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Fortunati S, Giannetto M, Pedrini F, Nikolaou P, Donofrio G, Bertucci A, Careri M. A novel magnetic ligand-based assay for the electrochemical determination of BRD4. Talanta 2024; 279:126577. [PMID: 39032457 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126577] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The first magnetic ligand-based electrochemical assay aimed at the determination of BRD4 was developed and validated. BRD4 is an epigenetic regulator of great interest in oncology in relation to its overexpression observed in the pathogenesis of several cancer diseases. BRD4 also represents a major target for the development of innovative treatments aimed at protein inhibition or degradation. Despite the relevance of BRD4 both for diagnostics and therapeutic purposes, current methodologies for its determination are limited to commercial ELISA kits. We present a novel magnetic ligand-based assay for the electrochemical determination of BRD4. The developed assay is based on the use of a small synthetic fragment of the natural protein ligand for BRD4 as receptor, thus exploiting the intrinsic biological protein-protein recognition mechanism. In addition, the assay features the use of magnetic beads as immobilization platforms and peroxidase-conjugated monoclonal anti-BRD4 antibody for the generation of the electrochemical signal. The ligand-based assay shows outstanding performance in terms of rapidity, with results achievable in less than 20 min, no matrix effect when applied to human plasma or cell lysate samples, and excellent specificity. The proposed method exhibits a limit of detection of 2.66 nM and a response range tunable as a function of the amount of immobilized receptor. The developed ligand-based assay was successfully applied to the accurate determination of BRD4 in untreated cell lysates, as proven by the ELISA reference method. The good performance of the proposed bioassay for determination of BRD4 showed potential application of this strategy in convenient point-of-care testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Fortunati
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy; Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (I.N.B.B. Consortium), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Giannetto
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy; Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (I.N.B.B. Consortium), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Pedrini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Pavlos Nikolaou
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertucci
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy; Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (I.N.B.B. Consortium), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Roma, Italy.
| | - Maria Careri
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43124, Parma, Italy; Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute (I.N.B.B. Consortium), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Roma, Italy
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Chen C, Pan Y, Yang X, Li H, Cai X, He S, Wang Q, Yang Y, Zheng R, Li H, Yuan S, Dong X, Samarawickrama PN, Zi M, He Y, Zhang X. Liver-targeting chimeras as a potential modality for the treatment of liver diseases. J Control Release 2024; 374:627-638. [PMID: 39208934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases pose significant challenges to global public health. In the realm of drug discovery and development, overcoming 'on-target off-tissue' effects remains a substantial barrier for various diseases. In this study, we have pioneered a Liver-Targeting Chimera (LIVTAC) approach using a proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecule coupled to the liver-specific asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) through an innovative linker attachment strategy for the precise induction of target protein degradation within the liver. As a proof-of-concept study, we designed XZ1606, a mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET)-targeting LIVTAC agent, which not only demonstrated enduring tumor suppression (over 2 months) in combination with sorafenib but also an improved safety profile, notably ameliorating the incidence of thrombocytopenia, a common and severe on-target dose-limiting toxic effect associated with conventional BET inhibitors. These encouraging results highlight the potential of LIVTAC as a versatile platform for addressing a broad spectrum of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjie Chen
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xinhui Cai
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengyuan He
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yiwen Yang
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Runzi Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Aging and Tumor, Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Huiwen Li
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengjie Yuan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Priyadarshani Nadeeshika Samarawickrama
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Meiting Zi
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yonghan He
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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3
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Wu M, Guan G, Yin H, Niu Q. A Review of the Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain Epigenetic Reader Proteins: Function on Virus Infection and Cancer. Viruses 2024; 16:1096. [PMID: 39066258 PMCID: PMC11281655 DOI: 10.3390/v16071096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The BET (bromodomain and extraterminal domain) family of proteins, particularly BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4), plays a crucial role in transcription regulation and epigenetic mechanisms, impacting key cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and the DNA damage response. BRD4, the most studied member of this family, binds to acetylated lysines on both histones and non-histone proteins, thereby regulating gene expression and influencing diverse cellular functions such as the cell cycle, tumorigenesis, and immune responses to viral infections. Given BRD4's involvement in these fundamental processes, it is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and inflammation, making it a promising target for therapeutic development. This review comprehensively explores the roles of the BET family in gene transcription, DNA damage response, and viral infection, discussing the potential of targeted small-molecule compounds and highlighting BET proteins as promising candidates for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (M.W.); (G.G.); (H.Y.)
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Lanzhou), Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (M.W.); (G.G.); (H.Y.)
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Lanzhou), Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (M.W.); (G.G.); (H.Y.)
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Lanzhou), Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qingli Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; (M.W.); (G.G.); (H.Y.)
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory of China (Lanzhou), Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou 730046, China
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4
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Ji Y, Chen W, Wang X. Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain Protein 2 in Multiple Human Diseases. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:277-288. [PMID: 38565308 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.002036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein 2 (BRD2), a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) protein family, is a crucial epigenetic regulator with significant function in various diseases and cellular processes. The central function of BRD2 is modulating gene transcription by binding to acetylated lysine residues on histones and transcription factors. This review highlights key findings on BRD2 in recent years, emphasizing its roles in maintaining genomic stability, influencing chromatin spatial organization, and participating in transcriptional regulation. BRD2's diverse functions are underscored by its involvement in diseases such as malignant tumors, neurologic disorders, inflammatory conditions, metabolic diseases, and virus infection. Notably, the potential role of BRD2 as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target is discussed in the context of various diseases. Although pan inhibitors targeting the BET family have shown promise in preclinical studies, a critical need exists for the development of highly selective BRD2 inhibitors. In conclusion, this review offers insights into the multifaceted nature of BRD2 and calls for continued research to unravel its intricate mechanisms and harness its therapeutic potential. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: BRD2 is involved in the occurrence and development of diseases through maintaining genomic stability, influencing chromatin spatial organization, and participating in transcriptional regulation. Targeting BRD2 through protein degradation-targeting complexes technology is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for malignant cancer and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikang Ji
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
| | - Wantao Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology
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5
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Suo Y, Du D, Chen C, Zhu H, Wang X, Song N, Lu D, Yang Y, Li J, Wang J, Luo Z, Zhou B, Luo C, Zhou H. Uncovering PROTAC Sensitivity and Efficacy by Multidimensional Proteome Profiling: A Case for STAT3. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38466231 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a powerful technology that can effectively trigger the degradation of target proteins. The intricate interplay among various factors leads to a heterogeneous drug response, bringing about significant challenges in comprehending drug mechanisms. Our study applied data-independent acquisition-based mass spectrometry to multidimensional proteome profiling of PROTAC (DIA-MPP) to uncover the efficacy and sensitivity of the PROTAC compound. We profiled the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) PROTAC degrader in six leukemia and lymphoma cell lines under multiple conditions, demonstrating the pharmacodynamic properties and downstream biological responses. Through comparison between sensitive and insensitive cell lines, we revealed that STAT1 can be regarded as a biomarker for STAT3 PROTAC degrader, which was validated in cells, patient-derived organoids, and mouse models. These results set an example for a comprehensive description of the multidimensional PROTAC pharmacodynamic response and PROTAC drug sensitivity biomarker exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Suo
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Daohai Du
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiongjun Wang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Nixue Song
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dayun Lu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yaxi Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhongyuan Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong 264117, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528437, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, the Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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6
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Sharma D, Hager CG, Shang L, Tran L, Zhu Y, Ma A, Magnuson B, Lesko MW, Wicha MS, Burness ML. The BET degrader ZBC260 suppresses stemness and tumorigenesis and promotes differentiation in triple-negative breast cancer by disrupting inflammatory signaling. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:144. [PMID: 37968653 PMCID: PMC10648675 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are resistant to standard therapies, facilitate tumor dissemination, and contribute to relapse and progression. Super-enhancers are regulators of stemness, and BET proteins, which are critical for super-enhancer function, are a potential therapeutic target. Here, we investigated the effects of BET proteins on the regulation of breast cancer stemness using the pan-BET degrader ZBC260. METHODS We evaluated the effect of ZBC260 on CSCs in TNBC cell lines. We assessed the effect of ZBC260 on cellular viability and tumor growth and measured its effects on cancer stemness. We used RNA sequencing and stemness index to determine the global transcriptomic changes in CSCs and bulk cells and further validated our findings by qPCR, western blot, and ELISA. RESULTS ZBC260 potently inhibited TNBC growth both in vitro and in vivo. ZBC260 reduced stemness as measured by cell surface marker expression, ALDH activity, tumorsphere number, and stemness index while increasing differentiated cells. GSEA analysis indicated preferential downregulation of stemness-associated and inflammatory genes by ZBC260 in ALDH+ CSCs. CONCLUSIONS The BET degrader ZBC260 is an efficient degrader of BET proteins that suppresses tumor progression and decreases CSCs through the downregulation of inflammatory genes and pathways. Our findings support the further development of BET degraders alone and in combination with other therapeutics as CSC targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Sharma
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cody G Hager
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Li Shang
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lam Tran
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, NCRC 26-319S, SPC 2800, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yongyou Zhu
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Elevate Bio, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aihui Ma
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew W Lesko
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Max S Wicha
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Monika L Burness
- Department, Unit, and Laboratories, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Li JW, Zheng G, Kaye FJ, Wu L. PROTAC therapy as a new targeted therapy for lung cancer. Mol Ther 2023; 31:647-656. [PMID: 36415148 PMCID: PMC10014230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in molecular therapeutics, lung cancer is still a leading cause of cancer deaths. Currently, limited targeted therapy options and acquired drug resistance present significant barriers in the treatment of patients with lung cancer. New strategies in drug development, including those that take advantage of the intracellular ubiquitin-proteasome system to induce targeted protein degradation, have the potential to advance the field of personalized medicine for patients with lung cancer. Specifically, small molecule proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), consisting of two ligands connected by a linker that bind to a target protein and an E3 ubiquitin ligase, have been developed against many cancer targets, providing promising opportunities for advanced lung cancer. In this review, we focus on the rationale for PROTAC therapy as a new targeted therapy and the current status of PROTAC development in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W Li
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Frederic J Kaye
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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8
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He Y, Ju Y, Hu Y, Wang B, Che S, Jian Y, Zhuo W, Fu X, Cheng Y, Zheng S, Huang N, Qian Z, Liu J, Zhou P, Gao X. Brd4 proteolysis-targeting chimera nanoparticles sensitized colorectal cancer chemotherapy. J Control Release 2023; 354:155-166. [PMID: 36538950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a member of the BET family of bromodomains, which participates in gene transcription process and is closely related to tumor progression. We observed the up-regulated expression of BRD4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) after doxorubicin (DOX) treatment, which might be a potential mechanism for DOX resistance. This study constructed the tumor-targeting (cyclo (Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)) (cRGD-PEG-PCL) copolymer for co-delivery of DOX and BRD4 PROTAC degrader ARV-825 (ARV-DOX/cRGD-P) for CRC treatment. The ARV-DOX/cRGD-P complexes elicited synergistic anti-tumor effect via cell cycle arrest and the increased cell apoptosis, and mechanism studies implicated the regulation of proliferation- and apoptosis-related pathways in vitro. Moreover, the administration of ARV-DOX/cRGD-P significantly improved anti-tumor activity in subcutaneous colorectal tumors and colorectal intraperitoneal disseminated tumor models in mice by promoting tumor apoptosis, suppressing tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Taken together, these data reveal that ARV-825 can heighten DOX sensitivity in CRC treatment and BRD4 is a potential therapeutic target for DOX-resistant CRC. The ARV-DOX/cRGD-P preparations have outstanding anti-cancer effects and may be used for clinical treatment of colorectal cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong He
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Ju
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuzhu Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bilan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Siyao Che
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yue Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Weiling Zhuo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongzhong Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Songping Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ning Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiagang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Peizhi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
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9
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Zhang M, Li Y, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Wang W, Song X, Zhang D. BRD4 Protein as a Target for Lung Cancer and Hematological Cancer Therapy: A Review. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1079-1092. [PMID: 37846578 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501269090231012090351] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The BET protein family plays a crucial role in regulating the epigenetic landscape of the genome. Their role in regulating tumor-related gene expression and its impact on the survival of tumor cells is widely acknowledged. Among the BET family constituents, BRD4 is a significant protein. It is a bromodomain-containing protein located at the outer terminal that recognizes histones that have undergone acetylation. It is present in the promoter or enhancer region of the target gene and is responsible for initiating and sustaining the expression of genes associated with tumorigenesis. BRD4 expression is significantly elevated in various tumor types. Research has indicated that BRD4 plays a significant role in regulating various transcription factors and chromatin modification, as well as in repairing DNA damage and preserving telomere function, ultimately contributing to the survival of cancerous cells. The protein BRD4 has a significant impact on antitumor therapy, particularly in the management of lung cancer and hematological malignancies, and the promising potential of BRD4 inhibitors in the realm of cancer prevention and treatment is a topic of great interest. Therefore, BRD4 is considered a promising candidate for prophylaxis and therapy of neoplastic diseases. However, further research is required to fully comprehend the significance and indispensability of BRD4 in cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- College of Humanities and Management, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Yingbo Li
- College of Humanities and Management, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomei Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
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10
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Regulation of programmed cell death by Brd4. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1059. [PMID: 36539410 PMCID: PMC9767942 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic factor Brd4 has emerged as a key regulator of cancer cell proliferation. Targeted inhibition of Brd4 suppresses growth and induces apoptosis of various cancer cells. In addition to apoptosis, Brd4 has also been shown to regulate several other forms of programmed cell death (PCD), including autophagy, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, with different biological outcomes. PCD plays key roles in development and tissue homeostasis by eliminating unnecessary or detrimental cells. Dysregulation of PCD is associated with various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. In this review, we discussed some recent findings on how Brd4 actively regulates different forms of PCD and the therapeutic potentials of targeting Brd4 in PCD-related human diseases. A better understanding of PCD regulation would provide not only new insights into pathophysiological functions of PCD but also provide new avenues for therapy by targeting Brd4-regulated PCD.
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11
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He D, Xin T, Pang B, Sun J, Liu ZH, Qin Z, Ji XS, Yang F, Wei YB, Wang ZX, Gao JJ, Pang Q, Liu Q. A novel lncRNA MDHDH suppresses glioblastoma multiforme by acting as a scaffold for MDH2 and PSMA1 to regulate NAD+ metabolism and autophagy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:349. [PMID: 36527092 PMCID: PMC9758949 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify potential targets related to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism in gliomas, we used RNA immunoprecipitation to identify a novel long noncoding RNA renamed malate dehydrogenase degradation helper (MDHDH) (NONCODE annotation ID: NONHSAT138800.2, NCBI Reference Sequence: NR_028345), which bound to MDH2 (malate dehydrogenase 2), that is downregulated in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and associated with metabolic regulation. However, its underlying mechanisms in the progression of GBM have not been well studied. METHODS To investigate the clinical significance of MDHDH, we analyzed its expression levels in publicly available datasets and collected clinical samples from Shandong Provincial Hospital, affiliated with Shandong University. Functional assays, including FISH/CISH, CCK8, EdU, wound healing, and transwell assays, were used to determine the cellular/subcellular localization, tissue expression profile and anti-oncogenic role of MDHDH. Furthermore, RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry RNA immunoprecipitation, coimmunoprecipitation, JC-1 probe, and cell energy-production assays were used to determine the mechanisms of MDHDH in the development of GBM. Animal experiments were conducted to determine the antitumorigenic role of MDHDH in GBM in vivo. RESULTS In public datasets, MDHDH expression was significantly downregulated in GBM and LGG compared with GTEx normal brain tissues. The results of the tissue microarray showed that the MDHDH expression level negatively correlated with the tumor grade. Altered MDHDH expression led to significant changes in the proliferation, migration and invasion of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that MDHDH directly bound to MDH2 and PSMA1 (20S proteasomal core subunit alpha-type 1) as a molecular scaffold and accelerated the degradation of MDH2 by promoting the binding of ubiquitinated MDH2 to the proteasome. The degradation of MDH2 subsequently led to changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential and NAD+/NADH ratio, which impeded glycolysis in glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study broadened our understanding of the functions of lncRNAs in GBM. We demonstrated that the tumor suppressor MDHDH might act as a clinical biomarker and that the overexpression of MDHDH might be a novel synergistic strategy for enhancing metabolism-based, epigenetic-based, and autophagy regulation-based therapies with clinical benefits for glioblastoma multiforme patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong He
- grid.460018.b0000 0004 1769 9639Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China ,grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Histology and Embryology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Tao Xin
- grid.452422.70000 0004 0604 7301Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Jinan, 250014 P.R. China ,grid.452422.70000 0004 0604 7301Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 P.R. China
| | - Bo Pang
- grid.460018.b0000 0004 1769 9639Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Jun Sun
- grid.460018.b0000 0004 1769 9639Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China ,grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Histology and Embryology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Zi Hao Liu
- grid.460018.b0000 0004 1769 9639Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China ,grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Histology and Embryology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Zhen Qin
- grid.479672.9Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Xiao Shuai Ji
- grid.452422.70000 0004 0604 7301Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 P.R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- grid.460018.b0000 0004 1769 9639Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China ,grid.410638.80000 0000 8910 6733Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Yan Bang Wei
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Histology and Embryology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Zi Xiao Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Histology and Embryology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Jia Jia Gao
- grid.452422.70000 0004 0604 7301Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250014 P.R. China
| | - Qi Pang
- grid.460018.b0000 0004 1769 9639Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
| | - Qian Liu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Histology and Embryology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong P.R. China
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12
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He Y, Zan X, Miao J, Wang B, Wu Y, Shen Y, Chen X, Gou H, Zheng S, Huang N, Cheng Y, Ju Y, Fu X, Qian Z, Zhou P, Liu J, Gao X. Enhanced anti-glioma efficacy of doxorubicin with BRD4 PROTAC degrader using targeted nanoparticles. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100423. [PMID: 36157053 PMCID: PMC9489811 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Current treatment of glioma is hampered due to the physical blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the resistance to traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Herein, we proposed a combined treatment strategy based on Cyclo (Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe-Lys) (cRGDfk) peptides-modified nanoparticle named cRGD-P in a self-assembly method for the co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and BRD4 PROTAC degrader ARV-825 (ARV). Molecular dynamics simulations showed that cRGD-P could change its conformation to provide interaction sites for perfectly co-loading DOX and ARV. The cRGD-P/ARV-DOX exhibited an average size of 39.95 nm and a zeta potential of −0.25 mV. Increased expression of BRD4 in glioma cells was observed after being stimulated by cRGD-P/DOX, confirming one of the possible mechanisms of DOX resistance and the synergistic tumor inhibition effect of BRD4 degrading ARV combined with DOX. In the study, the combination of DOX and ARV in the cRGD-P nanoparticle system exhibited synergistic suppression of tumor growth in glioma cells on account of cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and the activation of tumor cells apoptosis-related pathways including triggering caspase cascade and downregulating Bcl-2 as well as upregulating Bax. The cRGD-P/ARV-DOX system could effectively suppress the heterotopic and orthotopic growth of glioma by increasing tumor apoptosis, inhibiting tumor proliferation, and decreasing tumor angiogenesis in vivo. Therefore, the cRGD-modified nanoparticle to co-deliver DOX and ARV provides a potential platform for exploiting a more effective and safer combination therapy for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong He
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Junming Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bilan Wang
- West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yin Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yangmei Shen
- West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xinchuan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongfeng Gou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Songping Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ning Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongzhong Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Ju
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Peizhi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiagang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
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13
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Deng Y, Ma G, Vallega KA, Wang D, Wang M, Wang C, Wang S, Ramalingam SS, Sun SY. Therapeutic efficacy of the novel SHP2 degrader SHP2-D26, alone or in combination, against lung cancer is associated with modulation of p70S6K/S6, Bim and Mcl-1. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1558-1569. [PMID: 35449204 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00472-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
SHP2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, plays a critical role in fully activating oncogenic signaling pathways such as Ras/MAPK downstream of cell surface tyrosine receptors (e.g., EGFR), which are often activated in human cancers, and thus has emerged as an attractive cancer therapeutic target. This study focused on evaluating the therapeutic potential of the novel SHP2 degrader, SHP2-D26 (D26), either alone or in combination, against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. While all tested NSCLC cell lines responded to D26 with IC50s of < 8 μM, a few cell lines (4/14) were much more sensitive than others with IC50s of ≤ 4 μM. There was no clear association between basal levels of SHP2 and cell sensitivities to D26. Moreover, D26 rapidly and potently decreased SHP2 levels in different NSCLC cell lines in a sustained way regardless of cell sensitivities to D26, suggesting that additional factors may impact cell response to D26. We noted that suppression of p70S6K/S6, but not ERK1/2, was associated with cell responses to D26. In the sensitive cell lines, D26 effectively increased Bim levels while decreasing Mcl-1 levels accompanied with the induction of apoptosis. When combined with the third generation EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib (AZD9291), synergistic effects on decreasing the survival of different osimertinib-resistant cell lines were observed with enhanced induction of apoptosis. Although D26 alone exerted moderate inhibition of the growth of NSCLC xenografts, the combination of osimertinib and D26 effectively inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant xenografts, suggesting promising efficacy in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfu Deng
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guangzhi Ma
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Karin A Vallega
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mingliang Wang
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Changwei Wang
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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14
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Divakaran A, Scholtz CR, Zahid H, Lin W, Griffith EC, Lee RE, Chen T, Harki DA, Pomerantz WCK. Development of an N-Terminal BRD4 Bromodomain-Targeted Degrader. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1621-1627. [PMID: 36262390 PMCID: PMC9575167 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is a powerful induced-proximity tool to control cellular protein concentrations using small molecules. However, the design of selective degraders remains empirical. Among bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins, BRD4 is the primary therapeutic target over family members BRD2/3/T. Existing strategies for selective BRD4 degradation use pan-BET inhibitors optimized for BRD4:E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3) ternary complex formation, but these result in residual inhibition of undegraded BET-bromodomains by the pan-BET ligand, obscuring BRD4-degradation phenotypes. Using our selective inhibitor of the first BRD4 bromodomain, iBRD4-BD1 (IC50 = 12 nM, 23- to 6200-fold intra-BET selectivity), we developed dBRD4-BD1 to selectively degrade BRD4 (DC50 = 280 nM). Notably, dBRD4-BD1 upregulates BRD2/3, a result not observed with degraders using pan-BET ligands. Designing BRD4 selectivity up front enables analysis of BRD4 biology without wider BET-inhibition and simplifies designing BRD4-selective heterobifunctional molecules, such as degraders with new E3 recruiting ligands or for additional probes beyond degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Divakaran
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Cole R. Scholtz
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Huda Zahid
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Griffith
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Richard E. Lee
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Taosheng Chen
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Daniel A. Harki
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - William C. K. Pomerantz
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 Sixth Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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15
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Zhang H, Peng R, Chen S, Shen A, Zhao L, Tang W, Wang X, Li Z, Zha Z, Yi M, Zhang L. Versatile Nano-PROTAC-Induced Epigenetic Reader Degradation for Efficient Lung Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202039. [PMID: 35988145 PMCID: PMC9561860 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence has indicated that overexpression of the epigenetic reader bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) contributes to a poor prognosis of lung cancers, and the suppression of its expression promotes cell apoptosis and leads to tumor shrinkage. Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy with the capability to precisely degrade targeted proteins. Herein, a novel style of versatile nano-PROTAC (CREATE (CRV-LLC membrane/DS-PLGA/dBET6)) is developed, which is constructed by using a pH/GSH (glutathione)-responsive polymer (disulfide bond-linked poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), DS-PLGA) to load BRD4-targeted PROTAC (dBET6), followed by the camouflage with engineered lung cancer cell membranes with dual targeting capability. Notably, CREATE remarkably confers simultaneous targeting ability to lung cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The pH/GSH-responsive design improves the release of dBET6 payload from nanoparticles to induce pronounced apoptosis of both cells, which synergistically inhibits tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor-bearing mouse model. Furthermore, the efficient tumor inhibition is due to the direct elimination of lung cancer cells and TAMs, which remodels the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, the results elucidate the construction of a versatile nano-PROTAC enables to eliminate both lung cancer cells and TAMs, which opens a new avenue for efficient lung cancer therapy via PROTAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan‐Tian Zhang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgerythe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630P. R. China
| | - Rui Peng
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgerythe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630P. R. China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgerythe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630P. R. China
| | - Ao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong511436P. R. China
| | - Lixin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong511436P. R. China
| | - Wang Tang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgerythe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630P. R. China
| | - Xiao‐He Wang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgerythe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630P. R. China
| | - Zhen‐Yan Li
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgerythe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630P. R. China
| | - Zhen‐Gang Zha
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgerythe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630P. R. China
| | - Mengmeng Yi
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong511436P. R. China
| | - Lingmin Zhang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgerythe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510630P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong511436P. R. China
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Overcoming acquired resistance to third-generation EGFR inhibitors by targeting activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway through Mcl-1 inhibition, Bax activation, or both. Oncogene 2022; 41:1691-1700. [PMID: 35102249 PMCID: PMC8969464 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02200-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mutation-selective third-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) such as osimertinib has achieved remarkable success in the clinic. However, the immediate challenge is the emergence of acquired resistance, limiting the long-term remission of patients. This study suggests a novel strategy to overcome acquired resistance to osimertinib and other third-generation EGFR-TKIs through directly targeting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. We found that osimertinib, when combined with Mcl-1 inhibition or Bax activation, synergistically decreased the survival of different osimertinib-resistant cell lines, enhanced the induction of intrinsic apoptosis, and inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant tumor in vivo. Interestingly, the triple-combination of osimertinib with Mcl-1 inhibition and Bax activation exhibited the most potent activity in decreasing the survival and inducing apoptosis of osimertinib-resistant cells and in suppressing the growth of osimertinib-resistant tumors. These effects were associated with increased activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway evidenced by augmented mitochondrial cytochrome C and Smac release. Hence, this study convincingly demonstrates a novel strategy for overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib and other 3rd generation EGFR-TKIs by targeting activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through Mcl-1 inhibition, Bax activation or both, warranting further clinical validation of this strategy.
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17
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Cai T, Yao W, Qiu L, Zhu AR, Shi Z, Du Y. PLEK2 promotes the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells in a BRD4-dependent manner. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:3693-3704. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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18
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Yang T, Hu Y, Miao J, Chen J, Liu J, Cheng Y, Gao X. A BRD4 PROTAC nanodrug for glioma therapy via the intervention of tumor cells proliferation, apoptosis and M2 macrophages polarization. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2658-2671. [PMID: 35755286 PMCID: PMC9214068 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a primary aggressive brain tumor with high recurrence rate. The poor efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs crossing the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) is well-known as one of the main challenges for anti-glioma therapy. Moreover, massive infiltrated tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in glioma further thwart the drug efficacy. Herein, a therapeutic nanosystem (SPP-ARV-825) is constructed by incorporating the BRD4-degrading proteolytic targeting chimera (PROTAC) ARV-825 into the complex micelle (SPP) composed of substance P (SP) peptide-modified poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactic acid)(SP-PEG-PDLLA) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactic acid) (mPEG-PDLLA, PP), which could penetrate BBB and target brain tumor. Subsequently, released drug engenders antitumor effect via attenuating cells proliferation, inducing cells apoptosis and suppressing M2 macrophages polarization through the inhibition of IRF4 promoter transcription and phosphorylation of STAT6, STAT3 and AKT. Taken together, our work demonstrates the versatile role and therapeutic efficacy of SPP-ARV-825 micelle against glioma, which may provide a novel strategy for glioma therapy in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuzhu Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junming Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiagang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongzhong Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +86 28 85422136, fax +86 28 85502796.
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19
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Fourniols T, Maggio V, Rafael D, Colaco A, García Vidal E, Lopes A, Schwartz S, Martínez-Barriocanal Á, Preat V, Arango D. Colorectal cancer inhibition by BET inhibitor JQ1 is MYC-independent and not improved by nanoencapsulation. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 171:39-49. [PMID: 34998911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein inhibitors (BETi) for cancer treatment did not convince during their first clinical trials. Their epigenetic mechanism of action is still not well understood, even if MYC is generally considered as its main downstream target. In this context, we intended to assess two new nanoformulations of the BETi JQ1 for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). JQ1 was encapsulated at 10 mg/mL in lipid nanocapsules (LNC) or polymeric micelles (PM), both compatible for an intravenous administration. Their effect was compared with free JQ1 on several CRC cell lines in vitro and with daily intraperitoneal cyclodextrin (CD)-loaded JQ1 on the CT26 CRC tumor model in vivo. We showed that LNC preferentially accumulated in tumor, liver, and lymph nodes. LNC-JQ1 and CD-JQ1 similarly delayed tumor growth and increased median survival from 15 to 23 or 20.5 days. JQ1 altered MYC in only two among four CRC cell lines. This MYC-independence found in CT26 was confirmed in vivo by PCR and immunohistochemistry. The main explanation of the JQ1 anticancer effect was an increase in apoptosis. The investigation of its impact on the tumor microenvironment did not show significant effects. Finally, JQ1 association with irinotecan did not synergize in vivo with JQ1 nanoformulations. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the JQ1 anticancer effect was not improved by nanoencapsulation even if their tumor delivery was probably higher. MYC inhibition was not associated to JQ1 efficacy in the case of the CT26 CRC murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Fourniols
- University of Louvain, Louvain drug research Institute, Advanced drug delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valentina Maggio
- Group of Biomedical Research in Digestive Tract Tumors, CIBBIM-Nanomedicine, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Rafael
- Drug Delivery and Targeting Group, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Research Centre for Nanomedicine (CIBBIM-Nanomedicine), Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Networking Research Centre for Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ariana Colaco
- UCLouvain, LDRI (as T Fourniols, V.Preat) Centro hospitalar universitario lisboa norte, hospital de Santa Maria
| | - Elia García Vidal
- Group of Biomedical Research in Digestive Tract Tumors, CIBBIM-Nanomedicine, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alessandra Lopes
- University of Louvain, Louvain drug research Institute, Advanced drug delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simo Schwartz
- Drug Delivery and Targeting Group, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Research Centre for Nanomedicine (CIBBIM-Nanomedicine), Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Networking Research Centre for Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Águeda Martínez-Barriocanal
- Group of Biomedical Research in Digestive Tract Tumors, CIBBIM-Nanomedicine, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; UCLouvain, LDRI (as T Fourniols, V.Preat) Centro hospitalar universitario lisboa norte, hospital de Santa Maria
| | - Veronique Preat
- University of Louvain, Louvain drug research Institute, Advanced drug delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Diego Arango
- Group of Biomedical Research in Digestive Tract Tumors, CIBBIM-Nanomedicine, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; UCLouvain, LDRI (as T Fourniols, V.Preat) Centro hospitalar universitario lisboa norte, hospital de Santa Maria.
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20
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Liu W, Jin W, Zhu S, Chen Y, Liu B. Targeting regulated cell death (RCD) with small-molecule compounds in cancer therapy: A revisited review of apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death and necroptosis. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:612-625. [PMID: 34718209 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Evasion of regulated cell death (RCD), mainly referring to apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, necroptosis, and other subroutines, is one of the well-established hallmarks of cancer cells. Accumulating evidence has revealed several small-molecule compounds that target different subroutines of RCD in cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize key pathways of apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death and necroptosis in cancer, and describe small-molecule compounds that target these pathways and have potential as therapeutics. These inspiring findings light the way towards the discovery of more 'magic bullets' that could work individually or cooperatively to target precisely the three RCD subroutines and so improve cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenke Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shiou Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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21
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Chuang K, Wang S, Hsu S, Wang L. Impact of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) expression on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma' for better clarity. Cancer Med 2021; 10:5545-5556. [PMID: 34173348 PMCID: PMC8366091 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation is important for cancer tumor metastasis and progression, including lung and liver cancer. However, the mechanism of epigenetic regulation in liver cancer leaves much to be discussed. According to a previous study, p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promotes cancer metastasis by recruiting intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) in lung cancer. To figure out whether the three genes are also expressed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or not, and their correlation with patients' outcome, BRD4, PCAF, and ISX messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in 377 patients with HCC were investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and confocal fluorescence imaging. The correlation of the gene expression (PCAF, ISX, and BRD4) in liver cancer is also being investigated. Here, we show that the mRNA expression of PCAF, BRD4, and ISX in 377 paired specimens from patients with HCC, and the adjacent normal tissues exhibited a tumor-specific expression pattern, highly correlated with disease pathogenesis, patient survival time, progression stage, and poor prognosis. The results show that ISX and BRD4 can potentially be a target for improving the survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai‐Ting Chuang
- Graduate Institute of MedicineCollege of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- School of Medicine, College of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Shen‐Nien Wang
- Graduate Institute of MedicineCollege of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Division of General and Digestive SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryKaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of SurgeryCollege of MedicineKaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
- School of Medicine, College of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Shih‐Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of MedicineCollege of MedicineKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of Medical ResearchKaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Li‐Ting Wang
- Department of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Center of Applied GenomicsKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
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22
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Zhu L, Chen Z, Zang H, Fan S, Gu J, Zhang G, Sun KDY, Wang Q, He Y, Owonikoko TK, Ramalingam SS, Sun SY. Targeting c-Myc to overcome acquired resistance of EGFR mutant NSCLC cells to the third generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, osimertinib. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4822-4834. [PMID: 34289988 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Osimertinib (AZD9291 or TAGRISSOTM) is a promising and approved third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR-activating mutations or the resistant T790M mutation. However, the inevitable emergence of acquired resistance limits its long-term efficacy. A fuller understanding of the mechanism of action of osimertinib and its linkage to acquired resistance will enable the development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies. Consequently, we have identified a novel connection between osimertinib or other EGFR TKI and c-Myc. Osimertinib rapidly and sustainably decreased c-Myc levels primarily via enhancing protein degradation in EGFR-mutant (EGFRm) NSCLC cell lines and xenograft tumors. c-Myc levels were substantially elevated in different EGFRm NSCLC cell lines with acquired resistance to osimertinib in comparison with their corresponding parental cell lines and could not be reduced any further by osimertinib. Consistently, c-Myc levels were elevated in the majority of EGFRm NSCLC tissues relapsed from EGFR-TKI treatment compared to their corresponding untreated baseline c-Myc levels. Suppression of c-Myc through knockdown or pharmacological targeting with BET inhibitors restored the response of resistant cell lines to osimertinib. These findings indicate that c-Myc modulation mediates the therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib and the development of osimertinib-acquired resistance. Furthermore, they establish c-Myc as a potential therapeutic target and warrant clinical testing of BET inhibition as a potential strategy to overcome acquired resistance to osimertinib or other EGFR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhu
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Zhen Chen
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Hongjing Zang
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
| | - Jiajia Gu
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | | | - Kevin D-Y Sun
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Qiming Wang
- Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University
| | - Yong He
- Daping Hospital, Army Medical University
| | | | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
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23
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Inhibition of MEK5/ERK5 signaling overcomes acquired resistance to the third generation EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib, via enhancing Bim-dependent apoptosis. Cancer Lett 2021; 519:141-149. [PMID: 34245854 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The promising therapeutic efficacy of the third generation EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib (AZD9291), for the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been demonstrated in the clinic both as first-line and second line therapy. However, inevitable acquired resistance limits its long-term benefit to patients and is thus a significant clinical challenge. The current study focuses on studying the potential role of targeting MEK5-ERK5 signaling in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib. Osimertinib and other third generation EGFR inhibitors exerted a rapid and sustained suppressive effect on ERK5 phosphorylation primarily in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cell lines and lost this activity in some osimertinib-resistant cell lines. Osimertinib combined with either ERK5 or MEK5 inhibitors synergistically decreased the survival of osimertinib-resistant cell lines with enhanced induction of apoptosis primarily via augmenting Bim expression. Moreover, the combination effectively inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant xenografts in vivo. Together, these findings suggest the potential role of MEK5-ERK5 signaling in modulating development of acquired resistance to osimertinib and value of targeting this signaling as a potential strategy in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib and possibly other third generation EGFR inhibitors.
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24
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Giardina SF, Valdambrini E, Warren JD, Barany F. PROTACs: Promising Approaches for Epigenetic Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:306-325. [PMID: 33535953 DOI: 10.2174/1568009621666210203110857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modulation of gene expression is essential for tissue-specific development and maintenance in mammalian cells. Disruption of epigenetic processes, and the subsequent alteration of gene functions, can result in inappropriate activation or inhibition of various cellular signaling pathways, leading to cancer. Recent advancements in the understanding of the role of epigenetics in cancer initiation and progression have uncovered functions for DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, and non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic therapies have shown some promise for hematological malignancies, and a wide range of epigenetic-based drugs are undergoing clinical trials. However, in a dynamic survival strategy, cancer cells exploit their heterogeneous population which frequently results in the rapid acquisition of therapy resistance. Here, we describe novel approaches in drug discovery targeting the epigenome, highlighting recent advances the selective degradation of target proteins using Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) to address drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah F Giardina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, Box 62, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elena Valdambrini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, Box 62, New York, NY, United States
| | - J David Warren
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, Box 63, New York, NY, 10065, United States
| | - Francis Barany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, Box 62, New York, NY, United States
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25
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Meng Y, Qian X, Zhao L, Li N, Wu S, Chen B, Sun T, Wang X. Trichostatin A downregulates bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins to suppress osimertinib resistant non-small cell lung carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:216. [PMID: 33858423 PMCID: PMC8050891 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01914-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The third-generation epithelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have shown significant therapeutic effects on patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) who carry active EGFR mutations, as well as those who have developed acquired resistance to the first-generation of EGFR-TKIs due to the T790M mutation. However, most patients develop drug resistance after 8-10 months of treatment. Currently, the mechanism has not been well clarified, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. METHODS Osimertinib resistant cell lines were established by culturing sensitive cells in chronically increasing doses of osimertinib. The anticancer effect of reagents was examined both in vitro and in vivo using the sulforhodamine B assay and a xenograft mouse model. The molecular signals were detected by western blotting. The combination effect was analyzed using CompuSyn software. RESULTS We found that bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins (BETs) were upregulated in osimertinib resistant (H1975-OR) cells compared with those in the paired parental cells (H1975-P), and that knockdown of BETs significantly inhibited the growth of H1975-OR cells. The BET inhibitor JQ1 also exhibited stronger growth-inhibitory effects on H1975-OR cells and a greater expression of BETs and the downstream effector c-Myc than were observed in H1975-P cells. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) showed stronger growth suppression in H1975-OR cells than in H1975-P cells, but vorinostat, another HDAC inhibitor, showed equal inhibitory efficacy in both cell types. Consistently, downregulation of BET and c-Myc expression was greater with TSA than with vorinostat. TSA restrained the growth of H1975-OR and H1975-P xenograft tumors. The combination of TSA and JQ1 showed synergistic growth-inhibitory effects in parallel with decreased BET and c-Myc expression in both H1975-OR and H1975-P cells and in xenograft nude mouse models. BETs were not upregulated in osimertinib resistant HCC827 cells compared with parental cells, while TSA and vorinostat exhibited equal inhibitory effects on both cell types. CONCLUSION Upregulation of BETs contributed to the osimertinib resistance of H1975 cells. TSA downregulated BET expression and enhanced the growth inhibitory effect of JQ1 both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provided new strategies for the treatment of osimertinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xixi Qian
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shengjie Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Baoan Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong Sun
- Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmiandadao, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xuerong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmiandadao, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, China.
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26
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Shi L, Xiong Y, Hu X, Wang Z, Xie C. BRD4 inhibition promotes TRAIL-induced apoptosis by suppressing the transcriptional activity of NF-κB in NSCLC. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3090-3096. [PMID: 34400879 PMCID: PMC8364464 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.60776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and agonistic antibodies against TRAIL death receptors (DR) can induce apoptosis preferentially in tumor cells while causing virtually no damage to normal cells. However, their therapeutic potential is limited by occurring resistance in tumor cells, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thus, elucidation of the molecular targets and signaling pathways responsible for TRAIL resistance is imperative for devising effective therapeutic strategies for TRAIL resistant cancers. In the present study, we demonstrated that inhibition of Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) or genetic knock-down of BRD4, an epigenetic reader and master transcription coactivator, can sensitize lung cancer cells to TRAIL. This sensitization is in a caspase-dependent manner. Inhibition of BRD4 by small molecule inhibitor (+)-JQ-1 and genetic knock-down of BRD4 can both recruit the FADD and activate caspases. The sensitization did not regulate the death receptors DR4 and DR5. Moreover, BRD4 inhibition can block TRAIL-induced IKK activation by suppressing the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. These findings indicate that targeting combination therapy with TRAIL and BRD4 inhibitors can be a promising strategy to overcome TRAIL resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Shi
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Cancer Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xiong
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Cancer Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Cancer Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Cancer Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Cancer Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Arctigenin inhibits proliferation of ER-positive breast cancer cells through cell cycle arrest mediated by GSK3-dependent cyclin D1 degradation. Life Sci 2020; 256:117983. [PMID: 32565252 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) positive accounts for a large proportion of breast cancer. Although there are many targeted therapeutic drugs, the emergence of drug resistance urgently requires the development of new drugs. Arctigenin (Arc), a lignan found in certain plants of the Asteraceae, has the effect on inhibiting breast cancer, but its molecular mechanism has not been clear. AIMS To this end, the current study focuses on understanding the mechanism of Arc on ER-positive breast cancer cells. MAIN METHODS Colony formation experiments and sulforhodamine B methods were used to determine the growth-inhibitory effect of Arc. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Alterations of signaling proteins were measured by Western blotting. Protein degradation was determined by comparing protein half-lives and inhibiting proteasome. KEY FINDINGS The experimental results show that Arc did not induce apoptosis in ER-positive breast cancer cell, rather caused G1 cycle arrest by decreasing cyclin D1 levels without effect on altering CDK4/6 levels. Moreover, we have demonstrated that Arc decreases cyclin D1 levels through prompting Akt/GSK3β-mediated degradation. SIGNIFICANCE These findings warrant the potential of Arc as a candidate treatment for ER-positive breast cancer.
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