1
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Selheim F, Aasebø E, Bruserud Ø, Hernandez-Valladares M. High Mitochondrial Protein Expression as a Potential Predictor of Relapse Risk in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with the Monocytic FAB Subtypes M4 and M5. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:8. [PMID: 38201437 PMCID: PMC10778527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010008] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
AML is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous form of hematological cancer. Proteomics-based stratification of patients into more refined subgroups may contribute to a more precise characterization of the patient-derived AML cells. Here, we reanalyzed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) generated proteomic and phosphoproteomic data from 26 FAB-M4/M5 patients. The patients achieved complete hematological remission after induction therapy. Twelve of them later developed chemoresistant relapse (RELAPSE), and 14 patients were relapse-free (REL_FREE) long-term survivors. We considered not only the RELAPSE and REL_FREE characteristics but also integrated the French-American-British (FAB) classification, along with considering the presence of nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation and cytogenetically normal AML. We found a significant number of differentially enriched proteins (911) and phosphoproteins (257) between the various FAB subtypes in RELAPSE patients. Patients with the myeloblastic M1/M2 subtype showed higher levels of RNA processing-related routes and lower levels of signaling related to terms like translation and degranulation when compared with the M4/M5 subtype. Moreover, we found that a high abundance of proteins associated with mitochondrial translation and oxidative phosphorylation, particularly observed in the RELAPSE M4/M5 NPM1 mutated subgroup, distinguishes relapsing from non-relapsing AML patient cells with the FAB subtype M4/M5. Thus, the discovery of subtype-specific biomarkers through proteomic profiling may complement the existing classification system for AML and potentially aid in selecting personalized treatment strategies for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frode Selheim
- Proteomics Unit of University of Bergen (PROBE), University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Elise Aasebø
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (E.A.); (Ø.B.)
| | - Øystein Bruserud
- Acute Leukemia Research Group, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (E.A.); (Ø.B.)
- Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria Hernandez-Valladares
- Proteomics Unit of University of Bergen (PROBE), University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Excellence Unit in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and Environment, School of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
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2
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Zavareh VA, Gharibi S, Hosseini Rizi M, Nekookar A, Mirhendi H, Rahimmalek M, Szumny A. Satureja bachtiarica Induces Cancer Cell Death in Breast and Glioblastoma Cancer in 2D/3D Models and Suppresses Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2713. [PMID: 38067141 PMCID: PMC10706021 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Overcoming drug resistance and specifically targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical challenges in improving cancer therapy. Nowadays, the use of novel and native medicinal plants can provide new sources for further investigations for this purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of S. bachtiarica, an endemic plant with diverse medicinal applications, in suppressing and targeting cancer and cancer stem cells in glioblastoma and breast cancer. The effect of S. bachtiarica on viability, migration, invasion, and clonogenic potential of MDAMB-231 and U87-MG cells was assessed in both two- and three-dimensional cell culture models. Additionally, we evaluated its effects on the self-renewal capacity of mammospheres. The experimental outcomes indicated that S. bachtiarica decreased the viability and growth rate of cells and spheroids by inducing apoptosis and inhibited colony formation, migration, and invasion of cells and spheroids. Additionally, colony and sphere-forming ability, as well as the expression of genes associated with EMT and stemness were reduced in mammospheres treated with S. bachtiarica. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into the anti-cancer effects of S. bachtiarica, particularly in relation to breast CSCs. Therefore, S. bachtiarica may be a potential adjuvant for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajihe Azimian Zavareh
- Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran; (V.A.Z.); (S.G.); (M.H.R.); (A.N.); (H.M.)
| | - Shima Gharibi
- Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran; (V.A.Z.); (S.G.); (M.H.R.); (A.N.); (H.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Mahnaz Hosseini Rizi
- Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran; (V.A.Z.); (S.G.); (M.H.R.); (A.N.); (H.M.)
| | - Abdolhossein Nekookar
- Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran; (V.A.Z.); (S.G.); (M.H.R.); (A.N.); (H.M.)
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran; (V.A.Z.); (S.G.); (M.H.R.); (A.N.); (H.M.)
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rahimmalek
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Antoni Szumny
- Department of Food Chemistry and Biocatalysis, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
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3
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Zhang M, Li Y, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Wang W, Song X, Zhang D. BRD4 Protein as a Target for Lung Cancer and Hematological Cancer Therapy: A Review. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1079-1092. [PMID: 37846578 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501269090231012090351] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The BET protein family plays a crucial role in regulating the epigenetic landscape of the genome. Their role in regulating tumor-related gene expression and its impact on the survival of tumor cells is widely acknowledged. Among the BET family constituents, BRD4 is a significant protein. It is a bromodomain-containing protein located at the outer terminal that recognizes histones that have undergone acetylation. It is present in the promoter or enhancer region of the target gene and is responsible for initiating and sustaining the expression of genes associated with tumorigenesis. BRD4 expression is significantly elevated in various tumor types. Research has indicated that BRD4 plays a significant role in regulating various transcription factors and chromatin modification, as well as in repairing DNA damage and preserving telomere function, ultimately contributing to the survival of cancerous cells. The protein BRD4 has a significant impact on antitumor therapy, particularly in the management of lung cancer and hematological malignancies, and the promising potential of BRD4 inhibitors in the realm of cancer prevention and treatment is a topic of great interest. Therefore, BRD4 is considered a promising candidate for prophylaxis and therapy of neoplastic diseases. However, further research is required to fully comprehend the significance and indispensability of BRD4 in cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- College of Humanities and Management, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Yingbo Li
- College of Humanities and Management, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomei Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712046, P.R. China
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4
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Ma L, Wang J, Zhang Y, Fang F, Ling J, Chu X, Zhang Z, Tao Y, Li X, Tian Y, Li Z, Sang X, Zhang K, Lu L, Wan X, Chen Y, Yu J, Zhuo R, Wu S, Lu J, Pan J, Hu S. BRD4 PROTAC degrader MZ1 exerts anticancer effects in acute myeloid leukemia by targeting c-Myc and ANP32B genes. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:1-15. [PMID: 36170346 PMCID: PMC9543111 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2125748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly cancerous and aggressive hematologic disease with elevated levels of drug resistance and relapse resulting in high mortality. Recently, bromodomains and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors have been extensively researched in hematological tumors as potential anticancer agents. MZ1 is a novel BET inhibitor that mediates selective proteins degradation and suppression of tumor growth through proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) technology. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the role and therapeutic potential of MZ1 in AML. In this study, we first identified that AML patients with high BRD4 expression had poor overall survival than those with low expression group. MZ1 inhibited AML cell growth and induced apoptosis and cycle arrest in vitro. MZ1 induced degradation of BRD4, BRD3 and BRD2 in AML cell strains. Additionally, MZ1 also initiated the cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), which showed cytotoxic effects on NB4 (PML-RARa), K562 (BCR-ABL), Kasumi-1 (AML1-ETO), and MV4-11 (MLL-AF4) cell lines representing different molecular subtypes of AML. In AML mouse leukemia model, MZ1 significantly decreased leukemia cell growth and increased the mouse survival time. According to the RNA-sequencing analysis, MZ1 led to c-Myc and ANP32B genes significant downregulation in AML cell lines. Knockdown of ANP32B promoted AML cell apoptosis and inhibited cell growth. Overall, our data indicated that MZ1 had broad anti-cancer effects on AML cell lines with different molecular lesions, which might be exploited as a novel therapeutic strategy for AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yongping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jing Ling
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinran Chu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xu Sang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kunlong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lihui Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Wan
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanling Chen
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Yu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ran Zhuo
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuiyan Wu
- Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- CONTACT Shaoyan HuChildren’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
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5
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Romine KA, Nechiporuk T, Bottomly D, Jeng S, McWeeney SK, Kaempf A, Corces MR, Majeti R, Tyner JW. Monocytic differentiation and AHR signaling as Primary Nodes of BET Inhibitor Response in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Blood Cancer Discov 2021; 2:518-531. [PMID: 34568834 DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-21-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand mechanisms of response to BET inhibitors (BETi), we mined the Beat AML functional genomic dataset and performed genome-wide CRISPR screens on BETi- sensitive and BETi- resistant AML cells. Both strategies revealed regulators of monocytic differentiation, SPI1, JUNB, FOS, and aryl-hydrocarbon receptor signaling (AHR/ARNT), as determinants of BETi response. AHR activation synergized with BETi while inhibition antagonized BETi-mediated cytotoxicity. Consistent with BETi sensitivity dependence on monocytic differentiation, ex vivo sensitivity to BETi in primary AML patient samples correlated with higher expression of monocytic markers CSF1R, LILRs, and VCAN. In addition, HL-60 cell line differentiation enhanced its sensitivity to BETi. Further, screens to rescue BETi sensitivity identified BCL2 and CDK6 as druggable vulnerabilities. Finally, monocytic AML patient samples refractory to venetoclax ex vivo were significantly more sensitive to combined BETi + venetoclax. Together, our work highlights mechanisms that could predict BETi response and identifies combination strategies to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Romine
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tamilla Nechiporuk
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Bottomly
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sophia Jeng
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shannon K McWeeney
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Portland, OR, USA.,Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andy Kaempf
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Biostatistics Shared Resource, Portland, OR, USA
| | - M Ryan Corces
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Cancer Institute, and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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6
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Co-Operativity between MYC and BCL-2 Pro-Survival Proteins in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2841. [PMID: 33799592 PMCID: PMC8000576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), c-MYC and related proteins are arguably amongst the most widely studied in all of biology. Every year there are thousands of papers reporting on different aspects of their biochemistry, cellular and physiological mechanisms and functions. This plethora of literature can be attributed to both proteins playing essential roles in the normal functioning of a cell, and by extension a whole organism, but also due to their central role in disease, most notably, cancer. Many cancers arise due to genetic lesions resulting in deregulation of both proteins, and indeed the development and survival of tumours is often dependent on co-operativity between these protein families. In this review we will discuss the individual roles of both proteins in cancer, describe cancers where co-operativity between them has been well-characterised and finally, some strategies to target these proteins therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Douglas Fairlie
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3084, Australia
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7
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Ayuso JM, Rehman S, Virumbrales-Munoz M, McMinn PH, Geiger P, Fitzgerald C, Heaster T, Skala MC, Beebe DJ. Microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip model to evaluate the role of tumor environmental stress on NK cell exhaustion. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/8/eabc2331. [PMID: 33597234 PMCID: PMC7888951 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc2331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Solid tumors generate a suppressive environment that imposes an overwhelming burden on the immune system. Nutrient depletion, waste product accumulation, hypoxia, and pH acidification severely compromise the capacity of effector immune cells such as T and natural killer (NK) cells to destroy cancer cells. However, the specific molecular mechanisms driving immune suppression, as well as the capacity of immune cells to adapt to the suppressive environment, are not completely understood. Thus, here, we used an in vitro microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip platform to evaluate how NK cells respond to the tumor-induced suppressive environment. The results demonstrated that the suppressive environment created by the tumor gradually eroded NK cell cytotoxic capacity, leading to compromised NK cell surveillance and tumor tolerance. Further, NK cell exhaustion persisted for an extended period of time after removing NK cells from the microfluidic platform. Last, the addition of checkpoint inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents alleviated NK cell exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Shujah Rehman
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Patrick H McMinn
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Peter Geiger
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cate Fitzgerald
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tiffany Heaster
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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8
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that bind to acetylated lysines of histones and regulate gene transcription. BET protein family members mediate the expression of various oncogenic drivers in ovarian cancer, such as the MYC and Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) genes. BRD4, the most thoroughly studied member of the BET family, is amplified in a significant subset of high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSC) of the ovary. It has been reported that BET inhibitors can attenuate the proliferation and dissemination of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting oncogenic pathways, such as the FOXM1 and JAK/STAT pathways. BET inhibition can re-sensitize resistant ovarian cancer cells to already approved anticancer agents, including cisplatin and PARP inhibitors. This synergism was also confirmed in vivo in animal models. These and other preclinical results provide a promising basis for the application of BET inhibitors in ovarian cancer treatment. Currently, Phase I/II clinical trials explore the safety and efficacy profiles of BET inhibitors in various solid tumors, including ovarian tumors. Here, we review current knowledge on the molecular effects and preclinical activities of BET inhibitors in ovarian tumors. CONCLUSIONS BET proteins have emerged as new druggable targets for ovarian cancer. BET inhibitors may enhance antitumor activity when co-administered with conventional treatment regimens. Results from ongoing Phase I/II studies are anticipated to confirm this notion.
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9
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Ramsey HE, Greenwood D, Zhang S, Childress M, Arrate MP, Gorska AE, Fuller L, Zhao Y, Stengel K, Fischer MA, Stubbs MC, Liu PCC, Boyd K, Rathmell JC, Hiebert SW, Savona MR. BET Inhibition Enhances the Antileukemic Activity of Low-dose Venetoclax in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:598-607. [PMID: 33148670 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-1346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax, has transformed clinical care in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, subsets of patients do not respond or eventually acquire resistance. Venetoclax-based regimens can lead to considerable marrow suppression in some patients. Bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitors (BETi) are potential treatments for AML, as regulators of critical AML oncogenes. We tested the efficacy of novel BET inhibitor INCB054329, and its synergy with venetoclax to reduce AML without induction of hematopoietic toxicity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN INCB054329 efficacy was assessed by changes in cell cycle and apoptosis in treated AML cell lines. In vivo efficacy was assessed by tumor reduction in MV-4-11 cell line-derived xenografts. Precision run-on and sequencing (PRO-seq) evaluated effects of INCB054329. Synergy between low-dose BETi and venetoclax was assessed in cell lines and patient samples in vitro and in vivo while efficacy and toxicity was assessed in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. RESULTS INCB054329 induced dose-dependent apoptosis and quiescence in AML cell lines. PRO-seq analysis evaluated the effects of INCB054329 on transcription and confirmed reduced transcriptional elongation of key oncogenes, MYC and BCL2, and genes involved in the cell cycle and metabolism. Combinations of BETi and venetoclax led to reduced cell viability in cell lines and patient samples. Low-dose combinations of INCB054329 and venetoclax in cell line and PDX models reduced AML burden, regardless of the sensitivity to monotherapy without development of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest low dose combinations of venetoclax and BETi may be more efficacious for patients with AML than either monotherapy, potentially providing a longer, more tolerable dosing regimen.
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MESH Headings
- Acute Disease
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Cycle/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Synergism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic/drug effects
- HL-60 Cells
- Humans
- K562 Cells
- Leukemia, Myeloid/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, SCID
- Organic Chemicals/pharmacology
- Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proteins/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley E Ramsey
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Dalton Greenwood
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Susu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Merrida Childress
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Maria P Arrate
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Agnieszka E Gorska
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Londa Fuller
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kristy Stengel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Melissa A Fischer
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Kelli Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeffrey C Rathmell
- Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Scott W Hiebert
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Michael R Savona
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.
- Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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10
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The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitor JQ1 synergistically sensitizes human colorectal cancer cells to topoisomerase I inhibitors through repression of Mre11-mediated DNA repair pathway. Invest New Drugs 2020; 39:362-376. [PMID: 32981006 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-020-01014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives, irinotecan and topotecan are specific topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors and potent anticancer drugs. Mechanistically, they induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Although CPT is an effective chemotherapeutic agent used in the management of advanced colorectal cancer, there exist associated side effects. Herein, we aimed to establish novel drug combinations that can effectively aid in managing the CPT-related side effects. Besides, bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors have proved as promising drugs that target epigenetic mechanisms in various cancers, they alter DNA repair processes, hence are a potential candidate for CPT synthetic lethality. A novel BET inhibitor JQ1 synergized with CPT, exerted antiproliferative effects. Through cell cycle analyses and apoptosis assays, we revealed that a combination of CPT and JQ1 induces subG1-phase arrest and enhances cell apoptosis. This combination increased the intensity of γ-H2AX staining, a specific marker of DSBs. Moreover, colorectal cancer cells highly expressing Top1 showed greater sensitivity to JQ1, which was lowered through the lentiviral shRNA-mediated knockdown of Top1. JQ1, combined with CPT, impeded the recruitment of the Mre11-mediated MRN complex. Finally, JQ1 enhanced the in vivo sensitivity of tumors to CPT without inducing toxicity. These results demonstrate that a combination of BET inhibitor with Top1 inhibitor is safe and exerts positive chemotherapeutic effects in colorectal cancer.
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11
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Asadipour M, Malek-Hosseini S, Amirghofran Z. Anti-leukemic activity of Satureja bachtiarica occurs by apoptosis in human cells. Biotech Histochem 2020; 95:506-513. [PMID: 32180460 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2020.1725834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure of apoptosis contributes to leukemia progression. We investigated extracts of a native Iranian plant, Satureja bachtiarica, for possible anti-leukemia activity by induction of apoptosis and changes to the cell cycle. Growth inhibition caused by aqueous, butanol, dichloromethane and hexane extracts of S. bachtiarica on K562 and Jurkat leukemia cells was assessed using a colorimetric assay. Extracts were analyzed for induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest using flow cytometry and measurement of caspase-3 activity. Dichloromethane and hexane extracts inhibited leukemia cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values of these extracts were 22-33 µg/ml. Flow cytometric determination of annexinV/propidium iodide positive cells verified a significantly increased percentage of apoptotic cells compared to negative controls. Both 50 μg/ml dichloromethane and hexane extracts induced apoptosis in 89-97% of K562 and 94-97% of Jurkat cells 48 h after treatment. The effects of extracts on the cell cycle included significantly increased numbers of K562 and Jurkat cells in the subG1 phase and decreased numbers of cells in the G1, S and G2/M phases. After 24 h, we found increased levels of caspase-3 activation in cells treated with 25 μg/ml dichloromethane and hexane extracts compared to untreated cells. Our findings indicate the anti-leukemic effects of dichloromethane and hexane extracts of S. bachtiarica due to induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morvarid Asadipour
- Immunology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Amirghofran
- Immunology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran.,Autoimmune Diseases Research Center and Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
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12
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Sheikh‐Zeineddini N, Safaroghli-azar A, Salari S, Bashash D. C-Myc inhibition sensitizes pre-B ALL cells to the anti-tumor effect of vincristine by altering apoptosis and autophagy: Proposing a probable mechanism of action for 10058-F4. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 870:172821. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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13
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Abstract
Comprehensive cataloguing of the acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) genome has revealed a high frequency of mutations and deletions in epigenetic factors that are frequently linked to treatment resistance and poor patient outcome. In this review, we discuss how the epigenetic mechanisms that underpin normal haematopoiesis are subverted in AML, and in particular how these processes are altered in childhood and adolescent leukaemias. We also provide a brief summary of the burgeoning field of epigenetic-based therapies, and how AML treatment might be improved through provision of better conceptual frameworks for understanding the pleiotropic molecular effects of epigenetic disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Jones
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,National Children's Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter McCarthy
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jonathan Bond
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,National Children's Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland.,Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Damaneh MS, Hu JP, Huan XJ, Song SS, Tian CQ, Chen DQ, Meng T, Chen YL, Shen JK, Xiong B, Miao ZH, Wang YQ. A new BET inhibitor, 171, inhibits tumor growth through cell proliferation inhibition more than apoptosis induction. Invest New Drugs 2019; 38:700-713. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00818-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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