251
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Chen S, Dai Y, Harada H, Dent P, Grant S. Mcl-1 down-regulation potentiates ABT-737 lethality by cooperatively inducing Bak activation and Bax translocation. Cancer Res 2007; 67:782-91. [PMID: 17234790 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-3964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Bcl-2 antagonist ABT-737 targets Bcl-2/Bcl-xL but not Mcl-1, which may confer resistance to this novel agent. Here, we show that Mcl-1 down-regulation by the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor roscovitine or Mcl-1-shRNA dramatically increases ABT-737 lethality in human leukemia cells. ABT-737 induces Bax conformational change but fails to activate Bak or trigger Bax translocation. Coadministration of roscovitine and ABT-737 untethers Bak from Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, respectively, triggering Bak activation and Bax translocation. Studies employing Bax and/or Bak knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) confirm that Bax is required for ABT-737+/-roscovitine lethality, whereas Bak is primarily involved in potentiation of ABT-737-induced apoptosis by Mcl-1 down-regulation. Ectopic Mcl-1 expression attenuates Bak activation and apoptosis by ABT-737+roscovitine, whereas cells overexpressing Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL remain fully sensitive. Finally, Mcl-1 knockout MEFs are extremely sensitive to Bak conformational change and apoptosis induced by ABT-737, effects that are not potentiated by roscovitine. Collectively, these findings suggest down-regulation of Mcl-1 by either CDK inhibitors or genetic approaches dramatically potentiate ABT-737 lethality through cooperative interactions at two distinct levels: unleashing of Bak from both Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 and simultaneous induction of Bak activation and Bax translocation. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for simultaneously targeting Mcl-1 and Bcl-2/Bcl-xL in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA
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252
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Neuzil J, Tomasetti M, Zhao Y, Dong LF, Birringer M, Wang XF, Low P, Wu K, Salvatore BA, Ralph SJ. Vitamin E analogs, a novel group of "mitocans," as anticancer agents: the importance of being redox-silent. Mol Pharmacol 2007; 71:1185-99. [PMID: 17220355 DOI: 10.1124/mol.106.030122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for a selective and efficient anticancer agent for treating all neoplastic disease has yet to deliver a universally suitable compound(s). The majority of established anticancer drugs either are nonselective or lose their efficacy because of the constant mutational changes of malignant cells. Until recently, a largely neglected target for potential anticancer agents was the mitochondrion, showing a considerable promise for future clinical applications. Vitamin E (VE) analogs, epitomized by alpha-tocopheryl succinate, belong to the group of "mitocans" (mitochondrially targeted anticancer drugs). They are selective for malignant cells, cause destabilization of their mitochondria, and suppress cancer in preclinical models. This review focuses on our current understanding of VE analogs in the context of their proapoptotic/anticancer efficacy and suggests that their effect on mitochondria may be amplified by modulation of alternative pathways operating in parallel. We show here that the analogs of VE that cause apoptosis (which translates into their anticancer efficacy) generally do not possess antioxidant (redox) activity and are prototypical of the mitocan group of anticancer compounds. Therefore, by analogy to Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest, we use the motto in the title "the importance of being redox-silent" to emphasize an essentially novel paradigm for cancer therapy, in which redox-silence is a prerequisite property for most of the anticancer activities described in this communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Neuzil
- Apoptosis Research Group, Heart Foundation Research Centre, School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Queensland, Australia.
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253
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Reed JC. Drug insight: cancer therapy strategies based on restoration of endogenous cell death mechanisms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 3:388-98. [PMID: 16826219 DOI: 10.1038/ncponc0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2005] [Accepted: 04/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cell death is a normal facet of human physiology, ensuring tissue homeostasis by offsetting cell production with cell demise. Neoplasms arise in part because of defects in physiological cell death mechanisms, contributing to pathological cell expansion. Defects in normal cell death pathways also contribute to cancer progression by permitting progressively aberrant cell behaviors, while also desensitizing tumor cells to immune-mediated attack, radiation, and chemotherapy. Through basic research, much has been learned about the molecular mechanisms responsible for cell turnover and how tumors escape cell death. By exploiting this knowledge base, several innovative strategies for eradicating malignancies have materialized that are based on restoration of natural pathways for cell autodestruction. Some of these strategies have advanced into human clinical trials. Several of the current strategies based on targeting core components of the cell death machinery for cancer therapy are reviewed here, and a summary of progress toward clinical applications is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Reed
- Burnham Institute for Medical Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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254
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McGrath LB, Onnis V, Campiani G, Williams DC, Zisterer DM, Mc Gee MM. Caspase-activated DNase (CAD)-independent oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in chronic myeloid leukaemia cells; a requirement for serine protease and Mn2+-dependent acidic endonuclease activity. Apoptosis 2006; 11:1473-87. [PMID: 16820964 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-006-8968-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that the pro-apoptotic pyrrolobenzoxazepine, PBOX-6, induces apoptosis in chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) cells which is accompanied by oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation. In this study we show that PBOX-6-induced oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation occurs in the absence of caspase and CAD activation in CML cells. Dissection of the signalling pathway has revealed that induction of apoptosis requires the upstream activation of a trypsin-like serine protease that promotes the phosphorylation and inactivation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. In addition, in this system chymotrypsin-like serine proteases are dispensable for high molecular weight DNA fragmentation, however are required for the activation of a relatively small manganese-dependent acidic endonuclease that is responsible for oligonucleosomal fragmentation of DNA. Furthermore, we demonstrate mitochondrial involvement during PBOX-6-induced apoptosis and suggest the existence of unidentified mitochondrial effectors of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B McGrath
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland,
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255
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Yeow WS, Baras A, Chua A, Nguyen DM, Sehgal SS, Schrump DS, Nguyen DM. Gossypol, a phytochemical with BH3-mimetic property, sensitizes cultured thoracic cancer cells to Apo2 ligand/tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2006; 132:1356-62. [PMID: 17140955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2006.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2006] [Revised: 05/19/2006] [Accepted: 07/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chemotherapeutic agents sensitize cancer cells to Apo2 ligand/tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL) via recruitment of the mitochondria-dependent activation of caspase and induction of apoptosis. This study was designed to evaluate whether gossypol, a phytochemical compound with BH3-mimetic property that functions as an inhibitor of Bcl2/BclXL, would sensitize cultured thoracic cancer cells to this death-inducing ligand. METHODS Cancer cell lines from the lung (H460, H322), the esophagus (TE2, TE12), and the pleura (H290, H211) or primary normal cells were treated with gossypol+Apo2L/TRAIL combinations. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by (4,5-dimethylthiazo-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays, respectively. Caspase 9 and 3 specific proteolytic activity in combination-treated cells was determined by fluorometric enzymatic assay. RESULTS Gossypol, selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells and not primary normal cells, significantly sensitized thoracic cancer cells to Apo2L/TRAIL as indicated by 1.5- to more than 10-fold reduction of Apo2L/TRAIL 50% inhibitory concentration values in cells treated with gossypol+Apo2L/TRAIL combinations. Whereas less than 20% of cancer cells exposed to either gossypol (5 micromol/L) or Apo2L/TRAIL (20 ng/mL) were dead, more than 90% of cells treated with the drug combinations were apoptotic. Combination-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis was completely abrogated either by overexpression of Bcl2 or by the selective caspase 9 inhibitor. This combination was not toxic to normal cells. CONCLUSION Gossypol profoundly sensitizes thoracic cancer cells to the cytotoxic effect of Apo2L/TRAIL via activation of the mitochondria-dependent death signaling pathway. This study provides evidence for the profound anticancer activity of this drug combination and should be further evaluated as a novel targeted molecular therapeutic for thoracic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Shuz Yeow
- Section of Thoracic Oncology, Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md, USA
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256
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Zhang M, Liu H, Tian Z, Griffith BN, Ji M, Li QQ. Gossypol induces apoptosis in human PC-3 prostate cancer cells by modulating caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death pathways. Life Sci 2006; 80:767-74. [PMID: 17156797 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2006] [Revised: 10/18/2006] [Accepted: 11/03/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The rate of gossypol-induced apoptosis does not correlate very well with the same dose of gossypol-induced cell growth inhibition, indicating an anti-proliferative effect of gossypol. Using a co-immunoprecipitation assay, it was observed that the level of Bcl-X(L) protein bound to Bax was clearly lower than that of Bcl-2 protein at 5 micro M of gossypol treatment, and the level of Bim protein bound to Bcl-X(L) was lowered at 20 micro M of gossypol treatment for 24 h, implicating that gossypol inhibits the heterodimerization of Bcl-X(L) with Bax and Bim. Gossypol-induced apoptosis is partly suppressed by as low as 0.5 micro M, but not abolished by as high as 50 micro M of a broad range caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, suggesting that gossypol-induced apoptosis is both caspase-dependent and -independent. Furthermore, the release of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), which triggers caspase-independent apoptosis, from mitochondria to cytosol was observed in PC-3 cells exposed to gossypol treatment. In conclusion, gossypol inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis in PC-3 cells. Gossypol-induced apoptosis is, at least, through inhibiting the heterodimerization of Bcl-X(L)/Bcl-2 with pro-apoptosis molecules, followed by a caspase-dependent and -independent process which involves the release of AIF from the mitochondria to cytosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manchao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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257
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Ivanov VN, Hei TK. Sodium arsenite accelerates TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in melanoma cells through upregulation of TRAIL-R1/R2 surface levels and downregulation of cFLIP expression. Exp Cell Res 2006; 312:4120-38. [PMID: 17070520 PMCID: PMC1839882 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2006.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2006] [Revised: 08/23/2006] [Accepted: 09/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AP-1/cJun, NF-kappaB and STAT3 transcription factors control expression of numerous genes, which regulate critical cell functions including proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Sodium arsenite is known to suppress both the IKK-NF-kappaB and JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways and to activate the MAPK/JNK-cJun pathways, thereby committing some cancers to undergo apoptosis. Indeed, sodium arsenite is an effective drug for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia with little nonspecific toxicity. Malignant melanoma is highly refractory to conventional radio- and chemotherapy. In the present study, we observed strong effects of sodium arsenite treatment on upregulation of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in human and mouse melanomas. Arsenite treatment upregulated surface levels of death receptors, TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2, through increased translocation of these proteins from cytoplasm to the cell surface. Furthermore, activation of cJun and suppression of NF-kappaB by sodium arsenite resulted in upregulation of the endogenous TRAIL and downregulation of the cFLIP gene expression (which encodes one of the main anti-apoptotic proteins in melanomas) followed by cFLIP protein degradation and, finally, by acceleration of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Direct suppression of cFLIP expression by cFLIP RNAi also accelerated TRAIL-induced apoptosis in these melanomas, while COX-2 suppression substantially increased levels of both TRAIL-induced and arsenite-induced apoptosis. In contrast, overexpression of permanently active AKTmyr inhibited TRAIL-mediated apoptosis via downregulation of TRAIL-R1 levels. Finally, AKT overactivation increased melanoma survival in cell culture and dramatically accelerated growth of melanoma transplant in vivo, highlighting a role of AKT suppression for effective anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Ivanov
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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258
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Abstract
For several decades, apoptosis has taken center stage as the principal mechanism of programmed cell death in mammalian tissues. It also has been increasingly noted that conventional chemotherapeutic agents not only elicit apoptosis but other forms of nonapoptotic death such as necrosis, autophagy, mitotic catastrophe, and senescence. This review presents background on the signaling pathways involved in the different cell death outcomes. A re-examination of what we know about chemotherapy-induced death is vitally important in light of new understanding of nonapoptotic cell death signaling pathways. If we can precisely activate or inhibit molecules that mediate the diversity of cell death outcomes, perhaps we can succeed in more effective and less toxic chemotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Stacey Ricci
- National Cancer Institute and Food and Drug Administration Interagency Oncology Task Force, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Wei-Xing Zong
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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259
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Cervia D, Martini D, Garcia-Gil M, Di Giuseppe G, Guella G, Dini F, Bagnoli P. Cytotoxic effects and apoptotic signalling mechanisms of the sesquiterpenoid euplotin C, a secondary metabolite of the marine ciliate Euplotes crassus, in tumour cells. Apoptosis 2006; 11:829-43. [PMID: 16534550 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-006-5700-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Most antitumour agents with cytotoxic properties induce apoptosis. The lipophilic compound euplotin C, isolated from the ciliate Euplotes crassus, is toxic to a number of different opportunistic or pathogenic microorganisms, although its mechanism of action is currently unknown. We report here that euplotin C is a powerful cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic agent in mouse AtT-20 and rat PC12 tumour-derived cell lines. In addition, we provide evidence that euplotin C treatment results in rapid activation of ryanodine receptors, depletion of Ca2+ stores in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, activation of caspase-12, and activation of caspase-3, leading to apoptosis. Intracellular Ca2+ overload is an early event which induces apoptosis and is parallelled by ER stress and the release of cytochrome c, whereas caspase-12 may be activated by euplotin C at a later stage in the apoptosis pathway. These events, either independently or concomitantly, lead to the activation of the caspase-3 and its downstream effectors, triggering the cell to undergo apoptosis. These results demonstrate that euplotin C may be considered for the design of cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Cervia
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Biochimica G. Moruzzi, via S. Zeno, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
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260
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Menoret E, Gomez-Bougie P, Geffroy-Luseau A, Daniels S, Moreau P, Le Gouill S, Harousseau JL, Bataille R, Amiot M, Pellat-Deceunynck C. Mcl-1L cleavage is involved in TRAIL-R1– and TRAIL-R2–mediated apoptosis induced by HGS-ETR1 and HGS-ETR2 human mAbs in myeloma cells. Blood 2006; 108:1346-52. [PMID: 16638930 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-12-007971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
We evaluated the ability of 2 human mAbs directed against TRAILR1 (HGS-ETR1) and TRAILR2 (HGS-ETR2) to kill human myeloma cells. HGS-ETR1 and HGS-ETR2 mAbs killed 15 and 9 human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs; n = 22), respectively. IL-6, the major survival and growth factor for these HMCLs, did not prevent their killing. Killing induced by either HGS-ETR1 or HGS-ETR2 was correlated with the cleavage of Mcl-1L, a major molecule for myeloma survival. Mcl-1L cleavage and anti-TRAILR HMCL killing were dependent on caspase activation. Kinetic studies showed that Mcl-1L cleavage occurred very early (less than 1 hour) and became drastic once caspase 3 was activated. Our data showed that both the extrinsic (caspase 8, Bid) and the intrinsic (caspase 9) pathways are activated by anti–TRAIL mAb. Finally, we showed that the HGS-ETR1 and, to a lesser extent, the HGS-ETR2 mAbs were able to induce the killing of primary myeloma cells. Of note, HGS-ETR1 mAb was able to induce the death of medullary and extramedullary myeloma cells collected from patients at relapse. Taken together, our data clearly encourage clinical trials of anti–TRAILR1 mAb in multiple myeloma, especially for patients whose disease is in relapse, at the time of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Menoret
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 601, Nantes, F-44000, France
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261
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Cho CW, Choi DS, Cardone MH, Kim CW, Sinskey AJ, Rha C. Glioblastoma cell death induced by asiatic acid. Cell Biol Toxicol 2006; 22:393-408. [PMID: 16897440 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-006-0104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 05/31/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Asiatic acid (AA), a triterpene, is known to be cytotoxic to several tumor cell lines. AA induces dose- and time-dependent cell death in U-87 MG human glioblastoma. This cell death occurs via both apoptosis and necrosis. The effect of AA may be cell type-specific as AA-induced cell death was mainly apoptotic in colon cancer RKO cells. AA-induced glioblastoma cell death is associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-9 and -3, and increased intracellular free Ca2+. Although treatment of glioblastoma cells with the caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk completely abolished AA-induced caspase activation, it did not significantly block AA-induced cell death. AA-induced cell death was significantly prevented by an intracellular Ca2+ inhibitor, BAPTA/AM. Taken together, these results indicate that AA induces cell death by both apoptosis and necrosis, with Ca2+-mediated necrotic cell death predominating.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Cho
- Biomaterials Science and Engineering Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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262
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263
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Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate a role for AS ODNs (antisense oligonucleotides) as therapeutics for malignant diseases. The principle of antisense technology is the sequence-specific binding of an AS ODN to the target mRNA, resulting in a translational arrest. The specificity of hybridization makes antisense strategy attractive to selectively modulate the expression of genes involved in the pathogenesis of malignant diseases. One antisense drug has been approved for local therapy of CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis, and a number of AS ODNs are currently being tested in clinical trials, including AS ODN targeting Bcl-2, XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) and TGF-beta-2 (transforming growth factor beta-2). AS ODNs are well tolerated and may have therapeutic activity. In particular, an AS ODN to Bcl-2 has been tested in phase III clinical trials in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, multiple myeloma and malignant melanoma. In this review, therapeutic concepts, clinical studies and new promising molecular targets to treat malignancies with AS ODNs are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Tamm
- Department for Haematology and Oncology, Charité, Campus Virchow, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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264
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Ricci C, Onida F, Ghidoni R. Sphingolipid players in the leukemia arena. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2006; 1758:2121-32. [PMID: 16904628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2005] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 06/19/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Sphingolipids function as bioactive mediators of different cellular processes, mostly proliferation, survival, differentiation and apoptosis, besides being structural components of cellular membranes. Involvement of sphingolipid metabolism in cancerogenesis was demonstrated in solid tumors as well as in hematological malignancies. Herein, we describe the main biological and clinical aspects of leukemias and summarize data regarding sphingolipids as mediators of apoptosis triggered in response to anti-leukemic agents and synthetic analogs as inducers of cell death as well. We also report the contribution of molecules that modulate sphingolipid metabolism to development of encouraging strategies for leukemia treatment. Finally we address how deregulation of sphingolipid metabolism is associated to occurrence of therapy resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Sphingolipids can be considered promising therapeutic tools alone or in combination with other compounds, as well as valid targets in the attempt to eradicate leukemia and overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Ricci
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, San Paolo University Hospital, Medical School, University of Milan, 20142 via A. di Rudinì, 8-Milan, Italy
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265
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Abstract
The discovery of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) over 20 years ago revealed a new paradigm in cancer biology: the development and persistence of cancer can be driven by molecular roadblocks along the natural pathway to cell death. The subsequent identification of an expansive family of BCL-2 proteins provoked an intensive investigation of the interplay among these critical regulators of cell death. What emerged was a compelling tale of guardians and executioners, each participating in a molecular choreography that dictates cell fate. Ten years into the BCL-2 era, structural details defined how certain BCL-2 family proteins interact, and molecular targeting of the BCL-2 family has since become a pharmacological quest. Although many facets of BCL-2 family death signaling remain a mechanistic mystery, small molecules and peptides that effectively target BCL-2 are eliminating the roadblock to cell death, raising hopes for a medical breakthrough in cancer and other diseases of deregulated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Walensky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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266
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Reed JC. Proapoptotic multidomain Bcl-2/Bax-family proteins: mechanisms, physiological roles, and therapeutic opportunities. Cell Death Differ 2006; 13:1378-86. [PMID: 16729025 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 349] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bcl-2-family proteins are central regulators of cell life and death. At least three major classes of Bcl-2-family proteins have been delineated, including proapoptotic proteins that contain several conserved regions of sequence similarity (termed 'multidomain'). In mammals, the multidomain proteins (MDPs) of the Bcl-2 family include Bax, Bak, and Bok. The founding member of the MDP group of Bcl-2-family proteins was discovered by Stanley Korsmeyer and co-workers, initiating an exciting area of cell death research. The status of current knowledge about the mechanisms and functions of MDPs is reviewed here, and some areas for future research are outlined. Therapeutic opportunities emerging from a growing understanding of MDPs with respect to their three-dimensional structures, biochemical actions, and roles in disease raise hopes that the foundation of basic research laid by Korsmeyer and others will eventually be translated into clinical benefits, leaving a legacy that benefits the world for many decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Reed
- Burnham Institute for Medical Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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267
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Zhai D, Jin C, Satterthwait AC, Reed JC. Comparison of chemical inhibitors of antiapoptotic Bcl-2-family proteins. Cell Death Differ 2006; 13:1419-21. [PMID: 16645636 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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268
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Invernizzi R, Travaglino E, Benatti C, Malcovati L, Della Porta M, Cazzola M, Ascari E. Survivin expression, apoptosis and proliferation in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2006; 76:494-501. [PMID: 16529600 DOI: 10.1111/j.0902-4441.2006.t01-1-ejh2588.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis survivin by immunocytochemistry in bone marrow cells from patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) to evaluate possible abnormalities in comparison with other myelodysplastic (MDS) and myeloproliferative syndromes, and to investigate a possible correlation between survivin expression and altered apoptosis or proliferation, or relevant laboratory and clinical findings. Thirty-four patients with CMML [18 MDS-CMML and 16 myeloproliferative disorder (MPD)-CMML], 90 with MDS, 41 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 19 with chronic MPD and 25 control subjects were studied. In normal samples survivin was never detectable. In CMML survivin levels higher than in MDS and AML (P < 0.0001), but similar to those found in MPD were observed. In CMML and MDS apoptosis was significantly higher compared to normal controls and all other subtypes of leukemias (P < 0.0001). Proliferation did not differ significantly in normal controls, MDS and CMML; the lowest levels were observed in AML and MPD (P < 0.0001). In CMML there was no correlation between survivin expression and blast cell percentage, apoptosis or proliferation, FAB or WHO subgroup. Proliferation was higher in MDS-CMML and tended to correlate with overall survival. CMML-2 cases with higher survivin expression showed higher evolution rate and shorter survival. In conclusion, CMML is characterized by high proliferation and apoptosis. Survivin overexpression, by disrupting the balance between cell proliferation/differentiation and apoptosis, may play an important role in its pathophysiology. The detection of survivin-deregulated expression may provide a useful tool for diagnosis, prognosis and a possible target for experimental treatments.
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MESH Headings
- Acute Disease
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Apoptosis
- Cell Division
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Humans
- Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
- Leukemia, Myeloid/classification
- Leukemia, Myeloid/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid/pathology
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/pathology
- Male
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/analysis
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/physiology
- Middle Aged
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/metabolism
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes/pathology
- Neoplasm Proteins/analysis
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Survivin
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Invernizzi
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
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Kelloff GJ, Krohn KA, Larson SM, Weissleder R, Mankoff DA, Hoffman JM, Link JM, Guyton KZ, Eckelman WC, Scher HI, O'Shaughnessy J, Cheson BD, Sigman CC, Tatum JL, Mills GQ, Sullivan DC, Woodcock J. The progress and promise of molecular imaging probes in oncologic drug development. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 11:7967-85. [PMID: 16299226 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-05-1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As addressed by the recent Food and Drug Administration Critical Path Initiative, tools are urgently needed to increase the speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of drug development for cancer and other diseases. Molecular imaging probes developed based on recent scientific advances have great potential as oncologic drug development tools. Basic science studies using molecular imaging probes can help to identify and characterize disease-specific targets for oncologic drug therapy. Imaging end points, based on these disease-specific biomarkers, hold great promise to better define, stratify, and enrich study groups and to provide direct biological measures of response. Imaging-based biomarkers also have promise for speeding drug evaluation by supplementing or replacing preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations, including target interaction and modulation. Such analyses may be particularly valuable in early comparative studies among candidates designed to interact with the same molecular target. Finally, as response biomarkers, imaging end points that characterize tumor vitality, growth, or apoptosis can also serve as early surrogates of therapy success. This article outlines the scientific basis of oncology imaging probes and presents examples of probes that could facilitate progress. The current regulatory opportunities for new and existing probe development and testing are also reviewed, with a focus on recent Food and Drug Administration guidance to facilitate early clinical development of promising probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary J Kelloff
- Cancer Imaging Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Mareninova OA, Sung KF, Hong P, Lugea A, Pandol SJ, Gukovsky I, Gukovskaya AS. Cell death in pancreatitis: caspases protect from necrotizing pancreatitis. J Biol Chem 2005; 281:3370-81. [PMID: 16339139 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m511276200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of cell death in pancreatitis remain unknown. Parenchymal necrosis is a major complication of pancreatitis; also, the severity of experimental pancreatitis correlates directly with necrosis and inversely with apoptosis. Thus, shifting death responses from necrosis to apoptosis may have a therapeutic value. To determine cell death pathways in pancreatitis and the possibility of necrosis/apoptosis switch, we utilized the differences between the rat model of cerulein pancreatitis, with relatively high apoptosis and low necrosis, and the mouse model, with little apoptosis and high necrosis. We found that caspases were greatly activated during cerulein pancreatitis in the rat but not mouse. Endogenous caspase inhibitor X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) underwent complete degradation in the rat but remained intact in the mouse model. Furthermore, XIAP inhibition with embelin triggered caspase activation in the mouse model, implicating XIAP in caspase blockade in pancreatitis. Caspase inhibitors decreased apoptosis and markedly stimulated necrosis in the rat model, worsening pancreatitis parameters. Conversely, caspase induction with embelin stimulated apoptosis and decreased necrosis in mouse model. Thus, caspases not only mediate apoptosis but also protect from necrosis in pancreatitis. One protective mechanism is through degradation of receptor-interacting protein (RIP), a key mediator of "programmed" necrosis. We found that RIP was cleaved (i.e. inactivated) in the rat but not the mouse model. Caspase inhibition restored RIP levels; conversely, caspase induction with embelin triggered RIP cleavage. Our results indicate key roles for caspases, XIAP, and RIP in the regulation of cell death in pancreatitis. Manipulating these signals to change the pattern of death responses presents a therapeutic strategy for treatment of pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Mareninova
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90073, USA
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271
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Abstract
Apoptosis is a highly regulated process of cell deletion and plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis in the adult organism. Numerous studies in recent years have revealed that apoptosis is a constitutive suicide programme expressed in most, if not all cells, and can be triggered by a variety of extrinsic and intrinsic signals. Many human diseases can be attributed directly or indirectly to a derangement of apoptosis, resulting in either cell accumulation, in which cell eradication or cell turnover is impaired, or cell loss, in which the apoptotic programme is inadvertently triggered. In addition, defective macrophage engulfment and degradation of cell corpses may also contribute to a dysregulation of tissue homeostasis. An increased understanding of the signalling pathways that govern the execution of apoptosis and the subsequent clearance of dying cells may thus yield novel targets for therapeutic intervention in a wide range of human maladies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Fadeel
- Division of Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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272
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Smith
- RJS Biomedical Communications, 10405 Toston Lane, Glen Allen, VA 23060, USA.
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273
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Soane L, Fiskum G. Inhibition of mitochondrial neural cell death pathways by protein transduction of Bcl-2 family proteins. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2005; 37:179-90. [PMID: 16167175 PMCID: PMC2570496 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-005-6590-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bcl-2 and other closely related members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins inhibit the death of neurons and many other cells in response to a wide variety of pathogenic stimuli. Bcl-2 inhibition of apoptosis is mediated by its binding to pro-apoptotic proteins, e.g., Bax and tBid, inhibition of their oligomerization, and thus inhibition of mitochondrial outer membrane pore formation, through which other pro-apoptotic proteins, e.g., cytochrome c, are released to the cytosol. Bcl-2 also exhibits an indirect antioxidant activity caused by a sub-toxic elevation of mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species and a compensatory increase in expression of antioxidant gene products. While classic approaches to cytoprotection based on Bcl-2 family gene delivery have significant limitations, cellular protein transduction represents a new and exciting approach utilizing peptides and proteins as drugs with intracellular targets. The mechanism by which proteins with transduction domains are taken up by cells and delivered to their targets is controversial but usually involves endocytosis. The effectiveness of transduced proteins may therefore be limited by their release from endosomes into the cytosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucian Soane
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gary Fiskum
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
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