, Park KJ, Kim TY. Activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling results in resistance to a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor in colorectal cancer cells harboring PIK3CA mutations. Int J Cancer 2018; 144:389-401. [PMID: 29978469 PMCID: PMC6587482 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PIK3CA is a frequently mutated gene in cancer, including about ~15 to 20% of colorectal cancers (CRC). PIK3CA mutations lead to activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which plays pivotal roles in tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated the mechanism of resistance of PIK3CA-mutant CRC cell lines to gedatolisib, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor. Out of a panel of 29 CRC cell lines, we identified 7 harboring one or more PIK3CA mutations; of these, 5 and 2 were found to be sensitive and resistant to gedatolisib, respectively. Both of the gedatolisib-resistant cell lines expressed high levels of active glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK3β) and harbored the same frameshift mutation (c.465_466insC; H155fs*) in TCF7, which encodes a positive transcriptional regulator of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Inhibition of GSK3β activity in gedatolisib-resistant cells by siRNA-mediated knockdown or treatment with a GSK3β-specific inhibitor effectively reduced the activity of molecules downstream of mTOR and also decreased signaling through the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Notably, GSK3β inhibition rendered the resistant cell lines sensitive to gedatolisib cytotoxicity, both in vitro and in a mouse xenograft model. Taken together, these data demonstrate that aberrant regulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling and active GSK3β induced by the TCF7 frameshift mutation cause resistance to the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor gedatolisib. Cotreatment with GSK3β inhibitors may be a strategy to overcome the resistance of PIK3CA- and TCF7-mutant CRC to PI3K/mTOR-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Lim Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hwang-Phill Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Won Cho
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Min
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seul-Ki Cheon
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yoo Joo Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Song
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Jin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Sae-Won Han
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyu Joo Park
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae-You Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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28
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Chiang YJ, Liao WT, Ho KC, Wang SH, Chen YG, Ho CL, Huang SF, Shih LY, Yang-Yen HF, Yen JJY. CBAP modulates Akt-dependent TSC2 phosphorylation to promote Rheb-mTORC1 signaling and growth of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncogene 2018; 38:1432-1447. [PMID: 30266989 PMCID: PMC6372575 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0507-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency relapse remains a clinical hurdle for complete remission of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients, with heterogeneous dysregulated signaling profiles—including of Raf-MEK-ERK and Akt-mTORC1-S6K signaling pathways—recently being implicated in disease outcomes. Here we report that GM-CSF/IL-3/IL-5 receptor common β-chain-associated protein (CBAP) is highly expressed in human T-ALL cell lines and many primary tumor tissues and is required to bolster leukemia cell proliferation in tissue culture and for in vivo leukemogenesis in a xenograft mouse model. Downregulation of CBAP markedly restrains expansion of leukemia cells and alleviates disease aggravation of leukemic mice. Transcriptomic profiling and molecular biological analyses suggest that CBAP acts upstream of Ras and Rac1, and functions as a modulator of both Raf-MEK–ERK and Akt-mTORC1 signaling pathways to control leukemia cell growth. Specifically, CBAP facilitated Akt-dependent TSC2 phosphorylation in cell-based assays and in vitro analysis, decreased lysosomal localization of TSC2, and elevated Rheb-GTP loading and subsequent activation of mTORC1 signaling. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel oncogenic contribution of CBAP in T-ALL leukemic cells, in addition to its original pro-apoptotic function in cytokine-dependent cell lines and primary hematopoietic cells, by demonstrating its functional role in the regulation of Akt-TSC2-mTORC1 signaling for leukemia cell proliferation. Thus, CBAP represents a novel therapeutic target for many types of cancers and metabolic diseases linked to PI3K-Akt-mTORC1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jung Chiang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Liao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Chin Ho
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hao Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Guang Chen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Ho
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Feng Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Yung Shih
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33305, Taiwan
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29
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Oliveira ML, Akkapeddi P, Ribeiro D, Melão A, Barata JT. IL-7R-mediated signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An update. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 71:88-96. [PMID: 30249539 PMCID: PMC6386770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 7 (IL-7) and its receptor (IL-7R, a heterodimer of IL-7Rα and γc) are essential for normal lymphoid development. In their absence, severe combined immunodeficiency occurs. By contrast, excessive IL-7/IL-7R-mediated signaling can drive lymphoid leukemia development, disease acceleration and resistance to chemotherapy. IL-7 and IL-7R activate three main pathways: STAT5, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/Erk, ultimately leading to the promotion of leukemia cell viability, cell cycle progression and growth. However, the contribution of each of these pathways towards particular functional outcomes is still not completely known and appears to differ between normal and malignant states. For example, IL-7 upregulates Bcl-2 in a PI3K/Akt/mTOR-dependent and STAT5-independent manner in T-ALL cells. This is a ‘symmetric image’ of what apparently happens in normal lymphoid cells, where PI3K/Akt/mTOR does not impact on Bcl-2 and regulates proliferation rather than survival. In this review, we provide an updated summary of the knowledge on IL-7/IL-7R-mediated signaling in the context of cancer, focusing mainly on T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, where this axis has been more extensively studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana L Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Padma Akkapeddi
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniel Ribeiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alice Melão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
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30
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Therapeutic Targeting of mTOR in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071878. [PMID: 29949919 PMCID: PMC6073309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive blood malignancy that arises from the clonal expansion of transformed T-cell precursors. Although T-ALL prognosis has significantly improved due to the development of intensive chemotherapeutic protocols, primary drug-resistant and relapsed patients still display a dismal outcome. In addition, lifelong irreversible late effects from conventional therapy are a growing problem for leukemia survivors. Therefore, novel targeted therapies are required to improve the prognosis of high-risk patients. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is the kinase subunit of two structurally and functionally distinct multiprotein complexes, which are referred to as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. These two complexes regulate a variety of physiological cellular processes including protein, lipid, and nucleotide synthesis, as well as autophagy in response to external cues. However, mTOR activity is frequently deregulated in cancer, where it plays a key oncogenetic role driving tumor cell proliferation, survival, metabolic transformation, and metastatic potential. Promising preclinical studies using mTOR inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in many human cancer types, including T-ALL. Here, we highlight our current knowledge of mTOR signaling and inhibitors in T-ALL, with an emphasis on emerging evidence of the superior efficacy of combinations consisting of mTOR inhibitors and either traditional or targeted therapeutics.
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31
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Simabuco FM, Morale MG, Pavan IC, Morelli AP, Silva FR, Tamura RE. p53 and metabolism: from mechanism to therapeutics. Oncotarget 2018; 9:23780-23823. [PMID: 29805774 PMCID: PMC5955117 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor cell changes itself and its microenvironment to adapt to different situations, including action of drugs and other agents targeting tumor control. Therefore, metabolism plays an important role in the activation of survival mechanisms to keep the cell proliferative potential. The Warburg effect directs the cellular metabolism towards an aerobic glycolytic pathway, despite the fact that it generates less adenosine triphosphate than oxidative phosphorylation; because it creates the building blocks necessary for cell proliferation. The transcription factor p53 is the master tumor suppressor; it binds to more than 4,000 sites in the genome and regulates the expression of more than 500 genes. Among these genes are important regulators of metabolism, affecting glucose, lipids and amino acids metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and growth factors signaling. Wild-type and mutant p53 may have opposing effects in the expression of these metabolic genes. Therefore, depending on the p53 status of the cell, drugs that target metabolism may have different outcomes and metabolism may modulate drug resistance. Conversely, induction of p53 expression may regulate differently the tumor cell metabolism, inducing senescence, autophagy and apoptosis, which are dependent on the regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and/or ROS induction. The interplay between p53 and metabolism is essential in the decision of cell fate and for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando M. Simabuco
- Laboratory of Functional Properties in Foods, School of Applied Sciences (FCA), Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirian G. Morale
- Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology/LIM24, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isadora C.B. Pavan
- Laboratory of Functional Properties in Foods, School of Applied Sciences (FCA), Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana P. Morelli
- Laboratory of Functional Properties in Foods, School of Applied Sciences (FCA), Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando R. Silva
- Laboratory of Functional Properties in Foods, School of Applied Sciences (FCA), Universidade de Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo E. Tamura
- Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology/LIM24, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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32
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Dual inhibition of PI3K/mTOR signaling in chemoresistant AML primary cells. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 68:2-9. [PMID: 29576448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A main cause of treatment failure for AML patients is resistance to chemotherapy. Survival of AML cells may depend on mechanisms that elude conventional drugs action and/or on the presence of leukemia initiating cells at diagnosis, and their persistence after therapy. MDR1 gene is an ATP-dependent drug efflux pump known to be a risk factor for the emergence of resistance, when combined to unstable cytogenetic profile of AML patients. In the present study, we analyzed the sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs of 26 samples of primary blasts collected from AML patients at diagnosis. Detection of cell viability and apoptosis allowed to identify two group of samples, one resistant and one sensitive to in vitro treatment. The cells were then analyzed for the presence and the activity of P-glycoprotein. A comparative analysis showed that resistant samples exhibited a high level of MDR1 mRNA as well as of P-glycoprotein content and activity. Moreover, they also displayed high PI3K signaling. Therefore, we checked whether the association with signaling inhibitors might resensitize resistant samples to chemo-drugs. The combination showed a very potent cytotoxic effect, possibly through down modulation of MDR1, which was maintained also when primary blasts were co-cultured with human stromal cells. Remarkably, dual PI3K/mTOR inactivation was cytotoxic also to leukemia initiating cells. All together, our findings indicate that signaling activation profiling associated to gene expression can be very useful to stratify patients and improve therapy.
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33
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Campbell GR, Bruckman RS, Herns SD, Joshi S, Durden DL, Spector SA. Induction of autophagy by PI3K/MTOR and PI3K/MTOR/BRD4 inhibitors suppresses HIV-1 replication. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:5808-5820. [PMID: 29475942 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of the dual phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/MTOR) inhibitor dactolisib (NVP-BEZ235), the PI3K/MTOR/bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor SF2523, and the bromodomain and extra terminal domain inhibitor JQ1 on the productive infection of primary macrophages with human immunodeficiency type-1 (HIV). These inhibitors did not alter the initial susceptibility of macrophages to HIV infection. However, dactolisib, JQ1, and SF2523 all decreased HIV replication in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner via degradation of intracellular HIV through autophagy. Macrophages treated with dactolisib, JQ1, or SF2523 displayed an increase in LC3B lipidation combined with SQSTM1 degradation without inducing increased cell death. LC3B-II levels were further increased in the presence of pepstatin A suggesting that these inhibitors induce autophagic flux. RNA interference for ATG5 and ATG7 and pharmacological inhibitors of autophagosome-lysosome fusion and of lysosomal hydrolases all blocked the inhibition of HIV. Thus, we demonstrate that the mechanism of PI3K/MTOR and PI3K/MTOR/BRD4 inhibitor suppression of HIV requires the formation of autophagosomes, as well as their subsequent maturation into autolysosomes. These data provide further evidence in support of a role for autophagy in the control of HIV infection and open new avenues for the use of this class of drugs in HIV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant R Campbell
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0672
| | - Rachel S Bruckman
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0672
| | - Shayna D Herns
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0672
| | - Shweta Joshi
- the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0819.,the Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California 92123, and
| | - Donald L Durden
- the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0819.,the Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California 92123, and.,SignalRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California 92130
| | - Stephen A Spector
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0672, .,the Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California 92123, and
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34
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Ishikawa C, Senba M, Mori N. Effects of NVP-BEZ235, a dual phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, on HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:5311-5317. [PMID: 29552172 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive type of malignancy caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). In ATL, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is constitutively active, promoting cell proliferation, survival and chemoresistance. Thus, the PI3K signaling pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for ATL. In the present study, the effects of RAD001 (an mTOR inhibitor), NVP-BKM120 (a pan-PI3K inhibitor) and NVP-BEZ235 (a novel dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor) on cultured HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines were compared. The results demonstrated that NVP-BEZ235 was more efficacious compared with RAD001 and NVP-BKM120 at inhibiting cell growth. NVP-BEZ235 exhibited cytostatic rather than cytotoxic effects on various HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines, where it induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. NVP-BEZ235 downregulated cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin E, cyclin dependent kinase (CDK)2 and CDK4 expression, and the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein. In C.B-17/Icr-severe combined immune deficiency mice implanted with HTLV-1-infected HUT-102 cells, oral NVP-BEZ235 caused marked retardation of tumor growth compared with the control. The present in vitro and in vivo studies highlight the efficacious dual inhibition of PI3K, and mTOR following NVP-BEZ235 treatment. Thus, the results of the current study provide preclinical rationale for phase I clinical studies to examine the effects of NVP-BEZ235 in patients with ATL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chie Ishikawa
- Division of Health Sciences, Transdisciplinary Research Organization for Subtropics and Island Studies, University of The Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.,Department of Microbiology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of The Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Masachika Senba
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Naoki Mori
- Department of Microbiology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of The Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
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35
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Alameen AAM, Simioni C, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Ultimo S, McCubrey JA, Gonelli A, Marisi G, Ulivi P, Capitani S, Neri LM. Healthy CD4+ T lymphocytes are not affected by targeted therapies against the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 7:55690-55703. [PMID: 27494886 PMCID: PMC5342446 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An attractive molecular target for novel anti-cancer therapies is the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway which is commonly deregulated in many types of cancer. Nevertheless, the effects of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors on T lymphocytes, a key component of immune responses, have been seldom explored. In this study we investigated the effects on human CD4+ T-cells of a panel of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors: BGT226, Torin-2, MK-2206, and ZSTK474. We also assessed their efficacy against two acute leukemia T cell lines. T lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Inhibitor effects on cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, while cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assays. In addition, the activation status of the pathway as well as induction of autophagy were analyzed by Western blotting. Quiescent healthy T lymphocytes were unaffected by the drugs whereas mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes as well as leukemic cell lines displayed a cell cycle block, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and dephosphorylation of key components of the signaling pathway. Autophagy was also induced in proliferating lymphocytes and in JURKAT and MOLT-4 cell lines. When autophagy was inhibited by 3-methyladenine or Bafilomycin A1, drug cytotoxicity was increased, indicating that autophagy is a protective mechanism. Therefore, our findings suggest that PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors preserve lymphocyte viability. This is a valuable result to be taken into account when selecting drugs for targeted cancer therapy in order to minimize detrimental effects on immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A M Alameen
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Marisi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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36
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Drug-resistance in doxorubicin-resistant FL5.12 hematopoietic cells: elevated MDR1, drug efflux and side-population positive and decreased BCL2-family member expression. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113013-113033. [PMID: 29348885 PMCID: PMC5762570 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drug treatment can result in the emergence of drug-resistant cells. By culturing an interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent cell line, FL5.12 cells in the presence of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin, we isolated FL/Doxo cells which are multi-drug resistant. Increased levels of drug efflux were detected in FL/Doxo cells which could be inhibited by the MDR1 inhibitor verapamil but not by the MRP1 inhibitor MK571. The effects of TP53 and MEK1 were examined by infection of FL/Doxo cells with retroviruses encoding either a dominant negative TP-53 gene (FL/Doxo+ TP53 (DN) or a constitutively-activated MEK-1 gene (FL/Doxo + MEK1 (CA). Elevated MDR1 but not MRP1 mRNA transcripts were detected by quantitative RT-PCR in the drug-resistant cells while transcripts encoding anti-apoptotic genes such as: BCL2, BCLXL and MCL1 were observed at higher levels in the drug-sensitive FL5.12 cells. The percentage of cells that were side-population positive was increased in the drug-resistant cells compared to the parental line. Drug-resistance and side-positive population cells have been associated with cancer stem cells (CSC). Our studies suggest mechanisms which could allow the targeting of these molecules to prevent drug-resistance.
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Abrams SL, Ruvolo PP, Ruvolo VR, Ligresti G, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Tafuri A, Steelman LS, Candido S, Libra M, McCubrey JA. Targeting signaling and apoptotic pathways involved in chemotherapeutic drug-resistance of hematopoietic cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:76525-76557. [PMID: 29100331 PMCID: PMC5652725 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical problem in leukemia as well as other cancer therapies is the development of chemotherapeutic drug-resistance. We have developed models of hematopoietic drug resistance that are based on expression of dominant-negative TP53 [TP53 (DN)] or constitutively-active MEK1 [MEK1(CA)] oncogenes in the presence of chemotherapeutic drugs. In human cancer, functional TP53 activity is often lost in human cancers. Also, activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway frequently occurs due to mutations/amplification of upstream components of this and other interacting pathways. FL5.12 is an interleukin-3 (IL−3) dependent hematopoietic cell line that is sensitive to doxorubicin (a.k.a Adriamycin). FL/Doxo is a derivative cell line that was isolated by culturing the parental FL5.12 cells in doxorubicin for prolonged periods of time. FL/Doxo + TP53 (DN) and FL/Doxo + MEK1 (CA) are FL/Doxo derivate cell lines that were infected with retrovirus encoding TP53 (DN) or MEK1 (CA) and are more resistant to doxorubicin than FL/Doxo cells. This panel of cell lines displayed differences in the sensitivity to inhibitors that suppress mTORC1, BCL2/BCLXL, MEK1 or MDM2 activities, as well as, the proteasomal inhibitor MG132. The expression of key genes involved in cell growth and drug-resistance (e.g., MDM2, MDR1, BAX) also varied in these cells. Thus, we can begin to understand some of the key genes that are involved in the resistance of hematopoietic cells to chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Peter P Ruvolo
- Section of Signal Transduction and Apoptosis, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Current/Present address: Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivian R Ruvolo
- Section of Signal Transduction and Apoptosis, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Current/Present address: Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Current/Present address: Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Agostino Tafuri
- Hematology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Poli A, Fiume R, Baldanzi G, Capello D, Ratti S, Gesi M, Manzoli L, Graziani A, Suh PG, Cocco L, Follo MY. Nuclear Localization of Diacylglycerol Kinase Alpha in K562 Cells Is Involved in Cell Cycle Progression. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2550-2557. [PMID: 27731506 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol (PI) signaling is an essential regulator of cell motility and proliferation. A portion of PI metabolism and signaling takes place in the nuclear compartment of eukaryotic cells, where an array of kinases and phosphatases localize and modulate PI. Among these, Diacylglycerol Kinases (DGKs) are a class of phosphotransferases that phosphorylate diacylglycerol and induce the synthesis of phosphatidic acid. Nuclear DGKalpha modulates cell cycle progression, and its activity or expression can lead to changes in the phosphorylated status of the Retinoblastoma protein, thus, impairing G1/S transition and, subsequently, inducing cell cycle arrest, which is often uncoupled with apoptosis or autophagy induction. Here we report for the first time not only that the DGKalpha isoform is highly expressed in the nuclei of human erythroleukemia cell line K562, but also that its nuclear activity drives K562 cells through the G1/S transition during cell cycle progression. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2550-2557, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Poli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare "Romeo e Enrica Invernizzi", Milano, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Fiume
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluca Baldanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Institute for Research and Cure of Autoimmune Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniela Capello
- Department of Translational Medicine and Institute for Research and Cure of Autoimmune Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Gesi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Graziani
- Department of Translational Medicine and Institute for Research and Cure of Autoimmune Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,University Vita e Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Pann-Ghill Suh
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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39
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Yang J, Farren MR, Ahn D, Bekaii-Saab T, Lesinski GB. Signaling pathways as therapeutic targets in biliary tract cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:485-498. [PMID: 28282502 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1306055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of biliary tract cancer (BTC) is increasing, and the disease is frequently diagnosed during advanced stages, leading to poor overall survival. Limited treatment options are currently available and novel therapeutic approaches are needed. A number of completed clinical trials have evaluated the role of chemotherapy for BTC, demonstrating a marginal benefit. Thus, there is increased interest in applying targeted therapies for this disease. Areas covered: This review article summarizes the role of chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of BTC, and highlights key signal transduction pathways of interest for targeted inhibition. Of particular interest are the MEK or MAP2K (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) pathways. We discuss the available data on several promising inhibitors of these pathways, both in the pre-clinical and clinical settings. Expert opinion: Future treatment strategies should address targeting of MEK, PI3K and STAT3 for BTC, with a focus on combined therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Yang
- a Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program , The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Matthew R Farren
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , The Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Daniel Ahn
- c Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine , Mayo Clinic , Phoenix , AZ , USA
| | - Tanios Bekaii-Saab
- c Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine , Mayo Clinic , Phoenix , AZ , USA
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- b Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology , The Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
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40
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Chiaretti S, Gianfelici V, O'Brien SM, Mullighan CG. Advances in the Genetics and Therapy of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2017; 35:e314-22. [PMID: 27249738 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_156628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains an important cause of morbidity in children and adults. In this article, we highlight advances in the genetics and therapy of three key subtypes of ALL: T-cell ALL, BCR-ABL1 (Philadelphia [Ph] chromosone-positive), and Ph-like ALL. T-ALL is an aggressive disease that accounts for about 15% and 25% of ALL among pediatric and adult cohorts, respectively, and exhibits a multistep nature of cancer initiation and progression. The integration of cytogenetics, molecular biology, and immunophenotype analyses has led to the identification of defined T-ALL subgroups, such as early T-cell precursor ALL and novel lesions with a prognostic role, for which specific inhibitors are being developed. Ph-positive ALL was historically regarded as a subtype of ALL with a poor prognosis, and allogeneic stem cell transplant was recommended for all patients who could undergo this procedure. The deep complete responses seen with combination tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and chemotherapy in Ph-positive ALL, and the reports of long-term survival among some patients not undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant, has raised the question of whether there is a subset of patients who could be cured without this intervention. Ph-like ALL is a subtype of B-progenitor ALL common among older children and adults and associated with a diverse range of genetic alterations that activate kinase signaling. Ph-like ALL is also associated with poor outcome, for which precision medicine trials identifying kinase alterations and testing TKI therapy are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Chiaretti
- From the Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA; Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Valentina Gianfelici
- From the Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA; Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Susan M O'Brien
- From the Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA; Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Charles G Mullighan
- From the Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA; Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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41
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Lonetti A, Cappellini A, Bertaina A, Locatelli F, Pession A, Buontempo F, Evangelisti C, Evangelisti C, Orsini E, Zambonin L, Neri LM, Martelli AM, Chiarini F. Improving nelarabine efficacy in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by targeting aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:114. [PMID: 27776559 PMCID: PMC5075755 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although in recent years, the introduction of novel chemotherapy protocols has improved the outcome of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients, refractory and/or relapsing disease remains a foremost concern. In this context, a major contribution was provided by the introduction of the nucleoside analog nelarabine, approved for salvage treatment of T-ALL patients with refractory/relapsed disease. However, nelarabine could induce a life-threatening, dose-dependent neurotoxicity. To improve nelarabine efficacy, we have analyzed its molecular targets, testing selective inhibitors of such targets in combination with nelarabine. Methods The effectiveness of nelarabine as single agent or in combination with PI3K, Bcl2, and MEK inhibitors was evaluated on human T-ALL cell lines and primary T-ALL refractory/relapsed lymphoblasts. The efficacy of signal modulators in terms of cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis, and changes in gene and protein expression was assessed by flow cytometry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR in T-ALL settings. Results Treatment with nelarabine as a single agent identified two groups of T-ALL cell lines, one sensitive and one resistant to the drug. Whereas sensitive T-ALL cells showed a significant increase of apoptosis and a strong down-modulation of PI3K signaling, resistant T-ALL cells showed a hyperactivation of AKT and MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways, not caused by differences in the expression of nelarabine transporters or metabolic activators. We then studied the combination of nelarabine with the PI3K inhibitors (both pan and dual γ/δ inhibitors), with the Bcl2 specific inhibitor ABT199, and with the MEK inhibitor trametinib on both T-ALL cell lines and patient samples at relapse, which displayed constitutive activation of PI3K signaling and resistance to nelarabine alone. The combination with the pan PI3K inhibitor ZSTK-474 was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of T-ALL cells and was synergistic in decreasing cell survival and inducing apoptosis in nelarabine-resistant T-ALL cells. The drug combination caused AKT dephosphorylation and a downregulation of Bcl2, while nelarabine alone induced an increase in p-AKT and Bcl2 signaling in the resistant T-ALL cells and relapsed patient samples. Conclusions These findings indicate that nelarabine in combination with PI3K inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of T-ALL relapsed patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-016-0344-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Lonetti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cappellini
- Department of Human Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino, Cassino, Italy
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Pediatrics, "Lalla Seràgnoli" Hematology-Oncology Unit, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Buontempo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, National Research Council, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cecilia Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ester Orsini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Zambonin
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, National Research Council, Bologna, Italy.
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42
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Herrero-Sánchez MC, Rodríguez-Serrano C, Almeida J, San Segundo L, Inogés S, Santos-Briz Á, García-Briñón J, Corchete LA, San Miguel JF, Del Cañizo C, Blanco B. Targeting of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to inhibit T cell activation and prevent graft-versus-host disease development. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:113. [PMID: 27765055 PMCID: PMC5072323 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains the major obstacle to successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, despite of the immunosuppressive regimens administered to control T cell alloreactivity. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is crucial in T cell activation and function and, therefore, represents an attractive therapeutic target to prevent GvHD development. Recently, numerous PI3K inhibitors have been developed for cancer therapy. However, few studies have explored their immunosuppressive effect. METHODS The effects of a selective PI3K inhibitor (BKM120) and a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (BEZ235) on human T cell proliferation, expression of activation-related molecules, and phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins were analyzed. Besides, the ability of BEZ235 to prevent GvHD development in mice was evaluated. RESULTS Simultaneous inhibition of PI3K and mTOR was efficient at lower concentrations than PI3K specific targeting. Importantly, BEZ235 prevented naïve T cell activation and induced tolerance of alloreactive T cells, while maintaining an adequate response against cytomegalovirus, more efficiently than BKM120. Finally, BEZ235 treatment significantly improved the survival and decreased the GvHD development in mice. CONCLUSIONS These results support the use of PI3K inhibitors to control T cell responses and show the potential utility of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in GvHD prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mª Carmen Herrero-Sánchez
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Concepción Rodríguez-Serrano
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julia Almeida
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Servicio de Citometría, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura San Segundo
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Susana Inogés
- Laboratorio de Inmunoterapia, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Avda. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ángel Santos-Briz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Patología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesús García-Briñón
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Luis Antonio Corchete
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesús F San Miguel
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Avda. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Consuelo Del Cañizo
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.,Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Belén Blanco
- Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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Targeting the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Lung Cancer. Am J Med Sci 2016; 352:507-516. [PMID: 27865299 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite advances in its prevention and management, the prognosis of patients with lung cancer remains poor. Therefore, much attention is being given to factors that contribute to the development of this disease, the mechanisms that drive oncogenesis and tumor progression and the search for novel targets that could lead to the development of more effective treatments. One cellular pathway implicated in lung cancer development and progression is that of the mammalian target of rapamycin. Studies involving human tissues have linked lung cancer with abnormalities in this pathway. Furthermore, studies in vitro and in vivo using animal models of lung cancer reveal that targeting this pathway might represent an effective means of treating this disease. As a result, there is significant effort invested in the development of drugs targeting mammalian target of rapamycin and related pathways in the clinical setting.
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Abstract
T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive haematological malignancy derived from early T cell progenitors. In recent years genomic and transcriptomic studies have uncovered major oncogenic and tumour suppressor pathways involved in T-ALL transformation and identified distinct biological groups associated with prognosis. An increased understanding of T-ALL biology has already translated into new prognostic biomarkers and improved animal models of leukaemia and has opened opportunities for the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of this disease. In this Review we examine our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of T-ALL and recent developments in the translation of these results to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Belver
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Adolfo Ferrando
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
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45
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Therapeutic targeting of IL-7Rα signaling pathways in ALL treatment. Blood 2016; 128:473-8. [PMID: 27268088 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-03-679209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased understanding of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) pathobiology has led to dramatic improvements in patient survival. However, there is still a need to develop targeted therapies to enable reduced chemotherapy intensity and to treat relapsed patients. The interleukin-7 receptor α (IL-7Rα) signaling pathways are prime therapeutic targets because these pathways harbor genetic aberrations in both T-cell ALL and B-cell precursor ALL. Therapeutic targeting of the IL-7Rα signaling pathways may lead to improved outcomes in a subset of patients.
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46
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Kato M, Banuelos CA, Imamura Y, Leung JK, Caley DP, Wang J, Mawji NR, Sadar MD. Cotargeting Androgen Receptor Splice Variants and mTOR Signaling Pathway for the Treatment of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 22:2744-54. [PMID: 26712685 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-2119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is activated in most castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC). Transcriptionally active androgen receptor (AR) plays a role in the majority of CRPCs. Therefore, cotargeting full-length (FL) AR and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling has been proposed as a possible, more effective therapeutic approach for CRPC. However, truncated AR-splice variants (AR-V) that are constitutively active and dominant over FL-AR are associated with tumor progression and resistance mechanisms in CRPC. It is currently unknown how blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway impacts prostate cancer driven by AR-Vs. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and mechanism of combination therapy to block mTOR activity together with EPI-002, an AR N-terminal domain (NTD) antagonist that blocks the transcriptional activities of FL-AR and AR-Vs in models of CRPC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To determine the functional roles of FL-AR, AR-Vs, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, we employed EPI-002 or enzalutamide and BEZ235 (low dose) or everolimus in human prostate cancer cells that express FL-AR or FL-AR and AR-Vs (LNCaP95). Gene expression and efficacy were examined in vitro and in vivo RESULTS EPI-002 had antitumor activity in enzalutamide-resistant LNCaP95 cells that was associated with decreased expression of AR-V target genes (e.g., UBE2C). Inhibition of mTOR provided additional blockade of UBE2C expression. A combination of EPI-002 and BEZ235 decreased the growth of LNCaP95 cells in vitro and in vivo CONCLUSIONS Cotargeting mTOR and AR-NTD to block transcriptional activities of FL-AR and AR-Vs provided maximum antitumor efficacy in PTEN-null, enzalutamide-resistant CRPC. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2744-54. ©2015 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Kato
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carmen A Banuelos
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yusuke Imamura
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jacky K Leung
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel P Caley
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nasrin R Mawji
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marianne D Sadar
- Department of Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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47
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Activity of BKM120 and BEZ235 against Lymphoma Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:870918. [PMID: 26557706 PMCID: PMC4628710 DOI: 10.1155/2015/870918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas encompass a heterogeneous group of cancers, with 85–90% arising from B lymphocytes and the remainder deriving from T lymphocytes or NK lymphocytes. These tumors are molecularly and clinically heterogeneous, showing dramatically different responses and outcomes with standard therapies. Deregulated PI3K signaling is linked to oncogenesis and disease progression in hematologic malignancies and in a variety of solid tumors and apparently enhances resistance to antineoplastic therapy, resulting in a poor prognosis. Here, we have evaluated and compared the effects of the pan-PI3K inhibitor BKM120 and the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 on mantle, follicular, and T-cell lymphomas. Our results suggest that BKM120 and BEZ235 can effectively inhibit lymphoma cell proliferation by causing cell cycle arrest and can lead to cell death by inducing apoptosis and autophagy mediated by ROS accumulation. Despite great advances in lymphoma therapy after the introduction of monoclonal antibodies, many patients still die from disease progression. Therefore, novel treatment approaches are needed. BKM120 and BEZ235 alone and in combination are very effective against lymphoma cells in vitro. If further studies confirm their effectiveness in animal models, they may be promising candidates for development as new drugs.
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48
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Chiarini F, Lonetti A, Evangelisti C, Buontempo F, Orsini E, Evangelisti C, Cappellini A, Neri LM, McCubrey JA, Martelli AM. Advances in understanding the acute lymphoblastic leukemia bone marrow microenvironment: From biology to therapeutic targeting. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1863:449-463. [PMID: 26334291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment regulates the properties of healthy hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) localized in specific niches. Two distinct microenvironmental niches have been identified in the BM, the "osteoblastic (endosteal)" and "vascular" niches. Nevertheless, these niches provide sanctuaries where subsets of leukemic cells escape chemotherapy-induced death and acquire a drug-resistant phenotype. Moreover, it is emerging that leukemia cells are able to remodel the BM niches into malignant niches which better support neoplastic cell survival and proliferation. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular biology of microenvironment/leukemia interactions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) of both B- and T-cell lineage. We shall also highlight the emerging role of exosomes/microvesicles as efficient messengers for cell-to-cell communication in leukemia settings. Studies on the interactions between the BM microenvironment and ALL cells have led to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets which include cytokines/chemokines and their receptors, adhesion molecules, signal transduction pathways, and hypoxia-related proteins. The complex interplays between leukemic cells and BM microenvironment components provide a rationale for innovative, molecularly targeted therapies, designed to improve ALL patient outcome. A better understanding of the contribution of the BM microenvironment to the process of leukemogenesis and leukemia persistence after initial remission, may provide new targets that will allow destruction of leukemia cells without adversely affecting healthy HSCs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Tumor Microenvironment Regulation of Cancer Cell Survival, Metastasis,Inflammation, and Immune Surveillance edited by Peter Ruvolo and Gregg L. Semenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Chiarini
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lonetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Buontempo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ester Orsini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cecilia Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cappellini
- Department of Human Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino, Cassino, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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49
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Dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition is required to effectively impair microenvironment survival signals in mantle cell lymphoma. Oncotarget 2015; 5:6788-800. [PMID: 25216518 PMCID: PMC4196163 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation contributes to mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) pathogenesis and drug resistance. Antitumor activity has been observed with mTOR inhibitors. However, they have shown limited clinical efficacy in relation to drug activation of feedback loops. Selective PI3K inhibition or dual PI3K/mTOR catalytic inhibition are different therapeutic approaches developed to achieve effective pathway blockage. Here, we have performed a comparative analysis of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, the pan-PI3K inhibitor NVP-BKM120 and the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 in primary MCL cells. We found NVP-BEZ235 to be more powerful than everolimus or NVP-BKM120 in PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling inhibition, indicating that targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway at multiple levels is likely to be a more effective strategy for the treatment of MCL than single inhibition of these kinases. Among the three drugs, NVP-BEZ235 induced the highest change in gene expression profile. Functional validation demonstrated that NVP-BEZ235 inhibited angiogenesis, migration and tumor invasiveness in MCL cells. NVP-BEZ235 was the only drug able to block IL4 and IL6/STAT3 signaling which compromise the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy in MCL. Our findings support the use of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 as a promising approach to interfere with the microenvironment-related processes in MCL.
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50
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Bertacchini J, Heidari N, Mediani L, Capitani S, Shahjahani M, Ahmadzadeh A, Saki N. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR network for treatment of leukemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2337-47. [PMID: 25712020 PMCID: PMC11113278 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increased activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has been observed in a huge number of malignancies. This pathway can function as a prosurvival factor in leukemia stem cells and early committed leukemic precursors and its inhibition is regarded as a therapeutic approach. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to evaluate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors used in leukemia models. DISCUSSION Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has been reported to have beneficial therapeutic effects in leukemias, both in vitro in leukemia cell lines and in vivo in animal models. Overall, the use of dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, dual Akt/RTK inhibitor, Akt inhibitor, selective inhibitor of PI3K, mTOR inhibitor and dual PI3K/PDK1 inhibitor in CML, AML, APL, CLL, B-ALL and T-ALL has a better therapeutic effect than conventional treatments. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may have pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative effects on hematological malignancies. Furthermore, modulation of miRNA can be used as a novel therapeutic approach to regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. However, both aspects require further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nazanin Heidari
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Laura Mediani
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mohammad Shahjahani
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ahmadzadeh
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Najmaldin Saki
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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