1
|
Paudel BB, Tan SF, Fox TE, Ung J, Golla U, Shaw JJP, Dunton W, Lee I, Fares WA, Patel S, Sharma A, Viny AD, Barth BM, Tallman MS, Cabot M, Garrett-Bakelman FE, Levine RL, Kester M, Feith DJ, Claxton D, Janes KA, Loughran TP. Acute myeloid leukemia stratifies as 2 clinically relevant sphingolipidomic subtypes. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1137-1142. [PMID: 38170742 PMCID: PMC10909712 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- B. Bishal Paudel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Johnson Ung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology/Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Upendarrao Golla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Jeremy J. P. Shaw
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Wendy Dunton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Irene Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Wisam A. Fares
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Satyam Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA
| | - Aaron D. Viny
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, and of Genetics & Development, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Brian M. Barth
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau, AK
| | - Martin S. Tallman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Myles Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Francine E. Garrett-Bakelman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David J. Feith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA
| | - Kevin A. Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ohya Y, Ogiso Y, Matsuda M, Sakae H, Nishida K, Miki Y, Fox TE, Kester M, Sakamoto W, Nabe T, Kitatani K. Pronecroptotic Therapy Using Ceramide Nanoliposomes Is Effective for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:405. [PMID: 38474369 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulated necrosis, termed necroptosis, represents a potential therapeutic target for refractory cancer. Ceramide nanoliposomes (CNLs), considered potential chemotherapeutic agents, induce necroptosis by targeting the activating protein mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). In the present study, we examined the potential of pronecroptotic therapy using CNLs for refractory triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), for which there is a lack of definite and effective therapeutic targets among the various immunohistological subtypes of breast cancer. MLKL mRNA expression in tumor tissues was significantly higher in TNBC patients than in those with non-TNBC subtypes. Similarly, among the 50 breast cancer cell lines examined, MLKL expression was higher in TNBC-classified cell lines. TNBC cell lines were more susceptible to the therapeutic effects of CNLs than the non-TNBC subtypes of breast cancer cell lines. In TNBC-classified MDA-MB-231 cells, the knockdown of MLKL suppressed cell death induced by CNLs or the active substance short-chain C6-ceramide. Accordingly, TNBC cells were prone to CNL-evoked necroptotic cell death. These results will contribute to the development of CNL-based pronecroptotic therapy for TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ohya
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata 573-0101, Japan
| | - Yuri Ogiso
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata 573-0101, Japan
| | - Masaya Matsuda
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata 573-0101, Japan
| | - Harumi Sakae
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata 573-0101, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nishida
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata 573-0101, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Miki
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-8735, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-8735, USA
| | - Wataru Sakamoto
- Research Center of Oncology, Ono Pharmaceutical, Co., Ltd., Osaka 618-8585, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nabe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata 573-0101, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Kitatani
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Hirakata 573-0101, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thim EA, Fox T, Deering T, Vass LR, Sheybani ND, Kester M, Price RJ. Solid tumor treatment via augmentation of bioactive C6 ceramide levels with thermally ablative focused ultrasound. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:3145-3153. [PMID: 37335416 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01377-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Sparse scan partial thermal ablation (TA) with focused ultrasound (FUS) may be deployed to treat solid tumors and increase delivery of systemically administered therapeutics. Furthermore, C6-ceramide-loaded nanoliposomes (CNLs), which rely upon the enhanced-permeation and retention (EPR) effect for delivery, have shown promise for treating solid tumors and are being tested in clinical trials. Here, our objective was to determine whether CNLs synergize with TA in the control of 4T1 breast tumors. CNL monotherapy of 4T1 tumors yielded significant intratumoral bioactive C6 accumulation by the EPR effect, but tumor growth was not controlled. TA increased bioactive C6 accumulation by ~ 12.5-fold over the EPR effect. In addition, TA + CNL caused shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios (i.e., C16/24 and C18/C24) that could potentially contribute to tumor control. Nonetheless, these changes in intratumoral ceramide levels were still insufficient to confer tumor growth control beyond that achieved when combining with TA with control "ghost" nanoliposomes (GNL). While this lack of synergy could be due to increased "pro-tumor" sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels, this is unlikely because S1P levels exhibited only a moderate and statistically insignificant increase with TA + CNL. In vitro studies showed that 4T1 cells are highly resistant to C6, offering the most likely explanation for the inability of TA to synergize with CNL. Thus, while our results show that sparse scan TA is a powerful approach for markedly enhancing CNL delivery and generating "anti-tumor" shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios, resistance of the tumor to C6 can still be a rate-limiting factor for some solid tumor types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Andrew Thim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Tye Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Luke R Vass
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Natasha D Sheybani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Richard J Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Feng TY, Melchor SJ, Zhao XY, Ghumman H, Kester M, Fox TE, Ewald SE. Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, sphingolipid, and phosphatidylcholine metabolism are dysregulated in T. gondii infection-induced cachexia. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17411. [PMID: 37456044 PMCID: PMC10344712 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cachexia is a life-threatening disease characterized by chronic, inflammatory muscle wasting and systemic metabolic impairment. Despite its high prevalence, there are no efficacious therapies for cachexia. Mice chronically infected with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii represent a novel animal model recapitulating the chronic kinetics of cachexia. To understand how perturbations to metabolic tissue homeostasis influence circulating metabolite availability we used mass spectrometry analysis. Despite the significant reduction in circulating triacylglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and glycerol, sphingolipid long-chain bases and a subset of phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were significantly increased in the sera of mice with T. gondii infection-induced cachexia. In addition, the TCA cycle intermediates α-ketoglutarate, 2-hydroxyglutarate, succinate, fumarate, and malate were highly depleted in cachectic mouse sera. Sphingolipids and their de novo synthesis precursors PCs are the major components of the mitochondrial membrane and regulate mitochondrial function consistent with a causal relationship in the energy imbalance driving T. gondii-induced chronic cachexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yu Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology and The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Stephanie J. Melchor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology and The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology and The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Haider Ghumman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology and The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Sarah E. Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology and The Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jayappa KD, Tran B, Gordon VL, Morris CG, Saha S, Farrington CC, O'Connor CM, Zawacki KP, Isaac KM, Kester M, Bender TP, Williams ME, Portell CA, Weber MJ, Narla G. PP2A modulation overcomes multidrug resistance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia via mPTP-dependent apoptosis. J Clin Invest 2023:155938. [PMID: 37166997 DOI: 10.1172/jci155938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies such as venetoclax (Bcl-2 inhibitor) have revolutionized the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We previously reported that persister CLL cells in treated patients overexpress multiple anti-apoptotic proteins and display resistance to pro-apoptotic agents. Here, we demonstrated that multidrug resistant CLL cells in vivo exhibit apoptosis restriction at a premitochondrial level due to insufficient activation of the Bax and Bak proteins. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses with selective BH-domain antagonists revealed that the pleotropic pro-apoptotic protein (Bim) is prevented from activating Bax/Bak by "switching" interactions to other upregulated anti-apoptotic proteins (Mcl-1/Bcl-xL/Bcl-2). Hence, treatments that bypass Bax/Bak restriction are required to deplete these resistant cells in patients. Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) contributes to oncogenesis and treatment resistance. We observed that a small molecule activator of PP2A (SMAP) induced cytotoxicity in multiple cancer cell lines and CLL samples, including multidrug resistant leukemia/lymphoma cells. The SMAP (DT-061) activated apoptosis in multidrug resistant CLL cells through induction of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP), independent of Bax/Bak. DT-061 inhibited the growth of wild type and Bax/Bak double knockout multidrug resistant CLL cells in a xenograft mouse model. Collectively, we discovered multidrug resistant CLL cells in patients, and validated a pharmacologically tractable pathway to deplete this reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kallesh D Jayappa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Brian Tran
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Vicki L Gordon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Christopher G Morris
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Shekhar Saha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Caroline C Farrington
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Caitlin M O'Connor
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Kaitin P Zawacki
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Krista M Isaac
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Timothy P Bender
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Michael E Williams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Craig A Portell
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Michael J Weber
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Goutham Narla
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Paudel BB, Tan SF, Fox TE, Ung J, Shaw J, Dunton W, Lee I, Sharma A, Viny AD, Barth BM, Tallman MS, Cabot M, Garrett-Bakelman FE, Levine RL, Kester M, Claxton D, Feith DJ, Janes KA, Loughran TP. Acute myeloid leukemia stratifies as two clinically relevant sphingolipidomic subtypes. bioRxiv 2023:2023.04.13.536805. [PMID: 37131653 PMCID: PMC10153188 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.13.536805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive disease with complex and heterogeneous biology. Although several genomic classifications have been proposed, there is a growing interest in going beyond genomics to stratify AML. In this study, we profile the sphingolipid family of bioactive molecules in 213 primary AML samples and 30 common human AML cell lines. Using an integrative approach, we identify two distinct sphingolipid subtypes in AML characterized by a reciprocal abundance of hexosylceramide (Hex) and sphingomyelin (SM) species. The two Hex-SM clusters organize diverse samples more robustly than known AML driver mutations and are coupled to latent transcriptional states. Using transcriptomic data, we develop a machine-learning classifier to infer the Hex-SM status of AML cases in TCGA and BeatAML clinical repositories. The analyses show that the sphingolipid subtype with deficient Hex and abundant SM is enriched for leukemic stemness transcriptional programs and comprises an unappreciated high-risk subgroup with poor clinical outcomes. Our sphingolipid-focused examination of AML identifies patients least likely to benefit from standard of care and raises the possibility that sphingolipidomic interventions could switch the subtype of AML patients who otherwise lack targetable alternatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B. Bishal Paudel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Johnson Ung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Jeremy Shaw
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Wendy Dunton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Irene Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA
| | - Aaron D. Viny
- Departments of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, and of Genetics & Development, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Brian M. Barth
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD
| | - Martin S. Tallman
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center Chicago, IL
| | - Myles Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Francine E. Garrett-Bakelman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David Claxton
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - David J. Feith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Kevin A. Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thim EA, Fox T, Deering T, Vass LR, Sheybani ND, Kester M, Price RJ. Solid Tumor Treatment via Augmentation of Bioactive C6 Ceramide Levels with Thermally Ablative Focused Ultrasound. bioRxiv 2023:2023.03.23.532394. [PMID: 36993445 PMCID: PMC10055354 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.532394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Sparse scan partial thermal ablation (TA) with focused ultrasound (FUS) may be deployed to treat solid tumors and increase delivery of systemically administered therapeutics. Further, C6-ceramide-loaded nanoliposomes (CNLs), which rely upon the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect for delivery, have shown promise for treating solid tumors and are being tested in clinical trials. Here, our objective was to determine whether CNLs synergize with TA in the control of 4T1 breast tumors. CNL-monotherapy of 4T1 tumors yielded significant intratumoral bioactive C6 accumulation by the EPR effect, but tumor growth was not controlled. TA increased bioactive C6 accumulation by ∼12.5-fold over the EPR effect. In addition, TA+CNL caused shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios (i.e., C16/24 and C18/C24) that could potentially contribute to tumor control. Nonetheless, these changes in intratumoral ceramide levels were still insufficient to confer tumor growth control beyond that achieved when combining with TA with control "ghost" nanoliposomes (GNL). While this lack of synergy could be due to increased "pro-tumor" sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels, this is unlikely because S1P levels exhibited only a moderate and statistically insignificant increase with TA+CNL. In vitro studies showed that 4T1 cells are highly resistant to C6, offering the most likely explanation for the inability of TA to synergize with CNL. Thus, while our results show that sparse scan TA is a powerful approach for markedly enhancing CNL delivery and generating "anti-tumor" shifts in long-chain to very-long-chain ceramide ratios, resistance of the tumor to C6 can still be a rate-limiting factor for some solid tumor types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Andrew Thim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Tye Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Luke R. Vass
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Natasha D. Sheybani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Richard J. Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fisher-Wellman KH, Kassai M, Hagen JT, Neufer PD, Kester M, Loughran TP, Chalfant CE, Feith DJ, Tan SF, Fox TE, Ung J, Fabrias G, Abad JL, Sharma A, Golla U, Claxton DF, Shaw JJP, Bhowmick D, Cabot MC. Simultaneous Inhibition of Ceramide Hydrolysis and Glycosylation Synergizes to Corrupt Mitochondrial Respiration and Signal Caspase Driven Cell Death in Drug-Resistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1883. [PMID: 36980769 PMCID: PMC10046858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the most prevalent acute and aggressive leukemia diagnosed in adults, often recurs as a difficult-to-treat, chemotherapy-resistant disease. Because chemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment, novel therapeutic intervention is needed. Upregulated ceramide clearance via accelerated hydrolysis and glycosylation has been shown to be an element in chemotherapy-resistant AML, a problem considering the crucial role ceramide plays in eliciting apoptosis. Herein we employed agents that block ceramide clearance to determine if such a "reset" would be of therapeutic benefit. SACLAC was utilized to limit ceramide hydrolysis, and D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-threo-PDMP) was used to block the glycosylation route. The SACLAC D-threo-PDMP inhibitor combination was synergistically cytotoxic in drug-resistant, P-glycoprotein-expressing (P-gp) AML but not in wt, P-gp-poor cells. Interestingly, P-gp antagonists that can limit ceramide glycosylation via depression of glucosylceramide transit also synergized with SACLAC, suggesting a paradoxical role for P-gp in the implementation of cell death. Mechanistically, cell death was accompanied by a complete drop in ceramide glycosylation, concomitant, striking increases in all molecular species of ceramide, diminished sphingosine 1-phosphate levels, resounding declines in mitochondrial respiratory kinetics, altered Akt, pGSK-3β, and Mcl-1 expression, and caspase activation. Although ceramide was generated in wt cells upon inhibitor exposure, mitochondrial respiration was not corrupted, suggestive of mitochondrial vulnerability in the drug-resistant phenotype, a potential therapeutic avenue. The inhibitor regimen showed efficacy in an in vivo model and in primary AML cells from patients. These results support the implementation of SL enzyme targeting to limit ceramide clearance as a therapeutic strategy in chemotherapy-resistant AML, inclusive of a novel indication for the use of P-gp antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey H. Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Miki Kassai
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - James T. Hagen
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - P. Darrell Neufer
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Charles E. Chalfant
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Research Service, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - David J. Feith
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Johnson Ung
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose’ Luis Abad
- Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arati Sharma
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Upendarrao Golla
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - David F. Claxton
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jeremy J. P. Shaw
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Debajit Bhowmick
- Flow Cytometry Division, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Myles C. Cabot
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khokhlatchev AV, Sharma A, Deering TG, Shaw JJP, Costa‐Pinheiro P, Golla U, Annageldiyev C, Cabot MC, Conaway MR, Tan S, Ung J, Feith DJ, Loughran TP, Claxton DF, Fox TE, Kester M. Ceramide nanoliposomes augment the efficacy of venetoclax and cytarabine in models of acute myeloid leukemia. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22514. [PMID: 36106439 PMCID: PMC9544744 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200765r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite several new therapeutic options for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), disease relapse remains a significant challenge. We have previously demonstrated that augmenting ceramides can counter various drug-resistance mechanisms, leading to enhanced cell death in cancer cells and extended survival in animal models. Using a nanoscale delivery system for ceramide (ceramide nanoliposomes, CNL), we investigated the effect of CNL within a standard of care venetoclax/cytarabine (Ara-C) regimen. We demonstrate that CNL augmented the efficacy of venetoclax/cytarabine in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of AML. CNL treatment induced non-apoptotic cytotoxicity, and augmented cell death induced by Ara-C and venetoclax. Mechanistically, CNL reduced both venetoclax (Mcl-1) and cytarabine (Chk1) drug-resistant signaling pathways. Moreover, venetoclax and Ara-C augmented the generation of endogenous pro-death ceramide species, which was intensified with CNL. Taken together, CNL has the potential to be utilized as an adjuvant therapy to improve outcomes, potentially extending survival, in patients with AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arati Sharma
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicinePenn State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of PharmacologyPennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Penn State Cancer InstitutePennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tye G. Deering
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Jeremy J. P. Shaw
- Department of Experimental PathologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Pedro Costa‐Pinheiro
- Department of Experimental PathologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Upendarrao Golla
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicinePenn State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Penn State Cancer InstitutePennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Charyguly Annageldiyev
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicinePenn State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Penn State Cancer InstitutePennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Myles C. Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of MedicineEast Carolina UniversityGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSA
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity InstituteEast Carolina UniversityGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Mark R. Conaway
- University of Virginia School of MedicinePublic Health SciencesCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Su‐Fern Tan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- University of Virginia Cancer CenterCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Johnson Ung
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - David J. Feith
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- University of Virginia Cancer CenterCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineUniversity of Virginia School of MedicineCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- University of Virginia Cancer CenterCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - David F. Claxton
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicinePenn State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
- Penn State Cancer InstitutePennsylvania State University College of MedicineHersheyPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Todd E. Fox
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- University of Virginia Cancer CenterCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- NanoSTAR InstituteCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ung J, Tan SF, Fox TE, Shaw JJP, Vass LR, Costa-Pinheiro P, Garrett-Bakelman FE, Keng MK, Sharma A, Claxton DF, Levine RL, Tallman MS, Cabot MC, Kester M, Feith DJ, Loughran TP. Harnessing the power of sphingolipids: Prospects for acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Rev 2022; 55:100950. [PMID: 35487785 PMCID: PMC9475810 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive, heterogenous malignancy characterized by clonal expansion of bone marrow-derived myeloid progenitor cells. While our current understanding of the molecular and genomic landscape of AML has evolved dramatically and opened avenues for molecularly targeted therapeutics to improve upon standard intensive induction chemotherapy, curative treatments are elusive, particularly in older patients. Responses to current AML treatments are transient and incomplete, necessitating the development of novel treatment strategies to improve outcomes. To this end, harnessing the power of bioactive sphingolipids to treat cancer shows great promise. Sphingolipids are involved in many hallmarks of cancer of paramount importance in AML. Leukemic blast survival is influenced by cellular levels of ceramide, a bona fide pro-death molecule, and its conversion to signaling molecules such as sphingosine-1-phosphate and glycosphingolipids. Preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of therapeutics that target dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism as well as their combinatorial synergy with clinically-relevant therapeutics. Thus, increased understanding of sphingolipid dysregulation may be exploited to improve AML patient care and outcomes. This review summarizes the current knowledge of dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism in AML, evaluates how pro-survival sphingolipids promote AML pathogenesis, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting these dysregulated sphingolipid pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Ung
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Todd E Fox
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Jeremy J P Shaw
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Luke R Vass
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Pedro Costa-Pinheiro
- Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Francine E Garrett-Bakelman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Michael K Keng
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Arati Sharma
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, United States of America
| | - David F Claxton
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, United States of America
| | - Ross L Levine
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Martin S Tallman
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States of America; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Mark Kester
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - David J Feith
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
LeBlanc FR, Hasanali ZS, Stuart A, Shimko S, Sharma K, Leshchenko VV, Parekh S, Fu H, Zhang Y, Martin MM, Kester M, Fox T, Liao J, Loughran TP, Evans J, Pu JJ, Spurgeon SE, Aladjem MI, Epner EM. Combined epigenetic and immunotherapy for blastic and classical mantle cell lymphoma. Oncotarget 2022; 13:986-1002. [PMID: 36093297 PMCID: PMC9450988 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical MCL (cMCL) constitutes 6-8% of all B cell NHL. Despite recent advances, MCL is incurable except with allogeneic stem cell transplant. Blastic mantle cell lymphoma (bMCL) is a rarer subtype of cMCL associated with an aggressive clinical course and poor treatment response, frequent relapse and poor outcomes. We treated 13 bMCL patients with combined epigenetic and immunotherapy treatment consisting of vorinostat, cladribine and rituximab (SCR). We report an increased OS greater than 40 months with several patients maintaining durable remissions without relapse for longer than 5 years. This is remarkably better then current treatment regimens which in bMCL range from 14.5-24 months with conventional chemotherapy regimens. We demonstrate that the G/A870 CCND1 polymorphism is predictive of blastic disease, nuclear localization of cyclinD1 and response to SCR therapy. The major resistance mechanisms to SCR therapy are loss of CD20 expression and evasion of treatment by sanctuary in the CNS. These data indicate that administration of epigenetic agents improves efficacy of anti-CD20 immunotherapies. This approach is promising in the treatment of MCL and potentially other previously treatment refractory cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis R. LeBlanc
- 1Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA,*Co-first authors,Correspondence to:Francis R. LeBlanc, email:
| | - Zainul S. Hasanali
- 1Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA,*Co-first authors
| | - August Stuart
- 2Department of Hematology/Oncology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sara Shimko
- 2Department of Hematology/Oncology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Kamal Sharma
- 3BayCare Medical Group, Cassidy Cancer Center, Winter Haven, FL 33881, USA
| | - Violetta V. Leshchenko
- 4Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Samir Parekh
- 4Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Haiqing Fu
- 5Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ya Zhang
- 5Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Melvenia M. Martin
- 5Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- 6Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Todd Fox
- 6Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jiangang Liao
- 7Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- 8Department of Medicine/Hematology-Oncology, UVA Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Juanita Evans
- 9Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Pu
- 10Department of Medicine and Cancer Center, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Stephen E. Spurgeon
- 11Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Mirit I. Aladjem
- 5Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
DiPasquale M, Deering TG, Desai D, Sharma AK, Amin S, Fox TE, Kester M, Katsaras J, Marquardt D, Heberle FA. Influence of ceramide on lipid domain stability studied with small-angle neutron scattering: The role of acyl chain length and unsaturation. Chem Phys Lipids 2022; 245:105205. [PMID: 35483419 PMCID: PMC9320172 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2022.105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides and diacylglycerols are groups of lipids capable of nucleating and stabilizing ordered lipid domains, structures that have been implicated in a range of biological processes. Previous studies have used fluorescence reporter molecules to explore the influence of ceramide acyl chain structure on sphingolipid-rich ordered phases. Here, we use small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to examine the ability of ceramides and diacylglycerols to promote lipid domain formation in the well-characterized domain-forming mixture DPPC/DOPC/cholesterol. SANS is a powerful, probe-free technique for interrogating membrane heterogeneity, as it is differentially sensitive to hydrogen's stable isotopes protium and deuterium. Specifically, neutron contrast is generated through selective deuteration of lipid species, thus enabling the detection of nanoscopic domains enriched in deuterated saturated lipids dispersed in a matrix of protiated unsaturated lipids. Using large unilamellar vesicles, we found that upon replacing 10 mol% DPPC with either C16:0 or C18:0 ceramide, or 16:0 diacylglycerol (dag), lipid domains persisted to higher temperatures. However, when DPPC was replaced with short chain (C6:0 or C12:0) or very long chain (C24:0) ceramides, or ceramides with unsaturated acyl chains of any length (C6:1(3), C6:1(5), C18:1, and C24:1), as well as C18:1-dag, lipid domains were destabilized, melting at lower temperatures than those in the DPPC/DOPC/cholesterol system. These results show how ceramide acyl chain length and unsaturation influence lipid domains and have implications for how cell membranes might modify their function through the generation of different ceramide species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell DiPasquale
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor N9B 3P4, ON, Canada
| | - Tye G Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, VA, USA
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University, University Park 16801, PA, USA
| | - Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University, University Park 16801, PA, USA
| | - Shantu Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University, University Park 16801, PA, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, VA, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, VA, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, VA, USA
| | - John Katsaras
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge 37831, TN, USA; Joint Institute for Neutron Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge 37831, TN, USA; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996, TN, USA.
| | - Drew Marquardt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor N9B 3P4, ON, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Windsor, Windsor N9B 3P4, ON, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qi X, Wu F, Kim SH, Kaifi JT, Kimchi ET, Snyder H, Illendula A, Fox T, Kester M, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Li G. Nanoliposome C6-Ceramide in combination with anti-CTLA4 antibody improves anti-tumor immunity in hepatocellular cancer. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22250. [PMID: 35294071 PMCID: PMC9297193 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101707r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Combination therapy represents an effective therapeutic approach to overcome hepatocellular cancer (HCC) resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Based upon previous work demonstrating that nanoliposome C6‐ceramide (LipC6) not only induces HCC apoptosis but also prevents HCC‐induced immune tolerance, we now investigate the potential of LipC6 in combination with ICB in HCC treatment. We generated orthotopic HCC‐bearing mice, which have typical features in common with human patients, and then treated them with LipC6 in combination with the antibodies (Abs) for programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) or cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4). The tumor growth was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the intrahepatic immune profiles were checked by flow cytometry in response to the treatments. Realtime PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the expression of target genes. The results show that LipC6 in combination with anti‐CTLA4 Ab, but not anti‐PD‐1 Ab, significantly slowed tumor growth, enhanced tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells, and suppressed tumor‐resident CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs. Further molecular investigation indicates that the combinational treatment suppressed transcriptional factor Krüppel‐like Factor 2 (KLF2), forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3), and CTLA4. Our studies suggest that LipC6 in combination with anti‐CTLA4 Ab represents a novel therapeutic approach with significant potential in activating anti‐HCC immune response and suppressing HCC growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sung Hoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Helena Snyder
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anuradha Illendula
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Salotto KE, Olson Jr WC, Pollack KE, Illendula A, Michel E, Henriques S, Fox T, Walker S, Dunlap-Brown M, Slingluff Jr CL, Kester M, Snyder HW. A nano-enhanced vaccine for metastatic melanoma immunotherapy. Cancer Drug Resist 2022; 5:829-845. [PMID: 36176766 PMCID: PMC9511805 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Despite the huge advancements in cancer therapies and treatments over the past decade, most patients with metastasized melanoma still die from the disease. This poor prognosis largely results from resistance to conventional chemotherapies and other cytotoxic drugs. We have previously identified 6 antigenic peptides derived from melanomas that have proven efficacious for activating CD4+ T cells in clinical trials for melanoma. Our aim was to improve pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetic and toxicological parameters by individually encapsulating each of the 6 melanoma helper peptides within their own immunogenic nanoliposomes. Methods: We modified these liposomes as necessary to account for differences in the peptides’ chemical properties, resulting in 3 distinct formulations. To further enhance immunogenicity, we also incorporated KDO2, a TLR4 agonist, into the lipid bilayer of all nanoliposome formulations. We then conducted in vivo imaging studies in mice and ex vivo cell studies from 2 patient samples who both strongly expressed one of the identified peptides. Results: We demonstrate that these liposomes, loaded with the different melanoma helper peptides, can be readily mixed together and simultaneously delivered without toxicity in vivo. These liposomes are capable of being diffused to the secondary lymphoid organs very quickly and for at least 6 days. In addition, we show that these immunogenic liposomes enhance immune responses to specific peptides ex vivo. Conclusion: Lipid-based delivery systems, including nanoliposomes and lipid nanoparticles, have now been validated for pharmacological (small molecules, bioactive lipids) and molecular (mRNA, siRNA) therapeutic approaches. However, the utility of these formulations as cancer vaccines, delivering antigenic peptides, has not yet achieved the same degree of commercial success. Here, we describe the novel and successful development of a nanoliposome-based cancer vaccine for melanoma. These vaccines help to circumvent drug resistance by increasing a patient’s T cell response, making them more susceptible to checkpoint blockade therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn E. Salotto
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22904, USA
| | - Walter C. Olson Jr
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
| | - Karlyn E. Pollack
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
| | - Anuradha Illendula
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia nanoSTAR Institute, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
| | - Elishama Michel
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22904, USA
| | - Sydney Henriques
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22904, USA
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
| | - Susan Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
| | - Marya Dunlap-Brown
- Molecular Immunologic & Translational Sciences (MITS) Core, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
| | - Craig L. Slingluff Jr
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
- Correspondence to: Prof/Dr. Mark Kester, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail: ; Prof/Dr. Craig L Slingluff Jr. Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginina, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail:; Prof/Dr. Helena W. Snyder. Department of Materials Science, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail:
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
- University of Virginia nanoSTAR Institute, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
- Correspondence to: Prof/Dr. Mark Kester, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail: ; Prof/Dr. Craig L Slingluff Jr. Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginina, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail:; Prof/Dr. Helena W. Snyder. Department of Materials Science, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail:
| | - Helena W. Snyder
- University of Virginia nanoSTAR Institute, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Materials Science, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA
- Correspondence to: Prof/Dr. Mark Kester, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail: ; Prof/Dr. Craig L Slingluff Jr. Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginina, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail:; Prof/Dr. Helena W. Snyder. Department of Materials Science, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Virginia, Virginia, VA 22903, USA. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fisher-Wellman KH, Hagen JT, Kassai M, Kao LP, Nelson MAM, McLaughlin KL, Coalson HS, Fox TE, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Kester M, Loughran TP, Claxton DF, Cabot MC. Alterations in sphingolipid composition and mitochondrial bioenergetics represent synergistic therapeutic vulnerabilities linked to multidrug resistance in leukemia. FASEB J 2021; 36:e22094. [PMID: 34888943 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101194rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Modifications in sphingolipid (SL) metabolism and mitochondrial bioenergetics are key factors implicated in cancer cell response to chemotherapy, including chemotherapy resistance. In the present work, we utilized acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, selected to be refractory to various chemotherapeutics, to explore the interplay between SL metabolism and mitochondrial biology supportive of multidrug resistance (MDR). In agreement with previous findings in cytarabine or daunorubicin resistant AML cells, relative to chemosensitive wildtype controls, HL-60 cells refractory to vincristine (HL60/VCR) presented with alterations in SL enzyme expression and lipidome composition. Such changes were typified by upregulated expression of various ceramide detoxifying enzymes, as well as corresponding shifts in ceramide, glucosylceramide, and sphingomyelin (SM) molecular species. With respect to mitochondria, despite consistent increases in both basal respiration and maximal respiratory capacity, direct interrogation of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system revealed intrinsic deficiencies in HL60/VCR, as well as across multiple MDR model systems. Based on the apparent requirement for augmented SL and mitochondrial flux to support the MDR phenotype, we explored a combinatorial therapeutic paradigm designed to target each pathway. Remarkably, despite minimal cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), co-targeting SL metabolism, and respiratory complex I (CI) induced synergistic cytotoxicity consistently across multiple MDR leukemia models. Together, these data underscore the intimate connection between cellular sphingolipids and mitochondrial metabolism and suggest that pharmacological intervention across both pathways may represent a novel treatment strategy against MDR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - James T Hagen
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Li-Pin Kao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Margaret A M Nelson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kelsey L McLaughlin
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah S Coalson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David F Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.,Penn state Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yu H, Khokhlatchev AV, Chew C, Illendula A, Conaway M, Dryden K, Maeda DLNF, Rajasekaran V, Kester M, Zeichner SL. Minicells from Highly Genome Reduced Escherichia coli: Cytoplasmic and Surface Expression of Recombinant Proteins and Incorporation in the Minicells. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2465-2477. [PMID: 34516078 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Minicells, small cells lacking a chromosome, produced by bacteria with mutated min genes, which control cell division septum placement, have many potential uses. Minicells have contributed to basic bacterial physiology studies and can enable new biotechnological applications, including drug delivery and vaccines. Genome-reduced bacteria are another informative area of investigation. Investigators identified that with even almost 30% of the E. coli genome deleted, the bacteria still live. In biotechnology and synthetic biology, genome-reduced bacteria offer certain advantages. With genome-reduced bacteria, more recombinant genes can be placed into genome-reduced chromosomes and fewer cell resources are devoted to purposes apart from biotechnological goals. Here, we show that these two technologies can be combined: min mutants can be made in genome-reduced E. coli. The minC minD mutant genome-reduced E. coli produce minicells that concentrate engineered recombinant proteins within these spherical delivery systems. We expressed recombinant GFP protein in the cytoplasm of genome-reduced bacteria and showed that it is concentrated within the minicells. We also expressed proteins on the surfaces of minicells made from genome-reduced bacteria using a recombinant Gram-negative AIDA-I autotransporter expression cassette. Some autotransporters, like AIDA-I, are concentrated at the bacterial poles, where minicells bud. Recombinant proteins expressed on surfaces of the genome-reduced bacteria are concentrated on the minicells. Minicells made from genome-reduced bacteria may enable useful biotechnological innovations, such as drug delivery vehicles and vaccine immunogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Yu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Research Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Andrei V. Khokhlatchev
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Claude Chew
- School of Medicine ORCA, Flow Cytometry Core Facility, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Anuradha Illendula
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Mark Conaway
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Kelly Dryden
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | | | - Vignesh Rajasekaran
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Research Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
- Director, nanoSTAR Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Steven L. Zeichner
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Research Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Golla U, Ehudin MA, Annageldiyev C, Zeng Z, Bastihalli Tukaramrao D, Tarren A, Date AA, Elcheva I, Berg A, Amin S, Loughran TP, Kester M, Desai D, Dovat S, Claxton D, Sharma A. DJ4 Targets the Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Pathway and Attenuates Disease Progression in Preclinical Murine Models of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4889. [PMID: 34638385 PMCID: PMC8508452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the highly heterogenous nature of the disease motivates targeted gene therapeutic investigations. Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) are crucial for various actin cytoskeletal changes, which have established malignant consequences in various cancers, yet are still not being successfully utilized clinically towards cancer treatment. This work establishes the therapeutic activity of ROCK inhibitor (5Z)-2-5-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-ylmethylene)-1,3-thiazol-4(5H)-one (DJ4) in both in vitro and in vivo preclinical models of AML to highlight the potential of this class of inhibitors. Herein, DJ4 induced cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects in a dose-dependent manner in human AML cell lines (IC50: 0.05-1.68 μM) and primary patient cells (IC50: 0.264-13.43 μM); however, normal hematopoietic cells were largely spared. ROCK inhibition by DJ4 disrupts the phosphorylation of downstream targets, myosin light chain (MLC2) and myosin-binding subunit of MLC phosphatase (MYPT), yielding a potent yet selective treatment response at micromolar concentrations, from 0.02 to 1 μM. Murine models injected with luciferase-expressing leukemia cell lines subcutaneously or intravenously and treated with DJ4 exhibited an increase in overall survival and reduction in disease progression relative to the vehicle-treated control mice. Overall, DJ4 is a promising candidate to utilize in future investigations to advance the current AML therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Upendarrao Golla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Melanie A. Ehudin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (M.A.E.); (D.B.T.); (I.E.)
| | - Charyguly Annageldiyev
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Diwakar Bastihalli Tukaramrao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (M.A.E.); (D.B.T.); (I.E.)
| | - Anna Tarren
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Abhijit A. Date
- The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, USA;
| | - Irina Elcheva
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (M.A.E.); (D.B.T.); (I.E.)
| | - Arthur Berg
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Shantu Amin
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Sinisa Dovat
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (M.A.E.); (D.B.T.); (I.E.)
| | - David Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Islam MT, Davis Z, Chen L, Englaender J, Zomorodi S, Frank J, Bartlett K, Somers E, Carballo SM, Kester M, Shakeel A, Pourtaheri P, Sherif SM. Minicell-based fungal RNAi delivery for sustainable crop protection. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:1847-1856. [PMID: 33624940 PMCID: PMC8313293 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) using topical dsRNA applications has risen as a promising, target-specific, and environmentally friendly disease management strategy against phytopathogenic fungi. However, dsRNA stability, efficacy, and scalability are still the main constraints facing SIGS broader application. Here we show that Escherichia coli-derived anucleated minicells can be utilized as a cost-effective, scalable platform for dsRNA production and encapsulation. We demonstrated that minicell-encapsulated dsRNA (ME-dsRNA) was shielded from RNase degradation and stabilized on strawberry surfaces, allowing dsRNA persistence in field-like conditions. ME-dsRNAs targeting chitin synthase class III (Chs3a, Chs3b) and DICER-like proteins (DCL1 and DCL2) genes of Botryotinia fuckeliana selectively knocked-down the target genes and led to significant fungal growth inhibition in vitro. We also observed a compensatory relationship between DCL1 and DCL2 gene transcripts, where the silencing of one gene upregulated the expression of the other. Contrary to naked-dsRNAs, ME-dsRNAs halted disease progression in strawberries for 12 days under greenhouse conditions. These results elucidate the potential of ME-dsRNAs to enable the commercial application of RNAi-based, species-specific biocontrols comparable in efficacy to conventional synthetics. ME-dsRNAs offer a platform that can readily be translated to large-scale production and deployed in open-field applications to control grey mould in strawberries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Tabibul Islam
- Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension CenterSchool of Plant and Environmental SciencesVirginia TechWinchesterVA22602USA
| | - Zachery Davis
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | - Lisa Chen
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | - Jacob Englaender
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | - Sepehr Zomorodi
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | - Joseph Frank
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | - Kira Bartlett
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | - Elisabeth Somers
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | | | - Mark Kester
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVA22908USA
| | - Ameer Shakeel
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | - Payam Pourtaheri
- AgroSpheres, INC.1180 Seminole Trail, STE 100CharlottesvilleVA22901USA
| | - Sherif M. Sherif
- Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension CenterSchool of Plant and Environmental SciencesVirginia TechWinchesterVA22602USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Costa-Pinheiro P, Heher A, Raymond MH, Jividen K, Shaw JJ, Paschal BM, Walker SJ, Fox TE, Kester M. Role of SPTSSB-Regulated de Novo Sphingolipid Synthesis in Prostate Cancer Depends on Androgen Receptor Signaling. iScience 2020; 23:101855. [PMID: 33313495 PMCID: PMC7721643 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-androgens are a common therapy in prostate cancer (PCa) targeting androgen receptor (AR) signaling. However, these therapies fail due to selection of highly aggressive AR-negative cancer cells that have no therapeutic options available. We demonstrate that elevating endogenous ceramide levels with administration of exogenous ceramide nanoliposomes (CNLs) was efficacious in AR-negative cell lines with limited efficacy in AR-positive cells. This effect is mediated through reduced de novo sphingolipid synthesis in AR-positive cells. We show that anti-androgens elevate de novo generation of sphingolipids via SPTSSB, a rate-limiting mediator of sphingolipid generation. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of AR increases the efficacy of CNL in AR-positive cells through de novo synthesis, while SPTSSB knockdown limited CNL's efficacy in AR-negative cells. Alluding to clinical relevance, SPTSSB is upregulated in patients with advanced PCa after anti-androgens treatment. These findings emphasize the relevance of AR regulation upon sphingolipid metabolism and the potential of CNL as a PCa therapeutic. AR-negative PCa cells are more susceptible to CNL than AR-positive cells Combination of anti-androgens and CNL results in enhanced efficacy for AR-positive PCa AR negatively regulates the de novo synthesis of sphingolipids through SPTSSB SPTSSB is crucial for CNL effect in AR-negative PCa and is upregulated in neuroendocrine tumors
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail Heher
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Michael H Raymond
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Kasey Jividen
- Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Jeremy Jp Shaw
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Bryce M Paschal
- Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Susan J Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.,nanoSTAR Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shaw JJP, Boyer TL, Venner E, Beck PJ, Slamowitz T, Caste T, Hickman A, Raymond MH, Costa-Pinheiro P, Jameson MJ, Fox TE, Kester M. Inhibition of Lysosomal Function Mitigates Protective Mitophagy and Augments Ceramide Nanoliposome-Induced Cell Death in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:2621-2633. [PMID: 33087509 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Therapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are, at best, moderately effective, underscoring the need for new therapeutic strategies. Ceramide treatment leads to cell death as a consequence of mitochondrial damage by generating oxidative stress and causing mitochondrial permeability. However, HNSCC cells are able to resist cell death through mitochondria repair via mitophagy. Through the use of the C6-ceramide nanoliposome (CNL) to deliver therapeutic levels of bioactive ceramide, we demonstrate that the effects of CNL are mitigated in drug-resistant HNSCC via an autophagic/mitophagic response. We also demonstrate that inhibitors of lysosomal function, including chloroquine (CQ), significantly augment CNL-induced death in HNSCC cell lines. Mechanistically, the combination of CQ and CNL results in dysfunctional lysosomal processing of damaged mitochondria. We further demonstrate that exogenous addition of methyl pyruvate rescues cells from CNL + CQ-dependent cell death by restoring mitochondrial functionality via the reduction of CNL- and CQ-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria permeability. Taken together, inhibition of late-stage protective autophagy/mitophagy augments the efficacy of CNL through preventing mitochondrial repair. Moreover, the combination of inhibitors of lysosomal function with CNL may provide an efficacious treatment modality for HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J P Shaw
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Timothy L Boyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Emily Venner
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Patrick J Beck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Tristen Slamowitz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Tara Caste
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Alexandra Hickman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Michael H Raymond
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - Mark J Jameson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Patterson L, Allen J, Posey I, Shaw JJP, Costa-Pinheiro P, Walker SJ, Gademsey A, Wu X, Wu S, Zachos NC, Fox TE, Sears CL, Kester M. Glucosylceramide production maintains colon integrity in response to Bacteroides fragilis toxin-induced colon epithelial cell signaling. FASEB J 2020; 34:15922-15945. [PMID: 33047400 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001669r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is a commensal bacterium of great importance to human health due to its ability to induce colitis and cause colon tumor formation in mice through the production of B. fragilis toxin (BFT). The formation of tumors is dependent on a pro-inflammatory signaling cascade, which begins with the disruption of epithelial barrier integrity through cleavage of E-cadherin. Here, we show that BFT increases levels of glucosylceramide, a vital intestinal sphingolipid, both in mice and in colon organoids (colonoids) generated from the distal colons of mice. When colonoids are treated with BFT in the presence of an inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), the enzyme responsible for generating glucosylceramide, colonoids become highly permeable, lose structural integrity, and eventually burst, releasing their contents into the extracellular matrix. By increasing glucosylceramide levels in colonoids via an inhibitor of glucocerebrosidase (GBA, the enzyme that degrades glucosylceramide), colonoid permeability was reduced, and bursting was significantly decreased. In the presence of BFT, pharmacological inhibition of GCS caused levels of tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) to decrease. However, when GBA was inhibited, TJP1 levels remained stable, suggesting that BFT-induced production of glucosylceramide helps to stabilize tight junctions. Taken together, our data demonstrate a glucosylceramide-dependent mechanism by which the colon epithelium responds to BFT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Logan Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jawara Allen
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Isabella Posey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Susan J Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alexis Gademsey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Xinqun Wu
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shaoguang Wu
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas C Zachos
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Cynthia L Sears
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Keppley LJW, Walker SJ, Gademsey AN, Smith JP, Keller SR, Kester M, Fox TE. Nervonic acid limits weight gain in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. FASEB J 2020; 34:15314-15326. [PMID: 32959931 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000525r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lipid perturbations contribute to detrimental outcomes in obesity. We previously demonstrated that nervonic acid, a C24:1 ω-9 fatty acid, predominantly acylated to sphingolipids, including ceramides, are selectively reduced in a mouse model of obesity. It is currently unknown if deficiency of nervonic acid-sphingolipid metabolites contribute to complications of obesity. Mice were fed a standard diet, a high fat diet, or these diets supplemented isocalorically with nervonic acid. The primary objective was to determine if dietary nervonic acid content alters the metabolic phenotype in mice fed a high fat diet. Furthermore, we investigated if nervonic acid alters markers of impaired fatty acid oxidation in the liver. We observed that a nervonic acid-enriched isocaloric diet reduced weight gain and adiposity in mice fed a high fat diet. The nervonic acid enrichment led to increased C24:1-ceramides and improved several metabolic parameters including blood glucose levels, and insulin and glucose tolerance. Mechanistically, nervonic acid supplementation increased PPARα and PGC1α expression and improved the acylcarnitine profile in liver. These alterations indicate improved energy metabolism through increased β-oxidation of fatty acids. Taken together, increasing dietary nervonic acid improves metabolic parameters in mice fed a high fat diet. Strategies that prevent deficiency of, or restore, nervonic acid may represent an effective strategy to treat obesity and obesity-related complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J W Keppley
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Susan J Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alexis N Gademsey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jason P Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Susanna R Keller
- Medicine: Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Costa-Pinheiro P, Heher A, Raymond M, Jividen K, Fox T, Kester M. Abstract 2079: Ceramide nanoliposomes a novel therapeutic option for androgen receptor negative prostate cancer. Cancer Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2020-2079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is estimated to account for 20% of newly diagnosed cancers and 10% of cancer-related deaths in US men during 2019. Prostate is a hormone-responsive gland that depends on male hormones, such as testosterone, for its normal growth and development. These hormones also play a role on the onset and progression of PCa. The androgen receptor (AR) is the main nuclear receptor activated by these hormones and regulates several key cellular pathways that contribute to worsening of the disease. Several antagonists for AR have been developed, as well as drugs that block the conversion of precursor steroids to testosterone. These drugs are extremely efficacious in patients, however within 24 months virtually all tumors recur and progress to castration resistant PCa (CRPC), a stage of disease that ultimately leads to death from PCa. To address this lack of efficacy and lack of therapeutics for CRPC, we decided to investigate the potential of ceramide nanoliposomes (CNL) as a new modality for PCa in preclinical models. Ceramide is a sphingolipid, a class of bioactive lipids that serve to keep membrane structure intact but also have the ability to trigger signaling cascades. CNL have been shown to be efficacious as a treatment in several tumor models including a successful phase 1 clinical trial in solid tumors. Strikingly, we observed that in vitro CNL is very efficacious against AR-negative PCa cells, which represent the later stages of the disease. However, in AR-positive this efficacy was reduced, but improved upon combination treatment with AR inhibitors. By combining CNL with Enzalutamide (AR antagonist) or Abiraterone acetate (testosterone synthesis inhibitor) we observed enhanced efficacy and synergistic effects. We then sought to understand the molecular mechanism underlying this synergistic effect. We observed that by blocking AR, cells were able to synthesize sphingolipids de novo and adding CNL further magnified this effect. We then looked at the expression of the key enzymes in this synthesis pathway and determined that AR negatively regulates an important subunit (SPTSSB) and this negative regulation hinders the efficacy of CNL. In conclusion, we have not only found a promising therapeutic for patients that currently have no treatment options, but also a novel molecular pathway regulated by AR in prostate cells.
Citation Format: Pedro Costa-Pinheiro, Abigail Heher, Michael Raymond, Kasey Jividen, Todd Fox, Mark Kester. Ceramide nanoliposomes a novel therapeutic option for androgen receptor negative prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2079.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Todd Fox
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pearson JM, Tan SF, Sharma A, Annageldiyev C, Fox TE, Abad JL, Fabrias G, Desai D, Amin S, Wang HG, Cabot MC, Claxton DF, Kester M, Feith DJ, Loughran TP. Ceramide Analogue SACLAC Modulates Sphingolipid Levels and MCL-1 Splicing to Induce Apoptosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 18:352-363. [PMID: 31744877 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the blood and bone marrow. The 5-year survival rate is approximately 25%, and recent therapeutic developments have yielded little survival benefit. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets. We previously demonstrated that acid ceramidase (ASAH1, referred to as AC) is upregulated in AML and high AC activity correlates with poor patient survival. Here, we characterized a novel AC inhibitor, SACLAC, that significantly reduced the viability of AML cells with an EC50 of approximately 3 μmol/L across 30 human AML cell lines. Treatment of AML cell lines with SACLAC effectively blocked AC activity and induced a decrease in sphingosine 1-phosphate and a 2.5-fold increase in total ceramide levels. Mechanistically, we showed that SACLAC treatment led to reduced levels of splicing factor SF3B1 and alternative MCL-1 mRNA splicing in multiple human AML cell lines. This increased proapoptotic MCL-1S levels and contributed to SACLAC-induced apoptosis in AML cells. The apoptotic effects of SACLAC were attenuated by SF3B1 or MCL-1 overexpression and by selective knockdown of MCL-1S. Furthermore, AC knockdown and exogenous C16-ceramide supplementation induced similar changes in SF3B1 level and MCL-1S/L ratio. Finally, we demonstrated that SACLAC treatment leads to a 37% to 75% reduction in leukemic burden in two human AML xenograft mouse models. IMPLICATIONS: These data further emphasize AC as a therapeutic target in AML and define SACLAC as a potent inhibitor to be further optimized for future clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Pearson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Arati Sharma
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jose Luis Abad
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBER-EHD), Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Spanish National Research Council (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBER-EHD), Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Spanish National Research Council (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Shantu Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | | | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. .,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Doorduijn A, Van de Rest O, De Leeuw F, Kester M, Teunissen C, Scheltens P, van der Flier W, Visser M, de van der Schueren M, Boesveldt S. PT02.1: Poorer Memory is Related to Poorer Odor Discrimination and Identification in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Nudad Project. Clin Nutr 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0261-5614(19)32547-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
26
|
Kao LP, Morad SAF, Davis TS, MacDougall MR, Kassai M, Abdelmageed N, Fox TE, Kester M, Loughran TP, Abad JL, Fabrias G, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Claxton DF, Spiegel S, Fisher-Wellman KH, Cabot MC. Chemotherapy selection pressure alters sphingolipid composition and mitochondrial bioenergetics in resistant HL-60 cells. J Lipid Res 2019; 60:1590-1602. [PMID: 31363040 PMCID: PMC6718434 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra119000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of daunorubicin (dnr) and cytarabine (Ara-C) is a cornerstone of treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML); resistance to these drugs is a major cause of treatment failure. Ceramide, a sphingolipid (SL), plays a critical role in cancer cell apoptosis in response to chemotherapy. Here, we investigated the effects of chemotherapy selection pressure with Ara-C and dnr on SL composition and enzyme activity in the AML cell line HL-60. Resistant cells, those selected for growth in Ara-C- and dnr-containing medium (HL-60/Ara-C and HL-60/dnr, respectively), demonstrated upregulated expression and activity of glucosylceramide synthase, acid ceramidase (AC), and sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1); were more resistant to ceramide than parental cells; and displayed sensitivity to inhibitors of SL metabolism. Lipidomic analysis revealed a general ceramide deficit and a profound upswing in levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) in HL-60/dnr cells versus parental and HL-60/Ara-C cells. Both chemotherapy-selected cells also exhibited comprehensive upregulations in mitochondrial biogenesis consistent with heightened reliance on oxidative phosphorylation, a property that was partially reversed by exposure to AC and SPHK1 inhibitors and that supports a role for the phosphorylation system in resistance. In summary, dnr and Ara-C selection pressure induces acute reductions in ceramide levels and large increases in S1P and C1P, concomitant with cell resilience bolstered by enhanced mitochondrial remodeling. Thus, strategic control of ceramide metabolism and further research to define mitochondrial perturbations that accompany the drug-resistant phenotype offer new opportunities for developing therapies that regulate cancer growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Pin Kao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC
| | - Samy A F Morad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Traci S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC
| | - Matthew R MacDougall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC
| | - Noha Abdelmageed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Mark Kester
- University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA; Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Jose' L Abad
- Instituto de Quimica Avanzada de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Instituto de Quimica Avanzada de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David J Feith
- University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA; Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | | | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
| | - Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC.
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Moore JH, Varhue WB, Su YH, Linton SS, Farmehini V, Fox TE, Matters GL, Kester M, Swami NS. Conductance-Based Biophysical Distinction and Microfluidic Enrichment of Nanovesicles Derived from Pancreatic Tumor Cells of Varying Invasiveness. Anal Chem 2019; 91:10424-10431. [PMID: 31333013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostics based on exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as strategies for informing cancer progression and therapies, since the lipid content and macromolecular cargo of EVs can provide key phenotypic and genotypic information on the parent tumor cell and its microenvironment. We show that EVs derived from more invasive pancreatic tumor cells that express high levels of tumor-specific surface proteins and are composed of highly unsaturated lipids that increase membrane fluidity, exhibit significantly higher conductance versus those derived from less invasive tumor cells, based on dielectrophoresis measurements. Furthermore, through specific binding of the EVs to gold nanoparticle-conjugated antibodies, we show that these conductance differences can be modulated in proportion to the type as well as level of expressed tumor-specific antigens, thereby presenting methods for selective microfluidic enrichment and cytometry-based quantification of EVs based on invasiveness of their parent cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Samuel S Linton
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , Pennsylvania 17033 , United States
| | | | | | - Gail L Matters
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , Pennsylvania 17033 , United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tan SF, Dunton W, Liu X, Fox TE, Morad SAF, Desai D, Doi K, Conaway MR, Amin S, Claxton DF, Wang HG, Kester M, Cabot MC, Feith DJ, Loughran TP. Acid ceramidase promotes drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia through NF-κB-dependent P-glycoprotein upregulation. J Lipid Res 2019; 60:1078-1086. [PMID: 30962310 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m091876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. More than half of older AML patients fail to respond to cytotoxic chemotherapy, and most responders relapse with drug-resistant disease. Failure to achieve complete remission can be partly attributed to the drug resistance advantage of AML blasts that frequently express P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-binding cassette transporter. Our previous work showed that elevated acid ceramidase (AC) levels in AML contribute to blast survival. Here, we investigated P-gp expression levels in AML relative to AC. Using parental HL-60 cells and drug-resistant derivatives as our model, we found that P-gp expression and efflux activity were highly upregulated in resistant derivatives. AC overexpression in HL-60 conferred resistance to the AML chemotherapeutic drugs, cytarabine, mitoxantrone, and daunorubicin, and was linked to P-gp upregulation. Furthermore, targeting AC through pharmacologic or genetic approaches decreased P-gp levels and increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Mechanistically, AC overexpression increased NF-κB activation whereas NF-kB inhibitors reduced P-gp levels, indicating that the NF-kappaB pathway contributes to AC-mediated modulation of P-gp expression. Hence, our data support an important role for AC in drug resistance as well as survival and suggest that sphingolipid targeting approaches may also impact drug resistance in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Wendy Dunton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Xin Liu
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute Hershey, PA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Departments of Pharmacology University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Samy A F Morad
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Departments of Pharmacology Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Kenichiro Doi
- Pediatrics Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Mark R Conaway
- Public Health Sciences University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Shantu Amin
- Departments of Pharmacology Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | | | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Pediatrics Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Mark Kester
- Departments of Pharmacology University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA .,University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lu P, White-Gilbertson S, Nganga R, Kester M, Voelkel-Johnson C. Expression of the SNAI2 transcriptional repressor is regulated by C 16-ceramide. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:922-930. [PMID: 30836822 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1579962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) is an enzyme that preferentially generates pro-apoptotic C16-ceramide in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. Reduced expression of CerS6 has been associated with apoptosis resistance and recent studies point to a role for CerS6 in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Because cells that undergo EMT are also more resistant to apoptosis, we hypothesized that reduced expression of CerS6 could induce changes that are associated with EMT. We found that shRNA-mediated knockdown of CerS6 increases expression of the EMT transcription factor SNAI2 but not SNAI1 or TWIST. Treatment with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes (CNL) resulted in a preferential increase in C16-ceramide and suppressed SNAI2 transcriptional activation and protein expression. The increase in C16-ceramide following CNL treatment was dependent on CerS activity and occurred even when CerS6 shRNA was expressed. shRNA against CerS5, which like CerS6 preferentially generates C16-ceramide, also decreased transcriptional activation of SNAI2, suggesting a role for C16-ceramide rather than a specific enzyme in the regulation of this transcription factor. While loss of CerS6 has been associated with apoptosis resistance, we found that cells lacking this protein are more susceptible to the effects CNL. In summary, our study identifies SNAI2 as a novel target whose expression can be influenced by C16-ceramide levels. The potential of CNL to suppress SNAI2 expression has important clinical implications, since elevated expression of this transcription factor has been associated with an aggressive phenotype or poor outcomes in several types of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Shai White-Gilbertson
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Rose Nganga
- b Hollings Cancer Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,c Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| | - Mark Kester
- d Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , VA , USA
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Heberle FA, DiPasquale M, Deering T, Kester M, Katsaras J, Marquardt D. The Role of Ceramide Structure in Regulating the Stability of Membrane Domains. Biophys J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.11.465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
|
31
|
Merz SN, Farrell ZJ, Pearring J, Hoover E, Kester M, Egorov SA, Green DL, DuBay KH. Computational and Experimental Investigation of Janus-like Monolayers on Ultrasmall Noble Metal Nanoparticles. ACS Nano 2018; 12:11031-11040. [PMID: 30347139 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b05188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Detection of monolayer morphology on nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm has proven difficult with traditional visualization techniques. Here matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is used in conjunction with atomistic simulations to detect the formation of Janus-like monolayers on noble metal nanoparticles. Silver metal nanoparticles were synthesized with a monolayer consisting of dodecanethiol (DDT) and mercaptoethanol (ME) at varying ratios. The nanoparticles were then analyzed using MALDI-MS, which gives information on the local ordering of ligands on the surface. The MALDI-MS analysis showed large deviations from random ordering, suggesting phase separation of the DDT/ME monolayers. Atomistic Monte Carlo (MC) calculations were then used to simulate the nanoscale morphology of the DDT/ME monolayers. In order to quantitatively compare the computational and experimental results, we developed a method for determining an expected MALDI-MS spectrum from the atomistic simulation. Experiments and simulations show quantitative agreement, and both indicate that the DDT/ME ligands undergo phase separation, resulting in Janus-like nanoparticle monolayers with large, patchy domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven N Merz
- Department of Chemical Engineering , University of Virginia , 102 Engineers Way , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Zachary J Farrell
- Department of Chemical Engineering , University of Virginia , 102 Engineers Way , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Joseph Pearring
- Department of Chemical Engineering , University of Virginia , 102 Engineers Way , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Elise Hoover
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Virginia , Thornton Hall , P.O. Box 400259, Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Mark Kester
- School of Medicine , University of Virginia , 1215 Lee Street , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
| | - Sergei A Egorov
- Department of Chemistry , University of Virginia , McCormick Road , PO Box 400319, Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
- Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden , Hohe Strasse 6 , D-01069 Dresden , Germany
| | - David L Green
- Department of Chemical Engineering , University of Virginia , 102 Engineers Way , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Kateri H DuBay
- Department of Chemistry , University of Virginia , McCormick Road , PO Box 400319, Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Linton SS, Abraham T, Liao J, Clawson GA, Butler PJ, Fox T, Kester M, Matters GL. Tumor-promoting effects of pancreatic cancer cell exosomes on THP-1-derived macrophages. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206759. [PMID: 30383833 PMCID: PMC6211741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor growth is enhanced by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), yet the mechanisms by which tumor cells and TAMs communicate are not fully understood. Here we show that exosomes secreted by PDAC cell lines differed in their surface proteins, lipid composition, and efficiency of fusing with THP-1-derived macrophages in vitro. Exosomes from AsPC-1, an ascites-derived human PDAC cell line, were enriched in ICAM-1, which mediated their docking to macrophages through interactions with surface-exposed CD11c on macrophages. AsPC-1 exosomes also contained much higher levels of arachidonic acid (AA), and they fused at a higher rate with THP-1-derived macrophages than did exosomes from other PDAC cell lines or from an immortalized normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line (HPDE) H6c7. Phospholipase A2 enzymatic cleavage of arachidonic acid from AsPC-1 exosomes reduced fusion efficiency. PGE2 secretion was elevated in macrophages treated with AsPC-1 exosomes but not in macrophages treated with exosomes from other cell lines, suggesting a functional role for the AsPC-1 exosome-delivered arachidonic acid in macrophages. Non-polarized (M0) macrophages treated with AsPC-1 exosomes had increased levels of surface markers indicative of polarization to an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype (CD14hi CD163hi CD206hi). Furthermore, macrophages treated with AsPC-1 exosomes had significantly increased secretion of pro-tumoral, bioactive molecules including VEGF, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-1β, MMP-9, and TNFα. Together, these results demonstrate that compared to exosomes from other primary tumor-derived PDAC cell lines, AsPC-1 exosomes alter THP-1-derived macrophage phenotype and function. AsPC-1 exosomes mediate communication between tumor cells and TAMs that contributes to tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S. Linton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Thomas Abraham
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jason Liao
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gary A. Clawson
- Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Butler
- Department of Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Gail L. Matters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Annageldiyev C, Sharma A, Barth BM, Fox TE, Deering T, Devine V, Keasey NR, Stern ST, Young MM, Wang HGW, Liao J, Zhu J, Viny AD, Levine RL, Loughran TP, Kester M, Claxton DF. Abstract 5832: Sphingolipid metabolism determines the efficacy of nanoliposomal ceramide in acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2018-5832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Therapeutic advances for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been limited in part due to the heterogeneity and complexity of the disease and a poor understanding of its underlying biology. The leukemia stem cell (LSC) arguably resists current therapy resulting in relapses for most initially treatment sensitive patients. AML with myelodysplastic syndrome related changes (AML-MRC) highlights this challenge, representing a very poor outlook subset. The present study sought to understand the underlying sphingolipid biology in and AML, and to evaluate the efficacy of nanoliposomal ceramide (Lip-C6). Sphingolipids play essential roles in cell survival and proliferation, as well as stress and death. Lip-C6, which delivers a short-chain analog of the pro-apoptotic sphingolipid ceramide, has been in development as an anticancer therapeutic. The efficacy of Lip-C6 therapy was evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo models using primary AML cells and AML cell lines. Evaluation and characterization of the effect of treatment with Lip-C6 was done through lipidomic, short term assays such as apoptosis, autophagy and colony formation assays. Efficacy of Lip-C6 and vinblastine was tested in patient derived xenograft models and mouse - human cell line xenograft MV-411. NOD SCID gamma (NSG) mice were injected with luciferase/YFP labeled cells and monitored by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) for the leukemia progression and efficacy. Sphingolipid metabolism was observed to be elevated in patient samples with De Novo AML but not those with AML-MRC. Apoptosis induced by Lip-C6 in CD34+ve/CD38-ve “LSCs” was robust in AML-MRC, but limited in De Novo AMLs. Similarly, AML colonies forming cells were more sensitive to Lip-C6 in AML- MRC than in De Novo cases. It was hypothesized that elevated sphingolipid metabolism and the upregulation of pro-survival pathways such as autophagy contributed to Lip-C6 resistance in De Novo AML. Vinblastine, when combined with Lip-C6, focused sphingolipid metabolism towards pro-apoptotic metabolites and blocked autophagy. In-vivo combination of Lip-C6 and vinblastine uniquely yielded long term control of leukemia progression without systemic toxicity, translating in to prolonged overall leukemia free survival compared to single agents. Altogether, this study shows fundamental biological differences in sphingolipid metabolism between De Novo AML and AML-MRC. The combination of Vinblastine and Lip-C6 targets the LSC and yields apparent cure of lethal human xenograft AML.
Citation Format: Charyguly Annageldiyev, Arati Sharma, Brian M. Barth, Todd E. Fox, Tye Deering, Viola Devine, Nicole R. Keasey, Stephan T. Stern, Megan M. Young, Hong-Gang Wan Wang, Jason Liao, Junjia Zhu, Aaron D. Viny, Ross L. Levine, Thomas P. Loughran, Mark Kester, David F. Claxton. Sphingolipid metabolism determines the efficacy of nanoliposomal ceramide in acute myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5832.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arati Sharma
- 1Penn State Univ. College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | | | - Todd E. Fox
- 3University of Virginia , School of Medicine, Charlottesville,, VA
| | - Tye Deering
- 4nanoSTAR Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville,, VA
| | - Viola Devine
- 1Penn State Univ. College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aaron D. Viny
- 7Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Mark Kester
- 4nanoSTAR Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville,, VA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Sphingolipids are bioactive lipids that participate in a wide variety of biological mechanisms, including cell death and proliferation. The myriad of pro-death and pro-survival cellular pathways involving sphingolipids provide a plethora of opportunities for dysregulation in cancers. In recent years, modulation of these sphingolipid metabolic pathways has been in the forefront of drug discovery for cancer therapeutics. About two decades ago, researchers first showed that standard of care treatments, e.g., chemotherapeutics and radiation, modulate sphingolipid metabolism to increase endogenous ceramides, which kill cancer cells. Strikingly, resistance to these treatments has also been linked to altered sphingolipid metabolism, favoring lipid species that ultimately lead to cell survival. To this end, many inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism have been developed to further define not only our understanding of these pathways but also to potentially serve as therapeutic interventions. Therefore, understanding how to better use these new drugs that target sphingolipid metabolism, either alone or in combination with current cancer treatments, holds great potential for cancer control. While sphingolipids in cancer have been reviewed previously (Hannun & Obeid, 2018; Lee & Kolesnick, 2017; Morad & Cabot, 2013; Newton, Lima, Maceyka, & Spiegel, 2015; Ogretmen, 2018; Ryland, Fox, Liu, Loughran, & Kester, 2011) in this chapter, we present a comprehensive review on how standard of care therapeutics affects sphingolipid metabolism, the current landscape of sphingolipid inhibitors, and the clinical utility of sphingolipid-based cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Shaw
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Pedro Costa-Pinheiro
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Logan Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kelly Drews
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Li G, Liu D, Kimchi ET, Kaifi JT, Qi X, Manjunath Y, Liu X, Deering T, Avella DM, Fox T, Rockey DC, Schell TD, Kester M, Staveley-O’Carroll KF. Nanoliposome C6-Ceramide Increases the Anti-tumor Immune Response and Slows Growth of Liver Tumors in Mice. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:1024-1036.e9. [PMID: 29408569 PMCID: PMC5908238 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ceramide, a sphingolipid metabolite, affects T-cell signaling, induces apoptosis of cancer cells, and slows tumor growth in mice. However, it has not been used as a chemotherapeutic agent because of its cell impermeability and precipitation in aqueous solution. We developed a nanoliposome-loaded C6-ceremide (LipC6) to overcome this limitation and investigated its effects in mice with liver tumors. METHODS Immune competent C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride and intra-splenic injections of oncogenic hepatocytes. As a result, tumors resembling human hepatocellular carcinomas developed in a fibrotic liver setting. After tumors formed, mice were given an injection of LipC6 or vehicle via tail vein every other day for 2 weeks. This was followed by administration, also via tail vein, of tumor antigen-specific (TAS) CD8+ T cells isolated from the spleens of line 416 mice, and subsequent immunization by intraperitoneal injection of tumor antigen-expressing B6/WT-19 cells. Tumor growth was monitored with magnetic resonance imaging. Tumor apoptosis, proliferation, and AKT expression were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and immunoblots. Cytokine production, phenotype, and function of TAS CD8+ T cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were studied with flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and ELISA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in TAMs and bone marrow-derived macrophages, induced by colony stimulating factor 2 (GMCSF or CSF2) or colony stimulating factor 1 (MCSF or CSF1), were detected using a luminescent assay. RESULTS Injection of LipC6 slowed tumor growth by reducing tumor cell proliferation and phosphorylation of AKT, and increasing tumor cell apoptosis, compared with vehicle. Tumors grew more slowly in mice given the combination of LipC6 injection and TAS CD8+ T cells followed by immunization compared with mice given vehicle, LipC6, the T cells, or immunization alone. LipC6 injection also reduced numbers of TAMs and their production of ROS. LipC6 induced TAMs to differentiate into an M1 phenotype, which reduced immune suppression and increased activity of CD8+ T cells. These results were validated by experiments with bone marrow-derived macrophages induced by GMCSF or MCSF. CONCLUSIONS In mice with liver tumors, injection of LipC6 reduces the number of TAMs and the ability of TAMs to suppress the anti-tumor immune response. LipC6 also increases the anti-tumor effects of TAS CD8+ T cells. LipC6 might therefore increase the efficacy of immune therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri.
| | - Dai Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Address requests for reprints to: Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll, MD, PhD, Professor, Chair of Surgery, Director of Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, One Hospital Drive, Mc501, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65212. ; fax: 573-884-4585; or Guangfu Li, PhD, DVM, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, One Hospital Dr., Medical Sciences Building, M272, Columbia, MO 65212. ; fax: 573-884-4585
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jussuf T. Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Yariswamy Manjunath
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Xinjian Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Tye Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Diego M. Avella
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Todd D. Schell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tan SF, Liu X, Fox TE, Barth BM, Sharma A, Turner SD, Awwad A, Dewey A, Doi K, Spitzer B, Shah MV, Morad SAF, Desai D, Amin S, Zhu J, Liao J, Yun J, Kester M, Claxton DF, Wang HG, Cabot MC, Schuchman EH, Levine RL, Feith DJ, Loughran TP. Acid ceramidase is upregulated in AML and represents a novel therapeutic target. Oncotarget 2018; 7:83208-83222. [PMID: 27825124 PMCID: PMC5347763 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent unmet need for new therapeutics in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) as standard therapy has not changed in the past three decades and outcome remains poor for most patients. Sphingolipid dysregulation through decreased ceramide levels and elevated sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) promotes cancer cell growth and survival. Acid ceramidase (AC) catalyzes ceramide breakdown to sphingosine, the precursor for S1P. We report for the first time that AC is required for AML blast survival. Transcriptome analysis and enzymatic assay show that primary AML cells have high levels of AC expression and activity. Treatment of patient samples and cell lines with AC inhibitor LCL204 reduced viability and induced apoptosis. AC overexpression increased the expression of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1, significantly increased S1P and decreased ceramide. Conversely, LCL204 induced ceramide accumulation and decreased Mcl-1 through post-translational mechanisms. LCL204 treatment significantly increased overall survival of C57BL/6 mice engrafted with leukemic C1498 cells and significantly decreased leukemic burden in NSG mice engrafted with primary human AML cells. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that AC plays a critical role in AML survival through regulation of both sphingolipid levels and Mcl-1. We propose that AC warrants further exploration as a novel therapeutic target in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Xin Liu
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brian M Barth
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Arati Sharma
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Stephen D Turner
- Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andy Awwad
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Alden Dewey
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kenichiro Doi
- Department of Pathology, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
| | - Barbara Spitzer
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mithun Vinod Shah
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samy A F Morad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Shantu Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Junjia Zhu
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jason Liao
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jong Yun
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Edward H Schuchman
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Ross L Levine
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang X, Kitatani K, Toyoshima M, Ishibashi M, Usui T, Minato J, Egiz M, Shigeta S, Fox T, Deering T, Kester M, Yaegashi N. Ceramide Nanoliposomes as a MLKL-Dependent, Necroptosis-Inducing, Chemotherapeutic Reagent in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:50-59. [PMID: 29079707 PMCID: PMC5752574 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides are bioactive lipids that mediate cell death in cancer cells, and ceramide-based therapy is now being tested in dose-escalating phase I clinical trials as a cancer treatment. Multiple nanoscale delivery systems for ceramide have been proposed to overcome the inherent toxicities, poor pharmacokinetics, and difficult biophysics associated with ceramide. Using the ceramide nanoliposomes (CNL), we now investigate the therapeutic efficacy and signaling mechanisms of this nanoscale delivery platform in refractory ovarian cancer. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with CNL decreased the number of living cells through necroptosis but not apoptosis. Mechanistically, dying SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells exhibit activation of pseudokinase mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) as evidenced by oligomerization and relocalization to the blebbing membranes, showing necroptotic characteristics. Knockdown of MLKL, but not its upstream protein kinases such as receptor-interacting protein kinases, with siRNA significantly abolished CNL-induced cell death. Monomeric MLKL protein expression inversely correlated with the IC50 values of CNL in distinct ovarian cancer cell lines, suggesting MLKL as a possible determinant for CNL-induced cell death. Finally, systemic CNL administration suppressed metastatic growth in an ovarian cancer cell xenograft model. Taken together, these results suggest that MLKL is a novel pronecroptotic target for ceramide in ovarian cancer models. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 50-59. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Kitatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masafumi Toyoshima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Masumi Ishibashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toshinori Usui
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Junko Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mahy Egiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shogo Shigeta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Tye Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
McGill CM, Brown TJ, Cheng YY, Fisher LN, Shanmugavelandy SS, Gustafson SJ, Dunlap KL, Lila MA, Kester M, Toran PT, Claxton DF, Barth BM. Therapeutic Effect of Blueberry Extracts for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Biopharm Sci 2018; 1:102. [PMID: 29607443 PMCID: PMC5875929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with high incidence in the aging population. In addition, AML is one of the more common pediatric malignancies. Unfortunately, both of these patient groups are quite sensitive to chemotherapy toxicities. Investigation of blueberries specifically as an anti-AML agent has been limited, despite being a prominent natural product with no reported toxicity. In this study, blueberry extracts are reported for the first time to exert a dietary therapeutic effect in animal models of AML. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that blueberry extracts exerted anti-AML efficacy against myeloid leukemia cell lines as well as against primary AML, and specifically provoked Erk and Akt regulation within the leukemia stem cell subpopulation. This study provides evidence that blueberries may be unique sources for anti-AML biopharmaceutical compound discovery, further warranting fractionation of this natural product. More so, blueberries themselves may provide an intriguing dietary option to enhance the anti-AML efficacy of traditional therapy for subsets of patients that otherwise may not tolerate rigorous combinations of therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. McGill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alaska-Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508 USA
| | - Timothy J. Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Yuan-Yin Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Lindsey N. Fisher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | | | - Sally J. Gustafson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081 USA
| | - Kriya L. Dunlap
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
| | - Mary Ann Lila
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081 USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Paul T. Toran
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - David F. Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Brian M. Barth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pearson JM, Tan SF, Sharma A, Fox TE, Abad JL, Fabrias G, Claxton DF, Feith DJ, Kester M, Loughran TP. Abstract 48: Acid ceramidase inhibition: A targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1557-3265.hemmal17-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the blood and bone marrow. Patient 5-year survival rate is only 26%, and there have been no significant treatment advances for decades. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets. We have previously shown that acid ceramidase (AC) is upregulated in AML and high AC activity correlates with poor patient survival. We continue to validate AC as a potential therapeutic target in AML through inhibitor screening and characterization. We utilize viability assays, enzyme activity assays, Western blotting, qPCR, lipidomics, and flow cytometry to examine the effects of inhibitors on AML cell lines, patient samples, and normal controls. We have found that a newly developed selective AC inhibitor, SACLAC, significantly reduces viability of AML cells with an EC50 of approximately 3 μM, with limited effect on normal cells at an EC50 of approximately 13 μM. Treatment of AML cell lines with SACLAC effectively blocks AC activity, induces a drastic decrease of sphingosine 1-phosphate, and a 2.5-fold increase in total ceramide levels. Ongoing studies continue to explore the mechanistic basis for the loss of viability. These data support the investigation of AC as a therapeutic target in AML and define SACLAC as a potent and selective inhibitor that presents promise for preclinical studies and future clinical development.
Citation Format: Jennifer M. Pearson, Su-Fern Tan, Arati Sharma, Todd E. Fox, Jose Luis Abad, Gemma Fabrias, David F. Claxton, David J. Feith, Mark Kester, Thomas P. Loughran, Jr.. Acid ceramidase inhibition: A targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second AACR Conference on Hematologic Malignancies: Translating Discoveries to Novel Therapies; May 6-9, 2017; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(24_Suppl):Abstract nr 48.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- 1University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA,
| | - Arati Sharma
- 2The Pennsylvania State University Hershey, Hershey, PA,
| | - Todd E. Fox
- 1University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA,
| | - Jose Luis Abad
- 3Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- 3Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Mark Kester
- 1University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA,
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Shin M, Snyder HW, Donvito G, Schurman LD, Fox TE, Lichtman AH, Kester M, Hsu KL. Liposomal Delivery of Diacylglycerol Lipase-Beta Inhibitors to Macrophages Dramatically Enhances Selectivity and Efficacy in Vivo. Mol Pharm 2017; 15:721-728. [PMID: 28901776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol lipase-beta (DAGLβ) hydrolyzes arachidonic acid (AA)-containing diacylglycerols to produce bioactive lipids including endocannabinoids and AA-derived eicosanoids involved in regulation of inflammatory signaling. Previously, we demonstrated that DAGLβ inactivation using the triazole urea inhibitor KT109 blocked macrophage inflammatory signaling and reversed allodynic responses of mice in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Here, we tested whether we could exploit the phagocytic capacity of macrophages to localize delivery of DAGLβ inhibitors to these cells in vivo using liposome encapsulated KT109. We used DAGLβ-tailored activity-based probes and chemical proteomic methods to measure potency and selectivity of liposomal KT109 in macrophages and tissues from treated mice. Surprisingly, delivery of ∼5 μg of liposomal KT109 was sufficient to achieve ∼80% inactivation of DAGLβ in macrophages with no apparent activity in other tissues in vivo. Our macrophage-targeted delivery resulted in a >100-fold enhancement in antinociceptive potency compared with free compound in a mouse inflammatory pain model. Our studies describe a novel anti-inflammatory strategy that is achieved by targeted in vivo delivery of DAGLβ inhibitors to macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myungsun Shin
- Department of Chemistry , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Helena W Snyder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Giulia Donvito
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 United States
| | - Lesley D Schurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 United States
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States.,University of Virginia Cancer Center , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22903 , United States
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 United States
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States.,University of Virginia Cancer Center , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22903 , United States
| | - Ku-Lung Hsu
- Department of Chemistry , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States.,Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Tang X, Loc WS, Dong C, Matters GL, Butler PJ, Kester M, Meyers C, Jiang Y, Adair JH. The use of nanoparticulates to treat breast cancer. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2017; 12:2367-2388. [PMID: 28868970 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a major ongoing public health issue among women in both developing and developed countries. Significant progress has been made to improve the breast cancer treatment in the past decades. However, the current clinical approaches are invasive, of low specificity and can generate severe side effects. As a rapidly developing field, nanotechnology brings promising opportunities to human cancer diagnosis and treatment. The use of nanoparticulate-based platforms overcomes biological barriers and allows prolonged blood circulation time, simultaneous tumor targeting and enhanced accumulation of drugs in tumors. Currently available and clinically applicable innovative nanoparticulate-based systems for breast cancer nanotherapies are discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.,Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Welley S Loc
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.,Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Cheng Dong
- Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Gail L Matters
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Peter J Butler
- Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Craig Meyers
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - James H Adair
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hengst JA, Dick TE, Sharma A, Doi K, Hegde S, Tan SF, Geffert LM, Fox TE, Sharma AK, Desai D, Amin S, Kester M, Loughran TP, Paulson RF, Claxton DF, Wang HG, Yun JK. SKI-178: A Multitargeted Inhibitor of Sphingosine Kinase and Microtubule Dynamics Demonstrating Therapeutic Efficacy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Models. Cancer Transl Med 2017; 3:109-121. [PMID: 28890935 DOI: 10.4103/ctm.ctm_7_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To further characterize the selectivity, mechanism-of-action and therapeutic efficacy of the novel small molecule inhibitor, SKI-178. METHODS Using the state-of-the-art Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) technique to detect "direct target engagement" of proteins intact cells, in vitro and in vivo assays, pharmacological assays and multiple mouse models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). RESULTS Herein, we demonstrate that SKI-178 directly target engages both Sphingosine Kinase 1 and 2. We also present evidence that, in addition to its actions as a Sphingosine Kinase Inhibitor, SKI-178 functions as a microtubule network disrupting agent both in vitro and in intact cells. Interestingly, we separately demonstrate that simultaneous SphK inhibition and microtubule disruption synergistically induces apoptosis in AML cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SKI-178 is well tolerated in normal healthy mice. Most importantly, we demonstrate that SKI-178 has therapeutic efficacy in several mouse models of AML. CONCLUSION SKI-178 is a multi-targeted agent that functions both as an inhibitor of the SphKs as well as a disruptor of the microtubule network. SKI-178 induced apoptosis arises from a synergistic interaction of these two activities. SKI-178 is safe and effective in mouse models of AML, supporting its further development as a multi-targeted anti-cancer therapeutic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Hengst
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Taryn E Dick
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kenichiro Doi
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Shailaja Hegde
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Laura M Geffert
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Shantu Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Robert F Paulson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - David F Claxton
- Department of Hematology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jong K Yun
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC), especially a subset known as locally advanced rectal cancer, is challenged by progression and recurrence. Sphingolipids, a lipid subtype with vital roles in cellular function, play an important role in CRC and impact on therapeutic outcomes. In this review we discuss how dietary sphingolipids or the gut microbiome via alterations in sphingolipids influence CRC carcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the expression of sphingolipid enzymes in the gastro-intestinal tract, their alterations in CRC, and the implications for therapy responsiveness. Lastly, we highlight some novel therapeutics that target sphingolipid signaling and have potential applications in the treatment of CRC. Understanding how sphingolipid metabolism impacts cell death susceptibility and drug resistance will be critical toward improving therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Ramsay Camp
- a Department of Surgery Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston SC , USA
| | - Logan D Patterson
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville VA , USA
| | - Mark Kester
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville VA , USA
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- c Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston SC , USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Llaneza DC, Deering TG, Sherwood SG, Cornelison JR, Kester M, Landen CN. Abstract 3083A: C6-ceramide nanoliposomes sensitize paclitaxel resistant ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy treatment. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2017-3083a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and the majority of women are diagnosed at advanced stages resulting in poorer outcomes and survival rates. One of the driving forces behind these outcomes is the development of chemoresistance, and subsequent proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. In a patient-derived xenograft model of ovarian cancer, we identified the sphingosine pathway as significantly enriched in tumors after treatment with conventional chemotherapy. In order to target the sphingosine pathway, we investigated the potential effects of combining paclitaxel with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, HeyA8-MDR and SKOV3-TR. Ceramide has been shown to be a key player in several processes important for tumor suppression including apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. We administered paclitaxel and C6-ceramide to HeyA8-MDR and SKOV3-TR cell lines in vitro and measured cell viability and expression of apoptotic and autophagic proteins. Results showed that in both cell lines, C6-ceramide significantly decreases the IC50 dose of paclitaxel, compared to control ghost nanoliposome treated cells. The IC50 of paclitaxel decreased in HeyA8-MDR cells from 400nM to 150nM, and in SKOV3-TR cells from 1000nM to 450nM. Western blot analyses indicate that combination treatment increases expression of apoptotic (cleaved caspase-3) factors in HeyA8-MDR cells, and autophagic (LC3) factors in SKOV3-TR cells, over single agent treatment or control. Paclitaxel is known to increase expression of apoptotic factors while decreasing expression of autophagic factors. Ceramide may increase both apoptotic and autophagic factors. In an orthotopic mouse model with the HeyA8-MDR line, combination treatment of paclitaxel and C6-ceramide resulted in significantly decreased tumor burden (1.38g +/- 0.74), compared to control ghost (p = 0.022, 2.81g +/- 1.57), C6-ceramide alone (p = 0.078, 2.50g +/- 1.58), and paclitaxel alone (p = 0.005, 2.48g +/- 0.75) groups. The combination of C6-ceramide and paclitaxel may prove useful in elucidating and targeting underlying chemoresistance mechanisms in ovarian cancer.
Citation Format: Danielle C. Llaneza, Tye G. Deering, Samantha G. Sherwood, John R. Cornelison, Mark Kester, Charles N. Landen. C6-ceramide nanoliposomes sensitize paclitaxel resistant ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3083A. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3083A
Collapse
|
45
|
Loc WS, Linton SS, Wilczynski ZR, Matters GL, McGovern CO, Abraham T, Fox T, Gigliotti CM, Tang X, Tabakovic A, Martin JA, Clawson GA, Smith JP, Butler PJ, Kester M, Adair JH. Effective encapsulation and biological activity of phosphorylated chemotherapeutics in calcium phosphosilicate nanoparticles for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Nanomedicine 2017; 13:2313-2324. [PMID: 28673852 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistant cancers like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are difficult to treat, and nanoparticle drug delivery systems can overcome some of the limitations of conventional systemic chemotherapy. In this study, we demonstrate that FdUMP and dFdCMP, the bioactive, phosphorylated metabolites of the chemotherapy drugs 5-FU and gemcitabine, can be encapsulated into calcium phosphosilicate nanoparticles (CPSNPs). The non-phosphorylated drug analogs were not well encapsulated by CPSNPs, suggesting the phosphate modification is essential for effective encapsulation. In vitro proliferation assays, cell cycle analyses and/or thymidylate synthase inhibition assays verified that CPSNP-encapsulated phospho-drugs retained biological activity. Analysis of orthotopic tumors from mice treated systemically with tumor-targeted FdUMP-CPSNPs confirmed the in vivo up take of these particles by PDAC tumor cells and release of active drug cargos intracellularly. These findings demonstrate a novel methodology to efficiently encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents into the CPSNPs and to effectively deliver them to pancreatic tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Welley S Loc
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Samuel S Linton
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Zachary R Wilczynski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Gail L Matters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Christopher O McGovern
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Thomas Abraham
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and the Microscopy Imaging Facility, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Christopher M Gigliotti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Amra Tabakovic
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jo Ann Martin
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gary A Clawson
- Department of Pathology and Gittlen Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jill P Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter J Butler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - James H Adair
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Vijayan M, Xia C, Song YE, Ngo H, Studstill CJ, Drews K, Fox TE, Johnson MC, Hiscott J, Kester M, Alexander S, Hahm B. Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Lyase Enhances the Activation of IKKε To Promote Type I IFN-Mediated Innate Immune Responses to Influenza A Virus Infection. J Immunol 2017; 199:677-687. [PMID: 28600291 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) lyase (SPL) is an intracellular enzyme that mediates the irreversible degradation of the bioactive lipid S1P. We have previously reported that overexpressed SPL displays anti-influenza viral activity; however, the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that SPL functions as a positive regulator of IKKε to propel type I IFN-mediated innate immune responses against viral infection. Exogenous SPL expression inhibited influenza A virus replication, which correlated with an increase in type I IFN production and IFN-stimulated gene accumulation upon infection. In contrast, the lack of SPL expression led to an elevated cellular susceptibility to influenza A virus infection. In support of this, SPL-deficient cells were defective in mounting an effective IFN response when stimulated by influenza viral RNAs. SPL augmented the activation status of IKKε and enhanced the kinase-induced phosphorylation of IRF3 and the synthesis of type I IFNs. However, the S1P degradation-incompetent form of SPL also enhanced IFN responses, suggesting that SPL's pro-IFN function is independent of S1P. Biochemical analyses revealed that SPL, as well as the mutant form of SPL, interacts with IKKε. Importantly, when endogenous IKKε was downregulated using a small interfering RNA approach, SPL's anti-influenza viral activity was markedly suppressed. This indicates that IKKε is crucial for SPL-mediated inhibition of influenza virus replication. Thus, the results illustrate the functional significance of the SPL-IKKε-IFN axis during host innate immunity against viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhuvanthi Vijayan
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Chuan Xia
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Yul Eum Song
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Hanh Ngo
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Caleb J Studstill
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Kelly Drews
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Marc C Johnson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - John Hiscott
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy; and
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Stephen Alexander
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Bumsuk Hahm
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212; .,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Morad SAF, Davis TS, MacDougall MR, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Desai DH, Amin SG, Kester M, Loughran TP, Cabot MC. Role of P-glycoprotein inhibitors in ceramide-based therapeutics for treatment of cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 130:21-33. [PMID: 28189725 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The anticancer properties of ceramide, a sphingolipid with potent tumor-suppressor properties, can be dampened via glycosylation, notably in multidrug resistance wherein ceramide glycosylation is characteristically elevated. Earlier works using the ceramide analog, C6-ceramide, demonstrated that the antiestrogen tamoxifen, a first generation P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor, blocked C6-ceramide glycosylation and magnified apoptotic responses. The present investigation was undertaken with the goal of discovering non-anti-estrogenic alternatives to tamoxifen that could be employed as adjuvants for improving the efficacy of ceramide-centric therapeutics in treatment of cancer. Herein we demonstrate that the tamoxifen metabolites, desmethyltamoxifen and didesmethyltamoxifen, and specific, high-affinity P-gp inhibitors, tariquidar and zosuquidar, synergistically enhanced C6-ceramide cytotoxicity in multidrug resistant HL-60/VCR acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells, whereas the selective estrogen receptor antagonist, fulvestrant, was ineffective. Active C6-ceramide-adjuvant combinations elicited mitochondrial ROS production and cytochrome c release, and induced apoptosis. Cytotoxicity was mitigated by introduction of antioxidant. Effective adjuvants markedly inhibited C6-ceramide glycosylation as well as conversion to sphingomyelin. Active regimens were also effective in KG-1a cells, a leukemia stem cell-like line, and in LoVo human colorectal cancer cells, a solid tumor model. In summary, our work details discovery of the link between P-gp inhibitors and the regulation and potentiation of ceramide metabolism in a pro-apoptotic direction in cancer cells. Given the active properties of these adjuvants in synergizing with C6-ceramide, independent of drug resistance status, stemness, or cancer type, our results suggest that the C6-ceramide-containing regimens could provide alternative, promising therapeutic direction, in addition to finding novel, off-label applications for P-gp inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samy A F Morad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Traci S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Matthew R MacDougall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Dhimant H Desai
- Penn State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University Drive, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Shantu G Amin
- Penn State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University Drive, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Mark Kester
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Globus T, Sizov I, Ferrance J, Jazaeri A, Bryant J, Moyer A, Gelmont B, Kester M, Bykhovski A. Sub-terahertz vibrational spectroscopy for microRNA based diagnostic of ovarian cancer. Converg Sci Phys Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1739/2/4/045001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
49
|
Clawson GA, Abraham T, Pan W, Tang X, Linton SS, McGovern CO, Loc WS, Smith JP, Butler PJ, Kester M, Adair JH, Matters GL. A Cholecystokinin B Receptor-Specific DNA Aptamer for Targeting Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Nucleic Acid Ther 2016; 27:23-35. [PMID: 27754762 PMCID: PMC5312616 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2016.0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) constitutively express the G-protein-coupled cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR). In this study, we identified DNA aptamers (APs) that bind to the CCKBR and describe their characterization and targeting efficacy. Using dual SELEX selection against “exposed” CCKBR peptides and CCKBR-expressing PDAC cells, a pool of DNA APs was identified. Further downselection was based on predicted structures and properties, and we selected eight APs for initial characterizations. The APs bound specifically to the CCKBR, and we showed not only that they did not stimulate proliferation of PDAC cell lines but rather inhibited their proliferation. We chose one AP, termed AP1153, for further binding and localization studies. We found that AP1153 did not activate CCKBR signaling pathways, and three-dimensional Confocal microscopy showed that AP1153 was internalized by PDAC cells in a receptor-mediated manner. AP1153 showed a binding affinity of 15 pM. Bioconjugation of AP1153 to the surface of fluorescent NPs greatly facilitated delivery of NPs to PDAC tumors in vivo. The selectivity of this AP-targeted NP delivery system holds promise for enhanced early detection of PDAC lesions as well as improved chemotherapeutic treatments for PDAC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary A Clawson
- 1 Department of Pathology, Gittlen Cancer Research Laboratories, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Thomas Abraham
- 2 Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences and the Microscopy Imaging Facility, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Weihua Pan
- 1 Department of Pathology, Gittlen Cancer Research Laboratories, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaomeng Tang
- 3 Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania.,4 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Samuel S Linton
- 5 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Christopher O McGovern
- 5 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Welley S Loc
- 3 Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania.,4 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Jill P Smith
- 6 Department of Medicine, Georgetown University , Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Peter J Butler
- 7 Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark Kester
- 8 Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - James H Adair
- 4 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Gail L Matters
- 5 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Dick TE, Hengst JA, Geffert LM, Paulson RF, Wang HG, Claxton DF, Kester M, Loughran TP, Yun JK. Abstract 323: SKI-178, a single agent co-targeting sphingosine kinase 1 and microtubule dynamics, as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous and rapidly progressing blood cell cancer caused by numerous cytogenetic alterations. Although significant improvement in treatment of AML has been made, the unfortunate reality is that currently available treatments are largely ineffective for most AML patients. Thus, there is a critical need for new therapeutic targets and agents for the treatment of AML.
The sphingolipid metabolic pathway is an untapped source of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of AML. Sphingosine Kinase 1 (SphK1) plays a central role in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway as the key enzyme regulating the intracellular equilibrium between pro-apoptotic Ceramide (Cer) and pro-mitogenic/pro-survival Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a.k.a. the “Sphingolipid Rheostat”. As SphK1 activity increases in the cell, pro-mitogenic/pro-survival S1P signaling predominates and AML cells become dependent upon S1P signaling (non-oncogene addiction), while depletion of Cer levels makes them more resistant to chemotherapies.
We previously developed a novel SphK1-selective inhibitor (SKI-178) that is potently cytotoxic to multiple AML cell lines including multi-drug resistant lines. Our recent, thorough examination of the apoptotic mechanism-of-action of SKI-178, including direct target engagement assays employing the Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) revealed that SKI-178 also acts as a colchicine binding site directed microtubule disrupting agent (MDA). Numerous studies have demonstrated that agents that promote Cer accumulation, including SphK inhibitors, synergistically induce apoptosis, in combination with MDAs by the simultaneous activation of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, respectively. SKI-178 uniquely accomplishes these two separate cellular effects as a single agent.
We examined the therapeutic efficacy of SKI-178 in three mouse models of AML. Using a retro-viral transduction model of the MLL/AF9 t(9;11)(p22;q23) translocation, we have shown that SphK1 is necessary for the development of MLL/AF9-driven AML and that SKI-178 effectively induces complete remission of AML in this model system. Separately, in a human AML cell line (MOLM-13; MLL/AF9+, FLT3-ITD) xenograft model, SKI-178 significantly extended survival relative to vehicle controls. Lastly, employing a Patient Derived Xenograft model of a human primary AML sample (FLT3-ITD, NPM1+), SKI-178 also significantly extended survival relative to vehicle treated cohorts. In all 3 models, SKI-178 was well tolerated and did not affect normal hematopoiesis. Together, these data demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of a strategy co-targeting SphK1 inhibition and microtubule dynamics and suggest that SKI-178 should be further developed as a novel therapeutic agent for AML.
Citation Format: Taryn E. Dick, Jeremy A. Hengst, Laura M. Geffert, Robert F. Paulson, Hong-Gang Wang, David F. Claxton, Mark Kester, Thomas P. Loughran, Jong K. Yun. SKI-178, a single agent co-targeting sphingosine kinase 1 and microtubule dynamics, as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 323.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taryn E. Dick
- 1Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark Kester
- 3University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | | | - Jong K. Yun
- 1Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| |
Collapse
|