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Yaacoub K, Pedeux R, Lafite P, Jarry U, Aci-Sèche S, Bonnet P, Daniellou R, Guillaudeux T. The Identification of New c-FLIP Inhibitors for Restoring Apoptosis in TRAIL-Resistant Cancer Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:710-728. [PMID: 38248348 PMCID: PMC10814526 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The catalytically inactive caspase-8-homologous protein, c-FLIP, is a potent antiapoptotic protein highly expressed in various types of cancers. c-FLIP competes with caspase-8 for binding to the adaptor protein FADD (Fas-Associated Death Domain) following death receptors' (DRs) activation via the ligands of the TNF-R family. As a consequence, the extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway involving DRs is inhibited. The inhibition of c-FLIP activity in tumor cells might enhance DR-mediated apoptosis and overcome immune and anticancer drug resistance. Based on an in silico approach, the aim of this work was to identify new small inhibitory molecules able to bind selectively to c-FLIP and block its anti-apoptotic activity. Using a homology 3D model of c-FLIP, an in silico screening of 1880 compounds from the NCI database (National Cancer Institute) was performed. Nine molecules were selected for in vitro assays, based on their binding affinity to c-FLIP and their high selectivity compared to caspase-8. These molecules selectively bind to the Death Effector Domain 2 (DED2) of c-FLIP. We have tested in vitro the inhibitory effect of these nine molecules using the human lung cancer cell line H1703, overexpressing c-FLIP. Our results showed that six of these newly identified compounds efficiently prevent FADD/c-FLIP interactions in a molecular pull-down assay, as well as in a DISC immunoprecipitation assay. The overexpression of c-FLIP in H1703 prevents TRAIL-mediated apoptosis; however, a combination of TRAIL with these selected molecules significantly restored TRAIL-induced cell death by rescuing caspase cleavage and activation. Altogether, our findings indicate that new inhibitory chemical molecules efficiently prevent c-FLIP recruitment into the DISC complex, thus restoring the caspase-8-dependent apoptotic cascade. These results pave the way to design new c-FLIP inhibitory molecules that may serve as anticancer agents in tumors overexpressing c-FLIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Yaacoub
- CNRS, INSERM, BIOSIT UAR 3480, US-S018, Rennes University, F-35000 Rennes, France; (K.Y.); (U.J.)
- INSERM, OSS (Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR-S1242, CLCC Eugène Marquis, Rennes University, F-35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Rémy Pedeux
- INSERM, OSS (Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR-S1242, CLCC Eugène Marquis, Rennes University, F-35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Pierre Lafite
- CNRS, ICOA, UMR 7311, Orléans University, F-45067 Orléans, France; (P.L.); (S.A.-S.); (P.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Ulrich Jarry
- CNRS, INSERM, BIOSIT UAR 3480, US-S018, Rennes University, F-35000 Rennes, France; (K.Y.); (U.J.)
| | - Samia Aci-Sèche
- CNRS, ICOA, UMR 7311, Orléans University, F-45067 Orléans, France; (P.L.); (S.A.-S.); (P.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Pascal Bonnet
- CNRS, ICOA, UMR 7311, Orléans University, F-45067 Orléans, France; (P.L.); (S.A.-S.); (P.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Richard Daniellou
- CNRS, ICOA, UMR 7311, Orléans University, F-45067 Orléans, France; (P.L.); (S.A.-S.); (P.B.); (R.D.)
| | - Thierry Guillaudeux
- CNRS, INSERM, BIOSIT UAR 3480, US-S018, Rennes University, F-35000 Rennes, France; (K.Y.); (U.J.)
- INSERM, OSS (Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), UMR-S1242, CLCC Eugène Marquis, Rennes University, F-35000 Rennes, France;
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2
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Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer and Associated Gene Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246246. [PMID: 36551731 PMCID: PMC9777152 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the United States, over 100,000 women are diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy every year, with ovarian cancer being the most lethal. One of the hallmark characteristics of ovarian cancer is the development of resistance to chemotherapeutics. While the exact mechanisms of chemoresistance are poorly understood, it is known that changes at the cellular and molecular level make chemoresistance challenging to treat. Improved therapeutic options are needed to target these changes at the molecular level. Using a precision medicine approach, such as gene therapy, genes can be specifically exploited to resensitize tumors to therapeutics. This review highlights traditional and novel gene targets that can be used to develop new and improved targeted therapies, from drug efflux proteins to ovarian cancer stem cells. The review also addresses the clinical relevance and landscape of the discussed gene targets.
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Grinkevitch V, Wappett M, Crawford N, Price S, Lees A, McCann C, McAllister K, Prehn J, Young J, Bateson J, Gallagher L, Michaut M, Iyer V, Chatzipli A, Barthorpe S, Ciznadija D, Sloma I, Wesa A, Tice DA, Wessels L, Garnett M, Longley DB, McDermott U, McDade SS. Functional Genomic Identification of Predictors of Sensitivity and Mechanisms of Resistance to Multivalent Second-Generation TRAIL-R2 Agonists. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:594-606. [PMID: 35086954 PMCID: PMC7612587 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Multivalent second-generation TRAIL-R2 agonists are currently in late preclinical development and early clinical trials. Herein, we use a representative second-generation agent, MEDI3039, to address two major clinical challenges facing these agents: lack of predictive biomarkers to enable patient selection and emergence of resistance. Genome-wide CRISPR knockout screens were notable for the lack of resistance mechanisms beyond the canonical TRAIL-R2 pathway (caspase-8, FADD, BID) as well as p53 and BAX in TP53 wild-type models, whereas a CRISPR activatory screen identified cell death inhibitors MCL-1 and BCL-XL as mechanisms to suppress MEDI3039-induced cell death. High-throughput drug screening failed to identify genomic alterations associated with response to MEDI3039; however, transcriptomics analysis revealed striking association between MEDI3039 sensitivity and expression of core components of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, most notably its main apoptotic effector caspase-8 in solid tumor cell lines. Further analyses of colorectal cell lines and patient-derived xenografts identified caspase-8 expression ratio to its endogenous regulator FLIP(L) as predictive of sensitivity to MEDI3039 in several major solid tumor types and a further subset indicated by caspase-8:MCL-1 ratio. Subsequent MEDI3039 combination screening of TRAIL-R2, caspase-8, FADD, and BID knockout models with 60 compounds with varying mechanisms of action identified two inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) that exhibited strong synergy with MEDI3039 that could reverse resistance only in BID-deleted models. In summary, we identify the ratios of caspase-8:FLIP(L) and caspase-8:MCL-1 as potential predictive biomarkers for second-generation TRAIL-R2 agonists and loss of key effectors such as FADD and caspase-8 as likely drivers of clinical resistance in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Wappett
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Nyree Crawford
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Stacey Price
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Lees
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher McCann
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine McAllister
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jochen Prehn
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jamie Young
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jess Bateson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis Gallagher
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Magali Michaut
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vivek Iyer
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Syd Barthorpe
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ido Sloma
- Champions Oncology Inc., Rockville, Maryland
| | - Amy Wesa
- Champions Oncology Inc., Rockville, Maryland
| | | | - Lodewyk Wessels
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Delft Bioinformatics Lab, TU Delft, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Mathew Garnett
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel B. Longley
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ultan McDermott
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon S. McDade
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
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4
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Song C, Choi S, Oh KB, Sim T. Suppression of TRPM7 enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:10037-10050. [PMID: 32468675 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) composed of an ion channel and a kinase domain regulates triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell migration, invasion, and metastasis, but it does not modulate TNBC proliferation. However, previous studies have shown that the combination treatment of nonselective TRPM7 channel inhibitors (2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and Gd3+ ) with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) increases antiproliferative effects and apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and hepatic stellate cells. We, therefore, investigated the potential role of TRPM7 in proliferation and apoptosis of TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells) with TRAIL. We demonstrated that suppression of TRPM7 via TRPM7 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition synergistically increases TRAIL-induced antiproliferative effects and apoptosis in TNBC cells. Furthermore, we showed that the synergistic interaction might be associated with TRPM7 channel activities using combination treatments of TRAIL and TRPM7 inhibitors (NS8593 as a TRPM7 channel inhibitor and TG100-115 as a TRPM7 kinase inhibitor). We reveal that downregulation of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein via inhibition of Ca2+ influx might be involved in the synergistic interaction. Our study would provide both a new role of TRPM7 in TNBC cell apoptosis and a potential combinatorial therapeutic strategy using TRPM7 inhibitors with TRAIL in the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiman Song
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghye Choi
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Bong Oh
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taebo Sim
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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5
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Smyth P, Sessler T, Scott CJ, Longley DB. FLIP(L): the pseudo-caspase. FEBS J 2020; 287:4246-4260. [PMID: 32096279 PMCID: PMC7586951 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Possessing structural homology with their active enzyme counterparts but lacking catalytic activity, pseudoenzymes have been identified for all major enzyme groups. Caspases are a family of cysteine‐dependent aspartate‐directed proteases that play essential roles in regulating cell death and inflammation. Here, we discuss the only human pseudo‐caspase, FLIP(L), a paralog of the apoptosis‐initiating caspases, caspase‐8 and caspase‐10. FLIP(L) has been shown to play a key role in regulating the processing and activity of caspase‐8, thereby modulating apoptotic signaling mediated by death receptors (such as TRAIL‐R1/R2), TNF receptor‐1 (TNFR1), and Toll‐like receptors. In this review, these canonical roles of FLIP(L) are discussed. Additionally, a range of nonclassical pseudoenzyme roles are described, in which FLIP(L) functions independently of caspase‐8. These nonclassical pseudoenzyme functions enable FLIP(L) to play key roles in the regulation of a wide range of biological processes beyond its canonical roles as a modulator of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Smyth
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Tamas Sessler
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Christopher J Scott
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Daniel B Longley
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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6
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Rex J, Lutz A, Faletti LE, Albrecht U, Thomas M, Bode JG, Borner C, Sawodny O, Merfort I. IL-1β and TNFα Differentially Influence NF-κB Activity and FasL-Induced Apoptosis in Primary Murine Hepatocytes During LPS-Induced Inflammation. Front Physiol 2019; 10:117. [PMID: 30842741 PMCID: PMC6391654 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage-derived cytokines largely influence the behavior of hepatocytes during an inflammatory response. We previously reported that both TNFα and IL-1β, which are released by macrophages upon LPS stimulation, affect Fas ligand (FasL)-induced apoptotic signaling. Whereas TNFα preincubation leads to elevated levels of caspase-3 activity and cell death, pretreatment with IL-1β induces increased caspase-3 activity but keeps cells alive. We now report that IL-1β and TNFα differentially influence NF-κB activity resulting in a differential upregulation of target genes, which may contribute to the distinct effects on cell viability. A reduced NF-κB activation model was established to further investigate the molecular mechanisms which determine the distinct cell fate decisions after IL-1β and TNFα stimulation. To study this aspect in a more physiological setting, we used supernatants from LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). The treatment of hepatocytes with the BMDM supernatant, which contains both IL-1β and TNFα, sensitized to FasL-induced caspase-3 activation and cell death. However, when TNFα action was blocked by neutralizing antibodies, cell viability after stimulation with the BMDM supernatant and FasL increased as compared to single FasL stimulation. This indicates the important role of TNFα in the sensitization of apoptosis in hepatocytes. These results give first insights into the complex interplay between macrophages and hepatocytes which may influence life/death decisions of hepatocytes during an inflammatory reaction of the liver in response to a bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rex
- Institute for System Dynamics, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anna Lutz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura E Faletti
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ute Albrecht
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infection Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria Thomas
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart and University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes G Bode
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infection Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Borner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Sawodny
- Institute for System Dynamics, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Irmgard Merfort
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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7
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Hasanifard L, Samadi N, Rashtchizadeh N, Dastmalchi S, Karimi P. Sphingosine kinase-2 Inhibitor ABC294640 Enhances Doxorubicin-Induced
Apoptosis of NSCLC Cells via Altering Survivin Expression. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2017; 68:45-53. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-117181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background There is an urgent need to improve efficacy of
chemotherapeutics to overcome resistance in cancer treatment. Sphingosine
kinase-2 (SphK2) a key regulator of sphingolipid signaling has been
rationalized as an important therapeutic target. We evaluated the role of
SphK2 in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells via altering
c-FLIPS, MCL-1 and survivin expressions in order to overcome
chemoresistance.
Methods Proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay and
DAPI staining, respectively. Cell population in each phase of cell cycle was
determined by flow cytometric assay. Gene and protein expression levels were
examined by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively.
Results Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a SphK2 stimulator,
decreased cell death induced by IC50 of DOX (1.1 µM) to around
70% (p<0.01). Cell cycle analysis revealed a significant accumulation of
the cells in S phase with a marked decrease in sub G1 phase when we
incubated the cells with combined treatment of PMA and DOX (p<0.05).
Adding ABC294640 (40 µM), a SphK2 inhibitor, significantly abolished PMA
effect on cell survival (p<0.01). Survivin expression was significantly
diminished by applying ABC294640 either alone or in DOX treated cells
followed by increase in cell death (p<0.05), however, there was no
significant change in MCL-1 expression by ABC294640 either alone or in DOX
treated cells (p=0.16) and (p=0.06), respectively.
Conclusion Identifying cancer patients with high SphK2 expression and
then inhibiting of SphK2 activity can be considered as an important strategy
to increase the efficacy of DOX in the induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leili Hasanifard
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences,
Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of
Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nasser Samadi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences,
Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of
Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nadereh Rashtchizadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences,
Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of
Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Siavoush Dastmalchi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences,
Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz
University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pouran Karimi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences,
Tabriz, Iran
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8
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Henry CM, Martin SJ. Caspase-8 Acts in a Non-enzymatic Role as a Scaffold for Assembly of a Pro-inflammatory “FADDosome” Complex upon TRAIL Stimulation. Mol Cell 2017; 65:715-729.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Tian F, Hu Y, Sun X, Lu G, Li Y, Yang J, Tao J. Suppression of c‑FLIPL promotes JNK activation in malignant melanoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:2904-8. [PMID: 26847085 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The up‑regulation of cellular Fas‑associated death domain‑like interleukin‑1β‑converting enzyme (FLICE)‑like inhibitory protein (c‑FLIP) has been reported in various tumor types, and has been previously shown to be associated with the clinicopathological features of melanoma. To assess its potential role in cancer therapy, the present study evaluated the effects of short hairpin (sh)RNAs of different c‑FLIP isoforms on cellular proliferation and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. Human c‑FLIP shRNA plasmids were constructed and transfected into the A875 melanoma cell line. It was observed that c‑FLIP shRNA exhibited strong inhibitory effects against the levels of phosphorylated‑JNK and inhibited cellular proliferation in A875 cells. Thus, this indicated that c‑FLIP long form shRNA serves a specific inhibitory role in cellular proliferation through inducing the activation of the JNK pathway in A875 cells. The present study provided insight into the development of RNAi based therapies for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Tian
- Department of Dermatology, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan 450015, P.R. China
| | - Yange Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan 450015, P.R. China
| | - Xixi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan 450015, P.R. China
| | - Gaihui Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan 450015, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Juan Tao
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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10
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Apoptotic Caspases in Promoting Cancer: Implications from Their Roles in Development and Tissue Homeostasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 930:89-112. [PMID: 27558818 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-39406-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis, a major form of programmed cell death, is an important mechanism to remove extra or unwanted cells during development. In tissue homeostasis apoptosis also acts as a monitoring machinery to eliminate damaged cells in response to environmental stresses. During these processes, caspases, a group of proteases, have been well defined as key drivers of cell death. However, a wealth of evidence is emerging which supports the existence of many other non-apoptotic functions of these caspases, which are essential not only in proper organism development but also in tissue homeostasis and post-injury recovery. In particular, apoptotic caspases in stress-induced dying cells can activate mitogenic signals leading to proliferation of neighbouring cells, a phenomenon termed apoptosis-induced proliferation. Apparently, such non-apoptotic functions of caspases need to be controlled and restrained in a context-dependent manner during development to prevent their detrimental effects. Intriguingly, accumulating studies suggest that cancer cells are able to utilise these functions of caspases to their advantage to enable their survival, proliferation and metastasis in order to grow and progress. This book chapter will review non-apoptotic functions of the caspases in development and tissue homeostasis with focus on how these cellular processes can be hijacked by cancer cells and contribute to tumourigenesis.
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11
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Yao Q, Du J, Lin J, Luo Y, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhang B, Ren C, Liu C. Prognostic significance of TRAIL signalling molecules in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2015; 69:122-7. [PMID: 26254281 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily that preferentially induces apoptosis in cancer cells while exhibiting little or no toxicity in normal cells. In this study, we evaluated the clinicopathological significance of TRAIL signalling members' expression profiles in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). METHODS TRAIL, DR5, caspase-8 and cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) protein expression was investigated in 72 stage IA2-IIIA CSCC patients using immunohistochemistry. Correlation between protein expression and clinicopathological features, radiotherapy response and survival was statistically analysed. RESULTS Positive c-FLIP expression was an independent negative indicator for disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.015) in multivariate Cox regression analysis. The DR5 nuclear positive group (p=0.069 by log rank test) showed some advantage of radiotherapy for overall survival (OS) compared with the DR5 nuclear negative cohort (p=0.568 by log rank test). In addition, loss of TRAIL expression was associated with worse differentiation (p=0.004), while absence of caspase-8 staining was more frequently observed in cases with lymphovascular invasion (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS High c-FLIP expression is shown to be an independent prognostic variable, DR5 nuclear expression may serve as a predictive biomarker for radiotherapy, and TRAIL as well as caspase-8 loss may be associated with malignant progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Luo
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxiang Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Caixia Ren
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Congrong Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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12
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Zeng L, Hu C, Zhang F, Xu DC, Cui MZ, Xu X. Cellular FLICE-like Inhibitory Protein (c-FLIP) and PS1-associated Protein (PSAP) Mediate Presenilin 1-induced γ-Secretase-dependent and -independent Apoptosis, Respectively. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:18269-80. [PMID: 26025363 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.640177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Presenilin 1 (PS1) has been implicated in apoptosis; however, its mechanism remains elusive. We report that PS1-induced apoptosis was associated with cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) turnover and that γ-secretase inhibitor blocked c-FLIP turnover and also partially blocked PS1-induced apoptosis. A complete inhibition of PS1-induced apoptosis was achieved by knockdown of PS1-associated protein (PSAP), a mitochondrial proapoptotic protein that forms a complex with Bax upon induction of apoptosis, in the presence of γ-secretase inhibitor. PS1-induced apoptosis was partially inhibited by knockdown of caspase-8, Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD), or Bid. However, knockdown of Bax or overexpression of Bcl-2 resulted in complete inhibition of PS1-induced apoptosis. These data suggest that PS1 induces apoptosis through two pathways: the γ-secretase-dependent pathway mediated by turnover of c-FLIP and the γ-secretase-independent pathway mediated by PSAP-Bax complex formation. These two pathways converge on Bax to activate mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. These findings provide new insight into the mechanisms by which PS1 is involved in apoptosis and the mechanism by which PS1 exerts its pathogenic effects. In addition, our results suggest that PS2 induces apoptosis through a pathway that is different from that of PS1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zeng
- From the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
| | - Chen Hu
- From the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Department of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 and
| | - Fuqiang Zhang
- From the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
| | - Daniel C Xu
- the Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
| | - Mei-Zhen Cui
- From the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
| | - Xuemin Xu
- From the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and
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13
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Zhang X, Jiang SJ, Shang B, Jiang HJ. Effects of histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A combined with cisplatin on apoptosis of A549 cell line. Thorac Cancer 2015; 6:202-8. [PMID: 26273359 PMCID: PMC4448485 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors combined with other drugs for the treatment of malignant tumors are used more and more widely. In this study, we investigated the effect of trichostatin A (TSA), a HDAC inhibitor, in combination with cisplatin, a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent, on the apoptosis of lung cancer A549 cells. METHODS A549 cells were treated with TSA alone, cisplatin alone or the two drugs combined. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using a light microscope, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and Hochst33258 staining. Moreover, Western blot analysis was employed to examine the alterations of apoptosis protein: cellular Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1 β converting enzyme inhibitory protein (cFLIP) and caspase-8 in A549 cells in response to the different exogenous stimuli. RESULTS Compared with single-agent treatment, the co-treatment of A549 cells with TSA and cisplatin synergistically inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and increased the inhibition rate. Treatment with TSA and cisplatin led to a significant decrease of cFLIP expression. Furthermore, the treatment of A549 cells with TSA and cisplatin resulted in a significant decrease of pro-caspase-8 and a significant increase of caspase-8. CONCLUSIONS Synergistic anti-tumor effects are observed between cisplatin and TSA in lung cancer cells. The combination of TSA with cisplatin may be a more effective method in human lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Healthcare Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, China
| | - Shu-Juan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory (or Pulmonary) Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, China
| | - Bin Shang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, China
| | - Hong-Juan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Healthcare Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Jinan, China
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14
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Henrich CJ, Brooks AD, Erickson KL, Thomas CL, Bokesch HR, Tewary P, Thompson CR, Pompei RJ, Gustafson KR, McMahon JB, Sayers TJ. Withanolide E sensitizes renal carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by increasing cFLIP degradation. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1666. [PMID: 25719250 PMCID: PMC4669816 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Withanolide E, a steroidal lactone from Physalis peruviana, was found to be highly active for sensitizing renal carcinoma cells and a number of other human cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated apoptosis. Withanolide E, the most potent and least toxic of five TRAIL-sensitizing withanolides identified, enhanced death receptor-mediated apoptotic signaling by a rapid decline in the levels of cFLIP proteins. Other mechanisms by which TRAIL sensitizers have been reported to work: generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in pro-and antiapoptotic protein expression, death receptor upregulation, activation of intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathways, ER stress, and proteasomal inhibition proved to be irrelevant to withanolide E activity. Loss of cFLIP proteins was not due to changes in expression, but rather destabilization and/or aggregation, suggesting impairment of chaperone proteins leading to degradation. Indeed, withanolide E treatment altered the stability of a number of HSP90 client proteins, but with greater apparent specificity than the well-known HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin. As cFLIP has been reported to be an HSP90 client, this provides a potentially novel mechanism for sensitizing cells to TRAIL. Sensitization of human renal carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by withanolide E and its lack of toxicity were confirmed in animal studies. Owing to its novel activity, withanolide E is a promising reagent for the analysis of mechanisms of TRAIL resistance, for understanding HSP90 function, and for further therapeutic development. In marked contrast to bortezomib, among the best currently available TRAIL sensitizers, withanolide E's more specific mechanism of action suggests minimal toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Henrich
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
- Basic Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - A D Brooks
- Basic Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology and Cancer Inflammation Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - K L Erickson
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - C L Thomas
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - H R Bokesch
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
- Basic Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - P Tewary
- Basic Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology and Cancer Inflammation Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - C R Thompson
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology and Cancer Inflammation Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - R J Pompei
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology and Cancer Inflammation Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - K R Gustafson
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - J B McMahon
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - T J Sayers
- Basic Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology and Cancer Inflammation Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
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15
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Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the causative agent of molluscum contagiosum (MC), the third most common viral skin infection in children, and one of the five most prevalent skin diseases worldwide. No FDA-approved treatments, vaccines, or commercially available rapid diagnostics for MCV are available. This review discusses several aspects of this medically important virus including: physical properties of MCV, MCV pathogenesis, MCV replication, and immune responses to MCV infection. Sequencing of the MCV genome revealed novel immune evasion molecules which are highlighted here. Special attention is given to the MCV MC159 and MC160 proteins. These proteins are FLIPs with homologs in gamma herpesviruses and in the cell. They are of great interest because each protein regulates apoptosis, NF-κB, and IRF3. However, the mechanism that each protein uses to impart its effects is different. It is important to elucidate how MCV inhibits immune responses; this knowledge contributes to our understanding of viral pathogenesis and also provides new insights into how the immune system neutralizes virus infections.
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16
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Lavrik IN. Systems biology of death receptor networks: live and let die. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1259. [PMID: 24874731 PMCID: PMC4047881 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated by death receptor activation. Death receptor activation leads to the formation of death receptor signaling platforms, resulting in the demolition of the cell. Despite the fact that death receptor-mediated apoptosis has been studied to a high level of detail, its quantitative regulation until recently has been poorly understood. This situation has dramatically changed in the last years. Creation of mathematical models of death receptor signaling led to an enormous progress in the quantitative understanding of the network regulation and provided fascinating insights into the mechanisms of apoptosis control. In the following sections, the models of the death receptor signaling and their biological implications will be addressed. Central attention will be given to the models of CD95/Fas/APO-1, an exemplified member of the death receptor signaling pathways. The CD95 death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) and regulation of CD95 DISC activity by its key inhibitor c-FLIP, have been vigorously investigated by modeling approaches, and therefore will be the major topic here. Furthermore, the non-linear dynamics of the DISC, positive feedback loops and bistability as well as stoichiometric switches in extrinsic apoptosis will be discussed. Collectively, this review gives a comprehensive view how the mathematical modeling supported by quantitative experimental approaches has provided a new understanding of the death receptor signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- I N Lavrik
- Department of Translational Inflammation Research, Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Translational Inflammation Research, Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany. Tel: +49 3916724767; Fax: +49 3916724769; E-mail:
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17
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Talbott SJ, Luanpitpong S, Stehlik C, Azad N, Iyer AKV, Wang L, Rojanasakul Y. S-nitrosylation of FLICE inhibitory protein determines its interaction with RIP1 and activation of NF-κB. Cell Cycle 2014; 13:1948-57. [PMID: 24762656 DOI: 10.4161/cc.28898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Death receptor (DR) ligation can lead to divergent signaling pathways causing either caspase-mediated cell death or cell proliferation and inflammation. These variations in cellular fate are determined by adaptor proteins that are recruited to the DR signaling complex. FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIP) is an established inhibitor of caspase-8-mediated apoptosis, and it is also involved in NF-κB activation. However, the molecular mechanism that regulates FLIP within this complex is unknown. In this study, we provide new evidence for the regulation of NF-κB by FLIP through S-nitrosylation, which involves covalent modification of the protein's cysteine thiol by nitric oxide to form S-nitrosothiol. Point mutations of FLIP at cysteine residues 254 and 259 prevent FLIP S-nitrosylation and its ability to activate NF-κB. The mechanism by which FLIP nitrosylation regulates NF-κB activity involves RIP1 binding and redistribution, whereas TRAF2 binding and distribution are unaffected. We further show that FLIP processing and cleavage is dependent on its nitrosylation status. Collectively, our study reveals a novel pathway for FLIP regulation of NF-κB through protein S-nitrosylation, which is a key posttranslational mechanism controlling DR-mediated cell death and survival. Since increased expression of FLIP and nitric oxide are frequently observed in chemotherapy-resistant tumors, S-nitrosylation of FLIP could be a key mechanism of chemoresistance and tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siera Jo Talbott
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; West Virginia University; Morgantown, WV USA; Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center; West Virginia University; Morgantown, WV USA
| | - Sudjit Luanpitpong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; West Virginia University; Morgantown, WV USA; Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center; West Virginia University; Morgantown, WV USA
| | | | - Neelam Azad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Hampton University; Hampton, VA USA
| | | | - Liying Wang
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Morgantown, WV USA
| | - Yon Rojanasakul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; West Virginia University; Morgantown, WV USA; Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center; West Virginia University; Morgantown, WV USA
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18
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Abstract
Apoptosis is a tightly regulated cell suicide process used by metazoans to eliminate unwanted or damaged cells that pose a threat to the organism. Caspases-specialized proteolytic enzymes that are responsible for apoptosis initiation and execution-can be activated through two signaling mechanisms: (1) the cell-intrinsic pathway, consisting of Bcl-2 family proteins and initiated by internal sensors for severe cell distress and (2) the cell-extrinsic pathway, triggered by extracellular ligands through cognate death receptors at the surface of target cells. Proapoptotic ligands are often expressed on the surface of cytotoxic cells, for example, certain types of activated immune cells. Alternatively, these ligands can function in shed, soluble form. The mode of ligand presentation can substantially alter the cell response to receptor stimulation. Once receptor ligation on the target cell occurs, a number of intracellular signaling cascades may be initiated. These can lead to a variety of cellular outcomes, including caspase-mediated apoptosis, a distinct type of regulated cell death called necroptosis, or antiapoptotic or inflammatory responses. Death receptor signaling is kept tightly in check and plays critical homeostatic roles during embryonic development and throughout life.
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19
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Beranova L, Pombinho AR, Spegarova J, Koc M, Klanova M, Molinsky J, Klener P, Bartunek P, Andera L. The plant alkaloid and anti-leukemia drug homoharringtonine sensitizes resistant human colorectal carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via multiple mechanisms. Apoptosis 2013; 18:739-50. [PMID: 23456623 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-013-0823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a pro-apoptotic ligand from the TNF-alpha family that is under consideration, along with agonistic anti-TRAIL receptor antibodies, as a potential anti-tumor agent. However, most primary human tumors are resistant to monotherapy with TRAIL apoptogens, and thus the potential applicability of TRAIL in anti-tumor therapy ultimately depends on its rational combination with drugs targeting these resistances. In our high-throughput screening for novel agents/drugs that could sensitize TRAIL-resistant colorectal cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, we found homoharringtonine (HHT), a cephalotaxus alkaloid and tested anti-leukemia drug, to be a very effective, low nanomolar enhancer of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis/growth suppression of these resistant cells. Co-treatment of TRAIL-resistant RKO or HT-29 cells with HHT and TRAIL led to the effective induction of apoptosis and the complete elimination of the treated cells. HHT suppressed the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and cFLIP and enhanced the TRAIL-triggered activation of JNK and p38 kinases. The shRNA-mediated down-regulation of cFLIP or Mcl-1 in HT-29 or RKO cells variably enhanced their TRAIL-induced apoptosis but it did not markedly sensitize them to TRAIL-mediated growth suppression. However, with the notable exception of RKO/sh cFLIP cells, the downregulation of cFLIP or Mcl-1 significantly lowered the effective concentration of HHT in HHT + TRAIL co-treatment. Combined HHT + TRAIL therapy also led to the strong suppression of HT-29 tumors implanted into immunodeficient mice. Thus, HHT represents a very efficient enhancer of TRAIL-induced apoptosis with potential application in TRAIL-based, anti-cancer combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Beranova
- Department of Cell Signaling & Apoptosis, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Praha 4, Czech Republic
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20
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Abstract
Cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1beta-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a major resistance factor and critical anti-apoptotic regulator that inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Fas-L, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis as well as chemotherapy-triggered apoptosis in malignant cells. c-FLIP is expressed as long (c-FLIP(L)), short (c-FLIP(S)), and c-FLIP(R) splice variants in human cells. c-FLIP binds to FADD and/or caspase-8 or -10 in a ligand-dependent and-independent fashion, which in turn prevents death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade. Moreover, c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) are known to have multifunctional roles in various signaling pathways, as well as activating and/or upregulating several cytoprotective signaling molecules. Upregulation of c-FLIP has been found in various tumor types, and its downregulation has been shown to restore apoptosis triggered by cytokines and various chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, c-FLIP is an important target for cancer therapy. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that specifically knockdown the expression of c-FLIP(L) in diverse human cancer cell lines augmented TRAIL-induced DISC recruitment and increased the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, thereby enhancing effector caspase stimulation and apoptosis. Moreover, small molecules causing degradation of c-FLIP as well as decreasing mRNA and protein levels of c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) splice variants have been found, and efforts are underway to develop other c-FLIP-targeted cancer therapies. This review focuses on (1) the functional role of c-FLIP splice variants in preventing apoptosis and inducing cytokine and drug resistance; (2) the molecular mechanisms that regulate c-FLIP expression; and (3) strategies to inhibit c-FLIP expression and function.
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21
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Cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein long form (c-FLIPL) overexpression is related to cervical cancer progression. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2013; 32:316-22. [PMID: 23518915 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0b013e31825d8064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide and infection by high-risk human papillomavirus types is a precursor event. The cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) has been found to be overexpressed in several types of cancers and could be associated with cervical cancer progression because of its ability to inhibit the apoptotic process. To detect c-FLIP expression in cervical cancer, an immunohistochemical staining was performed, using tissue microarrays, on a series of 536 archival biopsy samples, including normal cervical tissues, low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and squamous cervical carcinomas. The epithelium in the normal cervix and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions mainly stained negatively for c-FLIP, whereas high-grade intraepithelial lesions and cancer samples showed an elevated expression of c-FLIP. A direct association was observed between the increasing grade of the lesion and the intensity of c-FLIP staining, in which the frequency of intense c-FLIP expression increased from 12.5% in the normal tissue to 82.1% in the cervical cancer tissue. An increased expression of c-FLIP may be an important factor in the progression of cervical cancer. This finding could aid in identifying patients with preneoplastic lesions at greater risk of developing cervical cancer. c-FLIP expression in cervical tissue may be a potential cervical cancer progression marker.
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22
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Flusberg DA, Roux J, Spencer SL, Sorger PK. Cells surviving fractional killing by TRAIL exhibit transient but sustainable resistance and inflammatory phenotypes. Mol Biol Cell 2013; 24:2186-200. [PMID: 23699397 PMCID: PMC3708725 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e12-10-0737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells that survive fractional killing by TRAIL or FasR agonists enter a state of resistance accompanied by inflammatory phenotypes. This state is transient, decaying over the course of several days, but can be sustained by periodic TRAIL treatments. This finding has implications for optimal dosing strategies of extrinsic cell death agents. When clonal populations of human cells are exposed to apoptosis-inducing agents, some cells die and others survive. This fractional killing arises not from mutation but from preexisting, stochastic differences in the levels and activities of proteins regulating apoptosis. Here we examine the properties of cells that survive treatment with agonists of two distinct death receptors, tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and anti-FasR antibodies. We find that “survivor” cells are highly resistant to a second ligand dose applied 1 d later. Resistance is reversible, resetting after several days of culture in the absence of death ligand. “Reset” cells appear identical to drug-naive cells with respect to death ligand sensitivity and gene expression profiles. TRAIL survivors are cross-resistant to activators of FasR and vice versa and exhibit an NF-κB–dependent inflammatory phenotype. Remarkably, reversible resistance is induced in the absence of cell death when caspase inhibitors are present and can be sustained for 1 wk or more, also without cell death, by periodic ligand exposure. Thus stochastic differences in cell state can have sustained consequences for sensitivity to prodeath ligands and acquisition of proinflammatory phenotypes. The important role played by periodicity in TRAIL exposure for induction of opposing apoptosis and survival mechanisms has implications for the design of optimal therapeutic agents and protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Flusberg
- Center for Cell Decision Processes, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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23
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Hu X, Bardhan K, Paschall AV, Yang D, Waller JL, Park MA, Nayak-Kapoor A, Samuel TA, Abrams SI, Liu K. Deregulation of apoptotic factors Bcl-xL and Bax confers apoptotic resistance to myeloid-derived suppressor cells and contributes to their persistence in cancer. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:19103-15. [PMID: 23677993 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.434530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are heterogeneous immature myeloid cells that accumulate in response to tumor progression. Compelling data from mouse models and human cancer patients showed that tumor-induced inflammatory mediators induce MDSC differentiation. However, the mechanisms underlying MDSC persistence is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that tumor-induced MDSCs exhibit significantly decreased spontaneous apoptosis as compared with myeloid cells with the same phenotypes from tumor-free mice. Consistent with the decreased apoptosis, cell surface Fas receptor decreased significantly in tumor-induced MDSCs. Screening for changes of key apoptosis mediators downstream the Fas receptor revealed that expression levels of IRF8 and Bax are diminished, whereas expression of Bcl-xL is increased in tumor-induced MDSCs. We further determined that IRF8 binds directly to Bax and Bcl-x promoter in primary myeloid cells in vivo, and IRF8-deficient MDSC-like cells also exhibit increased Bcl-xL and decreased Bax expression. Analysis of CD69 and CD25 levels revealed that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are partially activated in tumor-bearing hosts. Strikingly, FasL but not perforin and granzymes were selectively activated in CTLs in the tumor-bearing host. ABT-737 significantly increased the sensitivity of MDSCs to Fas-mediated apoptosis in vitro. More importantly, ABT-737 therapy increased MDSC spontaneous apoptosis and decreased MDSC accumulation in tumor-bearing mice. Our data thus determined that MDSCs use down-regulation of IRF8 to alter Bax and Bcl-xL expression to deregulate the Fas-mediated apoptosis pathway to evade elimination by host CTLs. Therefore, targeting Bcl-xL is potentially effective in suppression of MDSC persistence in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
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24
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Kelemen O, Convertini P, Zhang Z, Wen Y, Shen M, Falaleeva M, Stamm S. Function of alternative splicing. Gene 2013; 514:1-30. [PMID: 22909801 PMCID: PMC5632952 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.07.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 515] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Almost all polymerase II transcripts undergo alternative pre-mRNA splicing. Here, we review the functions of alternative splicing events that have been experimentally determined. The overall function of alternative splicing is to increase the diversity of mRNAs expressed from the genome. Alternative splicing changes proteins encoded by mRNAs, which has profound functional effects. Experimental analysis of these protein isoforms showed that alternative splicing regulates binding between proteins, between proteins and nucleic acids as well as between proteins and membranes. Alternative splicing regulates the localization of proteins, their enzymatic properties and their interaction with ligands. In most cases, changes caused by individual splicing isoforms are small. However, cells typically coordinate numerous changes in 'splicing programs', which can have strong effects on cell proliferation, cell survival and properties of the nervous system. Due to its widespread usage and molecular versatility, alternative splicing emerges as a central element in gene regulation that interferes with almost every biological function analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kelemen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Paolo Convertini
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Zhaiyi Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Yuan Wen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Manli Shen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Marina Falaleeva
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Stefan Stamm
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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25
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Lee S, Yoon CY, Byun SS, Lee E, Lee SE. The role of c-FLIP in cisplatin resistance of human bladder cancer cells. J Urol 2013; 189:2327-34. [PMID: 23313194 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance in human bladder cancer cells to provide novel molecular targets for the treatment of cisplatin resistant bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The differential gene expression of cisplatin sensitive (T24) and resistant (T24R2) human bladder cancer cell lines was analyzed and validated by microarray and Western blot analysis. Changes in cisplatin sensitivity by c-FLIP knockdown and related mechanisms in T24R2 cells were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay (Dojindo Molecular Technologies, Gaithersburg, Maryland) and Western blot. siRNA oligonucleotides that specifically target c-FLIP were prepared and siRNA transfection was done. RESULTS Microarray analysis revealed that the expression of 1,086 and 322 genes showed more than twofold and fourfold changes in the T24R2 and T24 cell lines, respectively. Especially genes involved in the c-FLIP related death receptor apoptosis pathway, including caspase 2 and 9, NF-kB, BID, c-FLIP, XIAP, and cIAP1 and 2, showed differential expression in the 2 cell lines. Western blot demonstrated complete cisplatin mediated suppression of c-FLIP expression in T24 cells but no change in c-FLIP expression was observed in T24R2 cells after cisplatin treatment in the same dose range. Suppression of c-FLIP expression in T24R2 cells by siRNA transfection rendered these cells significantly more sensitive to cisplatin treatment than untransfected T24R2 cells (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Results reveal that c-FLIP has an important role in the cisplatin resistance of human bladder cancer cells and c-FLIP modulation may at least partially reverse cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangchul Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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McLornan D, Hay J, McLaughlin K, Holohan C, Burnett AK, Hills RK, Johnston PG, Mills KI, McMullin MF, Longley DB, Gilkes A. Prognostic and therapeutic relevance of c-FLIP in acute myeloid leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2012; 160:188-98. [PMID: 23167276 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a major contributor to the aggressiveness of AML and is often due to insufficient apoptosis. The CFLAR gene is expressed as long and short splice forms encoding the anti-apoptotic proteins c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) (CFLAR(L) and CFLAR(S) , respectively) that play important roles in drug resistance. In univariate analyses of CFLAR mRNA expression in adult AML patients, those individuals with higher than median mRNA expression of the long splice form CFLAR(L) (but not the short splice form) had significantly lower 3 year overall survival (P = 0·04) compared to those with low expression. In cell line studies, simultaneous down-regulation of c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) proteins using siRNA induced apoptosis in U937 and NB-4 AML cells, but not K562 or OCI-AML3 cells. However, dual c-FLIP(L/S) downregulation sensitized all four cell lines to apoptosis induced by recombinant tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (rTRAIL). Moreover, specific downregulation of c-FLIP(L) was found to recapitulate the phenotypic effects of dual c-FLIP(L/S) downregulation. The histone deacetylase (HDAC)1/2/3/6 inhibitor Vorinostat was found to potently down-regulate c-FLIP(L) expression by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms and to sensitize AML cells to rTRAIL. Further analyses using more selective HDAC inhibitors revealed that HDAC6 inhibition was not required for c-FLIP(L) down-regulation. These results suggest that c-FLIP(L) may have clinical relevance both as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HDAC inhibitors in AML although this requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donal McLornan
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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27
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Zhang G, Liu J, Zhang Y, Qu J, Xu L, Zheng H, Liu Y, Qu X. Cbl-b-dependent degradation of FLIP(L) is involved in ATO-induced autophagy in leukemic K562 and gastric cancer cells. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:3104-10. [PMID: 22884570 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.07.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Various molecular mechanisms are involved in the efficacy of arsenic trioxide (ATO) against malignant hematologic and some solid tumors. FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) is an inhibitor of apoptosis mediated by death receptors. In this study, we identified a new link between the down-regulation of cellular FLIP(L) and ATO-induced autophagy. ATO induced the degradation of FLIP(L) in K562 and MGC803 cells, which was mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Moreover, the casitas B-lineage lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) was involved in this process, which interacted with FLIP(L) and promoted proteasomal degradation of FLIP(L). Our findings lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of action of ATO, and suggest that a novel signaling pathway is required for ATO-induced autophagy in K562 and MGC803 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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28
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Martín-Pérez R, Niwa M, López-Rivas A. ER stress sensitizes cells to TRAIL through down-regulation of FLIP and Mcl-1 and PERK-dependent up-regulation of TRAIL-R2. Apoptosis 2012; 17:349-63. [PMID: 22072062 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-011-0673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent evidences suggesting that agents inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress could be exploited as potential antitumor drugs in combination with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), the mechanisms of this anticancer action are not fully understood. Moreover, the effects of ER stress and TRAIL in nontransformed cells remain to be investigated. In this study we report that ER stress-inducing agents sensitizes both transformed and nontransformed cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In addition, glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa (GRP78) knockdown by RNA interference induces ER stress and facilitates apoptosis by TRAIL. We demonstrate that TRAIL death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation and early signaling are enhanced in ER stressed cells. ER stress alters the cellular levels of different apoptosis-related proteins including a decline in the levels of FLIP and Mcl-1 and the up-regulation of TRAIL-R2. Up-regulation of TRAIL-R2 following ER stress is dependent on the expression of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) and independent of CAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and Ire1α. Silencing of TRAIL-R2 expression by siRNA blocks the ER stress-mediated sensitization to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, simultaneous silencing of cFLIP and Mcl-1 expression by RNA interference results in a marked sensitization to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Finally, in FLIP-overexpressing cells ER stress-induced sensitization to TRAIL-activated apoptosis is markedly reduced. In summary, our data reveal a pleiotropic mechanism involving both apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins for the sensitizing effect of ER stress on the regulation of TRAIL receptor-mediated apoptosis in both transformed and nontransformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Martín-Pérez
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain
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29
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Cai Z, Yang F, Yu L, Yu Z, Jiang L, Wang Q, Yang Y, Wang L, Cao X, Wang J. Activated T cell exosomes promote tumor invasion via Fas signaling pathway. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:5954-61. [PMID: 22573809 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1103466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Activated T cells release bioactive Fas ligand (FasL) in exosomes, which subsequently induce self-apoptosis of T cells. However, their potential effects on cell apoptosis in tumors are still unknown. In this study, we purified exosomes expressing FasL from activated CD8(+) T cell from OT-I mice and found that activated T cell exosomes had little effect on apoptosis and proliferation of tumor cells but promoted the invasion of B16 and 3LL cancer cells in vitro via the Fas/FasL pathway. Activated T cell exosomes increased the amount of cellular FLICE inhibitory proteins and subsequently activated the ERK and NF-κB pathways, which subsequently increased MMP9 expression in the B16 murine melanoma cells. In a tumor-invasive model in vivo, we observed that the activated T cell exosomes promoted the migration of B16 tumor cells to lung. Interestingly, pretreatment with FasL mAb significantly reduced the migration of B16 tumor cells to lung. Furthermore, CD8 and FasL double-positive exosomes from tumor mice, but not normal mice, also increased the expression of MMP9 and promoted the invasive ability of B16 murine melanoma and 3LL lung cancer cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that activated T cell exosomes promote melanoma and lung cancer cell metastasis by increasing the expression of MMP9 via Fas signaling, revealing a new mechanism of tumor immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Cai
- Institute of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
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A New Player in the Development of TRAIL Based Therapies for Hepatocarcinoma Treatment: ATM Kinase. Cancers (Basel) 2012; 4:354-78. [PMID: 24213315 PMCID: PMC3712690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers4020354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. HCCs are genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous tumors characterized by very poor prognosis, mainly due to the lack, at present, of effective therapeutic options, as these tumors are rarely suitable for radiotherapy and often resistant to chemotherapy protocols. In the last years, agonists targeting the Tumor Necrosis Factor Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) death receptor, has been investigated as a valuable promise for cancer therapy, based on their selectivity for malignant cells and low toxicity for healthy cells. However, many cancer models display resistance to death receptor induced apoptosis, pointing to the requirement for the development of combined therapeutic approaches aimed to selectively sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL. Recently, we identified ATM kinase as a novel modulator of the ability of chemotherapeutic agents to enhance TRAIL sensitivity. Here, we review the biological determinants of HCC responsiveness to TRAIL and provide an exhaustive and updated analysis of the molecular mechanisms exploited for combined therapy in this context. The role of ATM kinase as potential novel predictive biomarker for combined therapeutic approaches based on TRAIL and chemotherapeutic drugs will be closely discussed.
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Yerbes R, Palacios C, López-Rivas A. The therapeutic potential of TRAIL receptor signalling in cancer cells. Clin Transl Oncol 2012; 13:839-47. [PMID: 22126726 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-011-0744-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In tumour cells, activation of the apoptotic machinery by death receptor ligands of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily of cytokines represents a novel therapeutic strategy. However, systemic treatment of tumours with TNF-α and CD95 ligand may produce severe toxic effects. The tumour necrosis-related apoptosisinducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF family capable of inducing apoptosis in a wide variety of cancer cells upon binding to pro-apoptotic receptors, while having no effect on the majority of normal human cells tested. Interestingly, preclinical studies in mice and nonhuman primates showed no systemic cytotoxicity upon injection of either recombinant TRAIL or agonistic TRAIL-receptor antibodies. Furthermore, these treatments have been shown to effectively suppress the growth of a range of tumour xenografts. Although unwanted effects of some TRAIL preparations have been reported in normal cells, the use of TRAIL receptor agonists could represent a suitable approach in cancer therapy. Here, we shall review our current understanding of apoptotic and non-apoptotic TRAIL signalling, the therapeutic potential of TRAIL-based approaches in cancer treatment, and the results of phase 1 and 2 clinical trials with recombinant TRAIL or agonistic TRAIL receptor antibodies, either as monotherapy or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Yerbes
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain
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32
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Cellular FLICE-like inhibitory proteins (c-FLIPs): fine-tuners of life and death decisions. Exp Cell Res 2012; 318:1324-31. [PMID: 22309778 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
c-FLIP proteins (isoforms: c-FLIP(L), c-FLIP(S), and c-FLIP(R)) play an essential role in the regulation of death receptor (DR)-induced apoptosis and NF-κB activation. Here, we discuss multiple mechanisms by which c-FLIPs control NF-κB activation and the life/death decision made in cancer and immune cells. We focus on the role of c-FLIP in cellular signaling. We concentrate on c-FLIP protein modifications as well as on the regulation of c-FLIP expression levels. Furthermore, we discuss in detail how the exact quantity and dynamics of different c-FLIP isoforms in the cell influence the induction of pro- versus anti-apoptotic pathways.
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33
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Eblen ST. Regulation of chemoresistance via alternative messenger RNA splicing. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 83:1063-72. [PMID: 22248731 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of resistance to chemotherapy is a significant problem in the treatment of cancer, greatly increasing patient morbidity and mortality. Tumors are often sensitive to chemotherapy upon initial treatment, but repeated treatments can select for those cells that were able to survive initial therapy and have acquired cellular mechanisms to enhance their resistance to subsequent chemotherapy treatment. Many cellular mechanisms of drug resistance have been identified, most of which result from changes in gene and protein expression. While changes at the transcriptional level have been duly noted, it is primarily the post-transcriptional processing of pre-mRNA into mature mRNA that regulates the composition of the proteome and it is the proteome that actually regulates the cell's response to chemotherapeutic insult, inducing cell survival or death. During pre-mRNA processing, intronic non-protein-coding sequences are removed and protein-coding exons are spliced to form a continuous template for protein translation. Alternative splicing involves the differential inclusion or exclusion of exonic sequences into the mature transcript, generating different mRNA templates for protein production. This regulatory mechanism enables the potential to produce many different protein isoforms from the same gene. In this review I will explain the mechanism of alternative pre-mRNA splicing and look at some specific examples of how splicing factors, splicing factor kinases and alternative splicing of specific pre-mRNAs from genes have been shown to contribute to acquisition of the drug resistant phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott T Eblen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, 29425, USA.
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34
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Järvinen K, Hotti A, Santos L, Nummela P, Hölttä E. Caspase-8, c-FLIP, and caspase-9 in c-Myc-induced apoptosis of fibroblasts. Exp Cell Res 2011; 317:2602-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2011.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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35
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Zhang Y, Johansson E, Miller ML, Jänicke RU, Ferguson DJ, Plas D, Meller J, Anderson MW. Identification of a conserved anti-apoptotic protein that modulates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25284. [PMID: 21980415 PMCID: PMC3184134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we identified an evolutionarily highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed protein (C9orf82) that shows structural similarities to the death effector domain of apoptosis-related proteins. RNAi knockdown of C9orf82 induced apoptosis in A-549 and MCF7/casp3-10b lung and breast carcinoma cells, respectively, but not in cells lacking caspase-3, caspase-10 or both. Apoptosis was associated with activated caspases-3, -8, -9 and -10, and inactivation of caspases 10 or 3 was sufficient to block apoptosis in this pathway. Apoptosis upon knockdown of C9orf82 was associated with increased caspase-10 expression and activation, which was required for the generation of an 11 kDa tBid fragment and activation of Caspase-9. These data suggest that C9orf82 functions as an anti-apoptotic protein that modulates a caspase-10 dependent mitochondrial caspase-3/9 feedback amplification loop. We designate this ubiquitously expressed and evolutionarily conserved anti-apoptotic protein Conserved Anti-Apoptotic Protein (CAAP). We also demonstrated that treatment of MCF7/casp3-10b cells with staurosporine and etoposides induced apoptosis and knockdown of CAAP expression. This implies that the CAAP protein could be a target for chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Elisabet Johansson
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Marian L. Miller
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Reiner U. Jänicke
- Laboratory of Molecular Radiooncology, Clinic and Policlinic for Radiation Therapy and Radiooncology, Clinical Center of the University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Donald J. Ferguson
- Department of Microbiology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States of America
| | - David Plas
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jarek Meller
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Departments of Environmental Health and Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Marshall W. Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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Cazanave SC, Mott JL, Bronk SF, Werneburg NW, Fingas CD, Meng XW, Finnberg N, El-Deiry WS, Kaufmann SH, Gores GJ. Death receptor 5 signaling promotes hepatocyte lipoapoptosis. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:39336-48. [PMID: 21941003 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.280420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is characterized by hepatic steatosis, elevated levels of circulating free fatty acids (FFA), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and hepatocyte lipoapoptosis. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptor 5 (DR5) is significantly elevated in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and steatotic hepatocytes demonstrate increased sensitivity to TRAIL-mediated cell death. Nonetheless, a role for TRAIL and/or DR5 in mediating lipoapoptotic pathways is unexplored. Here, we examined the contribution of DR5 death signaling to lipoapoptosis by free fatty acids. The toxic saturated free fatty acid palmitate induces an increase in DR5 mRNA and protein expression in Huh-7 human hepatoma cells leading to DR5 localization into lipid rafts, cell surface receptor clustering with subsequent recruitment of the initiator caspase-8, and ultimately cellular demise. Lipoapoptosis by palmitate was not inhibited by a soluble human recombinant DR5-Fc chimera protein suggesting that DR5 cytotoxic signaling is ligand-independent. Hepatocytes from murine TRAIL receptor knock-out mice (DR(-/-)) displayed reduced palmitate-mediated lipotoxicity. Likewise, knockdown of DR5 or caspase-8 expression by shRNA technology attenuated palmitate-induced Bax activation and apoptosis in Huh-7 cells, without altering induction of ER stress markers. Similar observations were verified in other cell models. Finally, knockdown of CHOP, an ER stress-mediated transcription factor, reduced DR5 up-regulation and DR5-mediated caspase-8 activation upon palmitate treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that ER stress-induced CHOP activation by palmitate transcriptionally up-regulates DR5, likely resulting in ligand-independent cytotoxic signaling by this death receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Cazanave
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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37
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Eberhard Y, Gronda M, Hurren R, Datti A, MacLean N, Ketela T, Moffat J, Wrana JL, Schimmer AD. Inhibition of SREBP1 sensitizes cells to death ligands. Oncotarget 2011; 2:186-96. [PMID: 21406729 PMCID: PMC3260812 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasion of death receptor ligand-induced apoptosis contributs to cancer development and progression. To better understand mechanisms conferring resistance to death ligands, we screened an siRNA library to identify sequences that sensitize resistant cells to fas activating antibody (CH-11). From this screen, we identified the Sterol-Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 1 (SREBP1), a transcription factor, which regulates genes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis including fatty acid synthase. Inhibition of SREBP1 sensitized PPC-1 and HeLa to the death receptor ligands CH-11 and TRAIL. In contrast, DU145 prostate cancer cells that are resistant to death ligands despite expressing the receptors on their cell surface remained resistant to CH-11 and TRAIL after knockdown of SREBP1. Consistent with the effects on cell viability, the addition of CH-11 activated caspases 3 and 8 in HeLa but not DU145 cells with silenced SREBP1. We demonstrated that knockdown of SREBP1 produced a marked decrease in fatty acid synthase expression. Furthermore, genetic or chemical inhibition of fatty acid synthase with shRNA or orlistat, respectively, recapitulated the effects of SREBP1 inhibition and sensitized HeLa but not DU145 cells to CH-11 and TRAIL. Sensitization to death receptor ligands by inhibition of fatty acid synthase was associated with activation of caspase 8 prior to caspase 9. Neither silencing of SREBP1 or fatty acid synthase changed basal expression of the core death receptor components Fas, caspase 8, FADD, caspase 3 or FLIP. Thus, inhibition of SREBP1 or its downstream target fatty acid synthase sensitizes resistant cells to death ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina Eberhard
- Princess Margaret Hospital, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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38
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Wang HM, Chiu CC, Wu PF, Chen CY. Subamolide E from Cinnamomum subavenium induces sub-G1 cell-cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis and reduces the migration ability of human melanoma cells. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2011; 59:8187-8192. [PMID: 21707085 DOI: 10.1021/jf2018929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the anticancer cytotoxic effects of natural compound subamolide E on the human skin cancer melanoma A375.S2 cells. Subamolide E was isolated from Cinnamomum subavenium and demonstrated cytotoxicities in the cell-growth assay at concentration ranges from 0 to 100 μM at 24 h. Propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry analyses were used to evaluate cell-cycle distribution and found that subamolide E caused DNA damage in the sub-G1 phase with a dose-dependent manner after 24 h of treatment. According to the western blot result, subamolide-E-treated cells with the increase of caspase-dependent apoptotic proteins induced related pathway mechanisms. Subamolide E also showed antimigratory activities of A375.S2 cells on the wound-healing assay. Finally, subamolide E demonstrated minor cytotoxicities to normal human skin cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts); therefore, it is a potential chemotherapeutic agent against skin melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Wang
- Department of Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, San-Ming District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
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39
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Lund P, Kotova I, Kedinger V, Khanwalkar H, Voltz E, Hahn WC, Gronemeyer H. Transformation-dependent silencing of tumor-selective apoptosis-inducing TRAIL by DNA hypermethylation is antagonized by decitabine. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:1611-23. [PMID: 21697397 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) kills tumor cells selectively. We asked how emerging tumor cells escape elimination by TRAIL and how tumor-specific killing by TRAIL could then be restored. We found that TRAIL expression is consistently downregulated in HRAS(G12V)-transformed cells in stepwise tumorigenesis models derived from four different tissues due to DNA hypermethylation of CpG clusters within the TRAIL promoter. Decitabine de-silenced TRAIL, which remained inducible by interferon, while induction of TRAIL by blocking the HRAS(G12V)-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was subordinated to epigenetic silencing. Decitabine induced apoptosis through upregulation of endogenous TRAIL in cooperation with favorable regulation of key players acting in TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Apoptosis induction by exogenously added TRAIL was largely increased by decitabine. In vivo treatment of xenografted human HRAS(G12V)-transformed human epithelial kidney or syngenic mice tumors by decitabine blocked tumor growth induced TRAIL expression and apoptosis. Our results emphasize the potential of decitabine to enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis in tumors and thus provide a rationale for combination therapies with decitabine to increase tumor-selective apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Lund
- Department of Cancer Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS/INSERM/Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, BP 10142, IGBMC, 67404 Illkirch CEDEX, France
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40
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Zhu DM, Shi J, Liu S, Liu Y, Zheng D. HIV infection enhances TRAIL-induced cell death in macrophage by down-regulating decoy receptor expression and generation of reactive oxygen species. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18291. [PMID: 21483669 PMCID: PMC3071698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) could induce apoptosis of HIV-1-infected monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM), but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS By using an HIV-1 Env-pseudotyped virus (HIV-1 PV)-infected MDM cell model we demonstrate that HIV-1 PV infection down-regulates the expression of TRAIL decoy receptor 1 (DcR1) and 2 (DcR2), and cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), but dose not affect the expression of death receptor 4 and 5 (DR4, DR5), and Bcl-2 family members in MDM cells. Furthermore, recombinant soluble TRAIL and an agonistic anti-DR5 antibody, AD5-10, treatment stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and JNK phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE HIV infection facilitates TRIAL-induced cell death in MDM by down-regulating the expression of TRAIL decoy receptors and intracellular c-FLIP. Meanwhile, the agonistic anti-DR5 antibody, AD5-10, induces apoptosis synergistically with TRAIL in HIV-1-infected cells. ROS generation and JNK phosphorylation are involved in this process. These findings potentiate clinical usage of the combination of TRAIL and AD5-10 in eradication of HIV-infected macrophage and AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ming Zhu
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Shi
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shilian Liu
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxin Liu
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dexian Zheng
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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41
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Crowder RN, Zhao H, Chatham WW, Zhou T, Carter RH. B lymphocytes are resistant to death receptor 5-induced apoptosis. Clin Immunol 2011; 139:21-31. [PMID: 21276756 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2010.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Death Receptor 5 (DR5) induces apoptosis in various types of cells and is a potential therapeutic target. We have investigated whether targeting DR5 could be used to eliminate pathogenic B lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We examined DR5 expression and function on B lymphocytes from healthy controls subjects, SLE patients, and human tonsil. DR5 was expressed similarly on all B cell subpopulations, including resting and activated B cells. Expression of DR5 was equivalent on B cells from SLE patients and healthy subjects. Additionally, DR5 expression was unchanged after B lymphocyte stimulation. However, B cells were resistant to DR5-induced apoptosis, including after in vitro activation. No changes in subsets of B cells were observed in subjects of a trial of CS-1008, an agonist anti-DR5. While DR5 shows promise as a way to selectively eliminate tumor cells and activated synoviocytes, these data suggest DR5 alone cannot be used as a target to remove pathogenic SLE B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roslyn N Crowder
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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42
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Yu Z, Wang R, Xu L, Xie S, Dong J, Jing Y. β-Elemene piperazine derivatives induce apoptosis in human leukemia cells through downregulation of c-FLIP and generation of ROS. PLoS One 2011; 6:e15843. [PMID: 21283566 PMCID: PMC3026787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Elemene is an active component of the herb medicine Curcuma Wenyujin with reported antitumor activity. To improve its antitumor ability, five novel piperazine derivatives of β-elemene, 13-(3-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-β-elemene (DX1), 13-(cis-3,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-β-elemene (DX2), 13-(4-ethyl-1-piperazinyl)-β-elemene (DX3), 13-(4-isopropyl-1-piperazinyl)-β-elemene (DX4) and 13-piperazinyl-β-elemene (DX5), were synthesized. The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of these derivatives were determined in human leukemia HL-60, NB4, K562 and HP100-1 cells. DX1, DX2 and DX5, which contain a secondary amino moiety, were more active in inhibiting cell growth and in inducing apoptosis than DX3 and DX4. The apoptosis induction ability of DX1 was associated with the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the activation of caspase-8. Pretreatment with the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and catalase completely blocked DX1-induced H2O2 production, but only partially its activation of caspase-8 and induction of apoptosis. HL-60 cells were more sensitive than its H2O2-resistant subclone HP100-1 cells to DX1-induced apoptosis. The activation of caspase-8 by these compounds was correlated with the decrease in the levels of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP). The proteasome inhibitor MG-132 augmented the decrease in c-FLIP levels and apoptosis induced by these derivatives. FADD- and caspase-8-deficient Jurkat subclones have a decreased response to DX1-induced apoptosis. Our data indicate that these novel β-elemene piperazine derivatives induce apoptosis through the decrease in c-FLIP levels and the production of H2O2 which leads to activation of both death receptor- and mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Yu
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Liying Xu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Siwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinhua Dong
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongkui Jing
- Department of Medicine, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yang A, Wilson NS, Ashkenazi A. Proapoptotic DR4 and DR5 signaling in cancer cells: toward clinical translation. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2010; 22:837-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 08/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Orbach A, Rachmilewitz J, Shani N, Isenberg Y, Parnas M, Huang JH, Tykocinski ML, Dranitzki-Elhalel M. CD40·FasL and CTLA-4·FasL fusion proteins induce apoptosis in malignant cell lines by dual signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:3159-68. [PMID: 21088216 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Evolution of apoptosis resistance in both lymphoma and leukemia cells is well documented, and induction of apoptosis in malignant cells is a major goal of cancer therapy. Up-regulation of anti-apoptotic signals is one of the mechanisms whereby resistance to apoptosis emerges. We have previously described the fusion proteins CD40·FasL and CTLA-4·FasL, which are formed from two functional membrane proteins and induce apoptosis of activated T cells. The present study explores the potential use of CD40·FasL and CTLA-4·FasL for the killing of malignant cells of lymphatic origin. Using malignant B and T cell lines that differ in surface expression of costimulatory molecules, we found that CTLA-4·FasL induces effective apoptosis of cells expressing CD95 and activates caspases 3, 8, and 9. Only B7-expressing B cells responded to CTLA-4·FasL with rapid abrogation of cFLIP expression. CD40·FasL effectively killed only the T cells that express high levels of CD40L in addition to CD95. In these cells, CD40·FasL significantly diminished cFLIP expression. Importantly, each of the fusion proteins is more potent than its respective components parts, alone or in combination. Thus, the proteins with their two functional ends deliver a pro-apoptotic signal and, in parallel, inhibit an anti-apoptotic signal, thus optimizing the wanted, death-inducing effect. Therefore, these proteins emerge as promising agents to be used for targeted and specific tumor cell killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Orbach
- Nephrology and Hypertension Services, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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Yerbes R, Palacios C, Reginato MJ, López-Rivas A. Cellular FLIP(L) plays a survival role and regulates morphogenesis in breast epithelial cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2010; 1813:168-78. [PMID: 20951169 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Strong evidences support the inhibitory activity of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP) in the apoptotic signalling by death receptors in tumor cells. However, little is known about the role of FLIP in the regulation of apoptosis in non-transformed cells. In this report, we demonstrate that FLIP(L) plays an important role as a survival protein in non-transformed breast epithelial cells. Silencing of FLIP(L) by siRNA methodology enhances TRAIL-R2 expression and activates a caspase-dependent cell death process in breast epithelial cells. This cell death requires the expression of TRAIL, TRAIL-R2, FADD and procaspase-8 proteins. A mitochondria-operated apoptotic pathway is partially required for FLIP(L) siRNA-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, FLIP(L) silencing markedly abrogates formation of acinus-like structures in a three-dimensional basement membrane culture model (3D) of the human mammary MCF-10A cell line through a caspase-8 dependent process. Furthermore, over-expression of FLIP(L) in MCF-10A cells delayed lumen formation in 3D cultures. Our results highlight the central role of FLIP in maintaining breast epithelial cell viability and suggest that the mechanisms regulating FLIP levels should be finely controlled to prevent unwanted cell demise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Yerbes
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Sevilla, Spain
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Fricker N, Beaudouin J, Richter P, Eils R, Krammer PH, Lavrik IN. Model-based dissection of CD95 signaling dynamics reveals both a pro- and antiapoptotic role of c-FLIPL. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 190:377-89. [PMID: 20696707 PMCID: PMC2922645 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201002060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A systems biology–based approach shows that life and death decisions for cells depend on the stoichiometry of c-FLIP isoforms. Cellular FADD-like interleukin-1β–converting enzyme inhibitory proteins (c-FLIPs; isoforms c-FLIP long [c-FLIPL], c-FLIP short [c-FLIPS], and c-FLIP Raji [c-FLIPR]) regulate caspase-8 activation and death receptor (DR)–induced apoptosis. In this study, using a combination of mathematical modeling, imaging, and quantitative Western blots, we present a new mathematical model describing caspase-8 activation in quantitative terms, which highlights the influence of c-FLIP proteins on this process directly at the CD95 death-inducing signaling complex. We quantitatively define how the stoichiometry of c-FLIP proteins determines sensitivity toward CD95-induced apoptosis. We show that c-FLIPL has a proapoptotic role only upon moderate expression in combination with strong receptor stimulation or in the presence of high amounts of one of the short c-FLIP isoforms, c-FLIPS or c-FLIPR. Our findings resolve the present controversial discussion on the function of c-FLIPL as a pro- or antiapoptotic protein in DR-mediated apoptosis and are important for understanding the regulation of CD95-induced apoptosis, where subtle differences in c-FLIP concentrations determine life or death of the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Fricker
- Division of Immunogenetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Darvas K, Rosenberger S, Brenner D, Fritsch C, Gmelin N, Krammer PH, Rösl F. Histone deacetylase inhibitor-induced sensitization to TNFalpha/TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cervical carcinoma cells is dependent on HPV oncogene expression. Int J Cancer 2010; 127:1384-92. [PMID: 20087862 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Histone-deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi) can block proliferation and induce intrinsic apoptosis in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cervical carcinoma cells, independently of copy number and integration locus of the viral DNA. Using HPV18-positive HeLa cells as model systems, we provide evidence that HDAC inhibition leads to transcriptional suppression of c-FLIP, which negatively regulates extrinsic apoptosis by preventing the recruitment of caspase-8 to the death-inducing signaling complex. Consequently, HDACi pretreatment renders cervical cancer cells sensitive to TNFalpha and TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Already 5-hr incubation with TNFalpha or TRAIL was sufficient to eradicate more than 40% of pretreated cells, which are normally completely refractory against respective death-ligands alone even under long-term incubation. Ectopic expression of either short or long splicing variant of c-FLIP, c-FLIP(s) and c-FLIP(L), abrogates sensitization. Notably, combined HDACi/death ligand treatment did not result in eradication of HPV-negative cells, despite the fact that both c-FLIP isoforms were also downregulated. However, knocking down HPV18 E6/E7 transcription by siRNA prevents HDACi/death-ligand mediated apoptosis, indicating that continued viral oncogene expression favors sensitization. Here, the viral oncoprotein E7 seems to play a functional role, since only HPV16 E7-immortalized human keratinocytes underwent significant apoptosis on HDACi/TNFalpha treatment, whereas keratinocytes expressing only HPV16 E6 or primary keratinocytes were refractory under the same experimental conditions. Taken together, HDACi can be considered as an alternative therapeutic option in the treatment of premalignant and malignant lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Darvas
- Infektionen und Krebs, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Abteilung Virale Transformationsmechanismen, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
The amounts of different cFLIP isoforms help cells choose between life and death.
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49
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Abstract
Apoptosis ligand 2 tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL) belongs to a small subset of proapoptotic protein ligands in the TNF superfamily. This subset, which also includes Fas ligand and TNF-alpha, can activate the extrinsic apoptotic cell death pathway on binding to cognate death receptors at the cell surface. Over the past 10 years, Apo2L/TRAIL has emerged as a promising candidate for cancer therapy, on the basis of its unique ability to trigger apoptosis in various types of cancer cells without significant toxicity toward normal cells. Herein, we review key advances in understanding the molecular events that control apoptosis signaling by Apo2L/TRAIL, which may aid in the development of cancer therapies based on the extrinsic apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gonzalvez
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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Bijangi-Vishehsaraei K, Huang S, Safa AR, Saadatzadeh MR, Murphy MP. 4-(4-Chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-N-hydroxybutanamide (CMH) targets mRNA of the c-FLIP variants and induces apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 342:133-142. [PMID: 20446019 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1beta-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a major resistance factor for the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand TRAIL and in drug resistance in human malignancies. c-FLIP is an antagonist of caspases-8 and -10, which inhibits apoptosis and is expressed as long (c-FLIP(L)) and short (c-FLIP(S)) splice forms. c-FLIP is often overexpressed in various human cancers, including breast cancer. Several studies have shown that silencing c-FLIP by specific siRNAs sensitizes cancer cells to TRAIL and anticancer agents. However, systemic use of siRNA as a therapeutic agent is not practical at present. In order to reduce or inhibit c-FLIP expression, small molecules are needed to allow targeting c-FLIP without inhibiting caspases-8 and -10. We used a small molecule inhibitor of c-FLIP, 4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-N-hydroxybutanamide (CMH), and show that CMH, but not its inactive analog, downregulated c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) mRNA and protein levels, caused poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) degradation, reduced cell survival, and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These results revealed that c-FLIP is a critical apoptosis regulator that can serve as a target for small molecule inhibitors that downregulate its expression and serve as effective targeted therapeutics against breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Bijangi-Vishehsaraei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 980 W. Walnut Street, R3-C524, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Su Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 980 W. Walnut Street, R3-C524, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ahmad R Safa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 980 W. Walnut Street, R3-C524, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | - Michael P Murphy
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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