201
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Winkler M, Friedrich J, Boedicker C, Dolgikh N. Co-targeting MCL-1 and ERK1/2 kinase induces mitochondrial apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Transl Oncol 2022; 16:101313. [PMID: 34906889 PMCID: PMC8681038 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS/MEK/ERK genetic axis is commonly altered in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), indicating high activity of downstream effector ERK1/2 kinase. Previously, we have demonstrated that inhibition of the RAS/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in RMS is insufficient to induce cell death due to residual pro-survival MCL-1 activity. Here, we show that the combination of ERK1/2 inhibitor Ulixertinib and MCL-1 inhibitor S63845 is highly synergistic and induces apoptotic cell death in RMS in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, Ulixertinib/S63845 co-treatment suppresses long-term survival of RMS cells, induces rapid caspase activation and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Mechanistically, Ulixertinib-mediated upregulation of BIM and BMF in combination with MCL-1 inhibition by S63845 shifts the balance of BCL-2 proteins towards a pro-apoptotic state resulting in apoptosis induction. A genetic silencing approach reveals that BIM, BMF, BAK and BAX are all required for Ulixertinib/S63845-induced apoptosis. Overexpression of BCL-2 rescues cell death triggered by Ulixertinib/S63845 co-treatment, confirming that combined inhibition of ERK1/2 and MCL-1 effectively induces cell death of RMS cells via the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Thus, this study is the first to demonstrate the cytotoxic potency of co-inhibition of ERK1/2 and MCL-1 for RMS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Winkler
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstr. 3a, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juliane Friedrich
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstr. 3a, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Cathinka Boedicker
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstr. 3a, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nadezda Dolgikh
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstr. 3a, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany.
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202
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of hydantoin derivatives as Mcl-1 selective inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2022; 121:105643. [PMID: 35150958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As a member of Bcl-2 protein family, myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) plays a critical role in cell apoptosis and has become a promising anti-cancer drug target. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of hydantoin derivatives as novel Mcl-1 inhibitors based on our previously developed lead compound. Among them, compound M23 and M24 exhibited good binding affinities against Mcl-1 with Ki values of 0.49 μM and 0.33 μM respectively. Especially, compound M23 exhibited good selectivity over Bcl-xL, whereas compound M24 possessed good selectivity over both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Furthermore, we also investigated the effects of these new Mcl-1 inhibitors on cell proliferation, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as the stability in plasma.
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203
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Seyfried F, Stirnweiß FU, Niedermayer A, Enzenmüller S, Hörl RL, Münch V, Köhrer S, Debatin KM, Meyer LH. Synergistic activity of combined inhibition of anti-apoptotic molecules in B-cell precursor ALL. Leukemia 2022; 36:901-912. [PMID: 35031695 PMCID: PMC8979822 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01502-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Targeting BCL-2, a key regulator of survival in B-cell malignancies including precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has become a promising treatment strategy. However, given the redundancy of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1), single targeting may not be sufficient. When analyzing the effects of BH3-mimetics selectively targeting BCL-XL and MCL-1 alone or in combination with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, heterogeneous sensitivity to either of these inhibitors was found in ALL cell lines and in patient-derived xenografts. Interestingly, some venetoclax-resistant leukemias were sensitive to the MCL-1-selective antagonist S63845 and/or BCL-XL-selective A-1331852 suggesting functional mutual substitution. Consequently, co-inhibition of BCL-2 and MCL-1 or BCL-XL resulted in synergistic apoptosis induction. Functional analysis by BH3-profiling and analysis of protein complexes revealed that venetoclax-treated ALL cells are dependent on MCL-1 and BCL-XL, indicating that MCL-1 or BCL-XL provide an Achilles heel in BCL-2-inhibited cells. The effect of combining BCL-2 and MCL-1 inhibition by venetoclax and S63845 was evaluated in vivo and strongly enhanced anti-leukemia activity was found in a pre-clinical patient-derived xenograft model. Our study offers in-depth molecular analysis of mutual substitution of BCL-2 family proteins in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and provides targets for combination treatment in vivo and in ongoing clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Seyfried
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Felix Uli Stirnweiß
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.,International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexandra Niedermayer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.,International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Enzenmüller
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rebecca Louise Hörl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vera Münch
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Köhrer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.,St. Anna Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus-Michael Debatin
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lüder Hinrich Meyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
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204
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Särchen V, Shanmugalingam S, Kehr S, Reindl LM, Greze V, Wiedemann S, Boedicker C, Jacob M, Bankov K, Becker N, Wehner S, Theilen TM, Gretser S, Gradhand E, Kummerow C, Ullrich E, Vogler M. Pediatric multicellular tumor spheroid models illustrate a therapeutic potential by combining BH3 mimetics with Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:11. [PMID: 35013156 PMCID: PMC8748928 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00812-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The induction of apoptosis is a direct way to eliminate tumor cells and improve cancer therapy. Apoptosis is tightly controlled by the balance of pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. BH3 mimetics neutralize the antiapoptotic function of Bcl-2 proteins and are highly promising compounds inducing apoptosis in several cancer entities including pediatric malignancies. However, the clinical application of BH3 mimetics in solid tumors is impeded by the frequent resistance to single BH3 mimetics and the anticipated toxicity of high concentrations or combination treatments. One potential avenue to increase the potency of BH3 mimetics is the development of immune cell-based therapies to counteract the intrinsic apoptosis resistance of tumor cells and sensitize them to immune attack. Here, we describe spheroid cultures of pediatric cancer cells that can serve as models for drug testing. In these 3D models, we were able to demonstrate that activated allogeneic Natural Killer (NK) cells migrated into tumor spheroids and displayed cytotoxicity against a wide range of pediatric cancer spheroids, highlighting their potential as anti-tumor effector cells. Next, we investigated whether treatment of tumor spheroids with subtoxic concentrations of BH3 mimetics can increase the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Notably, the cytotoxic effects of NK cells were enhanced by the addition of BH3 mimetics. Treatment with either the Bcl-XL inhibitor A1331852 or the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells and reduced spheroid size, while the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199 had no effect on NK cell-mediated killing. Taken together, this is the first study to describe the combination of BH3 mimetics targeting Bcl-XL or Mcl-1 with NK cell-based immunotherapy, highlighting the potential of BH3 mimetics in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinzenz Särchen
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Senthan Shanmugalingam
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sarah Kehr
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Reindl
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Victoria Greze
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sara Wiedemann
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Cathinka Boedicker
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maureen Jacob
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katrin Bankov
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nina Becker
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sibylle Wehner
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Till M Theilen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen Gretser
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Carsten Kummerow
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Meike Vogler
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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205
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Kawiak A, Kostecka A. Regulation of Bcl-2 Family Proteins in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer and Their Implications in Endocrine Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:279. [PMID: 35053443 PMCID: PMC8773933 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer accounts for around two-thirds of breast cancer occurrences, with endocrine therapy serving as first-line therapy in most cases. Targeting estrogen signaling pathways, which play a central role in regulating ER+ breast cell proliferation and survival, has proven to improve patient outcomes. However, despite the undeniable advantages of endocrine therapy, a subset of breast cancer patients develop acquired or intrinsic resistance to ER-targeting agents, limiting their efficacy. The activation of downstream ER signaling pathways upregulates pro-survival mechanisms that have been shown to influence the response of cells to endocrine therapy. The Bcl-2 family proteins play a central role in cell death regulation and have been shown to contribute to endocrine therapy resistance, supporting the survival of breast cancer cells and enhancing cell death evasion. Due to the overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in ER-positive breast cancer, the role of these proteins as potential targets in hormone-responsive breast cancer is growing in interest. In particular, recent advances in the development of BH3 mimetics have enabled their evaluation in preclinical studies with ER+ breast cancer models, and BH3 mimetics have entered early ER+ breast cancer clinical trials. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins in ER+ breast cancer. Furthermore, an overview of recent advances in research regarding the efficacy of BH3 mimetics in ER+ breast cancer has been provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kawiak
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Kostecka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdansk, Poland;
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206
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Wang AM, Qiu R, Zhang D, Zhao XY. Therapeutic effects of an innovative BS-HH-002 drug on pancreatic cancer cells via induction of complete MCL-1 degradation. Transl Oncol 2022; 15:101288. [PMID: 34847421 PMCID: PMC8633684 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BS-HH-002 is a newly developed drug with excellent antitumor activity, which resulted from the modification and optimization of the side structure of the homoharringtonine (HHT). It is particularly efficient in treatment for acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Here we tested whether BS-HH-002 also had anti-cancer effects on solid tumors, especially pancreatic cancer. The results showed that BS-HH-002 treatment resulted in the complete degradation of the anti-apoptosis protein MCL-1, thereby inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. In contrast, BCL-2 and BCL-XL protein levels were still detected in apoptotic cells. Further, we compared HHT and BS-HH-002 in terms of PK and heart toxicity in animals. Compared to HHT, BS-HH-002 quickly reached high blood concentration after intravenous injection or oral administration, without causing obvious cardiac toxicity. These results indicate that BS-HH-002 is a promising new anti-cancer drug to treat pancreatic and other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Min Wang
- Bensheng Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Room 102, 131 Kaiqing Road, East Zhangjiang, Pudong, Shanghai 201201, China.
| | - Ru Qiu
- Bensheng Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Room 102, 131 Kaiqing Road, East Zhangjiang, Pudong, Shanghai 201201, China.
| | - Duo Zhang
- Bensheng Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Room 102, 131 Kaiqing Road, East Zhangjiang, Pudong, Shanghai 201201, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhao
- Bensheng Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Room 102, 131 Kaiqing Road, East Zhangjiang, Pudong, Shanghai 201201, China.
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207
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Klanova M, Kazantsev D, Pokorna E, Zikmund T, Karolova J, Behounek M, Renesova N, Sovilj D, Kelemen CD, Helman K, Jaksa R, Havranek O, Andera L, Trneny M, Klener P. Anti-apoptotic MCL1 Protein Represents Critical Survival Molecule for Most Burkitt Lymphomas and BCL2-negative Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:89-99. [PMID: 34728569 PMCID: PMC9398137 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The pro-survival MCL1 protein is overexpressed in many cancers, including B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL). S63845 is a highly specific inhibitor of MCL1. We analyzed mechanisms of sensitivity/resistance to S63845 in preclinical models of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt lymphoma. Annexin V-based cytotoxic assays, Western blot analysis, protein co-immunoprecipitation, and cell clones with manipulated expression of BCL2 family proteins were used to analyze mechanisms of sensitivity to S63845. Experimental in vivo therapy with S63845 and/or venetoclax was performed using patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of treatment-refractory B-NHL. A subset of DLBCL and majority of Burkitt lymphoma cell lines were sensitive to S63845. The level of BCL2 protein expression was the major determinant of resistance to S63845: BCL2 serves as a buffer for pro-apoptotic proteins released from MCL1 upon exposure to S63845. While BCL2-negative lymphomas were effectively eliminated by single-agent S63845, its combination with venetoclax was synthetically lethal in BCL2-positive PDX models. Concerning MCL1, both, the level of MCL1 protein expression, and its occupational status represent key factors mediating sensitivity to S63845. In contrast to MCL1-BIM/BAK1 complexes that prime lymphoma cells for S63845-mediated apoptosis, MCL1-NOXA complexes are associated with S63845 resistance. In conclusion, MCL1 represents a critical survival molecule for most Burkitt lymphomas and a subset of BCL2-negative DLBCLs. The level of BCL2 and MCL1 expression and occupational status of MCL1 belong to the key modulators of sensitivity/resistance to S63845. Co-treatment with venetoclax can overcome BCL2-mediated resistance to S63845, and enhance efficacy of MCL1 inhibitors in BCL2-positive aggressive B-NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Klanova
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,First Department of Medicine-Department of Hematology, Charles University General Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dmitry Kazantsev
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Pokorna
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Zikmund
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Epigenetics and Stem cells, Helmholtz Centre Munich, Germany
| | - Jana Karolova
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,First Department of Medicine-Department of Hematology, Charles University General Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Behounek
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nicol Renesova
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Sovilj
- Institute of Biotechnology CAS/BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | | | - Karel Helman
- Prague University of Economics and Business, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Jaksa
- Institute of Pathology, Charles University General Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Havranek
- First Department of Medicine-Department of Hematology, Charles University General Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Andera
- Institute of Biotechnology CAS/BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.,Institute of Molecular Genetics CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Trneny
- First Department of Medicine-Department of Hematology, Charles University General Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Klener
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,First Department of Medicine-Department of Hematology, Charles University General Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,Corresponding Author: Pavel Klener, Institute of Pathological Physiology and First Department of Medicine-Hematology, Charles University General Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, U Nemocnice 5, Prague 12853, Czech Republic. Phone: 4202-2496-5933; E-mail:
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208
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Diepstraten ST, Anderson MA, Czabotar PE, Lessene G, Strasser A, Kelly GL. The manipulation of apoptosis for cancer therapy using BH3-mimetic drugs. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:45-64. [PMID: 34663943 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is regulated by the balance between prosurvival and proapoptotic BCL-2 protein family members. Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer that arises when this balance is tipped in favour of survival. One form of anticancer therapeutic, termed 'BH3-mimetic drugs', has been developed to directly activate the apoptosis machinery in malignant cells. These drugs bind to and inhibit specific prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins, thereby mimicking their interaction with the BH3 domains of proapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. The BCL-2-specific inhibitor venetoclax is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and many regulatory authorities worldwide for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia. BH3-mimetic drugs targeting other BCL-2 prosurvival proteins have been tested in preclinical models of cancer, and drugs targeting MCL-1 or BCL-XL have advanced into phase I clinical trials for certain cancers. As with all therapeutics, efficacy and tolerability need to be carefully balanced to achieve a therapeutic window whereby there is significant anticancer activity with an acceptable safety profile. In this Review, we outline the current state of BH3-mimetic drugs targeting various prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins and discuss emerging data regarding primary and acquired resistance to these agents and approaches that may overcome this. We highlight issues that need to be addressed to further advance the clinical application of BH3-mimetic drugs, both alone and in combination with additional anticancer agents (for example, standard chemotherapeutic drugs or inhibitors of oncogenic kinases), for improved responses in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Diepstraten
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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209
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Computational design of an apoptogenic protein that binds BCL-xL and MCL-1 simultaneously and potently. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:3019-3029. [PMID: 35782728 PMCID: PMC9218148 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is their ability to evade apoptosis, which confers survival advantages and resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Cancers often exhibit overexpression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins, the loss of which triggers apoptosis. In particular, the inhibition of both BCL-xL and MCL-1, but neither one individually, synergistically enhances apoptotic cell death. Here, we report computational design to produce a protein that inhibits both BCL-xL and MCL-1 simultaneously. To a reported artificial three-helix bundle whose second helix was designed to bind MCL-1, we added a fourth helix and designed it to bind BCL-xL. After structural validation of the design and further structure-based sequence design, we produced a dual-binding protein that interacts with both BCL-xL and MCL-1 with apparent dissociation constants of 820 pM and 196 pM, respectively. Expression of this dual binder in a subset of cancer cells induced apoptotic cell death at levels significantly higher than those induced by the pro-apoptotic BIM protein. With a genetic fusion of a mitochondria-targeting sequence or the BH3 sequence of BIM, the activity of the dual binder was enhanced even further. These data suggest that targeted delivery of this dual binder alone or as a part of a modular protein to cancers in the form of protein, mRNA, or DNA may be an effective way to induce cancer cell apoptosis.
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210
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Fu D, Pfannenstiel L, Demelash A, Phoon YP, Mayell C, Cabrera C, Liu C, Zhao J, Dermawan J, Patil D, DeVecchio J, Kalady M, Souers AJ, Phillips DC, Li X, Gastman B. MCL1 nuclear translocation induces chemoresistance in colorectal carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:63. [PMID: 35042842 PMCID: PMC8766550 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer. Myeloid Cell Leukemia 1 (MCL1), a pro-survival member of the Bcl-2 protein family is associated with chemo-resistance in CRC. The ability of MCL1 to inhibit apoptosis by binding to the BH3 domains of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members is a well-studied means by which this protein confers resistance to multiple anti-cancer therapies. We found that specific DNA damaging chemotherapies promote nuclear MCL1 translocation in CRC models. In p53null CRC, this process is associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, the mechanism of which is distinct from the classical mitochondrial protection. We previously reported that MCL1 has a noncanonical chemoresistance capability, which requires a novel loop domain that is distinct from the BH3-binding domain associated with anti-apoptotic function. Herein we disclose that upon treatment with specific DNA-damaging chemotherapy, this loop domain binds directly to alpha-enolase which in turn binds to calmodulin; we further show these protein−protein interactions are critical in MCL1’s nuclear import and chemoresistance. We additionally observed that in chemotherapy-treated p53−/− CRC models, MCL1 nuclear translocation confers sensitivity to Bcl-xL inhibitors, which has significant translational relevance given the co-expression of these proteins in CRC patient samples. Together these findings indicate that chemotherapy-induced MCL1 translocation represents a novel resistance mechanism in CRC, while also exposing an inherent and targetable Bcl-xL co-dependency in these cancers. The combination of chemotherapy and Bcl-xL inhibitors may thus represent a rational means of treating p53−/− CRC via exploitation of this unique MCL1-based chemoresistance mechanism.
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211
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Anisman H, Kusnecov AW. Cancer therapies: Caveats, concerns, and momentum. Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91904-3.00001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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212
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Gangoda L, Schenk RL, Best SA, Nedeva C, Louis C, D’Silva DB, Fairfax K, Jarnicki AG, Puthalakath H, Sutherland KD, Strasser A, Herold MJ. Absence of pro-survival A1 has no impact on inflammatory cell survival in vivo during acute lung inflammation and peritonitis. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:96-104. [PMID: 34304242 PMCID: PMC8738744 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00839-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a natural defence mechanism of the body to protect against pathogens. It is induced by immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, which are rapidly recruited to the site of infection, mediating host defence. The processes for eliminating inflammatory cells after pathogen clearance are critical in preventing sustained inflammation, which can instigate diverse pathologies. During chronic inflammation, the excessive and uncontrollable activity of the immune system can cause extensive tissue damage. New therapies aimed at preventing this over-activity of the immune system could have major clinical benefits. Here, we investigated the role of the pro-survival Bcl-2 family member A1 in the survival of inflammatory cells under normal and inflammatory conditions using murine models of lung and peritoneal inflammation. Despite the robust upregulation of A1 protein levels in wild-type cells upon induction of inflammation, the survival of inflammatory cells was not impacted in A1-deficient mice compared to wild-type controls. These findings indicate that A1 does not play a major role in immune cell homoeostasis during inflammation and therefore does not constitute an attractive therapeutic target for such morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lahiru Gangoda
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Robyn L. Schenk
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Sarah A. Best
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Christina Nedeva
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Cynthia Louis
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Damian B. D’Silva
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Kirsten Fairfax
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1009.80000 0004 1936 826XMenzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS Australia
| | - Andrew G. Jarnicki
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Hamsa Puthalakath
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Kate D. Sutherland
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Marco J. Herold
- grid.1042.7The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Melbourne, VIC Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
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Senichkin VV, Pervushin NV, Zamaraev AV, Sazonova EV, Zuev AP, Streletskaia AY, Prikazchikova TA, Zatsepin TS, Kovaleva OV, Tchevkina EM, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. Bak and Bcl-xL Participate in Regulating Sensitivity of Solid Tumor Derived Cell Lines to Mcl-1 Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010181. [PMID: 35008345 PMCID: PMC8750033 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Apoptosis is one of the best-known types of programmed cell death. This process is regulated by a number of genes and proteins, among which the Bcl-2 protein family plays a key role. This family includes anti- and proapoptotic proteins. Cancer cell resistance to apoptosis is commonly associated with overexpression of the antiapoptotic members of Bcl-2 family proteins, in particular, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1. Subsequently, these proteins represent perspective targets for anticancer therapy. Here, using an inhibitory approach, we found that Bak and Bcl-xL regulate sensitivity of cancer cells to Mcl-1 inhibition. Abstract BH3 mimetics represent a promising tool in cancer treatment. Recently, the drugs targeting the Mcl-1 protein progressed into clinical trials, and numerous studies are focused on the investigation of their activity in various preclinical models. We investigated two BH3 mimetics to Mcl-1, A1210477 and S63845, and found their different efficacies in on-target doses, despite the fact that both agents interacted with the target. Thus, S63845 induced apoptosis more effectively through a Bak-dependent mechanism. There was an increase in the level of Bcl-xL protein in cells with acquired resistance to Mcl-1 inhibition. Cell lines sensitive to S63845 demonstrated low expression of Bcl-xL. Tumor tissues from patients with lung adenocarcinoma were characterized by decreased Bcl-xL and increased Bak levels of both mRNA and proteins. Concomitant inhibition of Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 demonstrated dramatic cytotoxicity in six of seven studied cell lines. We proposed that co-targeting Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 might lead to a release of Bak, which cannot be neutralized by other anti-apoptotic proteins. Surprisingly, in Bak-knockout cells, inhibition of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL still resulted in pronounced cell death, arguing against a sole role of Bak in the studied phenomenon. We demonstrate that Bak and Bcl-xL are co-factors for, respectively, sensitivity and resistance to Mcl-1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viacheslav V. Senichkin
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.S.); (N.V.P.); (A.V.Z.); (E.V.S.); (A.P.Z.); (A.Y.S.)
| | - Nikolay V. Pervushin
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.S.); (N.V.P.); (A.V.Z.); (E.V.S.); (A.P.Z.); (A.Y.S.)
| | - Alexey V. Zamaraev
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.S.); (N.V.P.); (A.V.Z.); (E.V.S.); (A.P.Z.); (A.Y.S.)
| | - Elena V. Sazonova
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.S.); (N.V.P.); (A.V.Z.); (E.V.S.); (A.P.Z.); (A.Y.S.)
| | - Anton P. Zuev
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.S.); (N.V.P.); (A.V.Z.); (E.V.S.); (A.P.Z.); (A.Y.S.)
| | - Alena Y. Streletskaia
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.S.); (N.V.P.); (A.V.Z.); (E.V.S.); (A.P.Z.); (A.Y.S.)
| | | | - Timofei S. Zatsepin
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Skolkovo, Russia; (T.A.P.); (T.S.Z.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Kovaleva
- NN Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncogenes Regulation, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (O.V.K.); (E.M.T.)
| | - Elena M. Tchevkina
- NN Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncogenes Regulation, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (O.V.K.); (E.M.T.)
| | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.S.); (N.V.P.); (A.V.Z.); (E.V.S.); (A.P.Z.); (A.Y.S.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (G.S.K.)
| | - Gelina S. Kopeina
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.S.); (N.V.P.); (A.V.Z.); (E.V.S.); (A.P.Z.); (A.Y.S.)
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (G.S.K.)
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Westaby D, Jimenez-Vacas JM, Padilha A, Varkaris A, Balk SP, de Bono JS, Sharp A. Targeting the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway: A Window of Opportunity for Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:51. [PMID: 35008216 PMCID: PMC8750516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major improvements in the management of advanced prostate cancer over the last 20 years, the disease remains invariably fatal, and new effective therapies are required. The development of novel hormonal agents and taxane chemotherapy has improved outcomes, although primary and acquired resistance remains problematic. Inducing cancer cell death via apoptosis has long been an attractive goal in the treatment of cancer. Apoptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is a highly controlled process, split into two main pathways (intrinsic and extrinsic), and is stimulated by a multitude of factors, including cellular and genotoxic stress. Numerous therapeutic strategies targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway are in clinical development, and BH3 mimetics have shown promising efficacy for hematological malignancies. Utilizing these agents for solid malignancies has proved more challenging, though efforts are ongoing. Molecular characterization and the development of predictive biomarkers is likely to be critical for patient selection, by identifying tumors with a vulnerability in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This review provides an up-to-date overview of cell death and apoptosis, specifically focusing on the intrinsic pathway. It summarizes the latest approaches for targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway with BH3 mimetics and discusses how these strategies may be leveraged to treat prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Westaby
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London SM2 5PT, UK
| | - Juan M. Jimenez-Vacas
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
| | - Ana Padilha
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
| | - Andreas Varkaris
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (A.V.); (S.P.B.)
| | - Steven P. Balk
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (A.V.); (S.P.B.)
| | - Johann S. de Bono
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London SM2 5PT, UK
| | - Adam Sharp
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK; (D.W.); (J.M.J.-V.); (A.P.) (J.S.d.B.)
- Prostate Cancer Targeted Therapy Group, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London SM2 5PT, UK
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215
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Selective BH3 mimetics synergize with BET inhibition to induce mitochondrial apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Neoplasia 2021; 24:109-119. [PMID: 34959030 PMCID: PMC8718565 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Co-inhibition of BET proteins and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins induces apoptosis in RMS. JQ1 and BH3-mimetics synergistically induce cell death in RMS. Cell death is caspase-dependent and displays hallmarks of intrinsic apoptosis. JQ1/A-1331852-mediated apoptosis is dependent on BIM and NOXA. JQ1/S638450-mediated apoptosis is dependent on BIM but not NOXA.
BH3 mimetics are promising novel anticancer therapeutics. By selectively inhibiting BCL-2, BCL-xL, or MCL-1 (i.e. ABT-199, A-1331852, S63845) they shift the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins in favor of apoptosis. As Bromodomain and Extra Terminal (BET) protein inhibitors promote pro-apoptotic rebalancing, we evaluated the potential of the BET inhibitor JQ1 in combination with ABT-199, A-1331852 or S63845 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells. The strongest synergistic interaction was identified for JQ1/A-1331852 and JQ1/S63845 co-treatment, which reduced cell viability and long-term clonogenic survival. Mechanistic studies revealed that JQ1 upregulated BIM and NOXA accompanied by downregulation of BCL-xL, promoting pro-apoptotic rebalancing of BCL-2 proteins. JQ1/A-1331852 and JQ1/S63845 co-treatment enhanced this pro-apoptotic rebalancing and triggered BAK- and BAX-dependent apoptosis since a) genetic silencing of BIM, BAK or BAX, b) inhibition of caspase activity with zVAD.fmk and c) overexpression of BCL-2 all rescued JQ1/A-1331852- and JQ1/S63845-induced cell death. Interestingly, NOXA played a different role in both treatments, as genetic silencing of NOXA significantly rescued from JQ1/A-1331852-mediated apoptosis but not from JQ1/S63845-mediated apoptosis. In summary, JQ1/A-1331852 and JQ1/S63845 co-treatment represent new promising therapeutic strategies to synergistically trigger mitochondrial apoptosis in RMS.
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216
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Karbon G, Haschka MD, Hackl H, Soratroi C, Rocamora-Reverte L, Parson W, Fiegl H, Villunger A. The BH3-only protein NOXA serves as an independent predictor of breast cancer patient survival and defines susceptibility to microtubule targeting agents. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1151. [PMID: 34903710 PMCID: PMC8668920 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04415-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) treatment frequently involves microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs), such as paclitaxel, that arrest cells in mitosis. Sensitivity to MTAs is defined by a subset of pro- and anti-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins controlling mitochondrial apoptosis. Here, we aimed to determine their prognostic value in primary tumour samples from 92 BC patients. Our analysis identified high NOXA/PMAIP mRNA expression levels as an independent prognostic marker for improved relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis in BC patients, independent of their molecular subtype. Analysis of available TCGA datasets of 1060 BC patients confirmed our results and added a clear predictive value of NOXA mRNA levels for patients who received MTA-based therapy. In this TCGA cohort, 122 patients received MTA-treatment and high NOXA mRNA levels correlated with their progression-free interval (PFI) and OS. Our follow-up analyses in a panel of BC cell lines of different molecular subtypes identified NOXA protein expression as a key determinant of paclitaxel sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Moreover, we noted highest additive effects between paclitaxel and chemical inhibition of BCLX, but not BCL2 or MCL1, documenting dependence of TNBC cells on BCLX for survival and paclitaxel sensitivity defined by NOXA expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde Karbon
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel D Haschka
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Insitute for Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudia Soratroi
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lourdes Rocamora-Reverte
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heidelinde Fiegl
- Department for Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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217
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Ramesh P, Lannagan TRM, Jackstadt R, Atencia Taboada L, Lansu N, Wirapati P, van Hooff SR, Dekker D, Pritchard J, Kirov AB, van Neerven SM, Tejpar S, Kops GJPL, Sansom OJ, Medema JP. BCL-XL is crucial for progression through the adenoma-to-carcinoma sequence of colorectal cancer. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:3282-3296. [PMID: 34117376 PMCID: PMC8630104 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00816-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer, which is frequently mediated by upregulation of the antiapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. In colorectal cancer (CRC), previous work has highlighted differential antiapoptotic protein dependencies determined by the stage of the disease. While intestinal stem cells (ISCs) require BCL-2 for adenoma outgrowth and survival during transformation, ISC-specific MCL1 deletion results in disturbed intestinal homeostasis, eventually contributing to tumorigenesis. Colon cancer stem cells (CSCs), however, no longer require BCL-2 and depend mainly on BCL-XL for their survival. We therefore hypothesized that a shift in antiapoptotic protein reliance occurs in ISCs as the disease progresses from normal to adenoma to carcinoma. By targeting antiapoptotic proteins with specific BH3 mimetics in organoid models of CRC progression, we found that BCL-2 is essential only during ISC transformation while MCL1 inhibition did not affect adenoma outgrowth. BCL-XL, on the other hand, was crucial for stem cell survival throughout the adenoma-to-carcinoma sequence. Furthermore, we identified that the limited window of BCL-2 reliance is a result of its downregulation by miR-17-5p, a microRNA that is upregulated upon APC-mutation driven transformation. Here we show that BCL-XL inhibition effectively impairs adenoma outgrowth in vivo and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy. In line with this dependency, expression of BCL-XL, but not BCL-2 or MCL1, directly correlated to the outcome of chemotherapy-treated CRC patients. Our results provide insights to enable the rational use of BH3 mimetics in CRC management, particularly underlining the therapeutic potential of BCL-XL targeting mimetics in both early and late-stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanthi Ramesh
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, AmsterdamUMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rene Jackstadt
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Lidia Atencia Taboada
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, AmsterdamUMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nico Lansu
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sander R van Hooff
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, AmsterdamUMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle Dekker
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, AmsterdamUMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica Pritchard
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, AmsterdamUMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aleksandar B Kirov
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, AmsterdamUMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne M van Neerven
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, AmsterdamUMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Tejpar
- Molecular Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert J P L Kops
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, AmsterdamUMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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218
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Aksenova AY, Zhuk AS, Lada AG, Zotova IV, Stepchenkova EI, Kostroma II, Gritsaev SV, Pavlov YI. Genome Instability in Multiple Myeloma: Facts and Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5949. [PMID: 34885058 PMCID: PMC8656811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of terminally differentiated immunoglobulin-producing B lymphocytes called plasma cells. MM is the second most common hematologic malignancy, and it poses a heavy economic and social burden because it remains incurable and confers a profound disability to patients. Despite current progress in MM treatment, the disease invariably recurs, even after the transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells (ASCT). Biological processes leading to a pathological myeloma clone and the mechanisms of further evolution of the disease are far from complete understanding. Genetically, MM is a complex disease that demonstrates a high level of heterogeneity. Myeloma genomes carry numerous genetic changes, including structural genome variations and chromosomal gains and losses, and these changes occur in combinations with point mutations affecting various cellular pathways, including genome maintenance. MM genome instability in its extreme is manifested in mutation kataegis and complex genomic rearrangements: chromothripsis, templated insertions, and chromoplexy. Chemotherapeutic agents used to treat MM add another level of complexity because many of them exacerbate genome instability. Genome abnormalities are driver events and deciphering their mechanisms will help understand the causes of MM and play a pivotal role in developing new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Y. Aksenova
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna S. Zhuk
- International Laboratory “Computer Technologies”, ITMO University, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Artem G. Lada
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Irina V. Zotova
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.V.Z.); (E.I.S.)
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, St. Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena I. Stepchenkova
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.V.Z.); (E.I.S.)
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, St. Petersburg Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ivan I. Kostroma
- Russian Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, 191024 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.I.K.); (S.V.G.)
| | - Sergey V. Gritsaev
- Russian Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, 191024 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.I.K.); (S.V.G.)
| | - Youri I. Pavlov
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Pathology, Genetics Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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219
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Lv D, Pal P, Liu X, Jia Y, Thummuri D, Zhang P, Hu W, Pei J, Zhang Q, Zhou S, Khan S, Zhang X, Hua N, Yang Q, Arango S, Zhang W, Nayak D, Olsen SK, Weintraub ST, Hromas R, Konopleva M, Yuan Y, Zheng G, Zhou D. Development of a BCL-xL and BCL-2 dual degrader with improved anti-leukemic activity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6896. [PMID: 34824248 PMCID: PMC8617031 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as an innovative drug development platform. However, most PROTACs have been generated empirically because many determinants of PROTAC specificity and activity remain elusive. Through computational modelling of the entire NEDD8-VHL Cullin RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRLVHL)/PROTAC/BCL-xL/UbcH5B(E2)-Ub/RBX1 complex, we find that this complex can only ubiquitinate the lysines in a defined band region on BCL-xL. Using this approach to guide our development of a series of ABT263-derived and VHL-recruiting PROTACs, we generate a potent BCL-xL and BCL-2 (BCL-xL/2) dual degrader with significantly improved antitumor activity against BCL-xL/2-dependent leukemia cells. Our results provide experimental evidence that the accessibility of lysines on a target protein plays an important role in determining the selectivity and potency of a PROTAC in inducing protein degradation, which may serve as a conceptual framework to guide the future development of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwen Lv
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Pratik Pal
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Xingui Liu
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Yannan Jia
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Dinesh Thummuri
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Wanyi Hu
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Jing Pei
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Shuo Zhou
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Sajid Khan
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Nan Hua
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Qingping Yang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Sebastian Arango
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Digant Nayak
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry & Structure Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA ,grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Mays Cancer Center, the Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Shaun K. Olsen
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry & Structure Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA ,grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Mays Cancer Center, the Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Susan T. Weintraub
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Department of Biochemistry & Structure Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Robert Hromas
- grid.267309.90000 0001 0629 5880Mays Cancer Center, the Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Yaxia Yuan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Bertram K, Leary PJ, Boudesco C, Fullin J, Stirm K, Dalal V, Zenz T, Tzankov A, Müller A. Inhibitors of Bcl-2 and Bruton's tyrosine kinase synergize to abrogate diffuse large B-cell lymphoma growth in vitro and in orthotopic xenotransplantation models. Leukemia 2021; 36:1035-1047. [PMID: 34795418 PMCID: PMC8979814 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01470-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Numerous targeted therapies have been developed for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, but the results of late-stage clinical trials were mostly disappointing and have led to very few new regulatory approvals. Here, we use single and combinatorial drug response profiling to show that the combined inhibition of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and of the tyrosine kinase BTK with the small molecules venetoclax and ibrutinib efficiently kills DLBCL cells in vitro. High Bcl-2 expression due to either BCL2 amplifications or translocations, in conjunction with chronic active BCR signaling accurately predict responses to dual Bcl-2/BTK inhibition. Orthotopic xenotransplantation and patient-derived xenograft models confirm that the combinatorial is superior to single-agent treatment in reducing the lymphoma burden. Combinatorial treatment further efficiently overcomes both primary and acquired resistance to venetoclax, which we could link to reduced expression of the Bcl-2 family members Bcl-XL and Bcl-2A1 under ibrutinib. We found in a Swiss DLBCL cohort that ~15% of patients are projected to respond to the venetoclax/ibrutinib combination based on their high Bcl-2 expression and nuclear NF-κB localization. Our data show that drug sensitivities exposed by drug response profiling can be attributed to specific mutational signatures and immunohistochemical biomarkers, and point to combined Bcl-2/BTK inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bertram
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter John Leary
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Boudesco
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Fullin
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kristin Stirm
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vineet Dalal
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Zenz
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Müller
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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221
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Müller D, Mazzeo P, Koch R, Bösherz MS, Welter S, von Hammerstein-Equord A, Hinterthaner M, Cordes L, Belharazem D, Marx A, Ströbel P, Küffer S. Functional apoptosis profiling identifies MCL-1 and BCL-xL as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in advanced thymomas and thymic carcinomas. BMC Med 2021; 19:300. [PMID: 34781947 PMCID: PMC8594228 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-omics studies have shown a high and lack of common driver mutations in most thymomas (TH) and thymic carcinomas (TC) that hamper the development of novel treatment approaches. However, deregulation of apoptosis has been proposed as a common hallmark of TH and TC. BH3 profiling can be utilized to study the readiness of living cancer cells to undergo apoptosis and their dependency on pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins. METHODS We screened a cohort of 62 TH and TC patient samples for expression of BCL-2 family proteins and used the TC cell line 1889c and native TH for dynamic BH3 profiling and treatment with BH3 mimetics. RESULTS Immunohistochemical overexpression of MCL-1 and BCL-xL was a strong prognostic marker of TH and TC, and BH3 profiling indicated a strong dependency on MCL-1 and BCL-xL in TH. Single inhibition of MCL-1 resulted in increased binding of BIM to BCL-xL as an escape mechanism that the combined inhibition of both factors could overcome. Indeed, the inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-xL in combination induced apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner in untreated and MCL-1-resistant 1889c cells. CONCLUSION TH and TC are exquisitely dependent on the pro-survival factors MCL-1 and BCL-xL, making them ideal candidates for co-inhibition by BH3 mimetics. Since TH show a heterogeneous dependency on BCL-2 family proteins, upfront BH3 profiling could select patients and tailor the optimal therapy with the least possible toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Müller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paolo Mazzeo
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raphael Koch
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mark-Sebastian Bösherz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Welter
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Lung Clinic Hemer, Hemer, Germany
| | | | - Marc Hinterthaner
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lucia Cordes
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Lung Clinic Hemer, Hemer, Germany
| | - Djeda Belharazem
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Stefan Küffer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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222
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Fleischmann M, Schnetzke U, Hochhaus A, Scholl S. Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Current Treatment Options and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5722. [PMID: 34830877 PMCID: PMC8616498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has improved in recent years and several new therapeutic options have been approved. Most of them include mutation-specific approaches (e.g., gilteritinib for AML patients with activating FLT3 mutations), or are restricted to such defined AML subgroups, such as AML-MRC (AML with myeloid-related changes) or therapy-related AML (CPX-351). With this review, we aim to present a comprehensive overview of current AML therapy according to the evolved spectrum of recently approved treatment strategies. We address several aspects of combined epigenetic therapy with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax and provide insight into mechanisms of resistance towards venetoclax-based regimens, and how primary or secondary resistance might be circumvented. Furthermore, a detailed overview on the current status of AML immunotherapy, describing promising concepts, is provided. This review focuses on clinically important aspects of current and future concepts of AML treatment, but will also present the molecular background of distinct targeted therapies, to understand the development and challenges of clinical trials ongoing in AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sebastian Scholl
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Abteilung Hämatologie und Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07740 Jena, Germany; (M.F.); (U.S.); (A.H.)
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223
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Bock FJ, Sedov E, Koren E, Koessinger AL, Cloix C, Zerbst D, Athineos D, Anand J, Campbell KJ, Blyth K, Fuchs Y, Tait SWG. Apoptotic stress-induced FGF signalling promotes non-cell autonomous resistance to cell death. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6572. [PMID: 34772930 PMCID: PMC8590049 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26613-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Damaged or superfluous cells are typically eliminated by apoptosis. Although apoptosis is a cell-autonomous process, apoptotic cells communicate with their environment in different ways. Here we describe a mechanism whereby cells under apoptotic stress can promote survival of neighbouring cells. We find that upon apoptotic stress, cells release the growth factor FGF2, leading to MEK-ERK-dependent transcriptional upregulation of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins in a non-cell autonomous manner. This transient upregulation of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins protects neighbouring cells from apoptosis. Accordingly, we find in certain cancer types a correlation between FGF-signalling, BCL-2 expression and worse prognosis. In vivo, upregulation of MCL-1 occurs in an FGF-dependent manner during skin repair, which regulates healing dynamics. Importantly, either co-treatment with FGF-receptor inhibitors or removal of apoptotic stress restores apoptotic sensitivity to cytotoxic therapy and delays wound healing. These data reveal a pathway by which cells under apoptotic stress can increase resistance to cell death in surrounding cells. Beyond mediating cytotoxic drug resistance, this process also provides a potential link between tissue damage and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian J Bock
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK.
- Department of Radiotherapy (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Egor Sedov
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Elle Koren
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Anna L Koessinger
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Catherine Cloix
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Désirée Zerbst
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Dimitris Athineos
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Jayanthi Anand
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Kirsteen J Campbell
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Yaron Fuchs
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK.
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Speir M, Chan AH, Simpson DS, Khan T, Saunders TL, Poon IK, Atkin-Smith GK. The Australasian Cell Death Society (ACDS): celebrating 50 years of Australasian cell death research. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 100:9-14. [PMID: 34761822 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Speir
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy H Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), IMB Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel S Simpson
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tashbib Khan
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tahnee L Saunders
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ivan Kh Poon
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Georgia K Atkin-Smith
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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225
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Townsend PA, Kozhevnikova MV, Cexus ONF, Zamyatnin AA, Soond SM. BH3-mimetics: recent developments in cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:355. [PMID: 34753495 PMCID: PMC8576916 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The hopeful outcomes from 30 years of research in BH3-mimetics have indeed served a number of solid paradigms for targeting intermediates from the apoptosis pathway in a variety of diseased states. Not only have such rational approaches in drug design yielded several key therapeutics, such outputs have also offered insights into the integrated mechanistic aspects of basic and clinical research at the genetics level for the future. In no other area of medical research have the effects of such work been felt, than in cancer research, through targeting the BAX-Bcl-2 protein-protein interactions. With these promising outputs in mind, several mimetics, and their potential therapeutic applications, have also been developed for several other pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and tissue fibrosis, thus highlighting the universal importance of the intrinsic arm of the apoptosis pathway and its input to general tissue homeostasis. Considering such recent developments, and in a field that has generated so much scientific interest, we take stock of how the broadening area of BH3-mimetics has developed and diversified, with a focus on their uses in single and combined cancer treatment regimens and recently explored therapeutic delivery methods that may aid the development of future therapeutics of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Townsend
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Maria V Kozhevnikova
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russian Federation
| | - Surinder M Soond
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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226
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Kou X, Ding H, Li L, Chao H. Caseinolytic protease P (CLPP) activated by ONC201 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in human epithelial ovarian cancer cells by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1463. [PMID: 34734015 PMCID: PMC8506775 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Caseinolytic protease P (CLPP) is a mitochondrial specific protein which has been reported to be related to tumor cell apoptosis. This study aims to explore the roles of CLPP in human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods We determined CLPP expression in paracancerous tissues and cancer tissues obtained from 20 EOC patients, and also in 4 EOC cell lines, and one normal ovarian cell line (IOSE-80). We knocked CLPP expression down in SK-OV-3 and A2780 cells and overexpressed it in SW626 and OVcar3 cells. The effect of CLPP expression on cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis was then assessed by flow cytometry assay. Furthermore, the effect of ONC201 (agonist of CLPP) on the EOC cell lines was also investigated. Results The CLPP expression was markedly down-regulated in EOC cancer tissues, and the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database revealed its low expression was linked to poor prognosis in EOC patients. Low expression of CLPP up-regulated the expression of NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A12 (NDUFA12), succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A (SDHA), and succinate dehydrogenase complex iron sulfur subunit B (SDHB), which are key members of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and these up-regulated proteins further led to the increase of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell proliferation promotion and neoplasm metastasis. Conversely, while overexpression of CLPP led to the opposite results, including inducing the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis. In addition, stimulation with ONC201 enhanced the function of CLPP in SW626 and OVcar3 cells, and silencing of CLPP could neutralize the effect of ONC201. Conclusions Our findings suggest that CLPP mediated mitochondrial dysfunction inhibits the proliferation and migration of EOC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Kou
- Department of Gynaecology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Gynaecology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Gynaecology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongtu Chao
- Department of Gynaecology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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227
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Lee EF, Fairlie WD. Discovery, development and application of drugs targeting BCL-2 pro-survival proteins in cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2381-2395. [PMID: 34515749 PMCID: PMC8589430 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of a new class of small molecule compounds that target the BCL-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins is one of the great success stories of basic science leading to translational outcomes in the last 30 years. The eponymous BCL-2 protein was identified over 30 years ago due to its association with cancer. However, it was the unveiling of the biochemistry and structural biology behind it and its close relatives' mechanism(s)-of-action that provided the inspiration for what are now known as 'BH3-mimetics', the first clinically approved drugs designed to specifically inhibit protein-protein interactions. Herein, we chart the history of how these drugs were discovered, their evolution and application in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erinna F. Lee
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - W. Douglas Fairlie
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
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228
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Targeting the BCL-2-regulated apoptotic pathway for the treatment of solid cancers. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2397-2410. [PMID: 34581776 PMCID: PMC8589438 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The deregulation of apoptosis is a key contributor to tumourigenesis as it can lead to the unwanted survival of rogue cells. Drugs known as the BH3-mimetics targeting the pro-survival members of the BCL-2 protein family to induce apoptosis in cancer cells have achieved clinical success for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, despite our increasing knowledge of the pro-survival factors mediating the unwanted survival of solid tumour cells, and our growing BH3-mimetics armamentarium, the application of BH3-mimetic therapy in solid cancers has not reached its full potential. This is mainly attributed to the need to identify clinically safe, yet effective, combination strategies to target the multiple pro-survival proteins that typically mediate the survival of solid tumours. In this review, we discuss current and exciting new developments in the field that has the potential to unleash the full power of BH3-mimetic therapy to treat currently recalcitrant solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Douglas Fairlie
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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229
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Ludwig LM, Hawley KM, Banks DB, Thomas-Toth AT, Blazar BR, McNerney ME, Leverson JD, LaBelle JL. Venetoclax imparts distinct cell death sensitivity and adaptivity patterns in T cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1005. [PMID: 34707089 PMCID: PMC8551340 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BH3 mimetics are increasingly used as anti-cancer therapeutics either alone or in conjunction with other chemotherapies. However, mounting evidence has also demonstrated that BH3 mimetics modulate varied amounts of apoptotic signaling in healthy immune populations. In order to maximize their clinical potential, it will be essential to understand how BH3 mimetics affect discrete immune populations and to determine how BH3 mimetic pressure causes immune system adaptation. Here we focus on the BCL-2 specific inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199) and its effects following short-term and long-term BCL-2 blockade on T cell subsets. Seven day "short-term" ex vivo and in vivo BCL-2 inhibition led to divergent cell death sensitivity patterns in CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and Tregs resulting in shifting of global T cell populations towards a more memory T cell state with increased expression of BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1. However, twenty-eight day "long-term" BCL-2 blockade following T cell-depleted bone marrow transplantation did not lead to changes in the global T cell landscape. Despite the lack of changes in T cell proportions, animals treated with venetoclax developed CD8+ and CD4+ T cells with high levels of BCL-2 and were more resistant to apoptotic stimuli following expansion post-transplant. Further, we demonstrate through RNA profiling that T cells adapt while under BCL-2 blockade post-transplant and develop a more activated genotype. Taken together, these data emphasize the importance of evaluating how BH3 mimetics affect the immune system in different treatment modalities and disease contexts and suggest that venetoclax should be further explored as an immunomodulatory compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M. Ludwig
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Katrina M. Hawley
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - David B. Banks
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Anika T. Thomas-Toth
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Megan E. McNerney
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Joel D. Leverson
- grid.431072.30000 0004 0572 4227AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL USA
| | - James L. LaBelle
- grid.170205.10000 0004 1936 7822Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
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230
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Yakymiv Y, Augeri S, Bracci C, Marchisio S, Aydin S, D'Ardia S, Massaia M, Ferrero E, Ortolan E, Funaro A. CD157 signaling promotes survival of acute myeloid leukemia cells and modulates sensitivity to cytarabine through regulation of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21230. [PMID: 34707185 PMCID: PMC8551154 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00733-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CD157/BST-1 (a member of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase family) is expressed at variable levels in 97% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and is currently under investigation as a target for antibody-based immunotherapy. We used peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from patients with AML to analyse the impact of CD157-directed antibodies in AML survival and in response to cytarabine (AraC) ex vivo. The study was extended to the U937, THP1 and OCI-AML3 AML cell lines of which we engineered CD157-low versions by shRNA knockdown. CD157-targeting antibodies enhanced survival, decreased apoptosis and reduced AraC toxicity in AML blasts and cell lines. CD157 signaling activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways and increased expression of Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL anti-apoptotic proteins, while decreasing expression of Bax pro-apoptotic protein, thus preventing Caspase-3 activation. The primary CD157-mediated anti-apoptotic mechanism was Bak sequestration by Mcl-1. Indeed, the Mcl-1-specific inhibitor S63845 restored apoptosis by disrupting the interaction of Mcl-1 with Bim and Bak and significantly increased AraC toxicity in CD157-high but not in CD157-low AML cells. This study provides a new role for CD157 in AML cell survival, and indicates a potential role of CD157 as a predictive marker of response to therapies exploiting Mcl-1 pharmacological inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Yakymiv
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Santena 19, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Augeri
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Santena 19, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bracci
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Santena 19, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Marchisio
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Santena 19, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Semra Aydin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immuno-Oncology and Rheumatology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefano D'Ardia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Presidio Molinette, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Enza Ferrero
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Santena 19, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Erika Ortolan
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Santena 19, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Ada Funaro
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Santena 19, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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231
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Paysant H, Hedir S, Justaud F, Weiswald LB, El Dine AN, Soulieman A, Hachem A, Elie N, Brotin E, Denoyelle C, Bignon J, Roussi F, Jouanne M, Tasseau O, Roisnel T, Voisin-Chiret AS, Grée R, Levoin N, Poulain L. Structural revision of the Mcl-1 inhibitor MIM1: synthesis and biological studies on ovarian cancer cells with evaluation of designed analogues. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:8968-8987. [PMID: 34596646 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob01521d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the area of cancer research, the development of new and potent inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins is a very active and promising topic. The small molecule MIM1 has been reported earlier as one of the first selective inhibitors of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1. In the present paper, we first revised the structure of this molecule based on extensive physicochemical analyses. Then we designed and synthesized a focused library of analogues for the corrected structure of MIM1. Next, these molecules were subjected to a panel of in cellulo biological studies, allowing the identification of dual Bcl-xL/Mcl-1 inhibitors, as well as selective Mcl-1 inhibitors. These results have been complemented by fluorescence polarization assays with the Mcl-1 protein. Preliminary structure-activity relationships were discussed and extensive molecular modelling studies allowed us to propose a rationale for the biological activity of this series of new inhibitors, in particular for the selectivity of inhibition of Mcl-1 versus Bcl-xL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hippolyte Paysant
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE "Unité de Recherche Interdisciplinaire pour la Prévention et le Traitement des Cancers", Caen, France
- UNICANCER, Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer F. Baclesse, 3 avenue du Général Harris, 14076, Caen, France
| | - Siham Hedir
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE "Unité de Recherche Interdisciplinaire pour la Prévention et le Traitement des Cancers", Caen, France
- UNICANCER, Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer F. Baclesse, 3 avenue du Général Harris, 14076, Caen, France
| | - Frédéric Justaud
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes), UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Louis Bastien Weiswald
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE "Unité de Recherche Interdisciplinaire pour la Prévention et le Traitement des Cancers", Caen, France
- UNICANCER, Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer F. Baclesse, 3 avenue du Général Harris, 14076, Caen, France
| | - Assaad Nasr El Dine
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes), UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France.
- Laboratoire de Chimie Médicinale et de Produits Naturels, Université Libanaise, Faculté des Sciences et PRASE-EDST, Hadath, Beyrouth, Liban
| | - Ali Soulieman
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes), UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France.
- Laboratoire de Chimie Médicinale et de Produits Naturels, Université Libanaise, Faculté des Sciences et PRASE-EDST, Hadath, Beyrouth, Liban
| | - Ali Hachem
- Laboratoire de Chimie Médicinale et de Produits Naturels, Université Libanaise, Faculté des Sciences et PRASE-EDST, Hadath, Beyrouth, Liban
| | - Nicolas Elie
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, SF 4206 ICORE, CMABIO3, Caen, France
| | - Emilie Brotin
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE "Unité de Recherche Interdisciplinaire pour la Prévention et le Traitement des Cancers", Caen, France
- UNICANCER, Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer F. Baclesse, 3 avenue du Général Harris, 14076, Caen, France
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, SF 4206 ICORE, CMABIO3, Caen, France
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, SF4206 ICORE, Plateforme ImpedanCELL, Caen, France
| | - Christophe Denoyelle
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE "Unité de Recherche Interdisciplinaire pour la Prévention et le Traitement des Cancers", Caen, France
- UNICANCER, Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer F. Baclesse, 3 avenue du Général Harris, 14076, Caen, France
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, SF 4206 ICORE, CMABIO3, Caen, France
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, SF4206 ICORE, Plateforme ImpedanCELL, Caen, France
| | - Jérôme Bignon
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Fanny Roussi
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marie Jouanne
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN), 14000 Caen, France
| | - Olivier Tasseau
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes), UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Thierry Roisnel
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes), UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Anne Sophie Voisin-Chiret
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie (CERMN), 14000 Caen, France
| | - René Grée
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes), UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Nicolas Levoin
- Bioprojet-Biotech, 4 rue du Chesnay Beauregard, BP 96205, 35762, Saint Grégoire, France
| | - Laurent Poulain
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Inserm U1086 ANTICIPE "Unité de Recherche Interdisciplinaire pour la Prévention et le Traitement des Cancers", Caen, France
- UNICANCER, Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer F. Baclesse, 3 avenue du Général Harris, 14076, Caen, France
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232
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Heterogeneous modulation of Bcl-2 family members and drug efflux mediate MCL-1 inhibitor resistance in multiple myeloma. Blood Adv 2021; 5:4125-4139. [PMID: 34478517 PMCID: PMC8945627 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members have recently (re)emerged as key drug targets in cancer, with a tissue- and tumor-specific activity profile of available BH3 mimetics. In multiple myeloma, MCL-1 has been described as a major gatekeeper of apoptosis. This discovery has led to the rapid establishment of clinical trials evaluating the impact of various MCL-1 inhibitors. However, our understanding about the clinical impact and optimal use of MCL-1 inhibitors is still limited. We therefore explored mechanisms of acquired MCL-1 inhibitor resistance and optimization strategies in myeloma. Our findings indicated heterogeneous paths to resistance involving baseline Bcl-2 family alterations of proapoptotic (BAK, BAX, and BIM) and antiapoptotic (Bcl-2 and MCL-1) proteins. These manifestations depend on the BH3 profile of parental cells that guide the enhanced formation of Bcl-2:BIM and/or the dynamic (ie, treatment-induced) formation of Bcl-xL:BIM and Bcl-xL:BAK complexes. Accordingly, an unbiased high-throughput drug-screening approach (n = 528) indicated alternative BH3 mimetics as top combination partners for MCL-1 inhibitors in sensitive and resistant cells (Bcl-xL>Bcl-2 inhibition), whereas established drug classes were mainly antagonistic (eg, antimitotic agents). We also revealed reduced activity of MCL-1 inhibitors in the presence of stromal support as a drug-class effect that was overcome by concurrent Bcl-xL or Bcl-2 inhibition. Finally, we demonstrated heterogeneous Bcl-2 family deregulation and MCL-1 inhibitor cross-resistance in carfilzomib-resistant cells, a phenomenon linked to the MDR1-driven drug efflux of MCL-1 inhibitors. The implications of our findings for clinical practice emphasize the need for patient-adapted treatment protocols, with the tracking of tumor- and/or clone-specific adaptations in response to MCL-1 inhibition.
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233
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Sandow JJ, Tan IK, Huang AS, Masaldan S, Bernardini JP, Wardak AZ, Birkinshaw RW, Ninnis RL, Liu Z, Dalseno D, Lio D, Infusini G, Czabotar PE, Webb AI, Dewson G. Dynamic reconfiguration of pro-apoptotic BAK on membranes. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107237. [PMID: 34523147 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BAK and BAX, the effectors of intrinsic apoptosis, each undergo major reconfiguration to an activated conformer that self-associates to damage mitochondria and cause cell death. However, the dynamic structural mechanisms of this reconfiguration in the presence of a membrane have yet to be fully elucidated. To explore the metamorphosis of membrane-bound BAK, we employed hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). The HDX-MS profile of BAK on liposomes comprising mitochondrial lipids was consistent with known solution structures of inactive BAK. Following activation, HDX-MS resolved major reconfigurations in BAK. Mutagenesis guided by our HDX-MS profiling revealed that the BCL-2 homology (BH) 4 domain maintains the inactive conformation of BAK, and disrupting this domain is sufficient for constitutive BAK activation. Moreover, the entire N-terminal region preceding the BAK oligomerisation domains became disordered post-activation and remained disordered in the activated oligomer. Removal of the disordered N-terminus did not impair, but rather slightly potentiated, BAK-mediated membrane permeabilisation of liposomes and mitochondria. Together, our HDX-MS analyses reveal new insights into the dynamic nature of BAK activation on a membrane, which may provide new opportunities for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod J Sandow
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Iris Kl Tan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Alan S Huang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Shashank Masaldan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jonathan P Bernardini
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ahmad Z Wardak
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Richard W Birkinshaw
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Robert L Ninnis
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ziyan Liu
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Destiny Dalseno
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Daisy Lio
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Giuseppi Infusini
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Andrew I Webb
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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234
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Odinius TO, Buschhorn L, Wagner C, Hauch RT, Dill V, Dechant M, Buck MC, Shoumariyeh K, Moog P, Schwaab J, Reiter A, Brockow K, Götze K, Bassermann F, Höckendorf U, Branca C, Jost PJ, Jilg S. Comprehensive characterization of central BCL-2 family members in aberrant eosinophils and their impact on therapeutic strategies. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 148:331-340. [PMID: 34654952 PMCID: PMC8800915 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03827-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Hypereosinophilia represents a heterogenous group of severe medical conditions characterized by elevated numbers of eosinophil granulocytes in peripheral blood, bone marrow or tissue. Treatment options for hypereosinophilia remain limited despite recent approaches including IL-5-targeted monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Methods To understand aberrant survival patterns and options for pharmacologic intervention, we characterized BCL-2-regulated apoptosis signaling by testing for BCL-2 family expression levels as well as pharmacologic inhibition using primary patient samples from diverse subtypes of hypereosinophilia (hypereosinophilic syndrome n = 18, chronic eosinophilic leukemia not otherwise specified n = 9, lymphocyte-variant hypereosinophilia n = 2, myeloproliferative neoplasm with eosinophilia n = 2, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis n = 11, reactive eosinophilia n = 3). Results Contrary to published literature, we found no difference in the levels of the lncRNA Morrbid and its target BIM. Yet, we identified a near complete loss of expression of pro-apoptotic PUMA as well as a reduction in anti-apoptotic BCL-2. Accordingly, BCL-2 inhibition using venetoclax failed to achieve cell death induction in eosinophil granulocytes and bone marrow mononuclear cells from patients with hypereosinophilia. In contrast, MCL1 inhibition using S63845 specifically decreased the viability of bone marrow progenitor cells in patients with hypereosinophilia. In patients diagnosed with Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL-NOS) or Myeloid and Lymphatic Neoplasia with hypereosinophilia (MLN-Eo) repression of survival was specifically powerful. Conclusion Our study shows that MCL1 inhibition might be a promising therapeutic option for hypereosinophilia patients specifically for CEL-NOS and MLN-Eo. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-021-03827-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo O Odinius
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Buschhorn
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Celina Wagner
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Richard T Hauch
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Veronika Dill
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marta Dechant
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michele C Buck
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Khalid Shoumariyeh
- Department of Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Philipp Moog
- Department of Nephrology, Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Juliana Schwaab
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Reiter
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Knut Brockow
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Götze
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Bassermann
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Höckendorf
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Caterina Branca
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp J Jost
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Centre for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Stefanie Jilg
- Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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235
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Donati G, Ravà M, Filipuzzi M, Nicoli P, Cassina L, Verrecchia A, Doni M, Rodighiero S, Parodi F, Boletta A, Vellano CP, Marszalek JR, Draetta GF, Amati B. Targeting mitochondrial respiration and the BCL2 family in high-grade MYC-associated B-cell lymphoma. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1132-1152. [PMID: 34632715 PMCID: PMC8895457 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple molecular features, such as activation of specific oncogenes (e.g., MYC, BCL2) or a variety of gene expression signatures, have been associated with disease course in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), although their relationships and implications for targeted therapy remain to be fully unraveled. We report that MYC activity is closely correlated with—and most likely a driver of—gene signatures related to oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) in DLBCL, pointing to OxPhos enzymes, in particular mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, as possible therapeutic targets in high‐grade MYC‐associated lymphomas. In our experiments, indeed, MYC sensitized B cells to the ETC complex I inhibitor IACS‐010759. Mechanistically, IACS‐010759 triggered the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway, driven by the transcription factors ATF4 and CHOP, which engaged the intrinsic apoptosis pathway and lowered the apoptotic threshold in MYC‐overexpressing cells. In line with these findings, the BCL2‐inhibitory compound venetoclax synergized with IACS‐010759 against double‐hit lymphoma (DHL), a high‐grade malignancy with concurrent activation of MYC and BCL2. In BCL2‐negative lymphoma cells, instead, killing by IACS‐010759 was potentiated by the Mcl‐1 inhibitor S63845. Thus, combining an OxPhos inhibitor with select BH3‐mimetic drugs provides a novel therapeutic principle against aggressive, MYC‐associated DLBCL variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Donati
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO)-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Micol Ravà
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO)-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paola Nicoli
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO)-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Cassina
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mirko Doni
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO)-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Christopher P Vellano
- Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology (TRACTION), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph R Marszalek
- Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology (TRACTION), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giulio F Draetta
- Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bruno Amati
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO)-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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New insights into binding of natural chalcones to Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 anti-apoptotic proteins. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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237
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In vivo inducible reverse genetics in patients' tumors to identify individual therapeutic targets. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5655. [PMID: 34580292 PMCID: PMC8476619 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25963-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing describes multiple alterations in individual tumors, but their functional relevance is often unclear. Clinic-close, individualized molecular model systems are required for functional validation and to identify therapeutic targets of high significance for each patient. Here, we establish a Cre-ERT2-loxP (causes recombination, estrogen receptor mutant T2, locus of X-over P1) based inducible RNAi- (ribonucleic acid interference) mediated gene silencing system in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of acute leukemias in vivo. Mimicking anti-cancer therapy in patients, gene inhibition is initiated in mice harboring orthotopic tumors. In fluorochrome guided, competitive in vivo trials, silencing of the apoptosis regulator MCL1 (myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1) correlates to pharmacological MCL1 inhibition in patients´ tumors, demonstrating the ability of the method to detect therapeutic vulnerabilities. The technique identifies a major tumor-maintaining potency of the MLL-AF4 (mixed lineage leukemia, ALL1-fused gene from chromosome 4) fusion, restricted to samples carrying the translocation. DUX4 (double homeobox 4) plays an essential role in patients’ leukemias carrying the recently described DUX4-IGH (immunoglobulin heavy chain) translocation, while the downstream mediator DDIT4L (DNA-damage-inducible transcript 4 like) is identified as therapeutic vulnerability. By individualizing functional genomics in established tumors in vivo, our technique decisively complements the value chain of precision oncology. Being broadly applicable to tumors of all kinds, it will considerably reinforce personalizing anti-cancer treatment in the future. Preclinical molecular models are useful that mimic a patient´s response to targeted therapy. Here, the authors establish an in vivo inducible RNAi-mediated gene silencing system in patient-derived xenograft models of acute leukemia to identify individual vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets.
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Combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the MCL1 inhibitor S63845 exerts synergistic antitumorigenic effects on CML cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:875. [PMID: 34564697 PMCID: PMC8464601 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment has dramatically improved the survival of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, but measurable residual disease typically persists. To more effectively eradicate leukemia cells, simultaneous targeting of BCR-ABL1 and additional CML-related survival proteins has been proposed. Notably, several highly specific myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) inhibitors have recently entered clinical trials for various hematologic malignancies, although not for CML, reflecting the insensitivity of CML cell lines to single MCL1 inhibition. Here, we show that combining TKI (imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, or asciminib) treatment with the small-molecule MCL1 inhibitor S63845 exerted strong synergistic antiviability and proapoptotic effects on CML lines and CD34+ stem/progenitor cells isolated from untreated CML patients in chronic phase. Using wild-type BCR-ABL1-harboring CML lines and their T315I-mutated sublines (generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination), we prove that the synergistic proapoptotic effect of the drug combination depended on TKI-mediated BCR-ABL1 inhibition, but not on TKI-related off-target mechanisms. Moreover, we demonstrate that colony formation of CML but not normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells became markedly reduced upon combination treatment compared to imatinib monotherapy. Our results suggest that dual targeting of MCL1 and BCR-ABL1 activity may efficiently eradicate residual CML cells without affecting normal hematopoietic stem/progenitors.
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BH3 Mimetics in Hematologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810157. [PMID: 34576319 PMCID: PMC8466478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies (HM) comprise diverse cancers of lymphoid and myeloid origin, including lymphomas (approx. 40%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, approx. 15%), multiple myeloma (MM, approx. 15%), acute myeloid leukemia (AML, approx. 10%), and many other diseases. Despite considerable improvement in treatment options and survival parameters in the new millennium, many patients with HM still develop chemotherapy-refractory diseases and require re-treatment. Because frontline therapies for the majority of HM (except for CLL) are still largely based on classical cytostatics, the relapses are often associated with defects in DNA damage response (DDR) pathways and anti-apoptotic blocks exemplified, respectively, by mutations or deletion of the TP53 tumor suppressor, and overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family. BCL2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics represent a novel class of pro-apoptotic anti-cancer agents with a unique mode of action—direct targeting of mitochondria independently of TP53 gene aberrations. Consequently, BH3 mimetics can effectively eliminate even non-dividing malignant cells with adverse molecular cytogenetic alterations. Venetoclax, the nanomolar inhibitor of BCL2 anti-apoptotic protein has been approved for the therapy of CLL and AML. Numerous venetoclax-based combinatorial treatment regimens, next-generation BCL2 inhibitors, and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) protein inhibitors, which are another class of BH3 mimetics with promising preclinical results, are currently being tested in several clinical trials in patients with diverse HM. These pivotal trials will soon answer critical questions and concerns about these innovative agents regarding not only their anti-tumor efficacy but also potential side effects, recommended dosages, and the optimal length of therapy as well as identification of reliable biomarkers of sensitivity or resistance. Effective harnessing of the full therapeutic potential of BH3 mimetics is a critical mission as it may directly translate into better management of the aggressive forms of HM and could lead to significantly improved survival parameters and quality of life in patients with urgent medical needs.
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240
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Extrinsic interactions in the microenvironment in vivo activate an antiapoptotic multidrug-resistant phenotype in CLL. Blood Adv 2021; 5:3497-3510. [PMID: 34432864 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax has yielded exceptional clinical responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, de novo resistance can result in failure to achieve negative minimal residual disease and predicts poor treatment outcomes. Consequently, additional proapoptotic drugs, such as inhibitors of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, are in development. By profiling antiapoptotic proteins using flow cytometry, we find that leukemic B cells that recently emigrated from the lymph node (CD69+/CXCR4Low) in vivo are enriched for cell clusters simultaneously overexpressing multiple antiapoptotic proteins (Mcl-1High/Bcl-xLHigh/Bcl-2High) in both treated and treatment-naive CLL patients. These cells exhibited antiapoptotic resistance to multiple BH-domain antagonists, including inhibitors of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and Bcl-xL, when tested as single agents in a flow cytometry-based functional assay. Antiapoptotic multidrug resistance declines ex vivo, consistent with resistance being generated in vivo by extrinsic microenvironmental interactions. Surviving "persister" cells in patients undergoing venetoclax treatment are enriched for CLL cells displaying the functional and molecular properties of microenvironmentally induced multidrug resistance. Overcoming this resistance required simultaneous inhibition of multiple antiapoptotic proteins, with potential for unwanted toxicities. Using a drug screen performed using patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured in an ex vivo microenvironment model, we identify novel venetoclax drug combinations that induce selective cytotoxicity in multidrug-resistant CLL cells. Thus, we demonstrate that antiapoptotic multidrug-resistant CLL cells exist in patients de novo and show that these cells persist during proapoptotic treatment, such as venetoclax. We validate clinically actionable approaches to selectively deplete this reservoir in patients.
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241
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Manzano-Muñoz A, Alcon C, Menéndez P, Ramírez M, Seyfried F, Debatin KM, Meyer LH, Samitier J, Montero J. MCL-1 Inhibition Overcomes Anti-apoptotic Adaptation to Targeted Therapies in B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695225. [PMID: 34568318 PMCID: PMC8458912 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple targeted therapies are currently explored for pediatric and young adult B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) treatment. However, this new armamentarium of therapies faces an old problem: choosing the right treatment for each patient. The lack of predictive biomarkers is particularly worrying for pediatric patients since it impairs the implementation of new treatments in the clinic. In this study, we used the functional assay dynamic BH3 profiling (DBP) to evaluate two new treatments for BCP-ALL that could improve clinical outcome, especially for relapsed patients. We found that the MEK inhibitor trametinib and the multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib exquisitely increased apoptotic priming in an NRAS-mutant and in a KMT2A-rearranged cell line presenting a high expression of FLT3, respectively. Following these observations, we sought to study potential adaptations to these treatments. Indeed, we identified with DBP anti-apoptotic changes in the BCL-2 family after treatment, particularly involving MCL-1 - a pro-survival strategy previously observed in adult cancers. To overcome this adaptation, we employed the BH3 mimetic S63845, a specific MCL-1 inhibitor, and evaluated its sequential addition to both kinase inhibitors to overcome resistance. We observed that the metronomic combination of both drugs with S63845 was synergistic and showed an increased efficacy compared to single agents. Similar observations were made in BCP-ALL KMT2A-rearranged PDX cells in response to sunitinib, showing an analogous DBP profile to the SEM cell line. These findings demonstrate that rational sequences of targeted agents with BH3 mimetics, now extensively explored in clinical trials, may improve treatment effectiveness by overcoming anti-apoptotic adaptations in BCP-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Manzano-Muñoz
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Alcon
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Menéndez
- Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Leukemia and Immunotherapy, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute-Campus Clinic, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Ramírez
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Niño Jesús University Children’s Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Felix Seyfried
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Klaus-Michael Debatin
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lüder H. Meyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Josep Samitier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Montero
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
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242
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Widden H, Placzek WJ. The multiple mechanisms of MCL1 in the regulation of cell fate. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1029. [PMID: 34475520 PMCID: PMC8413315 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
MCL1 (myeloid cell leukemia-1) is a widely recognized pro-survival member of the Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma protein 2) family and a promising target for cancer therapy. While the role MCL1 plays in apoptosis is well defined, its participation in emerging non-apoptotic signaling pathways is only beginning to be appreciated. Here, we synthesize studies characterizing MCL1s influence on cell proliferation, DNA damage response, autophagy, calcium handling, and mitochondrial quality control to highlight the broader scope that MCL1 plays in cellular homeostasis regulation. Throughout this review, we discuss which pathways are likely to be impacted by emerging MCL1 inhibitors, as well as highlight non-cancerous disease states that could deploy Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3)-mimetics in the future. In this review Widden and Placzek synthesize studies characterizing the influence that myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1) has on cell proliferation, DNA damage response, autophagy, calcium handling, and mitochondrial quality control to highlight the broader scope that it plays in cellular homeostasis regulation. They discuss which pathways are likely to be impacted by emerging MCL1 inhibitors, as well as highlight non-cancerous disease states that could deploy BH3-mimetics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Widden
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - William J Placzek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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243
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Burger R, Otte A, Brdon J, Peipp M, Gramatzki M. Dual intracellular targeting by ruxolitinib and the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 in interleukin-6-dependent myeloma cells blocks. Haematologica 2021; 106:2507-2510. [PMID: 33882638 PMCID: PMC8409037 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.276865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renate Burger
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein and University of Kiel, Kiel.
| | - Anna Otte
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein and University of Kiel, Kiel
| | - Jan Brdon
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein and University of Kiel, Kiel
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein and University of Kiel, Kiel
| | - Martin Gramatzki
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein and University of Kiel, Kiel
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244
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Campbell KJ, Mason SM, Winder ML, Willemsen RBE, Cloix C, Lawson H, Rooney N, Dhayade S, Sims AH, Blyth K, Tait SWG. Breast cancer dependence on MCL-1 is due to its canonical anti-apoptotic function. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2589-2600. [PMID: 33785871 PMCID: PMC8408186 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family member MCL-1 are frequently found in breast cancer and, appropriately, BH3-mimetic drugs that specifically target MCL-1's function in apoptosis are in development as anti-cancer therapy. MCL-1 also has reported non-canonical roles that may be relevant in its tumour-promoting effect. Here we investigate the role of MCL-1 in clinically relevant breast cancer models and address whether the canonical role of MCL-1 in apoptosis, which can be targeted using BH3-mimetic drugs, is the major function for MCL-1 in breast cancer. We show that MCL-1 is essential in established tumours with genetic deletion inducing tumour regression and inhibition with the MCL-1-specific BH3-mimetic drug S63845 significantly impeding tumour growth. Importantly, we found that the anti-tumour functions achieved by MCL-1 deletion or inhibition were completely dependent on pro-apoptotic BAX/BAK. Interestingly, we find that MCL-1 is also critical for stem cell activity in human breast cancer cells and high MCL1 expression correlates with stemness markers in tumours. This strongly supports the idea that the key function of MCL-1 in breast cancer is through its anti-apoptotic function. This has important implications for the future use of MCL-1-specific BH3-mimetic drugs in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsteen J Campbell
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | - Matthew L Winder
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rosalie B E Willemsen
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Catherine Cloix
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hannah Lawson
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Andrew H Sims
- CRUK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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245
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Schneller A, Zojer N, Bolomsky A, Ludwig H. Synergistic interaction between HDAC and MCL-1 inhibitors through downregulation of BCL-XL in multiple myeloma. Haematologica 2021; 106:2516-2521. [PMID: 33910332 PMCID: PMC8409038 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.277152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schneller
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Clinic Ottakring, Vienna, Austria; Recipient of a DOC Fellowship of the Austrian Academy of Sciences at the Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute
| | - Niklas Zojer
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Clinic Ottakring, Vienna
| | - Arnold Bolomsky
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Clinic Ottakring, Vienna
| | - Heinz Ludwig
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Clinic Ottakring, Vienna.
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246
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He S, Zimmerman MW, Layden HM, Berezovskaya A, Etchin J, Martel MW, Thurston G, Jing CB, van Rooijen E, Kaufman CK, Rodig SJ, Zon LI, Patton EE, Mansour MR, Look AT. Synergistic melanoma cell death mediated by inhibition of both MCL1 and BCL2 in high-risk tumors driven by NF1/PTEN loss. Oncogene 2021; 40:5718-5729. [PMID: 34331013 PMCID: PMC8460449 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Melanomas driven by loss of the NF1 tumor suppressor have a high risk of treatment failure and effective therapies have not been developed. Here we show that loss-of-function mutations of nf1 and pten result in aggressive melanomas in zebrafish, representing the first animal model of NF1-mutant melanomas harboring PTEN loss. MEK or PI3K inhibitors show little activity when given alone due to cross-talk between the pathways, and high toxicity when given together. The mTOR inhibitors, sirolimus, everolimus, and temsirolimus, were the most active single agents tested, potently induced tumor-suppressive autophagy, but not apoptosis. Because addition of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax resulted in compensatory upregulation of MCL1, we established a three-drug combination composed of sirolimus, venetoclax, and the MCL1 inhibitor S63845. This well-tolerated drug combination potently and synergistically induces apoptosis in both zebrafish and human NF1/PTEN-deficient melanoma cells, providing preclinical evidence justifying an early-stage clinical trial in patients with NF1/PTEN-deficient melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuning He
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mark W Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hillary M Layden
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alla Berezovskaya
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia Etchin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan W Martel
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Thurston
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chang-Bin Jing
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen van Rooijen
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles K Kaufman
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott J Rodig
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leonard I Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Boston, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marc R Mansour
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Hematology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
| | - A Thomas Look
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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247
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Sipos S, Bálint B, Szabó ZB, Ondi L, Csékei M, Szlávik Z, Proszenyák Á, Murray JB, Davidson J, Chen I, Dokurno P, Surgenor AE, Pedder C, Hubbard RE, Maragno AL, Chanrion M, Colland F, Geneste O, Kotschy A. The Effect of Core Replacement on S64315, a Selective MCL-1 Inhibitor, and Its Analogues. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:22073-22102. [PMID: 34497901 PMCID: PMC8412899 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Following the identification of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-based selective and potent inhibitors of MCL-1, we explored the effect of core swapping at different levels of advancement. During hit-to-lead optimization, X-ray-guided S-N replacement in the core provided a new vector, whose exploration led to the opening of the so-called deep-S2 pocket of MCL-1. Unfortunately, the occupation of this region led to a plateau in affinity and had to be abandoned. As the project approached selection of a clinical candidate, a series of core swap analogues were also prepared. The affinity and cellular activity of these compounds showed a significant dependence on the core structure. In certain cases, we also observed an increased and accelerated epimerization of the atropoisomers. The most potent core replacement analogues showed considerable in vivo PD response. One compound was progressed into efficacy studies and inhibited tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Sipos
- Servier
Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Bálint
- Servier
Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán B. Szabó
- Servier
Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Levente Ondi
- Servier
Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márton Csékei
- Servier
Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szlávik
- Servier
Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Proszenyák
- Servier
Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - James Davidson
- Vernalis
(R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, UK
| | - Ijen Chen
- Vernalis
(R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, UK
| | - Pawel Dokurno
- Vernalis
(R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ana-Leticia Maragno
- Institut
de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Maia Chanrion
- Institut
de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Frederic Colland
- Institut
de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Olivier Geneste
- Institut
de Recherches Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - András Kotschy
- Servier
Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
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248
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Essential role of the histone lysine demethylase KDM4A in the biology of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Br J Cancer 2021; 125:582-592. [PMID: 34088988 PMCID: PMC8368004 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01441-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive cancer with a dismal prognosis. There is increasing interest in targeting chromatin regulatory pathways in difficult-to-treat cancers. In preliminary studies, we found that KDM4A (lysine-specific histone demethylase 4) was overexpressed in MPM. METHODS KDM4A protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry or immunoblotting. Functional inhibition of KDM4A by targeted knockdown and small molecule drugs was correlated to cell growth using cell lines and a xenograft mouse model. Gene expression profiling was performed to identify KDM4A-dependent signature pathways. RESULTS Levels of KDM4A were found to be significantly elevated in MPM patients compared to normal mesothelial tissue. Inhibiting the enzyme activity efficiently reduced cell growth in vitro and reduced tumour growth in vivo. KDM4A inhibitor-induced apoptosis was further enhanced by the BH3 mimetic navitoclax. KDM4A expression was associated with pathways involved in cell growth and DNA repair. Interestingly, inhibitors of the DNA damage and replication checkpoint regulators CHK1 (prexasertib) and WEE1 (adavosertib) within the DNA double-strand break repair pathway, cooperated in the inhibition of cell growth. CONCLUSIONS The results establish a novel and essential role for KDM4A in growth in preclinical models of MPM and identify potential therapeutic approaches to target KDM4A-dependent vulnerabilities.
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Bloch NB, Wales TE, Prew MS, Levy HR, Engen JR, Walensky LD. The conformational stability of pro-apoptotic BAX is dictated by discrete residues of the protein core. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4932. [PMID: 34389733 PMCID: PMC8363748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25200-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BAX is a pro-apoptotic member of the BCL-2 family, which regulates the balance between cellular life and death. During homeostasis, BAX predominantly resides in the cytosol as a latent monomer but, in response to stress, transforms into an oligomeric protein that permeabilizes the mitochondria, leading to apoptosis. Because renegade BAX activation poses a grave risk to the cell, the architecture of BAX must ensure monomeric stability yet enable conformational change upon stress signaling. The specific structural features that afford both stability and dynamic flexibility remain ill-defined and represent a critical control point of BAX regulation. We identify a nexus of interactions involving four residues of the BAX core α5 helix that are individually essential to maintaining the structure and latency of monomeric BAX and are collectively required for dimeric assembly. The dual yet distinct roles of these residues reveals the intricacy of BAX conformational regulation and opportunities for therapeutic modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah B Bloch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas E Wales
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle S Prew
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah R Levy
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John R Engen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Loren D Walensky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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250
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Liu D, Hou X, Wu W, Zanfagnin V, Li Y, Correia C, Zhao Z, Zhao C, Liu Z, Zhang T, Fang Z, Wang H, Xu C, Weroha SJ, Kaufmann SH, Dai H. Constitutive BAK/MCL1 complexes predict paclitaxel and S63845 sensitivity of ovarian cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:789. [PMID: 34385422 PMCID: PMC8361168 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04073-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
We previously found that preformed complexes of BAK with antiapoptotic BCL2 proteins predict BH3 mimetic sensitivities in lymphohematopoietic cells. These complexes have not previously been examined in solid tumors or in the context of conventional anticancer drugs. Here we show the relative amount of BAK found in preformed complexes with MCL1 or BCLXL varies across ovarian cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Cells bearing BAK/MCL1 complexes were more sensitive to paclitaxel and the MCL1 antagonist S63845. Likewise, PDX models with BAK/MCL1 complexes were more likely to respond to paclitaxel. Mechanistically, BIM induced by low paclitaxel concentrations interacted preferentially with MCL1 and displaced MCL1-bound BAK. Further studies indicated that cells with preformed BAK/MCL1 complexes were sensitive to the paclitaxel/S63845 combination, while cells without BAK/MCL1 complexes were not. Our study suggested that the assessment of BAK/MCL1 complexes might be useful for predicting response to paclitaxel alone or in combination with BH3 mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Xiaonan Hou
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Wangyu Wu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | | | - Yunjian Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Cristina Correia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Zhiyang Zhao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Chenggang Zhao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Zhirong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Zhiyou Fang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Chao Xu
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Saravut J Weroha
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Haiming Dai
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health & Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
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