Tumorigenic potential associated with enhanced expression of a gene that is amplified in a mouse tumor cell line

Meta-analysis of associations between MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism and gastric cancer risk

Epidemiological studies have been conducted to evaluate genetic variations of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) SNP309 associated with the risk of gastric cancer (GC), although evidence remains conflicting. To gain a better understanding of this relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. Several electronic databases were searched up to February 2013, in order to identify relevant case-control studies. Seven published case-control studies with 2,199 cases and 3,201 controls were included. In the overall analysis, significant associations between the MDM2 SNP309 variant and GC risk were found for G vs. T alleles (OR=1.35; 95% CI, 1.24-1.47), GG vs. TT (OR=1.88; 95% CI, 1.59-2.24), recessive model (OR=1.71; 95% CI, 1.49-1.96). Furthermore, stratified by cancer site, significant associations were observed in gastric cardia cancer for all the models, although no significant association was found in any of the models among non-gastric cardia cancer, with the exception of the recessive model. In the subgroup analysis by source of control, MDM2 SNP309 was associated with increased GC risk for the hospital-based case-control (HCC) study for the GG vs. TT, recessive model and for the population-based case-control (PCC) study for the GG vs. TT, recessive model. Following stratification by gender and infection status of Helicobacter pylori (HP) for the recessive model, a significant association was found only in the HP-positive infected individuals. However, no statistically significant association was observed in males, females or the HP-negative infected individuals. In summary, the association between MDM2 SNP309 and GC risk was statistically significant, particularly in gastric cardia cancer for the HP-positive population group.

Screening E3 substrates using a live phage display library

Ubiquitin ligases (E3s) determine specificity of ubiquitination by recognizing target substrates. However, most of their substrates are unknown. Most known substrates have been identified using distinct approaches in different laboratories. We developed a high-throughput strategy using a live phage display library as E3 substrates in in vitro screening. His-ubiquitinated phage, enriched with Ni-beads, could effectively infect E. coli for amplification. Sixteen natural potential substrates and many unnatural potential substrates of E3 MDM2 were identified through 4 independent screenings. Some substrates were identified in different independent experiments. Additionally, 10 of 12 selected candidates were ubiquitinated by MDM2 in vitro, and 3 novel substrates, DDX42, TP53RK and RPL36a were confirmed ex vivo. The whole strategy is rather simple and efficient. Non-degradation substrates can be discovered. This strategy can be extended to any E3s as long as the E3 does not ubiquitinate the empty phage.

Current evidence on the relationship between SNP309 polymorphism in the MDM2 gene and colorectal cancer risk

It has been demonstrated that MDM2 is a well-established negative regulator of the p53 protein and might be associated with a significantly earlier age of onset of several tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In recent years, a T to G substitution (SNP309) in the promoter of MDM2 has been extensively studied as a potential CRC risk factor; however, the results are inconsistent. To derive a more precise estimation of association between MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism and CRC risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of 11 studies with 4,050 CRC cases and 3,688 controls. For MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism, no obvious associations were found for all genetic models when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis. In the subgroup analyses by ethnicity, source of controls, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in controls, a significantly increased risk was observed among Asians (heterozygous model: odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.39, P = 0.005), population-based studies (heterozygous model: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02-1.34, P = 0.027), and among studies without the HWE (recessive model: OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.03-1.94, P = 0.030). When excluding three studies deviated from HWE, the significant results were also observed for heterozygous model in overall population (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.02-1.31, P = 0.020). No publication bias was found in the present study. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism was associated with CRC susceptibility, especially among Asians. Further research is needed to assess possible gene-gene or gene-environment-lifestyle interactions on CRC.

Virion factors that target Daxx to overcome intrinsic immunity

PML nuclear bodies and their associated functions are part of an intrinsic cellular mechanism aimed at maintaining transcriptional control over viral gene expression and preventing replication of invading viruses. To overcome these barriers, many viruses express early nonstructural, multifunctional proteins to support the viral replication cycle or modulate host immune responses. Virion proteins constituting the invading particle are traditionally investigated for their role in transport during entry or egress and in the assembly of new virions. The additional functions of virion proteins have largely been ignored, in contrast to those of their nonstructural counterparts. A number of recent reports suggest that several virion proteins may also play vital roles in gene activation processes, in particular by counteracting intrinsic immune mechanisms mediated by the PML nuclear body-associated cellular factors Daxx, ATRX, and Sp100. These virion proteins share several features with their more potent nonstructural counterparts, and they may serve to bridge the gap in the early phase of an infection until immediate early viral gene expression is established. In this review, we discuss how virion proteins are an integral part of gene regulation among several viral families and to what extent structural proteins of incoming virions may contribute to species barrier, latency, and oncogenesis.

Synthesis, in vitro, and in cell studies of a new series of [indoline-3,2'-thiazolidine]-based p53 modulators

Analogues of the previously described spiro[imidazo[1,5-c]thiazole-3,3'-indoline]-2',5,7(6H,7aH)-trione p53 modulators were prepared to explore new structural requirements at the thiazolidine domain for the antiproliferative activity and p53 modulation. In cell, antiproliferative activity was evaluated against two human tumor cell lines. Derivative 5-bromo-3'-(cyclohexane carbonyl)-1-methyl-2-oxospiro[indoline-3,2'-thiazolidine] (4n) emerged as the most potent compound of this series, inhibiting in vitro 30% of p53-MDM2 interaction at 5 μM and the cell growth of different human tumor cells at nanomolar concentrations. Docking studies confirmed the interactions of 4n with the well-known Trp23 and Phe19 clefts, explaining the reasons for its binding affinity for MDM2. 4n at 50 nM is capable of inducing the accumulation of p53 protein, inducing significant apoptotic cell death without affecting the cell cycle progression. Comparative studies using nutlin in the same cellular system confirm the potential of 4n as a tool for increasing understanding of the process involved in the nontranscriptional proapoptotic activities of p53.

Utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect MDM2 amplification in liposarcomas and their morphological mimics

The atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT)/well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) and the de-differentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) represent the most common category of liposarcomas. ALT/WDLSs and DDLSs are often difficult to distinguish from other tumors with similar morphological characteristics. In this study, we investigated whether the detection of amplified or overexpressed murine double-minute 2 (MDM2) can be a useful diagnostic ancillary aid. We used fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect MDM2 amplification and protein overexpression, respectively, in 49 WDLSs, 5 DDLSs, 23 myxoid liposarcomas, 25 benign lipomatous tumors, and 75 spindle and pleomorphic sarcomas. MDM2 amplification was detected in 48 of 49 WDLSs, 5 of 5 DDLSs, 2 of 9 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and 2 of 10 myxofibrosarcomas. We did not detect MDM2 amplification in any of the benign lipomatous tumors. FISH-mediated detection of MDM2 amplification was the most valuable diagnostic aid for ALT/WDLS, as determined by using the Fisher exact test to compare two different diagnoses of 19 biopsies. On the contrary, unequivocal nuclear overexpression of MDM2 was found in only 10 of 50 ALT/WDLSs. The sensitivity and specificity of MDM2 amplification in distinguishing a DDLS from spindle and pleomorphic sarcomas were 100% and 95%, respectively, while those of MDM2 overexpression were 100% and 87%, respectively. In conclusion, our results indicate that FISH-mediated detection of MDM2 amplification is the most useful adjunct in the diagnosis of both ALT/WDLS and DDLS. However, IHC-mediated detection of MDM2 protein is useful only for the diagnosis of DDLS.

RING-type E3 ligases: master manipulators of E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and ubiquitination

RING finger domain and RING finger-like ubiquitin ligases (E3s), such as U-box proteins, constitute the vast majority of known E3s. RING-type E3s function together with ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) to mediate ubiquitination and are implicated in numerous cellular processes. In part because of their importance in human physiology and disease, these proteins and their cellular functions represent an intense area of study. Here we review recent advances in RING-type E3 recognition of substrates, their cellular regulation, and their varied architecture. Additionally, recent structural insights into RING-type E3 function, with a focus on important interactions with E2s and ubiquitin, are reviewed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Ubiquitin-Proteasome System. Guest Editors: Thomas Sommer and Dieter H. Wolf.

Synthesis and evaluation of an imidazole derivative-fluorescein conjugate

The murine double minute (MDM2) oncogene a negative regulator of protein 53 (p53) tumor suppressor, is found overexpressed in many different types of cancer and the interaction between MDM2 and p53 has become the target of intensive research. MDM2 inhibitors represent a promising class of p53 activating compounds that may be effective in cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging. Nutlins, a family of cis-imidazoline analogues and small-molecule MDM2 antagonists, have the potential use in cancer therapies. We have synthesized an imidazole derivative (Nutlin-Glycine) conjugated to the commonly used fluorophore, 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) and evaluated its possible use as an imaging agent. Cellular uptake studies demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity in human osteosarcoma (SJSA-1) and colon carcinoma (HCT116) cells were significantly increased with the treatment of Nutlin-Glycine-FAM when compared with FAM (control). Blocking studies also confirmed that our imidazole-fluorescein conjugate may be a good candidate for imaging tumors, suggesting the need for further in vivo evaluation by positron emission tomography.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 3,4,5-trisubstituted aminothiophenes as inhibitors of p53-MDM2 interaction. Part 1

A series of 3,4,5-trisubstituted aminothiophenes were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their p53-MDM2 binding inhibitory potency and anti-proliferation activities against A549 and PC3 tumor cell lines. Fourteen compounds had appreciably improved MDM2 binding affinities than lead compound MCL0527 (3) and a few compounds showed comparable activities to that of Nutlin-3. Meanwhile, most of the 3,4,5-trisubstituted aminothiophenes displayed better or equivalent anti-proliferation activities against wild-type p53 cell line A549 compared to that of Nutlin-3. Over ten compounds exhibited desirable selective profiles of p53 status. Particularly, compounds 9, 16 and 18 displayed 22-, 6- and 22-fold selectivity of p53 status, respectively, much better than that of Nutlin-3 (fourfold).

Controlled access of p53 to the nucleus regulates its proteasomal degradation by MDM2

The tumor suppressor p53 can be sent to the proteasome for degradation by placing its nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling under ligand control. Endogenous p53 is ubiquitinated by MDM2 in the nucleus, and controlling the access of p53 to the nuclear compartment regulates its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. This was accomplished by the use of a protein switch that places nuclear translocation under the control of externally applied dexamethasone. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that sending protein switch p53 (PS-p53) to the nucleus produces a distinct punctate distribution in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. The nuclear role in accessing the proteasome was investigated by inhibiting classical nuclear export with leptomycin B. Trapping PS-p53 in the nucleus only allows this punctate staining in that compartment, suggesting that PS-p53 must translocate first to the nuclear compartment for cytoplasmic punctate staining to occur. The role of MDM2 binding was explored by inhibiting MDM2/p53 binding with nutlin-3. Inhibition of this interaction blocked both nuclear export and cytoplasmic and nuclear punctate staining, providing evidence that any change in localization after nuclear translocation is due to MDM2 binding. Further, blocking the proteolytic activity of the proteasome maintained the nuclear localization of the construct. Truncations of p53 were made to determine smaller constructs still capable of interacting with MDM2, and their subcellular localization and degradation potential was observed. PS-p53 and a smaller construct containing the two MDM2 binding regions of p53 (Box I + V) were indeed degraded by the proteasome as measured by loss of enhanced green fluorescent protein that was also fused to the construct. The influence of these constructs on p53 gene transactivation function was assessed and revealed that PS-p53 decreased gene transactivation, while PS-p53(Box I + V) did not significantly change baseline gene transactivation.

Mdm2 increases cellular invasiveness by binding to and stabilizing the Slug mRNA

Mdm2 is an oncoprotein that induces the degradation of the tumor suppressor, p53. Here, we show that Mdm2 increases the mRNA levels of Slug by binding to and stabilizing the Slug mRNA. While this effect of Mdm2 was observed in both p53-null and p53-expressing cancer cells, it increased the protein levels of Slug only in the former cells. Mdm2 consistently induced Slug-dependent events, such as decreases in E-cadherin levels and increases in cellular invasiveness, only in p53-null cells. Therefore, the binding of Mdm2 to the Slug mRNA appears to provide a novel mechanism through which Mdm2 promotes tumor progression in a manner independent of the presence of p53.

MDM2, MDMX and p53 in oncogenesis and cancer therapy

The MDM2 and MDMX (also known as HDMX and MDM4) proteins are deregulated in many human cancers and exert their oncogenic activity predominantly by inhibiting the p53 tumour suppressor. However, the MDM proteins modulate and respond to many other signalling networks in which they are embedded. Recent mechanistic studies and animal models have demonstrated how functional interactions in these networks are crucial for maintaining normal tissue homeostasis, and for determining responses to oncogenic and therapeutic challenges. This Review highlights the progress made and pitfalls encountered as the field continues to search for MDM-targeted antitumour agents.

Molecular pathways: targeting Mdm2 and Mdm4 in cancer therapy

The p53 tumor suppressor is activated in response to cellular stresses to induce cell-cycle arrest, cellular senescence, and apoptosis. The p53 gene is inactivated by mutations in more than 50% of human tumors. In addition, tumor cells dampen p53 activities via overexpression of p53-negative regulators, in particular 2 structurally related proteins, Mdm2 and Mdm4. And yet, Mdm2 and Mdm4 possess p53-independent activities, which also contribute to tumor formation and progression. Given that Mdm2 and Mdm4 inhibit p53 activities to promote tumor development, small molecules and peptides were developed to abrogate the inhibition of p53 by Mdm proteins. Antitumor activities of these molecules have already been confirmed in preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials. These research endeavors and clinical advances constitute the main focus of this review.

Vitamin D directly regulates Mdm2 gene expression in osteoblasts

While Mdm2 is an important negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor, it also possesses p53-independent functions in cellular differentiation processes. Mdm2 expression is alternatively regulated by two P1 and P2 promoters. In this study we show that the P2-intiated transcription of Mdm2 gene is activated by 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 in MC3T3 cells. By using P1 and P2-specific reporters, we demonstrate that only the P2-promoter responds to vitamin D treatment. We have further identified a potential vitamin D receptor responsive element proximal to the two p53 response elements within the Mdm2 P2 promoter. Using cell lines that are p53-temperature sensitive and p53-null, we show requirement of p53 for VDR-mediated up regulation of Mdm2 expression. Our results indicate that 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 and its receptor have a role in the regulation of P2-initiated Mdm2 gene expression in a p53-dependent way.

MDM2 regulates a novel form of incomplete neoplastic transformation of Theileria parva infected lymphocytes

Our efforts are concerned with identifying features of incomplete malignant transformation caused by non viral pathogens. Theileria parva (T. parva) is a tick-transmitted protozoan parasite that can cause a fatal lymphoproliferative disease in cattle. The T. parva-infected lymphocytes display a transformed phenotype and proliferate in culture media like the other tumor cells, however those cells will return to normal after antiprotozoal treatment reflecting the incomplete nature of transformation. To identify signaling pathways involved in this form of transformation of T. parva-infected cells, we screened a library of anticancer compounds. Among these, TIBC, a specific inhibitor of MDM2, markedly inhibited proliferation of T. parva-infected lymphocytes and promoted apoptosis. Therefore we analyzed MDM2 function in T. parva-infected cells. Several T. parva-infected cell lines showed increased expression level of MDM2 with alternatively spliced isoforms compared to the lymphoma cells or ConA blasts. In addition, buparvaquone affected MDM2 expression in T. parva transformed cells. Moreover, p53 protein accumulation and function were impaired in T. parva-infected cells after cisplatin induced DNA damage despite the increased p53 transcription level. Finally, the treatment of T. parva-infected cells with boronic-chalcone derivatives TIBC restored p53 protein accumulation and induced Bax expression. These results suggest that the overexpression of MDM2 is closely linked to the inhibition of p53-dependent apoptosis of T. parva-infected lymphocytes. Aberrant expression of host lymphocyte MDM2 induced by cytoplasmic existence of T. parva, directly and/or indirectly, is associated with aspects of this type of transformation of T. parva-infected lymphocytes. This form of transformation shares features of oncogene induced malignant phenotype acquisition.

Regulation of p53: a collaboration between Mdm2 and Mdmx

p53 plays an important role in the regulation of the cell cycle, DNA repair, and apoptosis and is an attractive cancer therapeutic target. Mdm2 and Mdmx are recognized as the main p53 negative regulators. Although it is still unknown why Mdm2 and Mdmx both are required for p53 degradation, a model has been proposed whereby these two proteins function independent of one another; Mdm2 acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase that catalyzes the ubiquitination of p53 for degradation, whereas Mdmx inhibits p53 by binding to and masking the transcriptional activation domain of p53, without causing its degradation. However, Mdm2 and Mdmx have been shown to function collaboratively. In fact, recent studies have pointed to a more important role for an Mdm2/Mdmx co-regulatory mechanism for p53 regulation than previously thought. In this review, we summarize current progress in the field about the functional and physical interactions between Mdm2 and Mdmx, their individual and collaborative roles in controlling p53, and inhibitors that target Mdm2 and Mdmx as a novel class of anticancer therapeutics.

RBB, a novel transcription repressor, represses the transcription of HDM2 oncogene

The p53 tumor suppressor is important in many aspects of cell biology. Tight regulation of p53 is thus imperative for maintaining cell homeostasis and preventing tumorigenesis. The stabilization and activity of p53 is primarily regulated by MDM2, which is encoded for by HDM2. However, how the expression and activity of MDM2 is regulated remains largely unknown. Here, we report a novel BTB and BEN domains-containing protein, RBB. We demonstrated that RBB is a novel transcriptional repressor binding specific DNA motif via a homodimer and interacting with the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex. Genome wide transcription target analysis by ChIP sequencing revealed that RBB represses the transcription of a series of functionally important genes including HDM2. We showed that RBB recruits the NuRD complex to the internal promoter of HDM2 and inhibits the expression of MDM2 protein, leading to subsequent stabilization of tumor suppressor p53. Significantly, we showed that RBB suppresses cell proliferation and sensitizes cells to DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Our data indicate that RBB is a novel transcriptional repressor and an important regulator of p53 pathway.

MDM2 and MDMX: Alone and together in regulation of p53

p53, a critical tumor suppressor, is activated by various cellular stresses to prevent and repair damages that can lead to tumor development. In response to these stresses, p53 activation can cause very serious cellular effects including permanent cell cycle arrest and cell death. p53 must therefore be very tightly regulated to avoid unnecessary pathological effects. The homologs MDM2 and MDMX have been shown to be the major, essential negative regulators of p53. In normal cells, MDM2 and MDMX suppress p53 activity, but in the event of cellular stress, they themselves must be inhibited so that p53 may respond to the stress. MDM2 and MDMX are known to bind together, and play multifaceted, non-redundant roles in modulating p53 protein activity. Recently, evidence has emerged showing that MDM2 and MDMX most effectively inhibit p53 as a complex, and possibly play non-redundant roles because they must function as one to control p53. In this review, we give an overview of MDM2 and MDMX and discuss a few ways in which they are modified so that p53 may be activated. Lastly, we discuss the non-redundant roles of MDM2 and MDMX and how it is important to investigate the effect on the complex as a whole when investigating either protein.

Murine double minute clone 2,309T/G and 285G/C promoter single nucleotide polymorphism as a risk factor for breast cancer: a Polish experience

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease caused by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Recently, a functional polymorphism, MDM2 285G>C (rs117039649), has been discovered. This polymorphism antagonizes the effect of the 309T>G (rs2279744) polymorphism on the same gene, resulting in decreased MDM2 transcription.

METHODS

The MDM2 285G>C and 309T>G polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing analysis in women with breast cancer (n=468) and controls (n=550).

RESULTS

The odds ratio (OR) for breast cancer patients with the MDM2 285C/C and 285G/C genotypes was 0.4768 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2906-0.7824; p=0.0033, pcorr=0.0066). We also found a significantly lower frequency of the MDM2 285C allele in patients with breast cancer than in controls: the OR for the C allele in patients with breast cancer was 0.4930 (95% CI=0.3059-0.7947, p=0.0031, pcorr=0.0062). The p value of the chi-square test for the trend observed for the MDM2 285G>C polymorphism was statistically significant (ptrend=0.0036). The statistical power of this study amounted to 85% for the G/C or C/C genotypes and 85% for the C allele. However, we did not observe significant differences between the distribution of MDM2 309T>G genotypes and alleles in patients with breast cancer and healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

In a sample of the Polish population, we observed that the MDM2 285C gene variant may be a significant protective factor against breast cancer.

MDM2 expression is repressed by the RNA-binding protein RNPC1 via mRNA stability

The RNA-binding protein RNPC1 is a target of the p53 family and forms a feedback regulatory loop with the p53 family proteins. The MDM2 oncogene, a key negative regulator of p53, plays a critical role in a variety of fundamental cellular processes. MDM2 expression is found to be regulated via gene amplification, transcription, protein translation, and protein stability. In the current study, we reported a novel regulation of MDM2 by RNPC1 via mRNA stability. Specifically, we found that over-expression of RNPC1 decreases, whereas knockdown or knockout of RNPC1 increases, the level of MDM2 transcript and protein independent of p53. To uncover the underlying mechanism, we found that RNPC1 is able to destabilize the MDM2 transcript via binding to multiple AU-/U-rich elements in MDM2 3′UTR. Consistent with this, we showed that RNPC1 inhibits expression of exogenous MDM2 from a expression vector as long as the vector contains an AU-/U-rich element from MDM2 3′UTR. Finally, we showed that the RNA-binding activity of RNPC1 is required for binding to MDM2 transcript and consequently, for inhibiting MDM2 expression. Together, we uncover a novel regulation of MDM2 by the RNA-binding protein RNPC1 via mRNA stability.

Mdm2 controls CREB-dependent transactivation and initiation of adipocyte differentiation

The role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) in regulating the stability of the p53 tumor suppressor is well documented. By contrast, relatively little is known about p53-independent activities of Mdm2 and the role of Mdm2 in cellular differentiation. Here we report a novel role for Mdm2 in the initiation of adipocyte differentiation that is independent of its ability to regulate p53. We show that Mdm2 is required for cAMP-mediated induction of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein δ (C/EBPδ) expression by facilitating recruitment of the cAMP regulatory element-binding protein (CREB) coactivator, CREB-regulated transcription coactivator (Crtc2)/TORC2, to the c/ebpδ promoter. Our findings reveal an unexpected role for Mdm2 in the regulation of CREB-dependent transactivation during the initiation of adipogenesis. As Mdm2 is able to promote adipogenesis in the myoblast cell line C2C12, it is conceivable that Mdm2 acts as a switch in cell fate determination.

Impact of MDM2 polymorphism: increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and a poor prognosis in the Tunisian population

INTRODUCTION

MDM2 was originally identified as an oncoprotein that binds to p53 and inhibits p53-mediated transactivation. Scientists have described functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the MDM2 gene. They showed that the genotype of SNP 309 induces an increase in the level of MDM2 protein, which causes attenuation of the p53 pathway. In this study, we sought to investigate whether this polymorphism was related to risk of colorectal cancer and whether there were relationships between SNP 309 and protein expression or clinicopathological variables in Tunisian patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate the effect of this polymorphism in colorectal cancer pathogenesis, we genotyped 167 patients and 167 blood donors. Immunohistochemistry was performed on normal mucosa and tumor.

RESULTS

The rates of MDM2 genotypes were 6.6% for wild-type (T/T) and 93.4% for the SNP 309 polymorphic genotype (T/G and G/G) in patients and 38.3 and 61.7% in controls, respectively. There were significant differences in the frequencies of genotypes between patients and controls (P<0.01). We did not find any relationship between genotypes and clinicopathological features of patients, except in the case of the nonmucinous histological subtype (P=0.001). Moreover, we found that patients with the wild-type genotype (T/T) had significantly more favorable clinical outcome than did patients with the SNP 309 genotype (T/G, G/G) (P=0.005). In addition, we found an association between positive expression of p53 and polymorphic genotypes of MDM2 (T/G, G/G) (P=0.037). There was a significant association between tumoral immunostaning and MDM2 polymorphism (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the MDM2 polymorphism is significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk and may provide useful prognostic information for Tunisian patients with colorectal cancer.

Inhibitors of Glioma Growth that Reveal the Tumour to the Immune System

Treated glioblastoma patients survive from 6 to 14 months. In the first part of this review, we describe glioma origins, cancer stem cells and the genomic alterations that generate dysregulated cell division, with enhanced proliferation and diverse response to radiation and chemotherapy. We review the pathways that mediate tumour cell proliferation, neo-angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, as well as necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Then, we examine the ability of gliomas to evade and suppress the host immune system, exhibited at the levels of antigen recognition and immune activation, limiting the effective signaling between glioma and host immune cells.The second part of the review presents current therapies and their drawbacks. This is followed by a summary of the work of our laboratory during the past 20 years, on oligosaccharide and glycosphingolipid inhibitors of astroblast and astrocytoma division. Neurostatins, the O-acetylated forms of gangliosides GD1b and GT1b naturally present in mammalian brain, are cytostatic for normal astroblasts, but cytotoxic for rat C6 glioma cells and human astrocytoma grades III and IV, with ID50 values ranging from 200 to 450 nM. The inhibitors do not affect neurons or fibroblasts up to concentrations of 4 μM or higher.At least four different neurostatin-activated, cell-mediated antitumoral processes, lead to tumor destruction: (i) inhibition of tumor neovascularization; (ii) activation of microglia; (iii) activation of natural killer (NK) cells; (iv) activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL). The enhanced antigenicity of neurostatin-treated glioma cells, could be related to their increased expression of connexin 43. Because neurostatins and their analogues show specific activity and no toxicity for normal cells, a clinical trial would be the logical next step.

MDM2 promoter SNP285 and SNP309; phylogeny and impact on cancer risk

MDM2 plays a key role to physiological processes like growth arrest, senescence and apoptosis. It binds to and inhibits key proteins like p53 and the RB protein, and MDM2 amplification as well as protein overexpression without amplification is seen in many solid tumors. An MDM2 promoter polymorphism (SNP309T>G) has been found associated with enhanced Sp1 transcription factor binding and elevated MDM2 transcription. While 309G has been found associated with elevated cancer risk and young age at diagnosis of different cancers, results in Caucasians have been at variance. Recently, we reported a second polymorphism (SNP285G>C) located on the 309G allele. The 285C/309G haplotype accounts for about 12% of all 309G alleles among Norwegians, Dutch and British habitants. Assessing Sp1 binding to the MDM2 promoter using surface plasmon resonance technology, we found SNP309G to enhance Sp1 binding by 22% while SNP285C reduced Sp1 binding by 51%. SNP285C reduced the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer among 309TG/309GG carriers by 21 and 26%, respectively, but in particular the risk of ovarian cancer among 309TG heterozygotes (reduction by 37%). The fact that the 285C/309G haplotype accounted for only 1.9% of all 309G alleles among Finns and was absent in Chinese indicate 285C to be a young polymorphism.

The evolution of MDM2 family genes

MDM2 and MDM4 are proto-oncoproteins that bind to and inhibit members of the p53 protein family, p53, p73 and possibly p63. p53 is a mammalian tumor suppressor and p63 and p73 are critical for development. With the sequencing of genomes from multiple organisms there is mounting evidence for a consensus scenario of p53 gene family evolution. A single p53/p63/p73 gene is in invertebrates and required for maintenance of germline DNA. Gene duplication occurred in an ancestor in common with cartilaginous fishes, giving rise to a separate p53 gene and at least one ancestral p63/p73 gene. In bony vertebrates, all three p53 gene family paralogs, p53, p63, and p73 are distinct genes. This raises the question of how MDM2 and MDM4 genes evolved. We show evidence that MDM2 and MDM4 arose from a gene duplication event prior to the emergence of bony vertebrates more than 440 millionyears ago. Comparative genome studies indicate that invertebrate organisms have only one MDM homolog. In jawed vertebrates, the p53-binding domains of MDM2 and MDM4 proteins evolved at a high rate, approaching the evolution rate of the MDM2-binding domain of p53. However, the MDM2-binding domain of p73 exhibits markedly stronger conservation suggesting novel p53-independent functions. The most conserved domain within all MDM2 family members is the RING domain of the MDM2 ortholog which is responsible for ubiquitination of p53 and heterodimerization with MDM4. We suggest a model where oligomerization is an ancient function of MDM and ubiquitination activity was acquired later near the MDM gene duplication event coinciding with the time of the emergence of p53 as a distinct gene.

Inhibitors of MDM2 and MDMX: a structural perspective

p53 is a potent tumor suppressor with a crucial role in preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation and is therefore frequently deleted or mutated in cancer. For tumors with wild-type p53, its function can be overcome by overactive cellular antagonists, such as the ubiquitin ligase murine double minute clone 2 (MDM2). Restoring p53 activity by inhibiting MDM2 in such cancers can eradicate tumors. Consequently, the MDM2-p53 interaction has been extensively targeted for inhibition by small molecules. In recent years, MDM2-like protein (MDMX), another key downregulator of p53, has gained increasing importance as an additional target for drug development, in order to provide a complementary approach to MDM2 inhibition. In this review, we describe how detailed structural knowledge of the MDM2-p53 interface and, more recently, of the MDMX-p53 interaction have helped advance the development of inhibitors against the two targets. We present a summary of the functional biochemistry of MDM2, MDMX and p53 as well as their interactions and examine recent progress in the development of inhibitors of MDM2 and MDMX.

Adenovirus type 5 early region 1B 55K oncoprotein-dependent degradation of cellular factor Daxx is required for efficient transformation of primary rodent cells

Early region 1B 55K (E1B-55K) from adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) is a multifunctional regulator of lytic infection and contributes in vitro to complete cell transformation of primary rodent cells in combination with Ad5 E1A. Inhibition of p53 activated transcription plays a key role in processes by which E1B-55K executes its oncogenic potential. Nevertheless, additional functions of E1B-55K or further protein interactions with cellular factors of DNA repair, transcription, and apoptosis, including Mre11, PML, and Daxx, may also contribute to the transformation process. In line with previous results, we performed mutational analysis to define a Daxx interaction motif within the E1B-55K polypeptide. The results from these studies showed that E1B-55K/Daxx binding is not required for inhibition of p53-mediated transactivation or binding and degradation of cellular factors (p53/Mre11). Surprisingly, these mutants lost the ability to degrade Daxx and showed reduced transforming potential in primary rodent cells. In addition, we observed that E1B-55K lacking the SUMO-1 conjugation site (SCS/K104R) was sufficient for Daxx interaction but no longer capable of E1B-55K-dependent proteasomal degradation of the cellular factor Daxx. These results, together with the observation that E1B-55K SUMOylation is required for efficient transformation, provides evidence for the idea that SUMO-1-conjugated E1B-55K-mediated degradation of Daxx plays a key role in adenoviral oncogenic transformation. We assume that the viral protein contributes to cell transformation through the modulation of Daxx-dependent pathways. This further substantiates the assumption that further mechanisms for efficient transformation of primary cells can be separated from functions required for the inhibition of p53-stimulated transcription.

UBE4B, a ubiquitin chain assembly factor, is required for MDM2-mediated p53 polyubiquitination and degradation

Although MDM2 is known to be a critical negative regulator of p53, MDM2 only catalyzes p53 mono- or multiple monoubiquitination in vitro and in vivo, which is insufficient for the initiation of proteasomal degradation. MDM2 does not polyubiquitinate p53 in vitro, however, which indicates that the activity of other ubiquitin ligase(s) or cofactor(s) is required for MDM2-mediated p53 polyubiquitination and degradation. In our recent study, we demonstrated that UBE4B, an E3 and E4 ubiquitin ligase with a U-box domain, interacts physically with both p53 and MDM2. Our findings revealed that UBE4B negatively regulates the level of p53 and inhibits p53-dependent transactivation and apoptosis. We propose that inhibition of MDM2 binding to UBE4B may provide another approach to inhibit MDM2 E3 ligase activity for tumor suppressor p53. It could lead to novel anticancer therapies, with the possibility of reducing the public health burden from cancer.

The p53 pathway as a target in cancer therapeutics: obstacles and promise

A large fraction of human tumors carry p53 mutations, which allow tumor initiation and progression; furthermore, it is now clear that restoration or reactivation of wild-type p53 function prompts rapid elimination of tumors. The discovery and design of compounds that reactivate or enhance the p53 pathway has resulted in the identification of promising drug candidates that have now entered clinical trials for anticancer strategies. However, some of these agents appear to elicit undesirable toxic effects on normal cells and tissues and therefore are restricted in the dose that can be applied in tumors. In this Review, we discuss the concerns about and promise of these p53 activators and propose ways to expand and optimize screening strategies to identify such molecules.

Novel targeted therapeutics: inhibitors of MDM2, ALK and PARP

We reviewed preclinical data and clinical development of MDM2 (murine double minute 2), ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) and PARP (poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase) inhibitors. MDM2 binds to p53, and promotes degradation of p53 through ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. JNJ-26854165 and RO5045337 are 2 small-molecule inhibitors of MDM2 in clinical development. ALK is a transmembrane protein and a member of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinases. EML4-ALK fusion gene is identified in approximately 3-13% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Early-phase clinical studies with Crizotinib, an ALK inhibitor, in NSCLC harboring EML4-ALK have demonstrated promising activity with high response rate and prolonged progression-free survival. PARPs are a family of nuclear enzymes that regulates the repair of DNA single-strand breaks through the base excision repair pathway. Randomized phase II study has shown adding PARP-1 inhibitor BSI-201 to cytotoxic chemotherapy improves clinical outcome in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Olaparib, another oral small-molecule PARP inhibitor, demonstrated encouraging single-agent activity in patients with advanced breast or ovarian cancer. There are 5 other PARP inhibitors currently under active clinical investigation.

Targeted nutlin-3a loaded nanoparticles inhibiting p53–MDM2 interaction: novel strategy for breast cancer therapy

Aim: The objective of the present study is to prepare and characterize nutlin-3a loaded polymeric poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (NPs) surface functionalized with transferrin ligand, to deliver the encapsulated drug in a targeted manner to its site of action and to evaluate the efficacy of the nanoformulation in terms of its cellular uptake, cell cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and activation of p53 pathway at molecular level in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Method: Nutlin-3a loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) NPs were prepared following the single oil-in-water emulsion method. Physicochemical characterization of the formulation included size and surface charge measurement, transmission electron microscopy characterization, study of surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectral analysis and in vitro release kinetics studies. Furthermore, targeting ability of the conjugated system was assessed by cellular uptake and cell cytotoxicity studies in an in vitro cell model. Molecular basis of nutlin-3a-mediated p53 activation pathway was investigated by western blot analysis. Inhibition of cell cycle progression and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: Physiochemical characterization of the formulations revealed that nutlin-3a was efficiently encapsulated in the nanoparticulate system, reaching an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 80% with size of approximately 220 nm and negative zeta potential of approximately -10.4 mV. Higher cellular uptake efficiency of the conjugated system proved the effectiveness of targeted therapy. IC50 values, as determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium assay, showed superior antiproliferative activity of transferrin-conjugated NPs over unconjugated NPs and native nutlin-3a, owing to enhanced cellular uptake by cancer cells. At the molecular level the conjugated system showed enhanced activation of p53 pathway in comparison to native drug as evident from western blot analysis. Augmented cell cycle arrest and apoptosis was exhibited by the conjugated system. Thus, our results suggest that transferrin-conjugated nutlin-3a loaded NPs could be a potential drug carrier system for targeted delivery of potent anticancer drug nutlin-3a for breast cancer therapy.

Tight regulation of p53 activity by Mdm2 is required for ureteric bud growth and branching

Mdm2 (Murine Double Minute-2) is required to control cellular p53 activity and protein levels. Mdm2 null embryos die of p53-mediated growth arrest and apoptosis at the peri-implantation stage. Thus, the absolute requirement for Mdm2 in organogenesis is unknown. This study examined the role of Mdm2 in kidney development, an organ which develops via epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and branching morphogenesis. Mdm2 mRNA and protein are expressed in the ureteric bud (UB) epithelium and metanephric mesenchyme (MM) lineages. We report here the results of conditional deletion of Mdm2 from the UB epithelium. UB(mdm2-/-) mice die soon after birth and uniformly display severe renal hypodysplasia due to defective UB branching and underdeveloped nephrogenic zone. Ex vivo cultured UB(mdm2-/-) explants exhibit arrested development of the UB and its branches and consequently develop few nephron progenitors. UB(mdm2-/-) cells have reduced proliferation rate and enhanced apoptosis. Although markedly reduced in number, the UB tips of UB(mdm2-/-)metanephroi continue to express c-ret and Wnt11; however, there was a notable reduction in Wnt9b, Lhx-1 and Pax-2 expression levels. We further show that the UB(mdm2-/-) mutant phenotype is mediated by aberrant p53 activity because it is rescued by UB-specific deletion of the p53 gene. These results demonstrate a critical and cell autonomous role for Mdm2 in the UB lineage. Mdm2-mediated inhibition of p53 activity is a prerequisite for renal organogenesis.

Role of p53 in Cell Death and Human Cancers

p53 is a nuclear transcription factor with a pro-apoptotic function. Since over 50% of human cancers carry loss of function mutations in p53 gene, p53 has been considered to be one of the classical type tumor suppressors. Mutant p53 acts as the dominant-negative inhibitor toward wild-type p53. Indeed, mutant p53 has an oncogenic potential. In some cases, malignant cancer cells bearing p53 mutations display a chemo-resistant phenotype. In response to a variety of cellular stresses such as DNA damage, p53 is induced to accumulate in cell nucleus to exert its pro-apoptotic function. Activated p53 promotes cell cycle arrest to allow DNA repair and/or apoptosis to prevent the propagation of cells with serious DNA damage through the transactivation of its target genes implicated in the induction of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Thus, the DNA-binding activity of p53 is tightly linked to its tumor suppressive function. In the present review article, we describe the regulatory mechanisms of p53 and also p53-mediated therapeutic strategies to cure malignant cancers.

Melatonin and vitamin D3 synergistically down-regulate Akt and MDM2 leading to TGFβ-1-dependent growth inhibition of breast cancer cells

Melatonin and vitamin D3 inhibit breast cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis, but they have never been combined as a breast cancer treatment. Therefore, we investigated whether their association could lead to an enhanced anticancer activity. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, melatonin together with vitamin D3, induced a synergistic proliferative inhibition, with an almost complete cell growth arrest at 144 hr. Cell growth blockade is associated to an activation of the TGFβ-1 pathway, leading to increased TGFβ-1, Smad4 and phosphorylated-Smad3 levels. Concomitantly, melatonin and D3, alone or in combination, caused a significant reduction in Akt phosphorylation and MDM2 values, with a consequent increase of p53/MDM2 ratio. These effects were completely suppressed by adding a monoclonal anti-TGFβ-1 antibody to the culture medium. Taken together, these results indicate that cytostatic effects triggered by melatonin and D3 are likely related to a complex TGFβ-1-dependent mechanism, involving down-regulation of both MDM2 and Akt-phosphorylation.

RINF (CXXC5) is overexpressed in solid tumors and is an unfavorable prognostic factor in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

We have previously described the essential role of the retinoid-inducible nuclear factor (RINF) during differentiation of hematopoietic cells and suggested its putative involvement in myeloid leukemia and preleukemia. Here, we have investigated whether this gene could have a deregulated expression in malignant tissues compared with their normal tissues of origin and if this potential deregulation could be associated with important clinicopathological parameters.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RINF messenger RNA expression was examined in biopsies from locally advanced breast tumors, metastatic malignant melanomas, and papillary thyroid carcinomas and compared with their paired or nonpaired normal reference samples. Further, the prognostic role of RINF expression was evaluated in locally advanced breast cancer.

RESULTS

RINF expression was significantly higher in all tumor forms (primary breast, and thyroid cancers and metastatic melanomas) as compared with normal control tissues (P < 0.001 for each comparison). Importantly, high levels of RINF expression correlated to a poor overall survival in breast cancer (P = 0.013). This finding was confirmed in three independent public microarray datasets (P = 0.043, n = 234; P = 0.016, n = 69; P = 0.001, n = 196) and was independent of tamoxifen therapy. Notably, high levels of RINF was strongly associated with TP53 wild-type status (P = 0.002) possibly indicating that high levels of RINF could substitute for TP53 mutations as an oncogenic mechanism during the malignant development of some cases of breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that (i) RINF overexpression is associated with the malignant phenotype in solid tumors and (ii) RINF overexpression represents an independent molecular marker for poor prognosis in breast tumors.

A stapled p53 helix overcomes HDMX-mediated suppression of p53

Cancer cells neutralize p53 by deletion, mutation, proteasomal degradation, or sequestration to achieve a pathologic survival advantage. Targeting the E3 ubiquitin ligase HDM2 can lead to a therapeutic surge in p53 levels. However, the efficacy of HDM2 inhibition can be compromised by overexpression of HDMX, an HDM2 homolog that binds and sequesters p53. Here, we report that a stapled p53 helix preferentially targets HDMX, blocks the formation of inhibitory p53-HDMX complexes, induces p53-dependent transcriptional upregulation, and thereby overcomes HDMX-mediated cancer resistance in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, our analysis of p53 interaction dynamics provides a blueprint for reactivating the p53 pathway in cancer by matching HDM2, HDMX, or dual inhibitors to the appropriate cellular context.

Identification of the spiro(oxindole-3,3'-thiazolidine)-based derivatives as potential p53 activity modulators

Here, we report the design of new analogues of spirooxoindolepyrrolidine nucleus as modulators of p53 activity. Compounds (3R,7aR)-6-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1H-spiro[imidazo[1,5-c]thiazole-3,3'-indoline]-2',5,7(6H,7aH)-trione (9c) and (3R,7aR)-5'-methyl-6-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1H-spiro[imidazo[1,5-c]thiazole-3,3'-indoline]-2',5,7(6H,7aH)-trione (10d) are the most potent compounds of this series, inhibiting cell growth of different human tumor cells at submicromolar and micromolar concentrations, respectively. Compound 9c induces apoptotic cell death in human melanoma cell line M14 at 24 h, while in the same condition, treatment with 10d showes a clear arrest at G2/M phase inducing delay of cell cycle progression. Possibly, these activities may be due to inhibition of p53-MDM2 interaction and subsequent p53 release and activation.

The Mdm2-p53 relationship evolves: Mdm2 swings both ways as an oncogene and a tumor suppressor

Mdm2 has been well characterized as a negative regulator of the tumor suppressor p53. Recent studies have shown that Mdm2 is activated in response to a variety of oncogenic pathways independent of p53. Although its role as an oncogene via suppression of p53 function remains clear, growing evidence argues for p53-independent effects, as well as the remarkable possibility that Mdm2 has tumor suppressor functions in the appropriate context. Hence, Mdm2 is proving to be a key player in human cancer in its own right, and thus an important target for therapeutic intervention.

MDM-2 protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinomas. Comparative study with p53 protein expression

Aims-To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of MDM-2 protein in comparison with that of p53 protein in nasopharyngeal carcinomas.Methods-Formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded tissue from 59 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma was stained by immunohistochemistry for MDM-2 and p53 proteins.Results-The tumours were divided histologically into seven cases of keratinising nasopharyngeal carcinoma (KNPC), 14 cases of non-keratinising nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NKNPC), and 38 cases of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (UNPC). MDM-2 nuclear expression was observed in 0/7 KNPC, 1/14 NKNPC, and 11/38 UNPC. p53 nuclear expression was observed in 1/7 KNPC, 2/14 NKNPC, and 15/38 UNPC. Parallel MDM-2 and p53 expression was found in 12 cases (11 UNPC and one NKNPC). Discordant MDM-2-/p53 + expression was found in six cases (four UNPC, one NKNPC, and one KNPC), and absence of expression of both proteins in the remaining 41 cases.Conclusions-Expression of MDM-2 and p53 proteins may be associated with the level of tumour cell differentiation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Simultaneous expression of MDM-2/p53 in a proportion of UNPC suggests that MDM-2 protein may be responsible for stabilisation of p53 protein in these cases, in view of the previous demonstration of the p53 gene in germ line configuration. This could be important in the pathogenesis of these cases, since MDM-2 may deregulate the p53 dependent growth suppressive pathway. Discordant MDM-2-/p53 + expression in a few cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma may reflect stabilisation of p53 protein by other proteins, or p53 mutations unable to activate MDM-2.

New targets for the treatment of follicular lymphoma

The last two decades have witnessed striking advances in our understanding of the biological factors underlying the development of Follicular lymphoma (FL). Development of newer treatment approaches have improved the outlook for many individuals with these disorders; however, with these advances come new questions. Given the long-term survival of patients with FL, drugs with favourable side-effect profile and minimal long-term risks are desired. FL is incurable with current treatment modalities. It often runs an indolent course with multiple relapses and progressively shorter intervals of remission. The identification of new targets and development of novel targeted therapies is imperative to exploit the biology of FL while inherently preventing relapse and prolonging survival. This review summarizes the growing body of knowledge regarding novel therapeutic targets, enabling the concept of individualized targeted therapy for the treatment of FL.

Ensemble-based virtual screening reveals dual-inhibitors for the p53-MDM2/MDMX interactions

The p53 protein, a guardian of the genome, is inactivated by mutations or deletions in approximately half of human tumors. While in the rest of human tumors, p53 is expressed in wild-type form, yet it is inhibited by over-expression of its cellular regulators MDM2 and MDMX proteins. Although the p53-binding sites within the MDMX and MDM2 proteins are closely related, known MDM2 small-molecule inhibitors have been shown experimentally not to bind to its homolog, MDMX. As a result, the activity of these inhibitors including Nutlin3 is compromised in tumor cells over-expressing MDMX, preventing these compounds from fully activating the p53 protein. Here, we applied the relaxed complex scheme (RCS) to allow for the full receptor flexibility in screening for dual-inhibitors that can mutually antagonize the two p53-regulator proteins. First, we filtered the NCI diversity set, DrugBank compounds and a derivative library for MDM2-inhibitors against 28 dominant MDM2-conformations. Then, we screened the MDM2 top hits against the binding site of p53 within the MDMX target. Results described herein identify a set of compounds that have been computationally predicted to ultimately activate the p53 pathway in tumor cells retaining the wild-type protein.