1
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Abroon S, Nouri M, Mahdavi M. Hesperidin/Salinomycin Combination; a Natural Product for Deactivation of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway and Anti-Apoptotic Factors in KG1a Cells. J Fluoresc 2024:10.1007/s10895-024-03808-4. [PMID: 38916633 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-024-03808-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
AML is a highly aggressive malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic origin. Hesperidin as a polyphenol glycoside, Activates the apoptotic pathway and salinomycin as a k + selective ionophore. We examined how hesperidin and salinomycin induce pro-apoptotic effects in KG1a cells. Cells were divided into four groups; 1) control cells (CRTL), 2) cells treated with hesperidin 85 μM, 3) cells treated with 2 μM salinomycin, 4) cells treated with combination of salinomycin and hesperidin. The MTT assay was implemented to determine the IC50 of hesperidin and salinomycin in KG1a cell lines. Propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry were used to analyze the distribution of the cell cycle. The level of ROS was evaluated by fluorescent microscopy and spectrophotometry. Additionally, Akt, XIAP, Bad, and FOXO1 gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR. Hesperidin/Salinomycin decreased the viability of KG1a leukemic cells more than Hesperidin and Salinomycin separately. Changes in the shape of apoptotic cells and rise in ROS levels were detected after Hesperidin/Salinomycin treatment. Our findings showed that following Hesperidin/Salinomycin treatment, the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway related genes (AKT, PTEN and FOXO1), were in line with the destruction of KG-1a cells. Furthermore, XIAP and BAD mRNA were regulated to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. The study discovered that hesperidin and salinomycin, could effectively hinder the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in leukemia cancer cells. Also, the combination of hesperidin and salinomycin has the potential to be a treatment option for acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Abroon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of biochemistry and clinical laboratories, Faculty of medicine, Tabriz University of medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of biochemistry and clinical laboratories, Faculty of medicine, Tabriz University of medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Mahdavi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Huang Z, Zhou J, Jiang Y, Han Y, Wang X, Li F, Jiang S, Yu K, Zhang S. Combined inhibition of XIAP and autophagy induces apoptosis and differentiation in acute myeloid leukaemia. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:1682-1696. [PMID: 37154878 PMCID: PMC10273072 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Perturbations in autophagy, apoptosis and differentiation have greatly affected the progression and therapy of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The role of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)-related autophagy remains unclear in AML therapeutics. Here, we found that XIAP was highly expressed and associated with poor overall survival in patients with AML. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of XIAP using birinapant or XIAP knockdown via siRNA impaired the proliferation and clonogenic capacity by inducing autophagy and apoptosis in AML cells. Intriguingly, birinapant-induced cell death was aggravated in combination with ATG5 siRNA or an autophagy inhibitor spautin-1, suggesting that autophagy may be a pro-survival signalling. Spautin-1 further enhanced the ROS level and myeloid differentiation in THP-1 cells treated with birinapant. The mechanism analysis showed that XIAP interacted with MDM2 and p53, and XIAP inhibition notably downregulated p53, substantially increased the AMPKα1 phosphorylation and downregulated the mTOR phosphorylation. Combined treatment using birinapant and chloroquine significantly retarded AML progression in both a subcutaneous xenograft model injected with HEL cells and an orthotopic xenograft model injected intravenously with C1498 cells. Collectively, our data suggested that XIAP inhibition can induce autophagy, apoptosis and differentiation, and combined inhibition of XIAP and autophagy may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Huang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jifan Zhou
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yinyan Jiang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yixiang Han
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Central LaboratoryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Fanfan Li
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Songfu Jiang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Kang Yu
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shenghui Zhang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Institute of HematologyWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of HematologyWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Laboratory Animal CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
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3
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Garciaz S, Miller T, Collette Y, Vey N. Targeting regulated cell death pathways in acute myeloid leukemia. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:151-168. [PMID: 37065864 PMCID: PMC10099605 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The use of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax has transformed the management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. By triggering intrinsic apoptosis, the drug is an excellent illustration of how our greater understanding of molecular cell death pathways can be translated into the clinic. Nevertheless, most venetoclax-treated patients will relapse, suggesting the need to target additional regulated cell death pathways. To highlight advances in this strategy, we review the recognized regulated cell death pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy. Next, we detail the therapeutic opportunities to trigger regulated cell death in AML. Finally, we describe the main drug discovery challenges for regulated cell death inducers and their translation into clinical trials. A better knowledge of the molecular pathways regulating cell death represents a promising strategy to develop new drugs to cure resistant or refractory AML patients, particularly those resistant to intrinsic apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Garciaz
- Hematology Department, Integrative Structural and Chemical Biology, Aix-Marseille Université, Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Marseille 13009, France
| | - Thomas Miller
- Integrative Structural and Chemical Biology, Aix-Marseille Université, Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Marseille 13009, France
| | - Yves Collette
- Integrative Structural and Chemical Biology, Aix-Marseille Université, Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Marseille 13009, France
| | - Norbert Vey
- Hematology Department, Aix-Marseille Université, Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Marseille 13009, France
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4
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Maiti A, Carter BZ, Andreeff M, Konopleva MY. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Beyond BCL-2 Inhibition in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Other Approaches to Leverage the Apoptotic Pathway. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA AND LEUKEMIA 2022; 22:652-658. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
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5
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Naimi A, Safaei S, Entezari A, Solali S, Hassanzadeh A. Knockdown of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Affects mRNA Expression of Genes Involved in the Induction of Resistance to Apoptosis in MOLT-4 Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:571-579. [PMID: 32000648 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200130091955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is a subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 that silences the gene transcription via H3K27me3. Previous studies have shown that EZH2 has an important role in the induction of the resistance against the Tumor necrosis factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)-Induced Apoptosis (TIA) in some leukemia cells. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effect of silencing EZH2 gene expression using RNA interference on the expression of death receptors 4 and 5 (DR4/5), Preferentially expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME), and TRAIL human lymphoid leukemia MOLT-4 cells. METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the EZH2 expression and other candidate genes following the siRNA knockdown in MOLT-4 cells. The toxicity of the EZH2 siRNA was evaluated using Annexin V/PI assay following the transfection of the cells by 80 pM EZH2 siRNA at 48 hours. RESULTS Based on the flow-cytometry results, the EZH2 siRNA had no toxic effects on MOLT-4 cells. Also, the EZH2 inhibition increased the expression of DR4/5 but reduced the PRAME gene expression at the mRNA levels. Moreover, the EZH2 silencing could not change the TRAIL mRNA in the transfected cells. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that the down-regulation of EZH2 in MOLT-4 cells was able to affect the expression of important genes involved in the induction of resistance against TIA. Hence, we suggest that the silencing of EZH2 using RNA interference can be an effective and safe approach to help defeat the MOLT-4 cell resistance against TIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Naimi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Science, Sabzevar, Iran.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Sahar Safaei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Atefeh Entezari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Solali
- Department of Immunology, Division of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Division of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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6
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Zhou J, Quah JY, Ng Y, Chooi JY, Toh SHM, Lin B, Tan TZ, Hosoi H, Osato M, Seet Q, Ooi AL, Lindmark B, McHale M, Chng WJ. ASLAN003, a potent dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor for differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2020; 105:2286-2297. [PMID: 33054053 PMCID: PMC7556493 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.230482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation therapies achieve remarkable success in acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia. However, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia, clinical benefits of differentiation therapies are negligible in acute myeloid leukemia except for mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase catalyses the fourth step of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway. ASLAN003 is a highly potent dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor that induces differentiation, as well as reduces cell proliferation and viability, of acute myeloid leukemia cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia blasts including in chemo-resistant cells. Apoptotic pathways are triggered by ASLAN003, and it also significantly inhibits protein synthesis and activates AP-1 transcription, contributing to its differentiation promoting capacity. Finally, ASLAN003 substantially reduces leukemic burden and prolongs survival in acute myeloid leukemia xenograft mice and acute myeloid leukemia patient-derived xenograft models. Notably, the drug has no evident effect on normal hematopoietic cells and exhibits excellent safety profiles in mice, even after a prolonged period of administration. Our results, therefore, suggest that ASLAN003 is an agent targeting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase with potential in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. ASLAN003 is currently being evaluated in phase 2a clinical trial in acute myeloid leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | | | - Yvonne Ng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | - Jing-Yuan Chooi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | | | - Baohong Lin
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, NUHS
| | - Tuan Zea Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | - Hiroki Hosoi
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
| | - Motomi Osato
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, NUHS
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7
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Poma P, Labbozzetta M, McCubrey JA, Ramarosandratana AV, Sajeva M, Zito P, Notarbartolo M. Antitumor Mechanism of the Essential Oils from Two Succulent Plants in Multidrug Resistance Leukemia Cell. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12030124. [PMID: 31454963 PMCID: PMC6789815 DOI: 10.3390/ph12030124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains a major challenge in the treatment of cancer. The multiplicity of the drug resistance determinants raises the question about the optimal strategies to deal with them. Essential oils showed to inhibit the growth of different tumor cell types. Essential oils contain several chemical classes of compounds whose heterogeneity of active moieties can help prevent the development of drug resistance. In the present paper, we analyzed, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry the chemical composition of the essential oil of the leaves of Kalanchoebeharensis obtained by hydrodistillation and compared the chemical composition of its essential oil with that of Cyphostemma juttae. Our results demonstrated the anticancer and proapoptotic activities of both species against acute myeloid leukemia on an in vitro model and its multidrug resistant variant involving NF-κB pathway. The essential oils of both species produced a significant decrease in many targets of NF-κB both at mRNA and protein levels. The results corroborate the idea that essential oils may be a good alternative to traditional drugs in the treatment of cancer, especially in drug resistant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Poma
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Manuela Labbozzetta
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Aro Vonjy Ramarosandratana
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of Antananarivo, P.O. Box 906, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Maurizio Sajeva
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Pietro Zito
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Notarbartolo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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8
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Jia Y, Chng WJ, Zhou J. Super-enhancers: critical roles and therapeutic targets in hematologic malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:77. [PMID: 31311566 PMCID: PMC6636097 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) in a broad range of human cell types are large clusters of enhancers with aberrant high levels of transcription factor binding, which are central to drive expression of genes in controlling cell identity and stimulating oncogenic transcription. Cancer cells acquire super-enhancers at oncogene and cancerous phenotype relies on these abnormal transcription propelled by SEs. Furthermore, specific inhibitors targeting SEs assembly and activation have offered potential targets for treating various tumors including hematological malignancies. Here, we first review the identification, functional significance of SEs. Next, we summarize recent findings of SEs and SE-driven gene regulation in normal hematopoiesis and hematologic malignancies. The importance and various modes of SE-mediated MYC oncogene amplification are illustrated. Finally, we highlight the progress of SEs as selective therapeutic targets in basic research and clinical trials. Some open questions regarding functional significance and future directions of targeting SEs in the clinic will be discussed too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlu Jia
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), 1E, Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore. .,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.
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9
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Castelli G, Pelosi E, Testa U. Emerging Therapies for Acute Myelogenus Leukemia Patients Targeting Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Metabolism. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E260. [PMID: 30813354 PMCID: PMC6406361 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease of the hematopoietic cells, characterized by impaired differentiation and uncontrolled clonal expansion of myeloid progenitors/precursors, resulting in bone marrow failure and impaired normal hematopoiesis. AML comprises a heterogeneous group of malignancies, characterized by a combination of different somatic genetic abnormalities, some of which act as events driving leukemic development. Studies carried out in the last years have shown that AML cells invariably have abnormalities in one or more apoptotic pathways and have identified some components of the apoptotic pathway that can be targeted by specific drugs. Clinical results deriving from studies using B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitors in combination with standard AML agents, such as azacytidine, decitabine, low-dose cytarabine, provided promising results and strongly support the use of these agents in the treatment of AML patients, particularly of elderly patients. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptors are frequently deregulated in AML patients and their targeting may represent a promising strategy for development of new treatments. Altered mitochondrial metabolism is a common feature of AML cells, as supported through the discovery of mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase gene and in mitochondrial electron transport chain and of numerous abnormalities of oxidative metabolism existing in AML subgroups. Overall, these observations strongly support the view that the targeting of mitochondrial apoptotic or metabolic machinery is an appealing new therapeutic perspective in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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10
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Gene-Specific Intron Retention Serves as Molecular Signature that Distinguishes Melanoma from Non-Melanoma Cancer Cells in Greek Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040937. [PMID: 30795533 PMCID: PMC6412294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Skin cancer represents the most common human malignancy, and it includes BCC, SCC, and melanoma. Since melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, we have herein attempted to develop a gene-specific intron retention signature that can distinguish BCC and SCC from melanoma biopsy tumors. Methods: Intron retention events were examined through RT-sqPCR protocols, using total RNA preparations derived from BCC, SCC, and melanoma Greek biopsy specimens. Intron-hosted miRNA species and their target transcripts were predicted via the miRbase and miRDB bioinformatics platforms, respectively. Ιntronic ORFs were recognized through the ORF Finder application. Generation and visualization of protein interactomes were achieved by the IntAct and Cytoscape softwares, while tertiary protein structures were produced by using the I-TASSER online server. Results: c-MYC and Sestrin-1 genes proved to undergo intron retention specifically in melanoma. Interaction maps of proteins encoded by genes being potentially targeted by retained intron-accommodated miRNAs were generated and SRPX2 was additionally delivered to our melanoma-specific signature. Novel ORFs were identified in MCT4 and Sestrin-1 introns, with potentially critical roles in melanoma development. Conclusions: The property of c-MYC, Sestrin-1, and SRPX2 genes to retain specific introns could be clinically used to molecularly differentiate non-melanoma from melanoma tumors.
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11
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Yan YY, Zhang Q, Zhang B, Yang B, Lin NM. Active ingredients of Inula helenium L. exhibits similar anti-cancer effects as isoalantolactone in pancreatic cancer cells. Nat Prod Res 2019; 34:2539-2544. [PMID: 30661396 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Isoalantolactone is one of the major active ingredients from Inula helenium L. However, it is low cost-effective to isolate isoalantolactone from Inula helenium L. In this study, we optimized the extraction strategy and obtained a mixture of active ingredients with exact proportion (termed as F35), which were alloalantolactone, alantolactone and isoalantolactone at the ratio of 1/5/4 respectively. The anti-tumor activity of F35 was compared with isoalantolactone on pancreatic cancer cells. As a result, F35 showed nearly the same anti-proliferation activity as isoalantolactone in two cell lines. Both F35 and isoalantolactone could induce mitochondrion-related apoptosis at the concentration of 6 μg/ml. In addition, F35 inhibited colony-formation and migration of PANC-1 and SW1990 cells. To conclude, F35 exhibited similar anti-proliferation and anti-migration effect as isoalantolactone on two pancreatic cancer cell lines, suggesting that alantolactone or alloalantolactone might have comparable anti-tumor effect as isoalantolactone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Y Yan
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Q Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - B Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - B Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - N M Lin
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Zhou J, Ng Y, Chng WJ. ENL: structure, function, and roles in hematopoiesis and acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3931-3941. [PMID: 30066088 PMCID: PMC11105289 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2895-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ENL/MLLT1 is a distinctive member of the KMT2 family based on its structural homology. ENL is a histone acetylation reader and a critical component of the super elongation complex. ENL plays pivotal roles in the regulation of chromatin remodelling and gene expression of many important proto-oncogenes, such as Myc, Hox genes, via histone acetylation. Novel insights of the key role of the YEATS domain of ENL in the transcriptional control of leukemogenic gene expression has emerged from whole genome Crisp-cas9 studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this review, we have summarized what is currently known about the structure and function of the ENL molecule. We described the ENL's role in normal hematopoiesis, and leukemogenesis. We have also outlined the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of target gene expression by ENL, as well as its major interacting partners and complexes involved. Finally, we discuss the emerging knowledge of different approaches for the validation of ENL as a therapeutic target and the development of small-molecule inhibitors disrupting the YEATS reader pocket of ENL protein, which holds great promise for the treatment of AML. This review will not only provide a fundamental understanding of the structure and function of ENL and update on the roles of ENL in AML, but also the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Yvonne Ng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), 1E, Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Republic of Singapore.
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Zhou J, Chng WJ. Resistance to FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia: Molecular mechanisms and resensitizing strategies. World J Clin Oncol 2018; 9:90-97. [PMID: 30254964 PMCID: PMC6153124 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v9.i5.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is classified as a type III receptor tyrosine kinase, which exerts a key role in regulation of normal hematopoiesis. FLT3 mutation is the most common genetic mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and represents an attractive therapeutic target. Targeted therapy with FLT3 inhibitors in AML shows modest promising results in current ongoing clinical trials suggesting the complexity of FLT3 targeting in therapeutics. Importantly, resistance to FLT3 inhibitors may explain the lack of overwhelming response and could obstruct the successful treatment for AML. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of primary resistance and acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors and discuss the strategies to circumvent the emergency of drug resistance and to develop novel treatment intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, NUHS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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14
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The role of XIAP in resistance to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in Leukemia. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:1010-1019. [PMID: 30257312 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment for leukemic malignancies remains a challenge despite the wide use of conventional chemotherapies. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are highly demanded. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) represents a targeted therapy against cancer because it induces apoptosis only in tumor cells. TRAIL is currently under investigation for the treatment of leukemia. Preclinical studies evaluated the potential therapeutic efficacy of TRAIL on cell lines and clinical samples and showed promising results. However, like most anti-cancer drugs, resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis may limit its clinical efficacy. It is critical to understand the molecular mechanisms of TRAIL. Therefore, rational therapeutic drug combinations for clinical trials of TRAIL-based therapies might be achieved. In a variety of leukemic cells, overexpression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), a negative regulator of apoptosis pathway, has been discovered. Implication of XIAP in the ineffective induction of cell death by TRAIL in leukemia has been explored in several resistant cell lines. XIAP inhibitors restored TRAIL sensitivity in resistant cells and primary leukemic blasts. Moreover, TRAIL resistance in leukemic cells could be overcome by the effects of several anti-leukemic agents via the mechanisms of XIAP downregulation. Here, we discuss targeting XIAP, a strategy to restore TRAIL sensitivity in leukemia to acquire more insights into the mechanisms of TRAIL resistance. The concluding remarks may lead to identify putative ways to resensitize tumors.
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Zhou J, Chooi JY, Ching YQ, Quah JY, Toh SHM, Ng Y, Tan TZ, Chng WJ. NF-κB promotes the stem-like properties of leukemia cells by activation of LIN28B. World J Stem Cells 2018; 10:34-42. [PMID: 29707103 PMCID: PMC5919888 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v10.i4.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine whether nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity regulates LIN28B expression and their roles in leukemia stem cell (LSC)-like properties.
METHODS We used pharmacological inhibitor and cell viability assays to examine the relation between NF-κB and LIN28B. Western blot and qRT-PCR was employed to determine their protein and mRNA levels. Luciferase reporter was constructed and applied to explore the transcriptional regulation of LIN28B. We manipulated LIN28B level in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and investigated LSC-like properties with colony forming and serial replating assays.
RESULTS This study revealed the relationship between NF-κB and LIN28B in AML cells through drug inhibition and overexpression experiments. Notably, inhibition of NF-κB by pharmacological inhibitors reduced LIN28B expression and decreased cell proliferation. We demonstrated that NF-κB binds to the -819 to -811 region of LIN28B promoter, and transcriptionally regulates LIN28B expression. LIN28B protein was significantly elevated in NFκB1 transfected cells compared to vector control. Importantly, ectopic expression of LIN28B partially rescued the self-renewal capacity impaired by pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB activity.
CONCLUSION These results uncover a regulatory signaling, NF-κB/LIN28B, which plays a pivotal role in leukemia stem cell-like properties and it could serve as a promising intervening target for effective treatment of AML disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Jing-Yuan Chooi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Ying Qing Ching
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Jessie Yiying Quah
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Sabrina Hui-Min Toh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Yvonne Ng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Tuan Zea Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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16
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Zhou J, Toh SHM, Chan ZL, Quah JY, Chooi JY, Tan TZ, Chong PSY, Zeng Q, Chng WJ. A loss-of-function genetic screening reveals synergistic targeting of AKT/mTOR and WTN/β-catenin pathways for treatment of AML with high PRL-3 phosphatase. J Hematol Oncol 2018. [PMID: 29514683 PMCID: PMC5842526 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protein tyrosine phosphatase of regenerating liver 3 (PRL-3) is overexpressed in a subset of AML patients with inferior prognosis, representing an attractive therapeutic target. However, due to relatively shallow pocket of the catalytic site of PRL-3, it is difficult to develop selective small molecule inhibitor. Methods In this study, we performed whole-genome lentiviral shRNA library screening to discover synthetic lethal target to PRL-3 in AML. We used specific small molecule inhibitors to validate the synthetic lethality in human PRL-3 high vs PRL-3 low human AML cell lines and primary bone marrow cells from AML patients. AML mouse xenograft model was used to examine the in vivo synergism. Results The list of genes depleted in TF1-hPRL3 cells was particularly enriched for members involved in WNT/β-catenin pathway and AKT/mTOR signaling. These findings prompted us to explore the impact of AKT/mTOR signaling inhibition in PRL-3 high AML cells in combination with WNT/β-catenin inhibitor. VS-5584, a novel, highly selective dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, and ICG-001, a WNT inhibitor, were used as a combination therapy. A synthetic lethal interaction between mTOR/AKT pathway inhibition and WNT/β-catenin was validated by a variety of cellular assays. Notably, we found that treatment with these two drugs significantly reduced leukemic burden and prolonged survival of mice transplanted with human PRL-3 high AML cells, but not with PRL-3 low AML cells. Conclusions In summary, our results support the existence of cooperative signaling networks between AKT/mTOR and WNT/β-catenin pathways in PRL-3 high AML cells. Simultaneous inhibition of these two pathways could achieve robust clinical efficacy for this subtype of AML patient with high PRL-3 expression and warrant further clinical investigation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13045-018-0581-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Zit-Liang Chan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jing-Yuan Chooi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tuan Zea Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Translational Centre for Development and Research, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Qi Zeng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), 1E, Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
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