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Yu X, Wang Y, Tan J, Li Y, Yang P, Liu X, Lai J, Zhang Y, Cai L, Gu Y, Xu L, Li Y. Inhibition of NRF2 enhances the acute myeloid leukemia cell death induced by venetoclax via the ferroptosis pathway. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:35. [PMID: 38238299 PMCID: PMC10796764 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01800-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax, an inhibitor that selectively targets B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) that has been approved for treating adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in combination with hypomethylating agents. However, its short duration of response and emergence of resistance are significant issues. In this study, we found that the sensitivity of AML cells to venetoclax was considerably enhanced by ML385, an inhibitor of the ferroptosis factor nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Using AML samples, we verified that NRF2 and its target gene ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) were highly expressed in patients with AML and correlated with poor prognosis. Downregulation of NRF2 could inhibit FTH1 expression and significantly enhance the venetoclax-induced labile iron pool and lipid peroxidation. By contrast, NRF2 overexpression or administration of the reactive oxygen species inhibitor N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E could effectively suppress the anti-AML effects of ML385+venetoclax. Furthermore, the ferroptosis inducer erastin increased the anti-AML effects of venetoclax. Our study demonstrated that NRF2 inhibition could enhance the AML cell death induced by venetoclax via the ferroptosis pathway. Thus, the combination of ML385 with venetoclax may offer a favorable strategy for AML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xibao Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, 510663, China
| | - Yan Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention & Therapy of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Pengyue Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jing Lai
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Letong Cai
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yinfeng Gu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Jiang W, Hu Y, Wang X, Zhang Q, Guo X, Cheng S, Chen L, Ying J, Zhang L, Jiang B. miR-125b-5p-MAPK1-C/EBPα feedback loop regulates all-trans retinoic acid resistance in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Gene 2023; 889:147806. [PMID: 37717613 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147806] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various studies have highlighted the significance of miR-125b-5p in tumour chemotherapy resistance; However, whether miR-125b-5p is associated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) resistance in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has not been reported. METHODS Drug-resistance-related factors in APL were predicted using the DRESIS database. The expression levels of miR-125b-5p in ATRA-sensitive and ATRA-resistant APL cells were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A nitrotetrazolium blue (NBT) reduction assay and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to detect the effect of miR-125b-5p on ATRA resistance in APL cells. An APL xenograft tumour mouse model was established to determine the effect of miR-125b-5p on ATRA resistance. A dual-luciferase gene reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and western blotting verified the regulation by miR-125b-5p of its target gene, MAPK1, and the MAPK1 downstream factor, C/EBPα. An NBT reduction assay and FCM were used to detect the effect of C/EBPα on ATRA resistance in APL cells. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to assess the regulation of miR-125b-5p and MAPK1 by C/EBPα. RESULTS miR-125b-5p expression levels were dramatically increased in ATRA-resistant APL cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that miR-125b-5p overexpression enhanced ATRA resistance in APL. miR-125b-5p promoted ATRA resistance by sponging MAPK1. C/EBPα was negatively regulated by miR-125b-5p, which in addition, regulated ATRA resistance in APL cells. C/EBPα also regulated the miR-125b-5p-MAPK1 axis. CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicate that the miR-125b-5p-MAPK1-C/EBPα feedback loop regulated ATRA resistance in APL. Thus, miR-125b-5p may be a promising target for treating ATRA resistance in APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yongkang Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinlong Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Siyu Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Langqun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiahui Ying
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Baoping Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Liu X, Zhong S, Qiu K, Chen X, Wu W, Zheng J, Liu Y, Wu H, Fan S, Nie D, Wang X, Yu Z, Liao Z, Zhong M, Li Y, Zeng C. Targeting NRF2 uncovered an intrinsic susceptibility of acute myeloid leukemia cells to ferroptosis. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:47. [PMID: 37198609 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00411-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance and poor treatment response are major obstacles to the effective treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A deeper understanding of the mechanisms regulating drug resistance and response genes in AML is therefore urgently needed. Our previous research has highlighted the important role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in AML, where it plays a critical role in detoxifying reactive oxygen species and influencing sensitivity to chemotherapy. In this study, we identify a core set of direct NRF2 targets that are involved in ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death. Of particular interest, we find that glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a key ferroptosis gene that is consistently upregulated in AML, and high expression of GPX4 is associated with poor prognosis for AML patients. Importantly, simultaneous inhibition of NRF2 with ML385 and GPX4 with FIN56 or RSL3 synergistically targets AML cells, triggering ferroptosis. Treatment with ML385 + FIN56/RSL3 resulted in a marked reduction in NRF2 and GPX4 expression. Furthermore, NRF2 knockdown enhanced the sensitivity of AML cells to the ferroptosis inducers. Taken together, our results suggest that combination therapy targeting both NRF2 and GPX4 may represent a promising approach for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shuxin Zhong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kangjie Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Weiyue Wu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Jiamian Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Yanwen Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Haolong Wu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Shiyun Fan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Dingrui Nie
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Xianfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Ziwei Liao
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, P.R. China
| | - Mengjun Zhong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China.
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China.
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China.
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Yu X, Liu X, Liu X, Jin S, Zhong M, Nie D, Zeng X, Wang X, Tan J, Li Y, Zeng C. Overexpression of CASP1 triggers acute promyelocytic leukemia cell pyroptosis and differentiation. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 945:175614. [PMID: 36822457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Caspase-1 (CASP1)-mediated classical pyroptosis plays a key role in cancer development and management, however, the role of CASP1 and its regulation has not yet been documented for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Here, we found that CASP1/GSDMD had lower expression in patients with APL and most other subtypes of primary de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and was increased in all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)-treated APL cells. We showed that ATRA increases and activates CASP1 to trigger the pyroptosis and differentiation of APL cells. Mechanistically, ATRA could induce CASP1 expression via the IFNγ/STAT1 pathway in APL cells. In conclusion, ATRA-induced activation of CASP1 may serve as a suppressor in APL progression, as it triggers pyroptotic cell death and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xibao Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xin Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shuang Jin
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Mengjun Zhong
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Dingrui Nie
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiangbo Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xianfeng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Yu X, Chen C, Hu Y, Li K, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Nie D, Gao R, Huang Y, Zhong M, Wang C, Wang S, Zeng Y, Li Y, Zeng C. High expression of LOC541471, GDAP1, SOD1, and STK25 is associated with poor overall survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Med 2023; 12:9055-9067. [PMID: 36708053 PMCID: PMC10134312 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive heterogeneous hematological malignancy with remarkably heterogeneous outcomes. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for AML risk stratification via analysis of gene expression profiles. METHODS RNA sequencing data from 167 adult AML patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were obtained for overall survival (OS) analysis, and 52 bone marrow (BM) samples from our clinical center were used for validation. Additionally, siRNA was used to investigate the role of prognostic genes in the apoptosis and proliferation of AML cells. RESULTS Co-expression of 103 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in the red module that were positively correlated with European Leukemia Network (ELN) risk stratification and age was identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). After screening by uni- and multivariate Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier survival, and protein-protein interaction analysis, four genes including the lncRNA LOC541471, GDAP1, SOD1, and STK25 were incorporated into calculating a risk score from coefficients of the multivariate Cox regression model. Notably, GDAP1 expression was the greatest contributor to OS among the four genes. Interestingly, the risk score, ELN risk stratification, and age were independent prognostic factors for AML patients, and a nomogram model constructed with these factors could illustrate and personalize the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of AML patients. The calibration and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) suggested that the nomogram had a good predictive performance. Furthermore, new risk stratification was developed for AML patients based on the nomogram model. Importantly, knockdown of LOC541471, GDPA1, SOD1, or STK25 promoted apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of THP-1 cells compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS High expression of LOC541471, GDAP1, SOD1, and STK25 may be biomarkers for risk stratification of AML patients, which may provide novel insight into evaluating prognosis, monitoring progression, and designing combinational targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xibao Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunte Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyun Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kehan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yikai Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Municipality Tianhe Nuoya Bio-engineering Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingrui Nie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rili Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youxue Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjun Zhong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caixia Wang
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shunqing Wang
- Department of Hematology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixin Zeng
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Disulfiram, an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor, works as a potent drug against sepsis and cancer via NETosis, pyroptosis, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. BLOOD SCIENCE 2022; 4:152-154. [DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Chen C, Nie D, Huang Y, Yu X, Chen Z, Zhong M, Liu X, Wang X, Sui S, Liu Z, Tan J, Yu Z, Li Y, Zeng C. Anticancer effects of disulfiram in T-cell malignancies through NPL4-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:919-929. [PMID: 35363385 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ma1121-644r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell malignancies, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoma (TCL), are characterized by inferior treatment effects, high heterogeneity, poor prognosis, and a lack of specific therapeutic targets and drugs to improve outcome. Disulfiram (DSF) is a drug used to clinically control alcoholism that has recently been shown to be cytotoxic for multiple cancers. However, the underlying effects and mechanisms of DFS treatment in patients with T-cell malignancies are not well characterized. In this study, we report that DSF promotes apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of malignant T-cell cell lines and primary T-ALL cells. We provide evidence that DSF exerts anticancer activity in T-cell malignancies by targeting the NPL4-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Notably, high expression of NPL4 and 2 ubiquitin-proteasome pathway genes, anaphase-promoting complex subunit 1 (ANAPC1) and proteasome 26S subunit ubiquitin receptor, non-ATPase 2 (PSMD2), was significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) for patients with TCL and T-ALL (p < 0.05). More importantly, the weighted combination of NPL4, ANAPC1, and PSMD2 could visually display the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates for patients with T-cell malignancies in a nomogram model and facilitate risk stratification. Specifically, risk stratification was an independent predictor of OS for patients with T-cell malignancies. In conclusion, DSF might induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of malignant T-cells via the NPL4-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and offer a potential therapeutic option for T-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunte Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingrui Nie
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youxue Huang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xibao Yu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjun Zhong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songnan Sui
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuandi Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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STAT6/VDR Axis Mitigates Lung Inflammatory Injury by Promoting Nrf2 Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2485250. [PMID: 35047105 PMCID: PMC8763503 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2485250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Lung inflammatory injury is a global public health concern. It is characterized by infiltration of diverse inflammatory cells and thickening of pulmonary septum along with oxidative stress to airway epithelial cells. STAT6 is a nuclear transcription factor that plays a crucial role in orchestrating the immune response, but its function in tissue inflammatory injury has not been comprehensively studied. Here, we demonstrated that STAT6 activation can protect against particle-induced lung inflammatory injury by resisting oxidative stress. Specifically, genetic ablation of STAT6 was observed to worsen particle-induced lung injury mainly by disrupting the lungs' antioxidant capacity, as reflected by the downregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, an increase in malondialdehyde levels, and a decrease in glutathione levels. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been previously proved to positively regulate Nrf2 signals. In this study, silencing VDR expression in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells consistently suppressed autophagy-mediated activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby aggravating particle-induced cell damage. Mechanically, STAT6 activation promoted the nuclear translocation of VDR, which increased the transcription of autophagy-related genes and induced Nrf2 signals, and silencing VDR abolished these effects. Our research provides important insights into the role of STAT6 in oxidative damage and reveals its potential underlying mechanism. This information not only deepens the appreciation of STAT6 but also opens new avenues for the discovery of therapies for inflammatory respiratory system disorders.
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