The carboxyl-terminal sequence of bim enables bax activation and killing of unprimed cells

SRSF1 and SRSF2 synergistically regulate Bim expression to mediate glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in osteoblasts

Further study of glucocorticoid (GC) -induced osteoblast (OB) apoptosis and its regulatory mechanism is an important direction to explore the therapeutic strategy of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) and steroid-induced osteoporosis. The aim of this study is to elucidate the role and mechanism of splicing factors serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) and SRSF2 in GC-induced OB apoptosis. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics prediction showed that the expression of SRSF1 and SRSF2 was significantly down-regulated in GC-treated OB and was related to GC-induced OB apoptosis. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA-pull down assay further confirmed the interaction between SRSF1 and SRSF2. Moreover, overexpression of SRSF1 or SRSF2 inhibited GC-induced OB apoptosis, on the contrary, knockdown of SRSF1 or SRSF2 increased the rate of GC-induced OB apoptosis. Mechanistically, GC inhibits the expression of SRSF1 and SRSF2 at the same time, and then synergistically up-regulates the expression of pro-apoptotic molecule Bim, activates caspase-9/caspase-3 cascade, and finally leads to OB apoptosis. The aim of this study is to further investigate the GC-induced OB apoptosis and its regulatory mechanism from the direction of splicing factors, and to provide theoretical guidance and experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of SONFH and steroid-induced osteoporosis.

BCL-2 and BOK regulate apoptosis by interaction of their C-terminal transmembrane domains

The Bcl-2 family controls apoptosis by direct interactions of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. The principle mechanism is binding of the BH3 domain of pro-apoptotic proteins to the hydrophobic groove of anti-apoptotic siblings, which is therapeutically exploited by approved BH3-mimetic anti-cancer drugs. Evidence suggests that also the transmembrane domain (TMD) of Bcl-2 proteins can mediate Bcl-2 interactions. We developed a highly-specific split luciferase assay enabling the analysis of TMD interactions of pore-forming apoptosis effectors BAX, BAK, and BOK with anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in living cells. We confirm homotypic interaction of the BAX-TMD, but also newly identify interaction of the TMD of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 with the TMD of BOK, a peculiar pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. BOK-TMD and BCL-2-TMD interact at the endoplasmic reticulum. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm dynamic BOK-TMD and BCL-2-TMD dimers and stable heterotetramers. Mutation of BCL-2-TMD at predicted key residues abolishes interaction with BOK-TMD. Also, inhibition of BOK-induced apoptosis by BCL-2 depends specifically on their TMDs. Thus, TMDs of Bcl-2 proteins are a relevant interaction interface for apoptosis regulation and provide a novel potential drug target.

The C-terminal sequences of Bcl-2 family proteins mediate interactions that regulate cell death

Programmed cell death via the both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways is regulated by interactions of the Bcl-2 family protein members that determine whether the cell commits to apoptosis via mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Recently the conserved C-terminal sequences (CTSs) that mediate localization of Bcl-2 family proteins to intracellular membranes, have been shown to have additional protein-protein binding functions that contribute to the functions of these proteins in regulating MOMP. Here we review the pivotal role of CTSs in Bcl-2 family interactions including: (1) homotypic interactions between the pro-apoptotic executioner proteins that cause MOMP, (2) heterotypic interactions between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins that prevent MOMP, and (3) heterotypic interactions between the pro-apoptotic executioner proteins and the pro-apoptotic direct activator proteins that promote MOMP.

Acetylation of mtHSP70 at Lys595/653 affecting its interaction between GrpEL1 regulates glioblastoma progression via UPRmt

BACKGROUND

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is a vital biological process that regulates mitochondrial protein homeostasis and enables glioblastoma cells to cope with mitochondrial oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment. We previously reported that the binding of mitochondrial stress-70 protein (mtHSP70) to GrpE protein homolog 1 (GrpEL1) is involved in the regulation of the UPRmt. However, the mechanisms regulating their binding remain unclear. Herein, we examined the UPRmt in glioblastoma and explored whether modulating the interaction between mtHSP70 and GrpEL1 affects the UPRmt.

METHODS

Western blot analysis, aggresome staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect the activation of the UPRmt and protein aggregates within mitochondria. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the impact of different mutations in mtHSP70 on its binding to GrpEL1. Endogenous site-specific mutations were introduced into mtHSP70 in glioblastoma cells using CRISPR/Cas9. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess mitochondrial function and glioblastoma progression.

RESULTS

The UPRmt was activated in glioblastoma cells in response to oxidative stress. mtHSP70 regulated mitochondrial protein homeostasis by facilitating UPRmt-progress protein import into the mitochondria. Acetylation of mtHSP70 at Lys595/653 enhanced its binding to GrpEL1. Missense mutations at Lys595/653 increased mitochondrial protein aggregates and inhibited glioblastoma progression in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified an innovative mechanism in glioblastoma progression by which acetylation of mtHSP70 at Lys595/653 influences its interaction with GrpEL1 to regulate the UPRmt. Mutations at Lys595/653 in mtHSP70 could potentially serve as therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators of glioblastoma.

The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and their crosstalk in intervertebral disc degeneration

Low back pain (LBP) is a pervasive global health issue. Roughly 40% of LBP cases are attributed to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). While the underlying mechanisms of IVDD remain incompletely understood, it has been confirmed that apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation caused by many factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis imbalance leads to IVDD. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are involved in these processes. The initiation of ER stress precipitates cell apoptosis, and is also related to inflammation, levels of oxidative stress, and Ca2+ homeostasis. Additionally, mitochondrial dynamics, antioxidative systems, disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis are closely associated with Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and inflammation, promoting cell apoptosis. However, numerous crosstalk exists between the ER and mitochondria, where they interact through inflammatory cytokines, signaling pathways, ROS, or key molecules such as CHOP, forming positive and negative feedback loops. Furthermore, the contact sites between the ER and mitochondria, known as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM), facilitate direct signal transduction such as Ca2+ transfer. However, the current attention towards this issue is insufficient. Therefore, this review summarizes the impacts of ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction on IVDD, along with the possibly potential crosstalk between them, aiming to unveil novel avenues for IVDD intervention.

Mechanisms of BCL-2 family proteins in mitochondrial apoptosis

The proteins of the BCL-2 family are key regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis, acting as either promoters or inhibitors of cell death. The functional interplay and balance between the opposing BCL-2 family members control permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, leading to the release of activators of the caspase cascade into the cytosol and ultimately resulting in cell death. Despite considerable research, our knowledge about the mechanisms of the BCL-2 family of proteins remains insufficient, which complicates cell fate predictions and does not allow us to fully exploit these proteins as targets for drug discovery. Detailed understanding of the formation and molecular architecture of the apoptotic pore in the outer mitochondrial membrane remains a holy grail in the field, but new studies allow us to begin constructing a structural model of its arrangement. Recent literature has also revealed unexpected activities for several BCL-2 family members that challenge established concepts of how they regulate mitochondrial permeabilization. In this Review, we revisit the most important advances in the field and integrate them into a new structure-function-based classification of the BCL-2 family members that intends to provide a comprehensive model for BCL-2 action in apoptosis. We close this Review by discussing the potential of drugging the BCL-2 family in diseases characterized by aberrant apoptosis.

Targeted Strategies for Degradation of Key Transmembrane Proteins in Cancer

Targeted protein degradation is an attractive technology for cancer treatment due to its ability to overcome the unpredictability of the small molecule inhibitors that cause resistance mutations. In recent years, various targeted protein degradation strategies have been developed based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the cytoplasm or the autophagy-lysosomal system during endocytosis. In this review, we describe and compare technologies for the targeted inhibition and targeted degradation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), one of the major proteins responsible for the onset and progression of many types of cancer. In addition, we develop an alternative strategy, called alloAUTO, based on the binding of new heterocyclic compounds to an allosteric site located in close proximity to the EGFR catalytic site. These compounds cause the targeted degradation of the transmembrane receptor, simultaneously activating both systems of protein degradation in cells. Damage to the EGFR signaling pathways promotes the inactivation of Bim sensor protein phosphorylation, which leads to the disintegration of the cytoskeleton, followed by the detachment of cancer cells from the extracellular matrix, and, ultimately, to cancer cell death. This hallmark of targeted cancer cell death suggests an advantage over other targeted protein degradation strategies, namely, the fewer cancer cells that survive mean fewer chemotherapy-resistant mutants appear.

Structure-destabilizing mutations unleash an intrinsic perforation activity of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 in the mitochondrial membrane enabling apoptotic cell death

Bcl-2 and Bax share a similar structural fold in solution, yet function oppositely in the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) during apoptosis. The proapoptotic Bax forms pores in the MOM to trigger cell death, whereas Bcl-2 inhibits the Bax pore formation to prevent cell death. Intriguingly both proteins can switch to a similar conformation after activation by BH3-only proteins, with multiple regions embedded in the MOM. Here we tested a hypothesis that destabilization of the Bcl-2 structure might convert Bcl-2 to a Bax-like perforator. We discovered that mutations of glutamate 152 which eliminate hydrogen bonds in the protein core and thereby reduce the Bcl-2 structural stability. These Bcl-2 mutants induced apoptosis by releasing cytochrome c from the mitochondria in the cells that lack Bax and Bak, the other proapoptotic perforator. Using liposomal membranes made with typical mitochondrial lipids and reconstituted with purified proteins we revealed this perforation activity was intrinsic to Bcl-2 and could be unleashed by a BH3-only protein, similar to the perforation activity of Bax. Our study thus demonstrated a structural conversion of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 to a proapoptotic perforator through a simple molecular manipulation or interaction that is worthy to explore further for eradicating cancer cells that are resistant to a current Bcl-2-targeting drug.

RBL2 Regulates Cardiac Sensitivity to Anthracycline Chemotherapy

Background

Anthracycline chemotherapies cause heart failure in a subset of cancer patients. We previously reported that the anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX) induces cardiotoxicity through the activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether retinoblastoma-like 2 (RBL2/p130), an emerging CDK2 inhibitor, regulates anthracycline sensitivity in the heart.

Methods

Rbl2-/- mice and Rbl2+/+ littermates received DOX (5 mg/kg/wk for 4 weeks intraperitoneally, 20 mg/kg cumulative). Heart function was monitored with echocardiography. The association of RBL2 genetic variants with anthracycline cardiomyopathy was evaluated in the SJLIFE (St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study) and CPNDS (Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety) studies.

Results

The loss of endogenous Rbl2 increased basal CDK2 activity in the mouse heart. Mice lacking Rbl2 were more sensitive to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, as evidenced by rapid deterioration of heart function and loss of heart mass. The disruption of Rbl2 exacerbated DOX-induced mitochondrial damage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Mechanistically, Rbl2 deficiency enhanced CDK2-dependent activation of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), leading to up-regulation of the proapoptotic protein Bim. The inhibition of CDK2 desensitized Rbl2-depleted cardiomyocytes to DOX. In wild-type cardiomyocytes, DOX exposure induced Rbl2 expression in a FOXO1-dependent manner. Importantly, the rs17800727 G allele of the human RBL2 gene was associated with reduced anthracycline cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors.

Conclusions

Rbl2 is an endogenous CDK2 inhibitor in the heart and represses FOXO1-mediated proapoptotic gene expression. The loss of Rbl2 increases sensitivity to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Our findings suggest that RBL2 could be used as a biomarker to predict the risk of cardiotoxicity before the initiation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Apoptotic mitochondrial poration by a growing list of pore-forming BCL-2 family proteins

The pore-forming BCL-2 family proteins are effectors of mitochondrial poration in apoptosis initiation. Two atypical effectors-BOK and truncated BID (tBID)-join the canonical effectors BAK and BAX. Gene knockout revealed developmental phenotypes in the absence the effectors, supporting their roles in vivo. During apoptosis effectors are activated and change shape from dormant monomers to dynamic oligomers that associate with and permeabilize mitochondria. BID is activated by proteolysis, BOK accumulates on inhibition of its degradation by the E3 ligase gp78, while BAK and BAX undergo direct activation by BH3-only initiators, autoactivation, and crossactivation. Except tBID, effector oligomers on the mitochondria appear as arcs and rings in super-resolution microscopy images. The BH3-in-groove dimers of BAK and BAX, the tBID monomers, and uncharacterized BOK species are the putative building blocks of apoptotic pores. Effectors interact with lipids and bilayers but the mechanism of membrane poration remains elusive. I discuss effector-mediated mitochondrial poration.

Endoplasmic reticulum protein BIK binds to and inhibits mitochondria-localized antiapoptotic proteins

The proapoptotic BCL-2 homology (BH3)-only endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein BCL-2 interacting killer (BIK) positively regulates mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, the point of no return in apoptosis. It is generally accepted that BIK functions at a distance from mitochondria by binding and sequestering antiapoptotic proteins at the ER, thereby promoting ER calcium release. Although BIK is predominantly localized to the ER, we detect by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy-FRET microscopy, BH3 region-dependent direct binding between BIK and mitochondria-localized chimeric mutants of the antiapoptotic proteins BCL-XL and BCL-2 in both baby mouse kidney (BMK) and MCF-7 cells. Direct binding was accompanied by cell type-specific differential relocalization in response to coexpression of either BIK or one of its target binding partners, BCL-XL, when coexpressed in cells. In BMK cells with genetic deletion of both BAX and BAK (BMK-double KO), our data suggest that a fraction of BIK protein moves toward mitochondria in response to the expression of a mitochondria-localized BCL-XL mutant. In contrast, in MCF-7 cells, our data suggest that BIK is localized at both ER and mitochondria-associated ER membranes and binds to the mitochondria-localized BCL-XL mutant via relocalization of BCL-XL to ER and mitochondria-associated ER membrane. Rather than functioning at a distance, our data suggest that BIK initiates mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization via direct interactions with ER and mitochondria-localized antiapoptotic proteins, which occur via ER-mitochondria contact sites, and/or by relocalization of either BIK or antiapoptotic proteins in cells.

Collateral deletion of the mitochondrial AAA+ ATPase ATAD1 sensitizes cancer cells to proteasome dysfunction

The tumor suppressor gene PTEN is the second most commonly deleted gene in cancer. Such deletions often include portions of the chromosome 10q23 locus beyond the bounds of PTEN itself, which frequently disrupts adjacent genes. Coincidental loss of PTEN-adjacent genes might impose vulnerabilities that could either affect patient outcome basally or be exploited therapeutically. Here, we describe how the loss of ATAD1, which is adjacent to and frequently co-deleted with PTEN, predisposes cancer cells to apoptosis triggered by proteasome dysfunction and correlates with improved survival in cancer patients. ATAD1 directly and specifically extracts the pro-apoptotic protein BIM from mitochondria to inactivate it. Cultured cells and mouse xenografts lacking ATAD1 are hypersensitive to clinically used proteasome inhibitors, which activate BIM and trigger apoptosis. This work furthers our understanding of mitochondrial protein homeostasis and could lead to new therapeutic options for the hundreds of thousands of cancer patients who have tumors with chromosome 10q23 deletion.

The neuroprotective effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease: An in-depth review

Currently, there is no disease-modifying treatment available for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (AD and PD) and that includes the highly controversial approval of the Aβ-targeting antibody aducanumab for the treatment of AD. Hence, there is still an unmet need for a neuroprotective drug treatment in both AD and PD. Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for both AD and PD. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone and growth factor that has shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies, and the success of GLP-1 mimetics in phase II clinical trials in AD and PD has raised new hope. GLP-1 mimetics are currently on the market as treatments for type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 analogs are safe, well tolerated, resistant to desensitization and well characterized in the clinic. Herein, we review the existing evidence and illustrate the neuroprotective pathways that are induced following GLP-1R activation in neurons, microglia and astrocytes. The latter include synaptic protection, improvements in cognition, learning and motor function, amyloid pathology-ameliorating properties (Aβ, Tau, and α-synuclein), the suppression of Ca2+ deregulation and ER stress, potent anti-inflammatory effects, the blockage of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis pathways, enhancements in the neuronal insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, functional improvements in autophagy and mitophagy, elevated BDNF and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) synthesis as well as neurogenesis. The many beneficial features of GLP-1R and GLP-1/GIPR dual agonists encourage the development of novel drug treatments for AD and PD.

Local and Systemic Delivery of the BimS Gene Nano-Complex for Efficient Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Therapy

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Efficacy and specificity of inhibitors of BCL-2 family protein interactions assessed by affinity measurements in live cells

Cytoplasmic and membrane-bound BCL-2 family proteins regulate apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, via dozens of binary protein interactions confounding measurement of the effects of inhibitors in live cells. In cancer, apoptosis is frequently dysregulated, and cell survival depends on antiapoptotic proteins binding to and inhibiting proapoptotic BH3 proteins. The clinical success of BH3 mimetic inhibitors of antiapoptotic proteins has spawned major efforts by the pharmaceutical industry to develop molecules with different specificities and higher affinities. Here, quantitative fast fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy enabled comparison of BH3 mimetic drugs in trials and preclinical development by measuring drug effects on binding affinities of interacting protein pairs in live cells. Both selectivity and efficacy were assessed for 15 inhibitors of four antiapoptotic proteins for each of six BH3 protein ligands. While many drugs target the designed interaction, most also have unexpected selectivity and poor efficacy in cells.

Physiological and pharmacological modulation of BAX

Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) is a critical executioner of mitochondrial regulated cell death through its lethal activity of permeabilizing the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). While the physiological function of BAX ensures tissue homeostasis, dysregulation of BAX leads to aberrant cell death. Despite BAX being a promising therapeutic target for human diseases, historically the development of drugs has focused on antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, due to challenges in elucidating the mechanism of BAX activation and identifying druggable surfaces of BAX. Here, we discuss recent studies that have provided structure-function insights and identified regulatory surfaces that control BAX activation. Moreover, we emphasize the development of small molecule orthosteric, allosteric, and oligomerization modulators that provide novel opportunities for biological investigation and progress towards drugging BAX.

Novel Mechanisms of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity: A Focus on Thrombosis, Cardiac Atrophy, and Programmed Cell Death

Anthracycline antineoplastic agents such as doxorubicin are widely used and highly effective component of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer and curative regimens for lymphomas, leukemias, and sarcomas. The primary dose-limiting adverse effect of anthracyclines is cardiotoxicity that typically manifests as cardiomyopathy and can progress to the potentially fatal clinical syndrome of heart failure. Decades of pre-clinical research have explicated the complex and multifaceted mechanisms of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. It is well-established that oxidative stress contributes to the pathobiology and recent work has elucidated important central roles for direct mitochondrial injury and iron overload. Here we focus instead on emerging aspects of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity that may have received less attention in other recent reviews: thrombosis, myocardial atrophy, and non-apoptotic programmed cell death.

Computational design of an apoptogenic protein that binds BCL-xL and MCL-1 simultaneously and potently

One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is their ability to evade apoptosis, which confers survival advantages and resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Cancers often exhibit overexpression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins, the loss of which triggers apoptosis. In particular, the inhibition of both BCL-xL and MCL-1, but neither one individually, synergistically enhances apoptotic cell death. Here, we report computational design to produce a protein that inhibits both BCL-xL and MCL-1 simultaneously. To a reported artificial three-helix bundle whose second helix was designed to bind MCL-1, we added a fourth helix and designed it to bind BCL-xL. After structural validation of the design and further structure-based sequence design, we produced a dual-binding protein that interacts with both BCL-xL and MCL-1 with apparent dissociation constants of 820 pM and 196 pM, respectively. Expression of this dual binder in a subset of cancer cells induced apoptotic cell death at levels significantly higher than those induced by the pro-apoptotic BIM protein. With a genetic fusion of a mitochondria-targeting sequence or the BH3 sequence of BIM, the activity of the dual binder was enhanced even further. These data suggest that targeted delivery of this dual binder alone or as a part of a modular protein to cancers in the form of protein, mRNA, or DNA may be an effective way to induce cancer cell apoptosis.

Compound Kushen Injection Protects Skin From Radiation Injury via Regulating Bim

Background: Radiation-induced skin injury is a major side-effect observed in cancer patients who received radiotherapy. Thus identifying new radioprotective drugs for prevention or treatment of post-irradiation skin injury should be prompted. A large number of clinical studies have confirmed that Compound Kushen injection (CKI) can enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity of radiotherapy. The aim of this study is to confirm the effect of CKI in alleviating radiotherapy injury in the skin and explore the exact mechanism.

Methods: 60 patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were allocated to treatment group (CKI before radiotherapy) or control group (normal saline before radiotherapy) randomly. MTT assay, flow cytometry, Western Blot, and transient transfection were performed to detect the cell viability, cell apoptosis and Bim expression after treatment with CKI or/and radiotherapy.

Results: CKI had the effect of alleviating skin injury in cancer patients who received radiotherapy in clinic. CKI induced cancer cell apoptosis when combined with irradiation (IR), while it reversed the induction of cell apoptosis by IR in human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells. And Bim, as a tumor suppressor, was induced in cancer cells but had no change in HSF cells when treated with CKI. Moreover, the above effect could be attenuated when Bim was silenced by siRNA.

Conclusion: We conclude that CKI represents a promising radio-protective agent with a potential differential beneficial effect on both cancer cells (inducing apoptosis) and HSF cells (providing radio-protection via inhibiting IR-induced apoptosis), via regulating Bim. Our study uncovers a novel mechanism by which CKI inhibits human cancer cell while protects skin from radiotherapy, indicating CKI might be a promising radio-protective drug.

Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn), identifier ChiCTR2100049164.

BH3 Mimetics in Hematologic Malignancies

Hematologic malignancies (HM) comprise diverse cancers of lymphoid and myeloid origin, including lymphomas (approx. 40%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, approx. 15%), multiple myeloma (MM, approx. 15%), acute myeloid leukemia (AML, approx. 10%), and many other diseases. Despite considerable improvement in treatment options and survival parameters in the new millennium, many patients with HM still develop chemotherapy-refractory diseases and require re-treatment. Because frontline therapies for the majority of HM (except for CLL) are still largely based on classical cytostatics, the relapses are often associated with defects in DNA damage response (DDR) pathways and anti-apoptotic blocks exemplified, respectively, by mutations or deletion of the TP53 tumor suppressor, and overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family. BCL2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics represent a novel class of pro-apoptotic anti-cancer agents with a unique mode of action—direct targeting of mitochondria independently of TP53 gene aberrations. Consequently, BH3 mimetics can effectively eliminate even non-dividing malignant cells with adverse molecular cytogenetic alterations. Venetoclax, the nanomolar inhibitor of BCL2 anti-apoptotic protein has been approved for the therapy of CLL and AML. Numerous venetoclax-based combinatorial treatment regimens, next-generation BCL2 inhibitors, and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) protein inhibitors, which are another class of BH3 mimetics with promising preclinical results, are currently being tested in several clinical trials in patients with diverse HM. These pivotal trials will soon answer critical questions and concerns about these innovative agents regarding not only their anti-tumor efficacy but also potential side effects, recommended dosages, and the optimal length of therapy as well as identification of reliable biomarkers of sensitivity or resistance. Effective harnessing of the full therapeutic potential of BH3 mimetics is a critical mission as it may directly translate into better management of the aggressive forms of HM and could lead to significantly improved survival parameters and quality of life in patients with urgent medical needs.

Direct Measurement of the Affinity between tBid and Bax in a Mitochondria-Like Membrane

The execution step in apoptosis is the permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, controlled by Bcl-2 family proteins. The physical interactions between the different proteins in this family and their relative abundance literally determine the fate of the cells. These interactions, however, are difficult to quantify, as they occur in a lipid membrane and involve proteins with multiple conformations and stoichiometries which can exist both in soluble and membrane. Here we focus on the interaction between two core Bcl-2 family members, the executor pore-forming protein Bax and the truncated form of the activator protein Bid (tBid), which we imaged at the single particle level in a mitochondria-like planar supported lipid bilayer. We inferred the conformation of the proteins from their mobility, and detected their transient interactions using a novel single particle cross-correlation analysis. We show that both tBid and Bax have at least two different conformations at the membrane, and that their affinity for one another increases by one order of magnitude (with a 2D-KD decreasing from ≃1.6μm-2 to ≃0.1μm-2) when they pass from their loosely membrane-associated to their transmembrane form. We conclude by proposing an updated molecular model for the activation of Bax by tBid.

Apoptosis regulation at the mitochondria membrane level

Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) is a key checkpoint in apoptosis that activates the caspase cascade and irreversibly causes the majority of cells to die. The proteins of the Bcl-2 family are master regulators of apoptosis that form a complex interaction network within the mitochondrial membrane that determines the induction of MOMP. This culminates in the activation of the effector members Bax and Bak, which permeabilize the mitochondrial outer membrane to mediate MOMP. Although the key role of Bax and Bak has been established, many questions remain unresolved regarding molecular mechanisms that control the apoptotic pore. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in our understanding of the regulation of Bax/Bak activity within the mitochondrial membrane.

Functionalized DMP-039 Hybrid Nanoparticle as a Novel mRNA Vector for Efficient Cancer Suicide Gene Therapy

Background

Gene therapy has emerged as a new strategy for cancer therapy. As an alternative nucleic acid material, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is being increasingly utilized in cancer gene therapy. However, unfulfilled requirements and a lack of ideal mRNA delivery vectors persist.

Methods

We developed an advanced mRNA delivery system, DMP-039, by fusing a cell-penetrating peptide, cRGD-R9, and a cationic nano-sized DMP backbone together. The DMP gene vector backbone was synthesized by the self-assembly of DOTAP lipid and mPEG-PCL polymer. Introduction of the cRGD-R9 peptide onto the DMP backbone was performed to elevate the mRNA delivery capacity, which resulted in a peptide-functionalized hybrid delivery system.

Results

The average size of the synthesized DMP-039 was 268.9 ± 12.4 nm (PDI = 0.382), with a potential of 17.4 ± 0.5 mV. The synthesized DMP-039 hybrid nanoparticles exhibited high mRNA delivery efficiency through multiple mechanisms during transmembrane transportation. By loading the encoding mRNA from the suicide gene Bim, a locally administered mBim/DMP-039 complex strongly inhibited growth in two colon cancer models. Moreover, intravenous administration of the mBim/DMP-039 complex efficiently suppressed C26 pulmonary metastatic tumor progression with high safety. The in vivo distribution, degradation, and excretion were also investigated in detail.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the DMP-039 peptide-functionalized hybrid nanoparticle is an advanced candidate for mRNA-based suicide gene therapy.

The Protective Effect of Aspirin Eugenol Ester on Oxidative Stress to PC12 Cells Stimulated with H2O2 through Regulating PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway

Aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) is a new pharmaceutical compound esterified by aspirin and eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological activities. This study is aimed at identifying the protective effect of AEE against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and the possible mechanisms. The results of cell viability assay showed that AEE could increase the viability of PC12 cells stimulated by H₂O₂, while AEE alone had no significant effect on the viability of PC12 cells. Compared with the control group, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were significantly decreased, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in the H₂O₂ group. By AEE pretreatment, the level of MDA was reduced and the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were increased in H₂O₂-stimulated PC12 cells. In addition, AEE could reduce the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by H₂O₂ via reducing superoxide anion, intracellular ROS, and mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) and increasing the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Furthermore, the results of western blotting showed that compared with the control group, the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, while the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax was significantly increased in the H₂O₂ group. In the AEE group, AEE pretreatment could upregulate the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and Bcl-2 and downregulate the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax in PC12 cells stimulated with H₂O₂. The silencing of PI3K with shRNA and its inhibitor-LY294002 could abrogate the protective effect of AEE in PC12 cells. Therefore, AEE has a protective effect on H₂O₂-induced PC12 cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway to inhibit oxidative stress.

An amphipathic Bax core dimer forms part of the apoptotic pore wall in the mitochondrial␣membrane

Bax proteins form pores in the mitochondrial outer membrane to initiate apoptosis. This might involve their embedding in the cytosolic leaflet of the lipid bilayer, thus generating tension to induce a lipid pore with radially arranged lipids forming the wall. Alternatively, Bax proteins might comprise part of the pore wall. However, there is no unambiguous structural evidence for either hypothesis. Using NMR, we determined a high-resolution structure of the Bax core region, revealing a dimer with the nonpolar surface covering the lipid bilayer edge and the polar surface exposed to water. The dimer tilts from the bilayer normal, not only maximizing nonpolar interactions with lipid tails but also creating polar interactions between charged residues and lipid heads. Structure-guided mutations demonstrate the importance of both types of protein-lipid interactions in Bax pore assembly and core dimer configuration. Therefore, the Bax core dimer forms part of the proteolipid pore wall to permeabilize mitochondria.

Cysteine-based crosslinking approach for characterization of oligomeric pore-forming proteins in the mitochondrial membranes

Mitochondria are important not only to healthy but also dying cells. In particular, apoptotic cell death initiates when the mitochondrial outer membrane is permeabilized by Bax, a protein of the Bcl-2 family. Bax shares a structural fold with some α-helical bacterial pore-forming toxins before these proteins actively engage membranes. Despite decades of intensive research, the structures of the pores formed by these proteins are mostly unknown, mainly because the pores are assembled by different numbers of the proteins whose conformation and interaction are highly dynamic. Site-specific crosslinking of the pore-forming proteins in cellular membranes where the pores are assembled is a powerful approach to assess the biological pore structure, dynamics and function. In this chapter, we describe a cysteine-based site-specific crosslinking protocol for the Bax protein in the mitochondrial membrane. We discuss the expected results and the resulting structural-functional models for the pore-forming Bax oligomer, in comparison with other crosslinking approaches that have been used to study other mitochondrial protein complexes. At the end, we highlight the advantages of the crosslinking approaches as well as the limitations and alternative approaches.

Neuronal cell life, death, and axonal degeneration as regulated by the BCL-2 family proteins

Axonal degeneration and neuronal cell death are fundamental processes in development and contribute to the pathology of neurological disease in adults. Both processes are regulated by BCL-2 family proteins which orchestrate the permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). MOM permeabilization (MOMP) results in the activation of pro-apoptotic molecules that commit neurons to either die or degenerate. With the success of small-molecule inhibitors targeting anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins for the treatment of lymphoma, we can now envision the use of inhibitors of apoptosis with exquisite selectivity for BCL-2 family protein regulation of neuronal apoptosis in the treatment of nervous system disease. Critical to this development is deciphering which subset of proteins is required for neuronal apoptosis and axon degeneration, and how these two different outcomes are separately regulated. Moreover, noncanonical BCL-2 family protein functions unrelated to the regulation of MOMP, including impacting necroptosis and other modes of cell death may reveal additional potential targets and/or confounders. This review highlights our current understanding of BCL-2 family mediated neuronal cell death and axon degeneration, while identifying future research questions to be resolved to enable regulating neuronal survival pharmacologically.