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Gorji M, Farsani MA, Kargar M, Garavand J, Mohammadi MH. Investigating the multifaceted cooperation of autophagy, PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, and INPP4B gene in de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients. Curr Res Transl Med 2024; 72:103429. [PMID: 38246071 DOI: 10.1016/j.retram.2023.103429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been the most prevalent form of acute leukemia among adults, and it has been associated with poor survival rates over the last four decades. Understanding the processes involved in leukemogenesis, particularly autophagy and signaling pathways, can provide critical insights into their roles in disease development, risk assessment, and potential therapeutic interventions. This study investigated gene expression changes, focusing on MAP1LC3B and BECN1, related to autophagy, as well as PI3KCA and AKT1 in the PI3K-AKT pathway, and INPP4B, which regulates this signaling cascade. METHODS We collected blood samples from 21 AML patients and 9 healthy volunteers. Gene expression was analyzed through qPCR following RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Statistical analysis encompassed t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation coefficients. RESULTS AML patients exhibited significantly increased MAP1LC3B gene expression (****P < 0.0001; fold change = 11.9) and significantly reduced levels of INPP4B (****P < 0.0001; fold change = 0.026), AKT1 (*P < 0.05; fold change = 0.59), and PI3KCA (****P < 0.0001; fold change = 0.16) compared to healthy controls. However, BECN1 gene expression did not significantly differ between the two groups. Additionally, noteworthy correlations were observed between INPP4B and BECN1 (r = 0.57; P = 0.006) and BECN1 and PI3KCA (r = 0.61; P = 0.003) in AML patients. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights variations in leukemogenesis pathways, exemplified by increased MAP1LC3B expression and diminished expression of regulatory genes in specific AML cases. These findings contribute to our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying AML and may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Gorji
- Department of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Allahbakhshian Farsani
- Department of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; HSCT Research Center, Laboratory Hematology and Blood Banking Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Kargar
- Department of Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Garavand
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- HSCT Research Center, Laboratory Hematology and Blood Banking Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Bahattab S, Assiri A, Alhaidan Y, Trivilegio T, AlRoshody R, Huwaizi S, Almuzzaini B, Alamro A, Abudawood M, Alehaideb Z, Matou-Nasri S. Pharmacological p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 enhances AML stem cell line KG1a chemosensitivity to daunorubicin by promoting late apoptosis, cell growth arrest in S-phase, and miR-328-3p upregulation. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102055. [PMID: 38699598 PMCID: PMC11063648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells and impaired maturation, leading to immature cell accumulation in the bone marrow and bloodstream, resulting in hematopoietic dysfunction. Chemoresistance, hyperactivity of survival pathways, and miRNA alteration are major factors contributing to treatment failure and poor outcomes in AML patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pharmacological p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 on the chemoresistance potential of AML stem cell line KG1a to the therapeutic drug daunorubicin (DNR). KG1a and chemosensitive leukemic HL60 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of DNR. Cell Titer-Glo®, flow cytometry, phosphokinase and protein arrays, Western blot technology, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were employed for assessment of cell viability, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) determination, apoptotic status detection, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis-related protein and gene expression monitoring. Confocal microscopy was used to visualize caspase and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) activities. Exposed at various incubation times, higher DNR IC50 values were determined for KG1a cells than for HL60 cells, confirming KG1a cell chemoresistance potential. Exposed to DNR, late apoptosis induction in KG1a cells was enhanced after SB203580 pretreatment, defined as the combination treatment. This enhancement was confirmed by increased cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, caspase-9, caspase-3, and augmented caspase-3/-7 and mPTP activities in KG1a cells upon combination treatment, compared to DNR. Using phosphokinase and apoptosis protein arrays, the combination treatment decreased survival Akt phosphorylation and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression levels in KG1a cells while increasing the expression levels of the tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, compared to DNR. Cell cycle analysis revealed KG1a cell growth arrest in G2/M-phase caused by DNR, while combined treatment led to cell growth arrest in S-phase, mainly associated with cyclin B1 expression levels. Remarkably, the enhanced KG1a cell sensitivity to DNR after SB203580 pretreatment was associated with an increased upregulation of miR-328-3p and slight downregulation of miR-26b-5p, compared to DNR effect. Altogether, these findings could contribute to the development of a new therapeutic strategy by targeting the p38 MAPK pathway to improve treatment outcomes in patients with refractory or relapsed AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bahattab
- Blood and Cancer Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Assiri
- Blood and Cancer Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yazeid Alhaidan
- Medical Genomics Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, MNG-HA, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thadeo Trivilegio
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, MNG-HA, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rehab AlRoshody
- Blood and Cancer Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Huwaizi
- Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, MNG-HA, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader Almuzzaini
- Medical Genomics Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, MNG-HA, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abir Alamro
- Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Abudawood
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeyad Alehaideb
- Medical Genomics Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, MNG-HA, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabine Matou-Nasri
- Blood and Cancer Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNG-HA), Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Biosciences Department, Faculty of the School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States
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Tan X, Zheng D, Lin Q, Wang L, Zhu Z, Huang Y, Lin J, Zeng Y, Mao M, Yi Z, Liu L, Ma D, Wang J, Li X. Confirmation of pain-related neuromodulation mechanism of Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction on knee osteoarthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117772. [PMID: 38266947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction (BZD) are an herbal compound commonly used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in China. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to verify the mechanism of Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction in relieving the pain of knee osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology evaluation was used to discover the potential targets of BZD to relieve pain in KOA. The therapeutic effects of BZD treatment on KOA pain using histomorphology, behavioral assessments, suspension chip analysis, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) assays. The functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to explore the effects of BZD treatment on brain function associated to KOA. RESULTS Network pharmacological analysis revealed the association between the analgesic effect of BZD on KOA and the pain signaling neurotransmitter 5-HT. Subsequently, we conducted experiments to verify the therapeutic effect of BZD on pain in KOA animal models. Behavioral tests demonstrated that the pain threshold of knee osteoarthritis rats decreased in PWT and PWL, but BZD was able to increase the pain threshold. Histopathological staining indicated thinning of the cartilage layer and sparse trabeculae in the subchondral bone. Suspension chip analysis revealed a significant increase in pro-inflammatory factors of IL-1α, IL-5, IL-12, IL-17A, RANTES, TNF-α and M-CSF in KOA, along with a significant decrease in anti-inflammatory factor of IL-13. However, BZD treatment decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and increased the content of anti-inflammatory factor. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed a significant decrease in the serum levels of GABA, E, GSH, Kyn, Met, and VMA in KOA, which were significantly increased by BZD. Conversely, the serum levels of TrpA, TyrA, Spd, and BALa were significantly increased in KOA and significantly decreased by BZD. ELISA and Western blot analysis showed increased expression of subchondral bone pain-related neuropeptides SP, CGRP, TH, NPY, VEGFA, 5-HT3 in KOA, which were decreased in BZD. Functional magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that BZD exerts its therapeutic effect on KOA by modulating the activity and functional connections of the cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the significant role of pain-related neuromodulation mechanisms in the analgesic therapy of BZD and provides a theoretical foundation for using BZD as a traditional Chinese medical treatment for KOA pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Tan
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Danhao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Qing Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Zaishi Zhu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Yanfeng Huang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jiaqiu Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Yihui Zeng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Min Mao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Zhouping Yi
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Linglong Liu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Dezun Ma
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Institute of Neuroscience and Brain Diseases, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders (LEAD), Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xihai Li
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
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Zeng J, Pei H, Wu H, Chen W, Du R, He Z. Palmatine attenuates LPS-induced neuroinflammation through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23544. [PMID: 37815058 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the key molecular mechanisms of palmatine for the treatment of neuroinflammation through modulation of a pathway using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation combined with network pharmacology, and animal experiments. Five alkaloid components were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine Huangteng through literature mining. Molecular docking and MD simulation with acetylcholinesterase were used to screen palmatine. At the animal level, mice were injected with LPS intracerebrally to cause a neuroinflammatory model, and the Morris water maze experiment was performed to examine the learning memory of mice. Anxiety levels were tested using the autonomous activity behavior experiment with the open field and elevated behavior experiments. HE staining and Niss staining were performed on brain tissue sections to observe morphological lesions and apoptosis; serum was examined for inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β; Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression. The expression of PI3K/AKT/NFkB signaling pathway-related proteins was examined by Western blot. The results of network pharmacology showed that the screening of palmatine activation containing the PI3K/Akt/NFkB signaling pathway exerts antineuroinflammatory effects. Results from behavioral experiments showed that Pal enhanced learning memory in model mice, improved anxiety behavior, and significantly improved brain damage caused by neuroinflammation. The results of HE staining and Niss staining of brain tissue sections showed that palmatine could alleviate morphological lesions and nucleus damage in brain tissue. Palmatine improved the levels of serum inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. SOD, MDA, CAT, ACH, and ACHE in the hippocampus were improved. Western blot results showed that palmatine administration ameliorated LPS-induced neuroinflammation through the PI3K/Akt/NFkB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianning Zeng
- Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jilin Province Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hongyan Pei
- Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jilin Province Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jilin Province Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Weijia Chen
- Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jilin Province Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Rui Du
- Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry in Xinjiang, Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Breeding and Product Development Technology of Sika Deer, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongmei He
- Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Jilin Province Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry in Xinjiang, Engineering Research Center for High-Efficiency Breeding and Product Development Technology of Sika Deer, Jilin, China
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Forsberg M, Konopleva M. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Understanding and Overcoming Venetoclax Resistance in Hematologic Malignancies. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2024; 24:1-14. [PMID: 38007372 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of Venetoclax (VEN) has transformed the therapeutic landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the response is heterogeneous with 10% to 50% of newly diagnosed AML patients not responding to hypomethylating agent (HMA) and VEN. Furthermore, up to 40% of responding patients relapse shortly. This review discusses the mechanism of action of Venetoclax and the major mechanisms of inherent and acquired resistance to VEN. VEN is highly specific to BCL-2 binding, as such other antiapoptotic proteins in BCL-2 family induce resistance. These antiapoptotic proteins can also be upregulated via a number of compensatory cell signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, the MAPK/ERK pathway, and mutant FLT3-ITD. Mutations can occur in BCL-2 and BAX proteins, or they can be silenced by TP53 mutations and other epigenetic changes. Changes to mitochondrial structure and metabolism can induce resistance. Key metabolic regulators include OXPHOS and alternative amino acid metabolism. Finally microenvironmental factors can influence VEN responses. This paper evaluates subsets of AML by differentiation, histology, cytogenetics and molecular markers and their different responses to VEN; with spliceosome mutations, ASXL1, NPM1 and IDH1/2 being favorable while others such as FLT3, TP53 and BCL-2 mutations being less responsive. Currently intensive multiagent chemotherapy and Venetoclax combinations such as 7+3+VEN are favored in fit younger AML patients. However, with resistant patients' subsets targeted combination therapies are becoming an increasingly attractive option. We explore the incorporation of non-BCL-2 inhibitors, next-generation BCL-2 and multi-protein agents, other inhibitors most prominently FLT-3 inhibitors in addition to Venetoclax, and other novel approaches for resolving Venetoclax resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Forsberg
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Oncology, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY.
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Taghiloo S, Ajami A, Alizadeh-Navaei R, Asgarian-Omran H. Combination therapy of acute myeloid leukemia by dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 and TLR-7/8 agonist R848 in murine model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111211. [PMID: 37956488 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111211] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the high relapse rate and toxicity of the common therapies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), modifications in the treatment strategies are required. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of combinational therapy with a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, BEZ235, and TLR7/8 agonist, R848, on murine AML model. METHODS BEZ235 and R848 were administered to AML leukemic mice in either a single or combination treatment. Frequency of T-CD4+, T-CD8+, MDSCs, NK, exhausted T cells and the degranulation levels was measured via flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity and proliferation levels were evaluated by MTT assay. Then, the expression of iNOS, arginase-1, PD-L1, Gal-9, PVR, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17 was investigated by Real-Time PCR. Organomegaly, body weight and survival rate were also monitored. RESULTS Following combinational therapy with BEZ235 and R848, increasing in the frequency of anti-tumor immune cells including T-CD4+ cells and M1 macroghages, and decreasing in pro-tumor immune cells including MDSCs, exhausted T-CD4+ and T-CD8+ cells and also M2 macrophages were observed. The functional defects of immune cells in term of proliferation, cytotoxicity, degranulation, and cytokines expression were improved in leukemic mice after treatment with BEZ235 and R848. Finally, organomegaly, body weight and survival analysis showed significant improvements after treatment with BEZ235 and R848. CONCLUSION Taken together, we indicated that the combinational therapy with BEZ235 and R848 could be considered as a potential and powerful therapeutic option for AML patients. Further clinical studies are required to expand our current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Ajami
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Alizadeh-Navaei
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Zhang J, Xiao Y, Liu H, Xu L, Guo X, Gao Y, Li M, Xu J, Qi Q, Lv P. Edaravone Dexborneol Alleviates Neuroinflammation by Reducing Neuroglial Cell Proliferation and Suppresses Neuronal Apoptosis/Autophagy in Vascular Dementia Rats. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3113-3128. [PMID: 37338792 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03973-1] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
More and more evidence shows that the pathological mechanism of vascular dementia (VD) is closely related to oxidative stress injury, cell apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory response, excitatory amino acid toxicity, synaptic plasticity change, calcium overload, and other processes. Edaravone dexborneol (EDB) is a new type of neuroprotective agent that can improve the neurological damage caused by an ischemic stroke. Previous studies showed that EDB has effects on synergistic antioxidants and induces anti-apoptotic responses. However, it remains unclear whether EDB can affect apoptosis and autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and its impact on the neuroglial cells. In this study, we established the VD model of rats by bilateral carotid artery occlusion to explore the neuroprotective effect of EDB and its mechanism. Morris Water Maze test was applied to assess the cognitive function of rats. H&E and TUNEL staining were applied to observe the cellular structure of the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence labeling was used to observe the proliferation of astrocytes and microglia. ELISA was applied to examine the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and RT-PCR was applied to examine their mRNA expression levels. Western blotting was applied to examine apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3), autophagy-related proteins (Beclin-1, P62, LC3B), PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway proteins and their phosphorylation levels. The results indicated that EDB ameliorates learning and memory in rats subjected to the VD model, alleviates neuroinflammatory response by reducing the proliferation of the neuroglial cell and inhibits apoptosis and autophagy, which may be mediated by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yining Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Networks and Cognitive Disorders, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Hongna Liu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Lili Xu
- Graduate School of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, China
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of Neurology, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Yaran Gao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Meixi Li
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Networks and Cognitive Disorders, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Networks and Cognitive Disorders, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Qianqian Qi
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Peiyuan Lv
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China.
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Networks and Cognitive Disorders, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China.
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Pendse S, Chavan S, Kale V, Vaidya A. A comprehensive analysis of cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous regulation of myeloid leukemic cells: The prospect of developing novel niche-targeting therapies. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1667-1683. [PMID: 37554060 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12078] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Leukemic cells (LCs) arise from the hematopoietic stem/and progenitor cells (HSCs/HSPCs) and utilize cues from the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) for their regulation in the same way as their normal HSC counterparts. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), a vital component of the BMM promote leukemogenesis by creating a protective and immune-tolerant microenvironment that can support the survival of LCs, helping them escape chemotherapy, thereby resulting in the relapse of leukemia. Conversely, MSCs also induce apoptosis in the LCs and inhibit their proliferation by interfering with their self-renewal potential. This review discusses the work done so far on cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and MSCs-mediated non-cell-autonomous (extrinsic) regulation of myeloid leukemia with a special focus on the need to investigate the extrinsic regulation of myeloid leukemia to understand the contrasting role of MSCs in leukemogenesis. These mechanisms could be exploited to formulate novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target the leukemic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalmali Pendse
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sayali Chavan
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vaijayanti Kale
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anuradha Vaidya
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra, India
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9
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Bakhtiyari M, Liaghat M, Aziziyan F, Shapourian H, Yahyazadeh S, Alipour M, Shahveh S, Maleki-Sheikhabadi F, Halimi H, Forghaniesfidvajani R, Zalpoor H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Pornour M. The role of bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression: immune checkpoints, metabolic checkpoints, and signaling pathways. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:252. [PMID: 37735675 PMCID: PMC10512514 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a multifarious and heterogeneous array of illnesses characterized by the anomalous proliferation of myeloid cells in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The BMM plays a pivotal role in promoting AML progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The immune checkpoints (ICs) and metabolic processes are the key players in this process. In this review, we delineate the metabolic and immune checkpoint characteristics of the AML BMM, with a focus on the roles of BMM cells e.g. tumor-associated macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, metabolic profiles and related signaling pathways. We also discuss the signaling pathways stimulated in AML cells by BMM factors that lead to AML progression. We then delve into the roles of immune checkpoints in AML angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation, including co-stimulatory and inhibitory ICs. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches and future directions for AML treatment, emphasizing the potential of targeting metabolic and immune checkpoints in AML BMM as prognostic and therapeutic targets. In conclusion, the modulation of these processes through the use of directed drugs opens up new promising avenues in combating AML. Thereby, a comprehensive elucidation of the significance of these AML BMM cells' metabolic and immune checkpoints and signaling pathways on leukemic cells can be undertaken in the future investigations. Additionally, these checkpoints and cells should be considered plausible multi-targeted therapies for AML in combination with other conventional treatments in AML. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooriyeh Shapourian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sheida Yahyazadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maedeh Alipour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Shahveh
- American Association of Naturopath Physician (AANP), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fahimeh Maleki-Sheikhabadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Halimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razieh Forghaniesfidvajani
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pornour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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10
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Wang S, Wang X, Shen K, Wei C, Li J. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor inhibits the proliferation of acute myeloid leukaemia cells via NK cell activation. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:2353-2364. [PMID: 37522970 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05378-0] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) denotes a heterogeneous category of cancers occurring within the bone marrow that are initiated by the unrestricted proliferation of haematopoietic stem cells. Various factors effectuate the dysregulation of AML cell proliferation; for instance, the upregulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) within AML cells influences their proliferation. However, there is a current dearth of research assessing the association between IGF1R and prognostic risk as well as its potential as an AML immunotherapeutic. This study aims to elucidate the role of IGF1R in AML progression and evaluate its prognostic value. To this end, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was analysed to compare IGF1R expression between AML and normal tissues. Moreover, a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to determine whether IGF1R expression correlates with patient overall survival (OS). TCGA data revealed upregulated IGF1R expression in the peripheral blood of AML patients compared to that in healthy individuals. Meanwhile, IGF1R expression positively correlates with patient OS. Additionally, elevated IGF1R expression promotes NK cell expansion and enhances its functional activation, thereby inhibiting AML cell proliferation. Collectively, these findings highlight the clinical potential of IGF1R in the effective treatment of AML through the activation of NK cell proliferation and function and suggest that it may represent a potential predictive marker of AML prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShuQing Wang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - KaiNi Shen
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Chong Wei
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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11
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Shin B, Lee JY, Im Y, Yoo H, Park J, Lee JS, Lee KY, Jeon K. Prognostic implication of downregulated exosomal miRNAs in patients with sepsis: a cross-sectional study with bioinformatics analysis. J Intensive Care 2023; 11:35. [PMID: 37537685 PMCID: PMC10399058 DOI: 10.1186/s40560-023-00683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the understanding of sepsis-induced extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes, and their role in intercellular communication during sepsis, little is known about EV contents such as microRNA (miRNA), which modulate important cellular processes contributing to sepsis in body fluids. This study aimed to analyze the differential expression of exosomal miRNAs in plasma samples collected from sepsis patients and healthy controls, and to identify potential miRNA regulatory pathways contributing to sepsis pathogenesis. METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR-based microarrays were used to profile plasma exosomal miRNA expression levels in 135 patients with sepsis and 11 healthy controls from an ongoing prospective registry of critically ill adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit. The identified exosomal miRNAs were tested in an external validation cohort (35 sepsis patients and 10 healthy controls). And then, functional enrichment analyses of gene ontology, KEGG pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction network and cluster analyses were performed based on the potential target genes of the grouped miRNAs. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the identified exosomal miRNAs in predicting in-hospital and 90-day mortalities of sepsis patients, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, plasma exosomes from sepsis patients showed significant changes in 25 miRNAs; eight miRNAs were upregulated and 17 downregulated. Additionally, the levels of hsa-let-7f-5p, miR-331-3p miR-301a-3p, and miR-335-5p were significantly lower in sepsis patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). These four miRNAs were confirmed in an external validation cohort. In addition, the most common pathway for these four miRNAs were PI3K-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways based on the KEGG analysis. The area under the ROC of hsa-let-7f-5p, miR-331-3p, miR-301a-3p, and miR-335-5p level for in-hospital mortality was 0.913, 0.931, 0.929, and 0.957, respectively (p < 0.001), as confirmed in an external validation cohort. Also, the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant difference in 90-day mortality between sepsis patients with high and low miR-335-5p, miR-301a-3p, hsa-let-7f-5p, and miR-331-3p levels (p < 0.001, log-rank test). CONCLUSION Among the differentially-expressed miRNAs detected in microarrays, the top four downregulated exosomal miRNAs (hsa-let-7f-5p, miR-331-3p miR-301a-3p, and miR-335-5p) were identified as independent prognostic factors for in-hospital and 90-day mortalities among sepsis patients. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that these four microRNAs might provide a significant contribution to sepsis pathogenesis through PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beomsu Shin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunjoo Im
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongseok Yoo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseon Park
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Sang Lee
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongman Jeon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkawan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Darici S, Jørgensen HG, Huang X, Serafin V, Antolini L, Barozzi P, Luppi M, Forghieri F, Marmiroli S, Zavatti M. Improved efficacy of quizartinib in combination therapy with PI3K inhibition in primary FLT3-ITD AML cells. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 89:100974. [PMID: 37245251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia is a heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy, characterized by uncontrolled clonal proliferation of abnormal myeloid progenitor cells, with poor outcomes. The internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation of the Fms-like receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) (FLT3-ITD) represents the most common genetic alteration in AML, detected in approximately 30% of AML patients, and is associated with high leukemic burden and poor prognosis. Therefore, this kinase has been regarded as an attractive druggable target for the treatment of FLT3-ITD AML, and selective small molecule inhibitors, such as quizartinib, have been identified and trialled. However, clinical outcomes have been disappointing so far due to poor remission rates, also because of acquired resistance. A strategy to overcome resistance is to combine FLT3 inhibitors with other targeted therapies. In this study, we investigated the preclinical efficacy of the combination of quizartinib with the pan PI3K inhibitor BAY-806946 in FLT3-ITD cell lines and primary cells from AML patients. We show here that BAY-806946 enhanced quizartinib cytotoxicity and, most importantly, that this combination increases the ability of quizartinib to kill CD34+ CD38-leukemia stem cells, whilst sparing normal hematopoietic stem cells. Because constitutively active FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase is known to boost aberrant PI3K signaling, the increased sensitivity of primary cells to the above combination can be the mechanistic results of the disruption of signaling by vertical inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salihanur Darici
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Largo del Pozzo 71, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy; Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Heather G Jørgensen
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Xu Huang
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology Oncology and Immunology Section University of Padova, Italy
| | - Ludovica Antolini
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Largo del Pozzo 71, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Patrizia Barozzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Fabio Forghieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Largo del Pozzo 71, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
| | - Manuela Zavatti
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Largo del Pozzo 71, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
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13
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Machado-Neto JA, Carlos JAEG, Lima K. miRNAs as prognostic predictors in acute myeloid leukemia. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:1656-1659. [PMID: 37588737 PMCID: PMC10425646 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Keli Lima
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Division, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Bruserud Ø, Reikvam H. Casein Kinase 2 (CK2): A Possible Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3711. [PMID: 37509370 PMCID: PMC10378128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase CK2 (also known as casein kinase 2) is one of the main contributors to the human phosphoproteome. It is regarded as a possible therapeutic strategy in several malignant diseases, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is an aggressive bone marrow malignancy. CK2 is an important regulator of intracellular signaling in AML cells, especially PI3K-Akt, Jak-Stat, NFκB, Wnt, and DNA repair signaling. High CK2 levels in AML cells at the first time of diagnosis are associated with decreased survival (i.e., increased risk of chemoresistant leukemia relapse) for patients receiving intensive and potentially curative antileukemic therapy. However, it is not known whether these high CK2 levels can be used as an independent prognostic biomarker because this has not been investigated in multivariate analyses. Several CK2 inhibitors have been developed, but CX-4945/silmitasertib is best characterized. This drug has antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in primary human AML cells. The preliminary results from studies of silmitasertib in the treatment of other malignancies suggest that gastrointestinal and bone marrow toxicities are relatively common. However, clinical AML studies are not available. Taken together, the available experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the possible use of CK2 inhibition in the treatment of AML should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Bruserud
- Institute for Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Håkon Reikvam
- Institute for Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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15
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Gao X, Zhao F, Wang Y, Ma X, Chai H, Han J, Fang F. Discovery of novel hybrids of mTOR inhibitor and NO donor as potential anti-tumor therapeutics. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 91:117402. [PMID: 37421709 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) may be beneficial to overcoming drug resistance resulting from mutation of mTOR kinases and bypass mechanisms. In this study, a novel structural series of hybrids of mTOR inhibitor and NO donor were designed and synthesized via structure-based drug design (SBDD). Throughout the 20 target compounds, half of the compounds (13a, 13b, 19a-19d, 19f-19j) demonstrated attractive mTOR inhibitory activity with IC50 at single-digit nanomolar level. In particular, 19f exerted superior anti-proliferative activity against HepG2, MCF-7, HL-60 cells (HepG2, IC50 = 0.24 μM; MCF-7, IC50 = 0.88 μM; HL-60, IC50 = 0.02 μM) to that of the clinical investigated mTOR inhibitor MLN0128, and show mild cytotoxicity against normal cells with IC50 over 10 μM. 19a, with the most potent mTOR inhibitory activity in this series (IC50 = 3.31 nM), also displayed attractive cellular potency. In addition, 19f treatment in HL-60 reduces the levels of Phos-Akt and Phos-S6 in a dose-dependent manner, and releases NO in cells. In summary, 19f deserves further development as a novel mTOR-based multi-target anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Huayi Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jingjing Han
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Fang Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China.
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16
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Chen Y, Zou Z, Găman MA, Xu L, Li J. NADPH oxidase mediated oxidative stress signaling in FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:208. [PMID: 37391442 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01528-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The internal tandem duplication of the juxtamembrane domain of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3-ITD) is the most common genetic change in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and about 30% of all AMLs harbor a FLT3-ITD mutation. Even though FLT3 inhibitors have displayed encouraging effects in FLT3-ITD-mutated AML, the extent of the clinical response to these compounds is cut short due to the rapid development of drug resistance. Evidence has shown that FLT3-ITD triggered activation of oxidative stress signaling may exert a pivotal role in drug resistance. The downstream pathways of FLT3-ITD, including STAT5, PI3K/AKT, and RAS/MAPK, are considered to be major oxidative stress signaling pathways. These downstream pathways can inhibit apoptosis and promote proliferation and survival by regulating apoptosis-related genes and promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through NADPH oxidase (NOX) or other mechanisms. Appropriate levels of ROS may promote proliferation, but high levels of ROS can lead to oxidative damage to the DNA and increase genomic instability. In addition, post-translational modifications of FLT3-ITD and changes in its subcellular localization can affect downstream signaling which may also be one of the mechanisms leading to drug resistance. In this review, we summarized the research progress on NOX mediated oxidative stress signaling and its relationship with drug resistance in FLT3-ITD AML, and discuss the possible new targets in FLT3-ITD signal blocking to reverse drug resistance in FLT3-ITD-mutated AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Chen
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College of Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China.
| | - Zhenyou Zou
- Institute of Psychosis Prevention, Brain Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Liuzhou, Guangxi, 542005, China.
| | - Mihnea-Alexandru Găman
- Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474, Bucharest, Romania.
- Department of Hematology, Centre of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Linglong Xu
- Department of Hematology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
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17
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Bovari-Biri J, Abdelwahab EMM, Garai K, Pongracz JE. Prdx5 in the Regulation of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Mutation-Induced Signaling Mechanisms. Cells 2023; 12:1713. [PMID: 37443747 PMCID: PMC10340296 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131713] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) mutations directly affect mTORC activity and, as a result, protein synthesis. In several cancer types, TSC mutation is part of the driver mutation panel. TSC mutations have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, tolerance to reactive oxygen species due to increased thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) enzyme activity, tolerance to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis. The FDA-approved drug rapamycin is frequently used in clinical applications to inhibit protein synthesis in cancers. Recently, TrxR inhibitor auranofin has also been involved in clinical trials to investigate the anticancer efficacy of the combination treatment with rapamycin. We aimed to investigate the molecular background of the efficacy of such drug combinations in treating neoplasia modulated by TSC mutations. (2) Methods: TSC2 mutant and TSC2 wild-type (WT) cell lines were exposed to rapamycin and auranofin in either mono- or combination treatment. Mitochondrial membrane potential, TrxR enzyme activity, stress protein array, mRNA and protein levels were investigated via cell proliferation assay, electron microscopy, etc. (3) Results: Auranofin and rapamycin normalized mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced proliferation capacity of TSC2 mutant cells. Database analysis identified peroxiredoxin 5 (Prdx5) as the joint target of auranofin and rapamycin. The auranofin and the combination of the two drugs reduced Prdx5 levels. The combination treatment increased the expression of heat shock protein 70, a cellular ER stress marker. (4) Conclusions: After extensive analyses, Prdx5 was identified as a shared target of the two drugs. The decreased Prdx5 protein level and the inhibition of both TrxR and mTOR by rapamycin and auranofin in the combination treatment made ER stress-induced cell death possible in TSC2 mutant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Judit E. Pongracz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, 2. Rokus Str, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
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18
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Zhou X, Zeng Y, Zheng R, Wang Y, Li T, Song S, Zhang S, Huang J, Ren Y. Natural products modulate cell apoptosis: a promising way for treating endometrial cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1209412. [PMID: 37361222 PMCID: PMC10285317 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1209412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent epithelial malignancy in the uterine corpus's endometrium and myometrium. Regulating apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells has been a promising approach for treating EC. Recent in-vitro and in-vivo studies show that numerous extracts and monomers from natural products have pro-apoptotic properties in EC. Therefore, we have reviewed the current studies regarding natural products in modulating the apoptosis of EC cells and summarized their potential mechanisms. The potential signaling pathways include the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) mediated apoptotic pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) mediated apoptotic pathway, NF-κB-mediated apoptotic pathway, PI3K/AKT/mTOR mediated apoptotic pathway, the p21-mediated apoptotic pathway, and other reported pathways. This review focuses on the importance of natural products in treating EC and provides a foundation for developing natural products-based anti-EC agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiwei Zeng
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Runchen Zheng
- School of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuemei Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanshan Song
- School of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Su Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinzhu Huang
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gynecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulan Ren
- School of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Osman N, ELzayat R, ELtounsi I. Higher mTOR Expression: A Marker of Poor Outcome in Patients with de Novo AML. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2023; 39:325-329. [PMID: 37006968 PMCID: PMC10064364 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-022-01569-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) displays significant clinical diversity mainly due to the variation in the underlying molecular defects, which is now recognized as the main driver for leukemogenesis. mTOR deregulation is thought to promote the proliferation and survival of leukemic blasts. This work aimed to study mTOR gene expression as a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in AML. Quantitative real-time PCR evaluated mTOR expression in 45 new AML cases in relation to disease characteristics and outcome. mTOR was overexpressed in AML patients and higher levels were seen in the group that was not in complete remission (CR), at the end of induction, compared to those who achieved remission (17.03 ± 16.44 vs 3.91 ± 2.55 respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, mTOR expression inversely correlated with survival (p < 0.001). Patients with mTOR expression > 5.2 had a median overall survival of 10 months as opposed to 23 months in those with an expression of ≤ 5.2, p < 0.001. mTOR was an independent risk factor for failure of response in our patient group (p 0.007 and OR 1.54). mTOR has prognostic implications as it predicted the response and survival in our patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12288-022-01569-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Osman
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Menoufia Faculty of Medicine, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Reham ELzayat
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Menoufia Faculty of Medicine, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Iman ELtounsi
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Menoufia Faculty of Medicine, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
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Combination Therapies Targeting Apoptosis in Paediatric AML: Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of AML Treatments Using Phosphoproteomics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065717. [PMID: 36982791 PMCID: PMC10058112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) continues to present treatment challenges, as no “standard approach” exists to treat those young patients reliably and safely. Combination therapies could become a viable treatment option for treating young patients with AML, allowing multiple pathways to be targeted. Our in silico analysis of AML patients highlighted “cell death and survival” as an aberrant, potentially targetable pathway in paediatric AML patients. Therefore, we aimed to identify novel combination therapies to target apoptosis. Our apoptotic drug screening resulted in the identification of one potential “novel” drug pairing, comprising the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 combined with the CDK inhibitor Purvalanol-A, as well as one triple combination of ABT-737 + AKT inhibitor + SU9516, which showed significant synergism in a series of paediatric AML cell lines. Using a phosphoproteomic approach to understand the apoptotic mechanism involved, proteins related to apoptotic cell death and cell survival were represented, in agreement with further results showing differentially expressed apoptotic proteins and their phosphorylated forms among combination treatments compared to single-agent treated cells such upregulation of BAX and its phosphorylated form (Thr167), dephosphorylation of BAD (Ser 112), and downregulation of MCL-1 and its phosphorylated form (Ser159/Thr 163). Total levels of Bcl-2 were decreased but correlated with increased levels of phosphorylated Bcl-2, which was consistent with our phosphoproteomic analysis predictions. Bcl-2 phosphorylation was regulated by extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) but not PP2A phosphatase. Although the mechanism linking to Bcl-2 phosphorylation remains to be determined, our findings provide first-hand insights on potential novel combination treatments for AML.
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Wang P, Zhang J, Zhang H, Zhang F. The role of MACF1 on acute myeloid leukemia cell proliferation is involved in Runx2-targeted PI3K/Akt signaling. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:433-441. [PMID: 35857251 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04517-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of hematologic diseases, which is related to abnormal genes. The aberrant microtubule actin cross-linking factor 1 (MACF1) is associated with progression of multiple tumors by initiating cell proliferation. Nevertheless, the function and action mechanism of MACF1 in AML cell proliferation remain mostly unknown. Our study aimed to explore the influence of MACF1 on AML cell proliferation by CCK-8 and EdU staining assays. Moreover, we aimed to explore the effect of MACF1 on downstream Runx2 and the PI3K/Akt signaling. MACF1 expression in AML patients was predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Cells were transfected with si-con, si-MACF1 or Runx2 using Lipofectamine 2000. Upregulated MACF1 was found in AML patients and predicted worse overall survival. MACF1 expression was upregulated in AML cells compared with that in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. MACF1 silencing reduced AML cell proliferation. Runx2 level was increased in AML cells, and decreased by silencing MACF1. Runx2 upregulation rescued MACF1 silencing-mediated inhibition of proliferation. MACF1 downregulation inhibited activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by decreasing Runx2. Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway abrogated the suppressive role of MACF1 downregulation in AML cell proliferation. In conclusion, MACF1 knockdown decreased AML cell proliferation by reducing Runx2 and inactivating the PI3K/Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Hematology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District (Banan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University), No.659, Yu'nan Avenue, Chongqing, 401320, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, People's Republic of China
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Elworthy S, Rutherford HA, Prajsnar TK, Hamilton NM, Vogt K, Renshaw SA, Condliffe AM. Activated PI3K delta syndrome 1 mutations cause neutrophilia in zebrafish larvae. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049841. [PMID: 36805642 PMCID: PMC10655814 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049841] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
People with activated PI3 kinase delta syndrome 1 (APDS1) suffer from immune deficiency and severe bronchiectasis. APDS1 is caused by dominant activating mutations of the PIK3CD gene that encodes the PI3 kinase delta (PI3Kδ) catalytic subunit. Despite the importance of innate immunity defects in bronchiectasis, there has been limited investigation of neutrophils or macrophages in APDS1 patients or mouse models. Zebrafish embryos provide an ideal system to study neutrophils and macrophages. We used CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cpf1, with oligonucleotide-directed homologous repair, to engineer zebrafish equivalents of the two most prevalent human APDS1 disease mutations. These zebrafish pik3cd alleles dominantly caused excessive neutrophilic inflammation in a tail-fin injury model. They also resulted in total body neutrophilia in the absence of any inflammatory stimulus but normal numbers of macrophages. Exposure of zebrafish to the PI3Kδ inhibitor CAL-101 reversed the total body neutrophilia. There was no apparent defect in neutrophil maturation or migration, and tail-fin regeneration was unimpaired. Overall, the finding is of enhanced granulopoeisis, in the absence of notable phenotypic change in neutrophils and macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stone Elworthy
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Holly A. Rutherford
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Tomasz K. Prajsnar
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Evolutionary Immunology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Noémie M. Hamilton
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Katja Vogt
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Stephen A. Renshaw
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Alison M. Condliffe
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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Yang C, Gong Y, Gao Y, Deng M, Liu X, Yang Y, Ling Y, Jia Y, Zhou Y. Design, synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of 2-aminopyridine derivatives as novel PI3Kδ inhibitors for hematological cancer. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 82:129152. [PMID: 36706844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) involves in regulation of proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, and is overexpressed in most of human malignant tumors. Therefore, the development of PI3K inhibitors has attracted great interest in tumor treatment. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of 2-aminopyridine derivatives via a bioisosterism strategy. Among them, compound MR3278 showed superior PI3Kδ inhibitory activity (IC50 = 30 nM), as well as higher inhibitory activity to most of AML cells (e.g., MOLM-16 and Mv-4-11 cells with IC50 values of 2.6 μM and 3.7 μM, respectively) than Idelalisib. Further cell studies indicated that MR3278 could induce G2/M phase arrests and cell apoptosis of Mv-4-11 cells via PI3K dependent pathway in a dose dependent manner. In addition, in silico physicochemical and ADMET evaluation revealed its drug-like properties with satisfactory toxicity profiles. These results indicate that MR3278 can be identified as a promising new lead compound to the current PI3Kδ inhibitor and is worthy of further profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengbin Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yimin Gong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yunjian Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Mingli Deng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yongtai Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yun Ling
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yu Jia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yaming Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Combined scRNAseq and Bulk RNAseq Analysis to Reveal the Dual Roles of Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:5343746. [PMID: 36811020 PMCID: PMC9938912 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5343746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress (OS) can either lead to leukemogenesis or induce tumor cell death by inflammation and immune response accompanying the process of OS through chemotherapy. However, previous studies mainly focus on the level of OS state and the salient factors leading to tumorigenesis and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and nothing has been done to distinguish the OS-related genes with different functions. Method First, we downloaded single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data from public databases and evaluated the oxidative stress functions between leukemia cells and normal cells by the ssGSEA algorithm. Then, we used machine learning methods to screen out OS gene set A related to the occurrence and prognosis of AML and OS gene set B related to treatment in leukemia stem cells (LSCs) like population (HSC-like). Furthermore, we screened out the hub genes in the above two gene sets and used them to identify molecular subclasses and construct a model for predicting therapy response. Results Leukemia cells have different OS functions compared to normal cells and significant OS functional changes before and after chemotherapy. Two different clusters in gene set A were identified, which showed different biological properties and clinical relevance. The sensitive model for predicting therapy response based on gene set B demonstrated predictive accuracy by ROC and internal validation. Conclusion We combined scRNAseq and bulk RNAseq data to construct two different transcriptomic profiles to reveal the different roles of OS-related genes involved in AML oncogenesis and chemotherapy resistance, which might provide important insights into the mechanism of OS-related genes in the pathogenesis and drug resistance of AML.
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Bouligny IM, Maher KR, Grant S. Augmenting Venetoclax Activity Through Signal Transduction in AML. JOURNAL OF CELLULAR SIGNALING 2023; 4:1-12. [PMID: 36911757 PMCID: PMC9997087 DOI: 10.33696/signaling.4.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Venetoclax, a small-molecule B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor, selectively eradicates leukemic stem cells (LSCs). While venetoclax has revolutionized the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), treatment failure and disease relapse are common. Mechanisms underlying venetoclax resistance are surprisingly heterogeneous. Venetoclax resistance encompasses a spectrum of genetic and epigenetic changes, with numerous pathways contributing to the upregulation of additional anti-apoptotic proteins. In this review, we address the mechanisms of venetoclax resistance in the context of signal transduction. We emphasize how aberrant cell signaling impairs apoptosis and predisposes to venetoclax failure. Commonly activated pathways, such as FLT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and RAS, contribute to upregulated anti-apoptotic mediators and are frequently responsible for refractory disease or disease relapse. We highlight novel combination strategies aimed at disabling constitutively active signal transduction to augment response and overcome venetoclax resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Michael Bouligny
- Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1300 E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Keri Renee Maher
- Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1300 E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Steven Grant
- Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, 1300 E. Marshall St., Richmond, VA, USA
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A pyridinesulfonamide derivative FD268 suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via inhibiting PI3K pathway in acute myeloid leukemia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277893. [PMID: 36413544 PMCID: PMC9681083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberration of PI3K signaling pathway has been confirmed to be associated with several hematological malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FD268, a pyridinesulfonamide derivative characterized by the conjugation of 7-azaindole group, is a newly identified PI3K inhibitor showing high potent enzyme activity at nanomole concentration. In this study, we demonstrated that FD268 dose-dependently inhibits survival of AML cells with the efficacy superior to that of PI-103 (pan-PI3K inhibitor) and CAL-101 (selective PI3Kδ inhibitor) in the tested HL-60, MOLM-16, Mv-4-11, EOL-1 and KG-1 cell lines. Further mechanistic studies focused on HL-60 revealed that FD268 significantly inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, promotes the activation of pro-apoptotic protein Bad and downregulates the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, thus suppressing the cell proliferation and inducing caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. The bioinformatics analysis of the transcriptome sequencing data also indicated a potential involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. These studies indicated that FD268 possesses high potent activity toward AML cells via inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which sheds some light on the pyridinesulfonamide scaffold for further optimization and investigation.
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[Effects of matrine combined with LY294002 on proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of human myeloid leukemia K562 cells]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:1739-1746. [PMID: 36504069 PMCID: PMC9742777 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.11.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of matrine combined with LY294002 on proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of human myeloid leukemia K562 cells and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS The effects of different concentrations of matrine alone and in combination with LY294002 on the proliferation of K562 cells were examined with CCK-8 assay. The changes in morphology of K562 cells were observed following treatment for 48 h with 0.4 g/L matrine and 10 μmol/L Y294002, either alone or in combination, and cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/PI double labeling; the changes in cell cycle was detected with PI labeling. Western blotting was performed to examine the effect of matrine combined with LY294002 on expressions of p-mTOR, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, cyclinD1, Bcl-2 and caspase-9 in the cells. RESULTS Treatment with different concentrations of matrine, both alone and in combination with LY294002, inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Compared with matrine treatment alone, the combined treatment caused more obvious morphological changes of the cells, significantly increased cell apoptosis (P < 0.01), and induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (P < 0.01). Western blotting showed that the protein expression levels of p-mTOR, cyclinD1, p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 in K562 cells increased while the expression level of caspase-9 decreased significantly after the combined treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Matrine combined with LY294002 produces a synergistic inhibitory effect on K562 cells possibly by down-regulating the p-Akt expression in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, reducing the expressions of p-mTOR, cyclinD1 and Bcl-2, and increasing the expression of caspase-9.
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USF2-mediated upregulation of TXNRD1 contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating Akt/mTOR signaling. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:917. [PMID: 36319631 PMCID: PMC9626593 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05363-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) is one of the major redox regulators in mammalian cells, which has been reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, its roles and regulatory mechanism underlying the progression of HCC remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that TXNRD1 was significantly upregulated in HCC tumor tissues and correlated with poor survival in HCC patients. Functional studies indicated TXNRD1 knockdown substantially suppressed HCC cell proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo, and its overexpression showed opposite effects. Mechanistically, TXNRD1 attenuated the interaction between Trx1 and PTEN which resulting in acceleration of PTEN degradation, thereby activated Akt/mTOR signaling and its target genes which conferred to elevated HCC cell mobility and metastasis. Moreover, USF2 was identified as a transcriptional suppressor of TXNRD1, which directly interacted with two E-box sites in TXNRD1 promoter. USF2 functioned as tumor suppressor through the downstream repression of TXNRD1. Further clinical data revealed negative co-expression correlations between USF2 and TXNRD1. In conclusion, our findings reveal that USF2-mediated upregulation of TXNRD1 contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating Akt/mTOR signaling.
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Rationale for Combining the BCL2 Inhibitor Venetoclax with the PI3K Inhibitor Bimiralisib in the Treatment of IDH2- and FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012587. [PMID: 36293442 PMCID: PMC9604078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In October 2020, the FDA granted regular approval to venetoclax (ABT-199) in combination with hypomethylating agents for newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults 75 years or older, or in patients with comorbidities precluding intensive chemotherapy. The treatment response to venetoclax combination treatment, however, may be short-lived, and leukemia relapse is the major cause of treatment failure. Multiple studies have confirmed the upregulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family and the activation of intracellular signaling pathways associated with resistance to venetoclax. To improve treatment outcome, compounds targeting anti-apoptotic proteins and signaling pathways have been evaluated in combination with venetoclax. In this study, the BCL-XL inhibitor A1331852, MCL1-inhibitor S63845, dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitor bimiralisib (PQR309), BMI-1 inhibitor unesbulin (PTC596), MEK-inhibitor trametinib (GSK1120212), and STAT3 inhibitor C-188-9 were assessed as single agents and in combination with venetoclax, for their ability to induce apoptosis and cell death in leukemic cells grown in the absence or presence of bone marrow stroma. Enhanced cytotoxic effects were present in all combination treatments with venetoclax in AML cell lines and AML patient samples. Elevated in vitro efficacies were observed for the combination treatment of venetoclax with A1331852, S63845 and bimiralisib, with differing response markers for each combination. For the venetoclax and bimiralisib combination treatment, responders were enriched for IDH2 and FLT3 mutations, whereas non-responders were associated with PTPN11 mutations. The combination of PI3K/mTOR dual pathway inhibition with bimiralisib and BCL2 inhibition with venetoclax has emerged as a candidate treatment in IDH2- and FLT3-mutated AML.
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Al-Rawashde FA, Al-wajeeh AS, Vishkaei MN, Saad HKM, Johan MF, Taib WRW, Ismail I, Al-Jamal HAN. Thymoquinone Inhibits JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt/ mTOR Signaling Pathways in MV4-11 and K562 Myeloid Leukemia Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091123. [PMID: 36145344 PMCID: PMC9504933 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of Janus tyrosine kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathways plays a crucial role in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Thymoquinone (TQ), one of the main constituents of Nigella sativa, has shown anti-cancer activities in several cancers. However, the inhibitory effect mechanism of TQ on leukemia has not been fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of TQ on JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways in MV4-11 AML cells and K562 CML cells. FLT3-ITD positive MV4-11 cells and BCR-ABL positive K562 cells were treated with TQ. Cytotoxicity assay was assessed using WSTs-8 kit. The expression of the target genes was evaluated using RT-qPCR. The phosphorylation status and the levels of proteins involved in JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways were investigated using Jess western analysis. TQ induced a dose and time dependent inhibition of K562 cells proliferation. TQ significantly downregulated PI3K, Akt, and mTOR and upregulated PTEN expression with a significant inhibition of JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. In conclusion, TQ reduces the expression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR genes and enhances the expression of PTEN gene at the mRNA and protein levels. TQ also inhibits JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, and consequently inhibits proliferation of myeloid leukemia cells, suggesting that TQ has potential anti-leukemic effects on both AML and CML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Futoon Abedrabbu Al-Rawashde
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan
| | | | | | - Hanan Kamel M. Saad
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Farid Johan
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Wan Rohani Wan Taib
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia
| | - Imilia Ismail
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia
| | - Hamid Ali Nagi Al-Jamal
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-174729012
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Liu Q, Zhang J, Xiao C, Su D, Li L, Yang C, Zhao Z, Jiang W, You Z, Zhou T. Akebia saponin D protects hippocampal neurogenesis from microglia-mediated inflammation and ameliorates depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice through the PI3K-Akt pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927419. [PMID: 36110522 PMCID: PMC9468712 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the ability of akebia saponin D (ASD) to protect various types of stem cells, in the present study, we hypothesized that ASD could promote the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of neural stem/precursor cells (NSPCs), even in a microglia-mediated inflammatory environment, thereby mitigating inflammation-related neuropsychopathology. We established a mouse model of chronic neuroinflammation by exposing animals to low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.25 mg/kg/d) for 14 days. The results showed that chronic exposure to LPS strikingly reduced hippocampal levels of PI3K and pAkt and neurogenesis in mice. In the presen of a microglia-mediated inflammatory niche, the PI3K-Akt signaling in cultured NSPCs was inhibited, promoting their apoptosis and differentiation into astrocytes, while decreasing neurogenesis. Conversely, ASD strongly increased the levels of PI3K and pAkt and stimulated NSPC proliferation, survival and neuronal differentiation in the microglia-mediated inflammatory niche in vitro and in vivo. ASD also restored the synaptic function of hippocampal neurons and ameliorated depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice chronically exposed to LPS. The results from network pharmacology analysis showed that the PI3K-AKT pathway is one of the targets of ASD to against major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). And the results from molecular docking based on computer modeling showed that ASD is bound to the interaction interface of the PI3K and AKT. The PI3K-Akt inhibitor LY294002 blocked the therapeutic effects of ASD in vitro and in vivo. These results suggested that ASD protects NSPCs from the microglia-mediated inflammatory niche, promoting their proliferation, survival and neuronal differentiation, as well as ameliorating depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment by activating the PI3K-AKT pathway. Our work suggests the potential of ASD for treating Alzheimer’s disease, depression and other cognitive disorders involving impaired neurogenesis by microglia-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Liu
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Jinqiang Zhang
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Jinqiang Zhang, Tao Zhou,
| | - Chenghong Xiao
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Dapeng Su
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Liangyuan Li
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Changgui Yang
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhihuang Zhao
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Weike Jiang
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Zili You
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Resource Institute for Chinese & Ethnic Materia Medica, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Jinqiang Zhang, Tao Zhou,
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Fletcher D, Brown E, Javadala J, Uysal‐Onganer P, Guinn B. microRNA expression in acute myeloid leukaemia: New targets for therapy? EJHAEM 2022; 3:596-608. [PMID: 36051053 PMCID: PMC9421970 DOI: 10.1002/jha2.441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fletcher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Hull Hull, UK
| | - Elliott Brown
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Hull Hull, UK
| | | | - Pinar Uysal‐Onganer
- Cancer Research Group School of Life Sciences University of Westminster London UK
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Wang CM, Qi WJ, Ren YJ, Sheng GY. [Effect of polydatin on the proliferation and apoptosis of THP-1 cells and the mechanism]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2022; 24:821-825. [PMID: 35894200 PMCID: PMC9336624 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2202078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the effect of polydatin on the proliferation and apoptosis of acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 and the possible mechanism. METHODS After THP-1 cells were treated with polydatin at gradient concentrations for 24 hours and 48 hours, their proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay, and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Logarithmically growing THP-1 cells were divided into two groups, a polydatin treatment group (treated with IC50 of polydatin) and a blank control group (treated without polydatin solution), and incubated for 48 hours. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, mTOR, p-mTOR, p70 S6K, and p-p70 S6K proteins were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS After treatment with polydatin, the proliferation of THP-1 cells was strongly inhibited, and the IC50 at 48 hours was 1 800 μmol/L. After treatment with 1 800 μmol/L polydatin solution for 48 hours, the apoptosis rate of THP-1 cells increased significantly compared with the blank control group (P<0.05). The cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 and S phases, with a significantly increased proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase and a significantly decreased proportion of cells in the S phase, as compared with the blank control group (P<0.05). The expression levels of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, mTOR, p-mTOR, p70 S6K, and p-p70 S6K proteins decreased significantly compared with the blank control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Polydatin can effectively inhibit the proliferation, block the cell cycle, and induce the apoptosis of THP-1 cells, which may be related to inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Mei Wang
- Children's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Wen-Jing Qi
- Children's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yan-Jiao Ren
- Children's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Guang-Yao Sheng
- Children's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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Curtiss BM, VanCampen J, Macaraeg J, Kong GL, Taherinasab A, Tsuchiya M, Yashar WM, Tsang YH, Horton W, Coleman DJ, Estabrook J, Lusardi TA, Mills GB, Druker BJ, Maxson JE, Braun TP. PU.1 and MYC transcriptional network defines synergistic drug responses to KIT and LSD1 inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2022; 36:1781-1793. [PMID: 35590033 PMCID: PMC9256806 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01594-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Responses to kinase-inhibitor therapy in AML are frequently short-lived due to the rapid development of resistance, limiting the clinical efficacy. Combination therapy may improve initial therapeutic responses by targeting pathways used by leukemia cells to escape monotherapy. Here we report that combined inhibition of KIT and lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) produces synergistic cell death in KIT-mutant AML cell lines and primary patient samples. This drug combination evicts both MYC and PU.1 from chromatin driving cell cycle exit. Using a live cell biosensor for AKT activity, we identify early adaptive changes in kinase signaling following KIT inhibition that are reversed with the addition of LSD1 inhibitor via modulation of the GSK3a/b axis. Multi-omic analyses, including scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq and CUT&Tag, confirm these mechanisms in primary KIT-mutant AML. Collectively, this work provides rational for a clinical trial to assess the efficacy of KIT and LSD1 inhibition in patients with KIT-mutant AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany M. Curtiss
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Jake VanCampen
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Jommel Macaraeg
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Garth L. Kong
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Akram Taherinasab
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Mitsuhiro Tsuchiya
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - William M. Yashar
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Yiu H. Tsang
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Wesley Horton
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Daniel J. Coleman
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Joseph Estabrook
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Theresa A. Lusardi
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Gordon B. Mills
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Brian J. Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Julia E. Maxson
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Theodore P. Braun
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA,Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
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35
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Desikan SP, Daver N, DiNardo C, Kadia T, Konopleva M, Ravandi F. Resistance to targeted therapies: delving into FLT3 and IDH. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:91. [PMID: 35680852 PMCID: PMC9184476 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00687-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in FLT3 and IDH targeted inhibition have improved response rates and overall survival in patients with mutations affecting these respective proteins. Despite this success, resistance mechanisms have arisen including mutations that disrupt inhibitor-target interaction, mutations impacting alternate pathways, and changes in the microenvironment. Here we review the role of these proteins in leukemogenesis, their respective inhibitors, mechanisms of resistance, and briefly ongoing studies aimed at overcoming resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Prasad Desikan
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naval Daver
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Courtney DiNardo
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tapan Kadia
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA.
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Omar AM, Khayat MT, Ahmed F, Muhammad YA, Malebari AM, Ibrahim SM, Khan MI, Shah DK, Childers WE, El-Araby ME. SAR Probing of KX2-391 Provided Analogues With Juxtaposed Activity Profile Against Major Oncogenic Kinases. Front Oncol 2022; 12:879457. [PMID: 35669422 PMCID: PMC9166630 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.879457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tirbanibulin (KX2-391, KX-01), a dual non-ATP (substrate site) Src kinase and tubulin-polymerization inhibitor, demonstrated a universal anti-cancer activity for variety of cancer types. The notion that KX2-391 is a highly selective Src kinase inhibitor have been challenged by recent reports on the activities of this drug against FLT3-ITD mutations in some leukemic cell lines. Therefore, we hypothesized that analogues of KX2-391 may inhibit oncogenic kinases other than Src. A set of 4-aroylaminophenyl-N-benzylacetamides were synthesized and found to be more active against leukemia cell lines compared to solid tumor cell lines. N-(4-(2-(benzylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-4-chlorobenzamide (4e) exhibited activities at IC50 0.96 µM, 1.62 µM, 1.90 µM and 4.23 µM against NB4, HL60, MV4-11 and K562 leukemia cell lines, respectively. We found that underlying mechanisms of 4e did not include tubulin polymerization or Src inhibition. Such results interestingly suggested that scaffold-hopping of KX2-391 may change the two main underlying cytotoxic mechanisms (Src and tubulin). Kinase profiling using two methods revealed that 4e significantly reduces the activities of some other potent oncogenic kinases like the MAPK member ERK1/2 (>99%) and it also greatly upregulates the pro-apoptotic c-Jun kinase (84%). This research also underscores the importance of thorough investigation of total kinase activities as part of the structure-activity relationship studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelsattar M Omar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maan T Khayat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farid Ahmed
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yosra A Muhammad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azizah M Malebari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara M Ibrahim
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad I Khan
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dhaval K Shah
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Wayne E Childers
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Moustafa E El-Araby
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang L, Ke W, Hu P, Li Z, Geng W, Guo Y, Song B, Jiang H, Zhang X, Wan C. N6-Methyladenosine-Related lncRNAs Are Novel Prognostic Markers and Predict the Immune Landscape in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Genet 2022; 13:804614. [PMID: 35615374 PMCID: PMC9125310 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.804614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) is one of the hematopoietic cancers with an unfavorable prognosis. However, the prognostic value of N 6-methyladenosine-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in AML remains elusive. Materials and Methods: The transcriptomic data of m6A-related lncRNAs were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. AML samples were classified into various subgroups according to the expression of m6A-related lncRNAs. The differences in terms of biological function, tumor immune microenvironment, copy number variation (CNV), and drug sensitivity in AML between distinct subgroups were investigated. Moreover, an m6A-related lncRNA prognostic model was established to evaluate the prognosis of AML patients. Results: Nine prognosis-related m6A-associated lncRNAs were selected to construct a prognosis model. The accuracy of the model was further determined by the Kaplan–Meier analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Then, AML samples were classified into high- and low-risk groups according to the median value of risk scores. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that samples with higher risks were featured with aberrant immune-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Notably, the high-risk group was significantly correlated with an increased ImmuneScore and StromalScore, and distinct immune cell infiltration. In addition, we discovered that the high-risk group harbored higher IC50 values of multiple chemotherapeutics and small-molecule anticancer drugs, especially TW.37 and MG.132. In addition, a nomogram was depicted to assess the overall survival (OS) of AML patients. The model based on the median value of risk scores revealed reliable accuracy in predicting the prognosis and survival status. Conclusion: The present research has originated a prognostic risk model for AML according to the expression of prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs. Notably, the signature might also serve as a novel biomarker that could guide clinical applications, for example, selecting AML patients who could benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- *Correspondence: Lulu Zhang,
| | - Wen Ke
- Department of Osteology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Pin Hu
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhangzhi Li
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Wei Geng
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yigang Guo
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Chucheng Wan
- Department of Hematology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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Seo W, Silwal P, Song IC, Jo EK. The dual role of autophagy in acute myeloid leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:51. [PMID: 35526025 PMCID: PMC9077970 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01262-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe hematologic malignancy prevalent in older patients, and the identification of potential therapeutic targets for AML is problematic. Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent catabolic pathway involved in the tumorigenesis and/or treatment of various cancers. Mounting evidence has suggested that autophagy plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of AML and anticancer responses. In this review, we describe recent updates on the multifaceted functions of autophagy linking to genetic alterations of AML. We also summarize the latest evidence for autophagy-related genes as potential prognostic predictors and drivers of AML tumorigenesis. We then discuss the crosstalk between autophagy and tumor cell metabolism into the impact on both AML progression and anti-leukemic treatment. Moreover, a series of autophagy regulators, i.e., the inhibitors and activators, are described as potential therapeutics for AML. Finally, we describe the translation of autophagy-modulating therapeutics into clinical practice. Autophagy in AML is a double-edged sword, necessitating a deeper understanding of how autophagy influences dual functions in AML tumorigenesis and anti-leukemic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonhyoung Seo
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Department of Microbiology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Prashanta Silwal
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.,Department of Microbiology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Ik-Chan Song
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyeong Jo
- Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea. .,Department of Microbiology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea. .,Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Korea.
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39
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Immunosuppressive Signaling Pathways as Targeted Cancer Therapies. Biomedicines 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030682
expr 829797163 + 949875436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune response has been shown to play an important role in defining patient prognosis and response to cancer treatment. Tumor-induced immunosuppression encouraged the recent development of new chemotherapeutic agents that assists in the augmentation of immune responses. Molecular mechanisms that tumors use to evade immunosurveillance are attributed to their ability to alter antigen processing/presentation pathways and the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells take advantage of normal molecular and immunoregulatory machinery to survive and thrive. Cancer cells constantly adjust their genetic makeup using several mechanisms such as nucleotide excision repair as well as microsatellite and chromosomal instability, thus giving rise to new variants with reduced immunogenicity and the ability to continue to grow without restrictions. This review will focus on the central molecular signaling pathways involved in immunosuppressive cells and briefly discuss how cancer cells evade immunosurveillance by manipulating antigen processing cells and related proteins. Secondly, the review will discuss how these pathways can be utilized for the implementation of precision medicine and deciphering drug resistance.
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40
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Immunosuppressive Signaling Pathways as Targeted Cancer Therapies. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030682. [PMID: 35327484 PMCID: PMC8945019 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune response has been shown to play an important role in defining patient prognosis and response to cancer treatment. Tumor-induced immunosuppression encouraged the recent development of new chemotherapeutic agents that assists in the augmentation of immune responses. Molecular mechanisms that tumors use to evade immunosurveillance are attributed to their ability to alter antigen processing/presentation pathways and the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells take advantage of normal molecular and immunoregulatory machinery to survive and thrive. Cancer cells constantly adjust their genetic makeup using several mechanisms such as nucleotide excision repair as well as microsatellite and chromosomal instability, thus giving rise to new variants with reduced immunogenicity and the ability to continue to grow without restrictions. This review will focus on the central molecular signaling pathways involved in immunosuppressive cells and briefly discuss how cancer cells evade immunosurveillance by manipulating antigen processing cells and related proteins. Secondly, the review will discuss how these pathways can be utilized for the implementation of precision medicine and deciphering drug resistance.
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41
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WEN J, ZHANG YQ, LIU DQ, YAO XT, JIANG H, ZHANG YB. Demethylenetetrahydroberberine protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Chin J Nat Med 2022; 20:111-119. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(22)60145-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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42
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Analysis of 5-Azacytidine Resistance Models Reveals a Set of Targetable Pathways. Cells 2022; 11:cells11020223. [PMID: 35053339 PMCID: PMC8774143 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cells resist the effects of hypomethylating agents (HMA) are currently the subject of intensive research. A better understanding of mechanisms by which the MDS cell becomes to tolerate HMA and progresses to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) requires the development of new cellular models. From MDS/AML cell lines we developed a model of 5-azacytidine (AZA) resistance whose stability was validated by a transplantation approach into immunocompromised mice. When investigating mRNA expression and DNA variants of the AZA resistant phenotype we observed deregulation of several cancer-related pathways including the phosphatidylinosito-3 kinase signaling. We have further shown that these pathways can be modulated by specific inhibitors that, while blocking the proliferation of AZA resistant cells, are unable to increase their sensitivity to AZA. Our data reveal a set of molecular mechanisms that can be targeted to expand therapeutic options during progression on AZA therapy.
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Effects of Qinghuang Powder on Acute Myeloid Leukemia Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Experiments. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2021:6195174. [PMID: 34992668 PMCID: PMC8727110 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6195174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Qinghuang powder (QHP) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. This is a unique formula that is frequently used to treat malignant hematological diseases such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in modern clinical practice. An approach of network pharmacology and experimental validation were applied to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of QHP in AML treatment. First, public databases for target genes known to be associated with AML are searched and compared to the target genes of the active compounds in QHP. Second, AML-associated genes and QHP target genes are compared to identify overlapping enriched genes, and these were used to predict selected target genes that may be implicated in the effects of QHP on AML. Additionally, we conducted functional enrichment analyses, such as gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. The significantly enriched pathway associated with potential target proteins was the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, suggesting that these potential target proteins and pathways may mediate the beneficial biological effects of QHP on AML. All these following genes were found to occur in the compounds-target-pathway networks: AKT1, MAPK1, MAPK3, PIK3CG, CASP3, CASP9, TNF, TGFB1, MAPK8, and TP53. Then, based on the molecular docking studies, it was suggested that the active compound isovitexin can fit into the binding pockets of the top candidate QHP-AML target proteins (PIK3CG). Subsequently, based on the prediction by network pharmacology analysis, both in vitro AML cells and western blot experiments were performed to validate the curative role of QHP. QHP exerted its antitumor activity on AML in vitro, as it inhibits cells proliferation, reduced the expression of Bcl-2 protein, and downregulated the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results revealed that QHP could treat AML via a “multicomponent, multitarget, multipathway” regulatory network. Furthermore, our study also demonstrated that the combination of network pharmacology with the experimental study is effective in discovering and identifying QHP in the treatment of AML and its underlying pharmacological mechanisms.
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Chilamakuri R, Rouse DC, Yu Y, Kabir AS, Muth A, Yang J, Lipton JM, Agarwal S. BX-795 inhibits neuroblastoma growth and enhances sensitivity towards chemotherapy. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101272. [PMID: 34823094 PMCID: PMC8626612 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in neuroblastoma patients. BX-795 inhibits PDK1 and abrogates the AKT signaling pathway activation. BX-795 demonstrates strong efficacy in neuroblastoma spheroid tumor model. Combination with BX-795 synergistically enhances doxorubicin antitumor activity. BX-795 synergistically sensitized ALK mutated neuroblastoma cell lines to crizotinib.
High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) represents a major clinical challenge in pediatric oncology due to relapse of metastatic, drug-resistant disease, and treatment-related toxicities. An analysis of 1235 primary NB patient dataset revealed significant increase in AKT1 and AKT2 gene expression with cancer stage progression. Additionally, Both AKT1 and AKT2 expression inversely correlate with poor overall survival of NB patients. AKT1 and AKT2 genes code for AKT that drive a major oncogenic cell signaling pathway known in many cancers, including NB. To inhibit AKT pathway, we repurposed an antiviral inhibitor BX-795 that inhibits PDK1, an upstream activator of AKT. BX-795 potently inhibits NB cell proliferation and colony growth in a dose-dependent manner. BX-795 significantly enhances apoptosis and blocks cell cycle progression at mitosis phase in NB. Additionally, BX-795 potently inhibits tumor formation and growth in a NB spheroid tumor model. We further tested dual therapeutic approaches by combining BX-795 with either doxorubicin or crizotinib and found synergistic and significant inhibition of NB growth, in contrast to either drug alone. Overall, our data demonstrate that BX-795 inhibits AKT pathway to inhibit NB growth, and combining BX-795 with current therapies is an effective and clinically tractable therapeutic approach for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameswari Chilamakuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle C Rouse
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abbas S Kabir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron Muth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffery M Lipton
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA.
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45
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Liang X, Xia R. Kinesin family member 2A acts as a potential prognostic marker and treatment target via interaction with PI3K/AKT and RhoA/ROCK pathways in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncol Rep 2021; 47:18. [PMID: 34792179 PMCID: PMC8630525 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8229] [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: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
KIF2A has been shown to be involved in the regulation of AML pathology, however, the mechanistic role of KIF2A in AML has not been fully identified. The present study aimed to identify the underlying mechanism of KIF2A regulation of AML cell function and chemosensitivity. A total of 58 patients with AML and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled for clinical analysis. AML cells (KG‑1 and Kasumi‑1) were transfected with KIF2A or control small interfering (si)RNA. PI3K/AKT pathway activator (740 Y‑P) and RhoA overexpression plasmid were added to rescue the effect of KIF2A siRNA. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, chemosensitivity to ADR and AraC, expression levels of mRNA/proteins associated with PI3K/AKT and RhoA/ROCK pathways were measured by Cell Counting Kit‑8, flow cytometry, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. KIF2A was overexpressed, and correlated with higher levels of bone marrow blast, poor risk classification, lower treatment response and unfavorable survival profile in patients with AML. KIF2A siRNA inhibited proliferation but enhanced apoptosis and chemosensitivity to ADR and AraC in KG‑1 and Kasumi‑1 cells, which also inactivated PI3K/AKT and RhoA/ROCK pathways. Subsequent rescue experiments showed that 740 Y‑P and RhoA overexpression plasmid promoted cell survival and decreased chemosensitivity, which reversed the effect of KIF2A siRNA in KG‑1 and Kasumi‑1 cells. KIF2A was correlated with worse clinical features and survival in patients with AML; its knockdown promoted apoptosis and chemosensitivity by inactivating PI3K/AKT and RhoA/ROCK signaling pathways in AML cells. These data suggested KIF2A may be a potential prognostic marker and treatment target for AML management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglin Liang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Ruixiang Xia
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
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Liesveld JL, Baran A, Azadniv M, Misch H, Nedrow K, Becker M, Loh KP, O'Dwyer KM, Mendler JH. A phase II study of sequential decitabine and rapamycin in acute myelogenous leukemia. Leuk Res 2021; 112:106749. [PMID: 34839054 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2021.106749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A phase II study was conducted to ascertain whether sequential exposure to decitabine followed by rapamycin, an mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) inhibitor would result in better responses than decitabine alone. Newly diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients who were >65 years old and not eligible for intensive induction regimens or patients with relapsed or refractory AML received 10 days of decitabine followed by 12 days of rapamycin in cycle 1 and 5 days of decitabine followed by 17 days of rapamycin in subsequent cycles. The composite complete remission rate (CR) was 33 % (CR plus CR with incomplete count recovery). Median overall survival was 7.7 months in newly diagnosed elderly AML patients and 6.6 months in relapsed/refractory AML patients. Twenty-four evaluable patients were enrolled, and the study did not meet its primary endpoint of demonstrating a significant improvement in composite CR rate with the combination as compared to an established historical CR rate of 25 % with decitabine alone. Despite that, the survival rates in relapsed/refractory cases appear comparable to what is reported with other salvage regimens, and no significant patterns of non-hematologic toxicity were noted. 50 % of subjects in the de novo group achieved a composite CR which is significantly higher (p = 0.02) than the rate of 25 % with decitabine alone. This trial is registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT02109744.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane L Liesveld
- University of Rochester, Department of Medicine and the James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Andrea Baran
- University of Rochester, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Mitra Azadniv
- University of Rochester, Department of Medicine and the James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Haley Misch
- University of Rochester, Department of Medicine and the James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Katherine Nedrow
- University of Rochester, James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Michael Becker
- University of Rochester, Department of Medicine and the James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- University of Rochester, Department of Medicine and the James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Kristen M O'Dwyer
- University of Rochester, Department of Medicine and the James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Jason H Mendler
- University of Rochester, Department of Medicine and the James P Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Santos DMD, Da Silva EAP, Oliveira JYS, Marinho YYDM, Santana IRD, Heimfarth L, Pereira EWM, Júnior LJQ, Assreuy J, Menezes IAC, Santos MRVD. The Therapeutic Value of Hydralazine in Reducing Inflammatory Response, Oxidative Stress, and Mortality in Animal Sepsis: Involvement of the PI3K/AKT Pathway. Shock 2021; 56:782-792. [PMID: 33555842 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000001746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sepsis is an amplified systemic immune-inflammatory response produced by a microorganism, which involves activation of inflammatory cytokine signaling pathways and oxidative stress. A variety of studies have shown that hydralazine (HDZ) has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proprieties. Therefore, we hypothesize that HDZ can improve the clinical outcome of sepsis. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate therapeutic value of HDZ in reducing inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and mortality in animal sepsis, and to investigate its possible mechanism of action. Sepsis was induced by the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method in Wistar rats. After surgery, the animals were randomly divided into three groups: sham, sepsis, and sepsis + HDZ (1 mg/kg, s.c.). All groups were monitored for 48 h to assess survival rate, and clinical, hemodynamic, biochemical, and cellular parameters. After euthanasia, blood, spleen, liver, and kidneys were collected for analysis. Blood serum cytokines, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. Involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway was also investigated. Sepsis was successfully induced by the CLP technique. HDZ treatment increased the survival rate (from 50% to 90%), improved glycemia control, reduced the clinical severity sepsis and mean arterial pressure; and prevented increased MPO activity, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 levels, and oxidative damage markers. Additionally, HDZ significantly prevented the increase of Akt activation in the liver and kidney. HDZ largely mitigated the effects of sepsis by suppressing inflammatory and antioxidant responses via the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings provide evidence that HDZ can be a new therapeutic alternative for treating sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danillo Menezes Dos Santos
- Health Sciences Graduate Program - Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
- Department of Physiology - Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Luana Heimfarth
- Department of Physiology - Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | | | - Lucindo José Quintans Júnior
- Health Sciences Graduate Program - Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
- Department of Physiology - Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Jamil Assreuy
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Márcio Roberto Viana Dos Santos
- Health Sciences Graduate Program - Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
- Department of Physiology - Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
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48
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Rigotto G, Montini B, Mattiolo A, Lazzari N, Piano MA, Remondini D, Marmiroli S, Bertacchini J, Chieco-Bianchi L, Calabrò ML. Mechanisms Involved in the Promoting Activity of Fibroblasts in HTLV-1-Mediated Lymphomagenesis: Insights into the Plasticity of Lymphomatous Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10562. [PMID: 34638901 PMCID: PMC8508730 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the mechanisms leading to progression to Adult T-cell Leukaemia/Lymphoma in Human T-cell Leukaemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected subjects, the contribution of stromal components remains poorly understood. To dissect the role of fibroblasts in HTLV-1-mediated lymphomagenesis, transcriptome studies, cytofluorimetric and qRT-PCR analyses of surface and intracellular markers linked to plasticity and stemness in coculture, and in vivo experiments were performed. A transcriptomic comparison between a more lymphomagenic (C91/III) and the parental (C91/PL) cell line evidenced hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, confirmed by phospho-ELISA and 2-DE and WB analyses. C91/III cells also showed higher expression of mesenchymal and stemness genes. Short-term coculture with human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) induced these features in C91/PL cells, and significantly increased not only the cancer stem cells (CSCs)-supporting CD10+GPR77+ HFF subpopulation, but also the percentage of ALDH1bright C91/PL cells. A non-cytotoxic acetylsalicylic acid treatment decreased HFF-induced ALDH1bright C91/PL cells, downregulated mesenchymal and stemness genes in cocultured cells, and delayed lymphoma growth in immunosuppressed mice, thus hindering the supportive activity of HFF on CSCs. These data suggest that crosstalk with HFF significantly intensifies the aggressiveness and plasticity of C91/PL cells, leading to the enrichment in lymphoma-initiating cells. Additional research is needed to better characterize these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rigotto
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Barbara Montini
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Adriana Mattiolo
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Nayana Lazzari
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Maria Assunta Piano
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Daniel Remondini
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, INFN, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neuronal Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neuronal Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (S.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Luigi Chieco-Bianchi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Calabrò
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV—IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.R.); (B.M.); (A.M.); (N.L.); (M.A.P.)
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Darici S, Zavatti M, Braglia L, Accordi B, Serafin V, Horne GA, Manzoli L, Palumbo C, Huang X, Jørgensen HG, Marmiroli S. Synergistic cytotoxicity of dual PI3K/mTOR and FLT3 inhibition in FLT3-ITD AML cells. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 82:100830. [PMID: 34555701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100830] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy, characterized by a heterogeneous genetic landscape and complex clonal evolution, with poor outcomes. Mutation at the internal tandem duplication of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) is one of the most common somatic alterations in AML, associated with high relapse rates and poor survival due to the constitutive activation of the FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase and its downstream effectors, such as PI3K signaling. Thus, aberrantly activated FLT3-kinase is regarded as an attractive target for therapy for this AML subtype, and a number of small molecule inhibitors of this kinase have been identified, some of which are approved for clinical practice. Nevertheless, acquired resistance to these molecules is often observed, leading to severe clinical outcomes. Therapeutic strategies to tackle resistance include combining FLT3 inhibitors with other antileukemic agents. Here, we report on the preclinical activity of the combination of the FLT3 inhibitor quizartinib with the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF-04691502 in FLT3-ITD cells. Briefly, we show that the association of these two molecules displays synergistic cytotoxicity in vitro in FLT3-ITD AML cells, triggering 90% cell death at nanomolar concentrations after 48 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salihanur Darici
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy; Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Manuela Zavatti
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Luca Braglia
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Benedetta Accordi
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Haemato-Oncology Laboratory, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3 and IRP Città Della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Haemato-Oncology Laboratory, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3 and IRP Città Della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Gillian A Horne
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Palumbo
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy
| | - Xu Huang
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK.
| | - Heather G Jørgensen
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Cellular Signaling Unit, Section of Human Morphology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
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Zhang R, Liu Z, Zhang G. CDC45 modulates MCM7 expression and inhibits cell proliferation by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway in acute myeloid leukemia. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:10218-10232. [PMID: 34650692 PMCID: PMC8507005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous hematologic disease that has a poor prognosis. This study aimed to identify new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of AML. The GSE65409 and GSE90062 were selected from the AML database of the Gene Expression Omnibus and compared using the GEO2R tool to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery was used to perform gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of the DEGs. Protein-protein interactions were visualized using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes, which identified two potential hub genes that encode CDC45 and MCM7. Relative to AML specimens, normal specimens had higher expression levels of CDC45 and MCM7 based on the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between CDC45 and MCM7. High expression of CDC45 was positively correlated with complete remission and negatively correlated with white blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, and bone marrow blasts. Moreover, high expression of MCM7 was negatively correlated with white blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, bone marrow blasts, and unfavorable cytogenetics. Overexpression of CDC45 increased the expressions of CDC45 and MCM7, while overexpression of MCM7 increased the expression of MCM7 but not CDC45. Overexpression of CDC45 or MCM7 led to impaired AML cell proliferation and blockage at the G1/S phase transition. Overexpression of CDC45 or MCM7 also attenuated the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, while simultaneous down-regulation of MCM7 expression abolished the effects of CDC45 overexpression. These findings suggest a functional relationship between CDC45 and MCM7, which might have use in the diagnosis and treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shenjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuogang Liu
- Department of Hematology, Shenjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guojun Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shenjing Hospital of China Medical University Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
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