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Jia R, Che X, Jia J, Guo J. FOXM1a Isoform of Oncogene FOXM1 Is a Tumor Suppressor Suppressed by hnRNP C in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1331. [PMID: 37759731 PMCID: PMC10526205 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091331] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXM1 is an oncogenic transcriptional factor and includes several isoforms generated by alternative splicing. Inclusion of alternative exon 9 produces FOXM1a, a transcriptionally inactive isoform. However, the role of FOXM1a in tumorigenesis remains unknown. In addition, the regulatory mechanisms of exon 9 splicing are also unclear. In the present study, we found that overexpression of FOXM1a significantly reduced cell proliferation and colony formation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell proliferation in vitro. Importantly, OSCC cells with FOXM1a overexpression showed significantly slower tumor formation in nude mice. Moreover, we identified a U-rich exonic splicing suppressor (ESS) which is responsible for exon 9 skipping. Splicing factor heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP C) can bind to the ESS and suppress exon 9 inclusion and FOXM1a expression. Silence of hnRNP C also significantly suppresses OSCC cell proliferation. HnRNP C is significantly co-expressed with FOXM1 in cancers. Our study uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism of oncogene FOXM1 expression in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (R.J.); (X.C.)
| | - Xiaoxuan Che
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (R.J.); (X.C.)
| | - Jun Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (R.J.); (X.C.)
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jihua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (R.J.); (X.C.)
- Department of Endodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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Liu M, Guo J, Jia R. Emerging roles of alternative RNA splicing in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1019750. [PMID: 36505770 PMCID: PMC9732560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1019750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative RNA splicing (ARS) is an essential and tightly regulated cellular process of post-transcriptional regulation of pre-mRNA. It produces multiple isoforms and may encode proteins with different or even opposite functions. The dysregulated ARS of pre-mRNA contributes to the development of many cancer types, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and may serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC and an attractive therapeutic target. ARS is mainly regulated by splicing factors, whose expression is also often dysregulated in OSCC and involved in tumorigenesis. This review focuses on the expression and roles of splicing factors in OSCC, the alternative RNA splicing events associated with OSCC, and recent advances in therapeutic approaches that target ARS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Liu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihua Guo
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Department of Endodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Jihua Guo, ; Rong Jia,
| | - Rong Jia
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,RNA Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Jihua Guo, ; Rong Jia,
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Uthale A, Anantram A, Sulkshane P, Degani M, Teni T. Identification of bicyclic compounds that act as dual inhibitors of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Mol Divers 2022:10.1007/s11030-022-10494-6. [PMID: 35909144 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10494-6] [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: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Elevated expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 contributes to poor prognosis and resistance to current treatment modalities in multiple cancers. Here, we report the design, synthesis and characterization of benzimidazole chalcone and flavonoid scaffold-derived bicyclic compounds targeting both Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 by optimizing the structural differences in the binding sites of both these proteins. Initial docking screen of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 with pro-apoptotic protein Bim revealed possible hits with optimal binding energies. All the optimized bicyclic compounds were screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against two oral cancer cell lines (AW8507 and AW13516) which express high levels of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Compound 4d from the benzimidazole chalcone series and compound 6d from the flavonoid series exhibited significant cytotoxic activity (IC50 7.12 μM and 17.18 μM, respectively) against AW13516 cell line. Time Resolved-Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) analysis further demonstrated that compound 4d and compound 6d could effectively inhibit the Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins by displacing their BH3 binding partners. Both compounds exhibited potent activation of canonical pathway of apoptosis evident from appearance of cleaved Caspase-3 and PARP. Further, treatment of oral cancer cells with the inhibitors induced dissociation of the BH3 only protein Bim from Mcl-1 and Bak from Bcl-2 but failed to release Bax from Bcl-xL thereby confirming the nature of compounds as BH3-mimetics selectively targeting Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Our study thus identifies bicyclic compounds as promising candidates for anti-apoptotic Bcl-2/Mcl-1 dual inhibitors with a potential for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Uthale
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410 210, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Aarti Anantram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400 019, India
| | - Prasad Sulkshane
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410 210, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Mariam Degani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400 019, India.
| | - Tanuja Teni
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410 210, India. .,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India.
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Sulkshane P, Teni T. Myeloid cell leukemia-1: a formidable barrier to anticancer therapeutics and the quest of targeting it. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:278-296. [PMID: 36045907 PMCID: PMC9400788 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family members are apical regulators of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis that orchestrate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) through interactions with their proapoptotic counterparts. Overexpression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins has been linked to therapy resistance and poor prognosis in diverse cancers. Among the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, predominant overexpression of the prosurvival myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) has been reported in a myriad of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, contributing to therapy resistance and poor outcomes, thus making it a potential druggable target. The unique structure of Mcl-1 and its complex regulatory mechanism makes it an adaptive prosurvival switch that ensures tumor cell survival despite therapeutic intervention. This review focusses on diverse mechanisms adopted by tumor cells to maintain sustained elevated levels of Mcl-1 and how high Mcl-1 levels contribute to resistance in conventional as well as targeted therapies. Moreover, recent developments in the Mcl-1-targeted therapeutics and the underlying challenges and considerations in designing novel Mcl-1 inhibitors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Sulkshane
- Glickman Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Tanuja Teni
- Teni Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Mumbai 400094, India
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Myeloid cell leukemia-1 expression in cancers of the oral cavity: a scoping review. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:182. [PMID: 35524332 PMCID: PMC9074253 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family members play important roles in cell survival as well as cell death. The role of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), an important member of the Bcl-2 family, is well established in hematopoietic malignancies. However, the association between Mcl-1 and oral cavity, cancers is not clearly defined. Methods A scoping review was conducted until June 30, 2021, using four major databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Medical subject headings keywords for Mcl-1, along with its other identifiers, and head and neck cancers (only oral cavity tumors) were used to evaluate the expression, function, molecular association, and therapeutic approach of Mcl-1 in oral cavity cancers and precancers. Findings Mcl-1 expression was associated with the progression of oral cavity cancers. The molecular mechanism and pathways of Mcl-1 in oral cavity cancers established via experimental results have been highlighted in this review. Moreover, the various synthetic and naturally derived therapeutic agents targeting Mcl-1 have been documented. Novelty/Improvement Based on our present review, Mcl-1 appears to be an effective anticancer target that can be used in the therapeutic management of oral cancers.
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Sulkshane P, Pawar SN, Waghole R, Pawar SS, Rajput P, Uthale A, Oak S, Kalkar P, Wani H, Patil R, Nair S, Rane P, Teni T. Elevated USP9X drives early-to-late-stage oral tumorigenesis via stabilisation of anti-apoptotic MCL-1 protein and impacts outcome in oral cancers. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:547-560. [PMID: 34079080 PMCID: PMC8367974 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01421-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of anti-apoptotic MCL-1 protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is linked to disease progression, therapy resistance and poor outcome. Despite its characteristic short half-life owing to ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation, oral tumours frequently show elevated MCL-1 protein expression. Hence, we investigated the role of deubiquitinase USP9X in stabilising MCL-1 protein and its contribution to oral tumorigenesis. METHODS Expression of MCL-1 and USP9X was assessed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in oral cancer cell lines and tissues. The association between MCL-1 and USP9X was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Cell death assessment was performed by MTT, flow cytometry and clonogenic assays. RESULTS Both USP9X and MCL-1 are significantly elevated in oral premalignant lesions and oral tumours versus normal mucosa. USP9X interacts with and deubiquitinates MCL-1, thereby stabilising it. Pharmacological inhibition of USP9X potently induced cell death in OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The elevated expression of USP9X and MCL-1 correlated with poor prognosis in OSCC patients. CONCLUSION We demonstrate the oncogenic role of USP9X in driving early-to-late stages of oral tumorigenesis via stabilisation of MCL-1, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in oral cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Sulkshane
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India ,grid.450257.10000 0004 1775 9822Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra India ,grid.6451.60000000121102151Present Address: Glickman Lab, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sagar N. Pawar
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Rohit Waghole
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Sushil S. Pawar
- KBH Dental College and Hospital, Panchwati, Nashik, Maharashtra India
| | - Priyanka Rajput
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Abhay Uthale
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India ,grid.450257.10000 0004 1775 9822Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Swapnil Oak
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India ,grid.450257.10000 0004 1775 9822Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Prajakta Kalkar
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Harshada Wani
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Rahul Patil
- KBH Dental College and Hospital, Panchwati, Nashik, Maharashtra India
| | - Sudhir Nair
- grid.450257.10000 0004 1775 9822Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra India ,grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Pallavi Rane
- grid.410869.20000 0004 1766 7522Clinical Research Secretariat, ACTREC, TMC, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | - Tanuja Teni
- grid.410871.b0000 0004 1769 5793Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India ,grid.450257.10000 0004 1775 9822Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, Maharashtra India
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Mittal P, Singh S, Sinha R, Shrivastava A, Singh A, Singh IK. Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1): Structural characteristics and application in cancer therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 187:999-1018. [PMID: 34339789 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis, a major hallmark of cancer cells, regulates cellular fate and homeostasis. BCL-2 (B-cell CLL/Lymphoma 2) protein family is popularly known to mediate the intrinsic mode of apoptosis, of which MCL-1 is a crucial member. Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) is an anti-apoptotic oncoprotein and one of the most investigated members of the BCL-2 family. It is commonly known to be genetically altered, aberrantly overexpressed, and primarily associated with drug resistance in various human cancers. Recent advancements in the development of selective MCL-1 inhibitors and evaluating their effectiveness in cancer treatment establish its popularity as a molecular target. The overall aim is the selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by using a single or combination of BCL-2 family inhibitors. Delineating the precise molecular mechanisms associated with MCL-1-mediated cancer progression will certainly improve the efficacy of clinical interventions aimed at MCL-1 and hence patient survival. This review is structured to highlight the structural characteristics of MCL-1, its specific interactions with NOXA, MCL-1-regulatory microRNAs, and at the same time focus on the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting our protein of interest (MCL-1), alone or in combination with other treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Mittal
- Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Sujata Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Rajesh Sinha
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35205, United States of America
| | - Anju Shrivastava
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Department of Botany, Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India.
| | - Indrakant Kumar Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019, India.
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Carter RJ, Milani M, Butterworth M, Alotibi A, Harper N, Yedida G, Greaves G, Al-Zebeeby A, Jorgensen AL, Schache AG, Risk JM, Shaw RJ, Jones TM, Sacco JJ, Hurlstone A, Cohen GM, Varadarajan S. Exploring the potential of BH3 mimetic therapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:912. [PMID: 31801952 PMCID: PMC6892862 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2150-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with overall survival of less than 50%. Current therapeutic strategies involving a combination of surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy are associated with debilitating side effects, highlighting the need for more specific and efficacious therapies. Inhibitors of BCL-2 family proteins (BH3 mimetics) are under investigation or in clinical practice for several hematological malignancies and show promise in solid tumors. In order to explore the therapeutic potential of BH3 mimetics in the treatment of SCCHN, we assessed the expression levels of BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1 via Western blots and immunohistochemistry, in cell lines, primary cells derived from SCCHN patients and in tissue microarrays containing tumor tissue from a cohort of 191 SCCHN patients. All preclinical models exhibited moderate to high levels of BCL-XL and MCL-1, with little or no BCL-2. Although expression levels of BCL-XL and MCL-1 did not correlate with patient outcome, a combination of BH3 mimetics to target these proteins resulted in decreased clonogenic potential and enhanced apoptosis in all preclinical models, including tumor tissue resected from patients, as well as a reduction of tumor volume in a zebrafish xenograft model of SCCHN. Our results show that SCCHN is dependent on both BCL-XL and MCL-1 for apoptosis evasion and combination therapy targeting both proteins may offer significant therapeutic benefits in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Carter
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.,Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mateus Milani
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Michael Butterworth
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Ahoud Alotibi
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Nicholas Harper
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Govindaraju Yedida
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Georgia Greaves
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Aoula Al-Zebeeby
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Andrea L Jorgensen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | | | - Janet M Risk
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | | | - Terry M Jones
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | | | - Adam Hurlstone
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Gerald M Cohen
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.,Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.,Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Shankar Varadarajan
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK. .,Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK. .,Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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Urbanski L, Leclair N, Anczuków O. Alternative-splicing defects in cancer: Splicing regulators and their downstream targets, guiding the way to novel cancer therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2018; 9:e1476. [PMID: 29693319 PMCID: PMC6002934 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Defects in alternative splicing are frequently found in human tumors and result either from mutations in splicing-regulatory elements of specific cancer genes or from changes in the regulatory splicing machinery. RNA splicing regulators have emerged as a new class of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, and contribute to disease progression by modulating RNA isoforms involved in the hallmark cancer pathways. Thus, dysregulation of alternative RNA splicing is fundamental to cancer and provides a potentially rich source of novel therapeutic targets. Here, we review the alterations in splicing regulatory factors detected in human tumors, as well as the resulting alternatively spliced isoforms that impact cancer hallmarks, and discuss how they contribute to disease pathogenesis. RNA splicing is a highly regulated process and, as such, the regulators are themselves tightly regulated. Differential transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of splicing factors modulates their levels and activities in tumor cells. Furthermore, the composition of the tumor microenvironment can also influence which isoforms are expressed in a given cell type and impact drug responses. Finally, we summarize current efforts in targeting alternative splicing, including global splicing inhibition using small molecules blocking the spliceosome or splicing-factor-modifying enzymes, as well as splice-switching RNA-based therapeutics to modulate cancer-specific splicing isoforms. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Xiong L, Tang Y, Liu Z, Dai J, Wang X. BCL-2 inhibition impairs mitochondrial function and targets oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:1626. [PMID: 27722045 PMCID: PMC5031576 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-3310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To understand the role of Bcl-2 overexpression in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) patients and investigate the efficacy of targeting Bcl-2 in OTSCC. Methods The expression level of Bcl-2 on normal tongue cells and OTSCC cells were measured by real-time PCR and western blotting. The functional roles of Bcl-2 were examined by MTS, flow cytometry and xenograft cancer mouse model. Mechanism studies were performed by analyzing mitochondrial functions in a panel of OTSCC cell lines. Results Bcl-2 is up-regulated at mRNA and protein levels in a panel of OTSCC cell lines compared to normal tongue epithelial cells (NTEC). Importantly, overexpression of Bcl-2 confers resistance of OTSCC cells to chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin treatment. Overexpression of Bcl-2 in NTEC significantly increased cell growth. In contrast, inhibition of Bcl-2 by genetic and pharmacological approaches inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in OTSCC cells. Mechanistically, Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199 impairs mitochondrial functions as shown by the decreased levels of mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial respiration and ATP, and the increased levels of ROS in OTSCC cells. In addition, ABT-199 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunctions in NTEC cells, but to a less extent than in OTSCC cells. We further show that ABT-199 augments the effects of cisplatin in eliminating OTSCC cells in in vitro tongue cancer cellular system and in vivo tongue cancer xenograft mouse model. Conclusions Inhibition of Bcl-2 effectively targets OTSCC cells through inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Inhibition of Bcl-2 also augments the inhibitory effects of cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40064-016-3310-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xiong
- Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyang Liu
- Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Dai
- Department of Oral Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhou Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Hubei College of Chinese Medicine, Academy Road 87, Jingzhou, 434020 People's Republic of China
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BH3 mimetic Obatoclax (GX15-070) mediates mitochondrial stress predominantly via MCL-1 inhibition and induces autophagy-dependent necroptosis in human oral cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 8:60060-60079. [PMID: 28947954 PMCID: PMC5601122 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported overexpression of antiapoptotic MCL-1 protein in human oral cancers and its association with therapy resistance and poor prognosis, implying it to be a potential therapeutic target. Hence, we investigated the efficacy and mechanism of action of Obatoclax, a BH3 mimetic pan BCL-2 inhibitor in human oral cancer cell lines. All cell lines exhibited high sensitivity to Obatoclax with complete clonogenic inhibition at 200-400 nM concentration which correlated with their MCL-1 expression. Mechanistic insights revealed that Obatoclax induced a caspase-independent cell death primarily by induction of a defective autophagy. Suppression of autophagy by ATG5 downregulation significantly blocked Obatoclax-induced cell death. Further, Obatoclax induced interaction of p62 with key components of the necrosome RIP1K and RIP3K. Necrostatin-1 mediated inhibition of RIP1K significantly protected the cells from Obatoclax induced cell death. Moreover, Obatoclax caused extensive mitochondrial stress leading to their dysfunction. Interestingly, MCL-1 downregulation alone caused mitochondrial stress, highlighting its importance for mitochondrial homeostasis. We also demonstrated in vivo efficacy of Obatoclax against oral cancer xenografts and its synergism with ionizing radiation in vitro. Our studies thus suggest that Obatoclax induces autophagy-dependent necroptosis in oral cancer cells and holds a great promise in the improved management of oral cancer patients.
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Shin JA, Seo JM, Oh S, Cho SD, Lee KE. Myeloid cell leukemia-1 is a molecular indicator for malignant transformation of oral lichen planus. Oncol Lett 2016; 11:1603-1607. [PMID: 26893789 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP), characterized by a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory condition, is a common disease of the oral cavity. Retrospective and prospective epidemiological data suggest that OLP is considered to have malignant potential. However, it is unclear as to which types of molecules may cause malignant transformation of OLP. In the present study, the presence of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was studied by western blot analysis in 11 OLP and three normal oral mucosa (NOM) samples and in two human oral cancer cell lines. The functional role of Mcl-1 in oral cancer cells was analyzed using a trypan blue exclusion assay and soft agar assay. Mcl-1 was strongly expressed in the OLP and the two oral cancer cell lines compared with NOM, whereas Bcl-2 was not. Sorafenib and mithramycin A decreased cell viability in MC-3 and HSC-3 oral cancer cells and at same concentration they reduced the expression level of Mcl-1 in the two cell lines. The two chemicals affected Mcl-1 protein and significantly inhibited neoplastic cell transformation in the two cell lines. We suggest that the malignant potential of OLP may be associated with the expression of Mcl-1, and that downregulation of Mcl-1 may prevent malignant transformation of OLP to oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Ae Shin
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Biodegradable Material, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Brain Korea 21 Project, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Min Seo
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry and Institute of Oral Bioscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejun Oh
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Biodegradable Material, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Brain Korea 21 Project, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Dae Cho
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry and Institute of Biodegradable Material, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Brain Korea 21 Project, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Eun Lee
- Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Institute of Oral Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University - Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 561-712, Republic of Korea
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Maji S, Samal SK, Pattanaik L, Panda S, Quinn BA, Das SK, Sarkar D, Pellecchia M, Fisher PB, Dash R. Mcl-1 is an important therapeutic target for oral squamous cell carcinomas. Oncotarget 2015; 6:16623-37. [PMID: 26009874 PMCID: PMC4599294 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are the sixth most common cancers worldwide. Despite intensive investigation, oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) represent a clinical challenge resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Resistance to cell death is common in OSCC and is often mediated by the Bcl-2 family proteins. Among all anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, Mcl-1 functions as a major survival factor, particularly in solid cancers. Despite the confirmed importance of Mcl-1 in several neoplasms, the role of Mcl-1 in OSCC survival has yet to be explored. In this study, we found that knocking down Mcl-1 sensitized OSCC cells to ABT-737, which binds to Bcl-2/Bcl-xL but not Mcl-1. We report for the first time that a BH3 mimetic, Sabutoclax, which functions as an inhibitor of all anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, induced cancer-specific cell death in an Mcl-1-dependent manner through both apoptosis and toxic mitophagy. In vivo studies demonstrated that Sabutoclax alone decreased tumor growth in a carcinogen-induced tongue OSCC mouse model. In a combination regimen, Sabutoclax and COX-2 inhibitor, Celecoxib, synergistically inhibited the growth of OSCC in vitro and also significantly reduced OSCC tumor growth in vivo. Overall, these results identify Mcl-1 as a therapeutic prospective target in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Maji
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Manipal University, Karnataka, India
| | - Sabindra K Samal
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Manipal University, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Swagatika Panda
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Institute of Dental Sciences, ‘Siksha O Anusandhan’ University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Bridget A. Quinn
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Swadesh K. Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Paul B. Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Rupesh Dash
- Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Palve V, Mallick S, Ghaisas G, Kannan S, Teni T. Overexpression of Mcl-1L splice variant is associated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in oral cancers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111927. [PMID: 25409302 PMCID: PMC4237324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Altered expression of Mcl-1, an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, has been linked to the progression and outcome of a variety of malignancies. We have previously reported the overexpression of Mcl-1 protein in human oral cancers. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological significance of the expression of three known Mcl-1 isoforms in oral tumors and the effect of targeting Mcl-1L isoform on chemosensitivity of oral cancer cells. Methods The expression of Mcl-1 isoforms- Mcl-1L, Mcl-1S & Mcl-1ES was analyzed in 130 paired oral tumors and 9 oral cell lines using quantitative real-time PCR & protein by western blotting. The Mcl-1 mRNA levels were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and outcome of oral cancer patients. The effect of Mcl-1L shRNA or Obatoclax (a small molecule Mcl-1 inhibitor), in combination with Cisplatin on chemosensitivity of oral cancer cells was also assessed. Results Anti-apoptotic Mcl-1L was predominantly expressed, over low or undetectable pro-apoptotic Mcl-1S and Mcl-1ES isoforms. The Mcl-1L transcripts were significantly overexpressed in all cancer cell lines and in 64% oral tumors versus adjacent normals (P<0.02). In oral cancer patients, high Mcl-1L expression was significantly associated with node positivity (P = 0.021), advanced tumor size (P = 0.013) and poor overall survival (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis indicated Mcl-1L to be an independent prognostic factor for oral cancers (P = 0.037). Mcl-1L shRNA knockdown or its inhibition by Obatoclax in combination with Cisplatin synergistically reduced viability and growth of oral cancer cells than either treatment alone. Conclusion Our studies suggest that overexpression of Mcl-1L is associated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in oral cancers. Mcl-1L is an independent prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target in oral cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinayak Palve
- Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai-410210, India
| | - Sanchita Mallick
- Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai-410210, India
| | - Gauri Ghaisas
- Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai-410210, India
| | - Sadhana Kannan
- Epidemiology and Clinical Trial Unit (ECTU), Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai-410210, India
| | - Tanuja Teni
- Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai-410210, India
- * E-mail:
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Ma J, Guo R, Wang T, Pan X, Lei X. Let-7b binding site polymorphism in the B-cell lymphoma-extra large 3'UTR is associated with fluorouracil resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:677-81. [PMID: 25333670 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) is an anti-apoptotic member of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family that is often found to be overexpressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), therefore conferring a survival advantage to tumor cells. microRNA (miRNA) let-7b is downregulated in HCC and its expression correlates with multidrug resistance. Using computational programs, it was predicted that the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the Bcl-xl gene contains a potential miRNA binding site for let-7b, and that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site rs3208684 (A or C allele) resides within this binding site. Luciferase assays and western blot analysis demonstrated that let‑7b targeted Bcl-xl gene expression and negatively regulated the amount of Bcl-xl protein. SNP rs3208684 (A>C) variation enhanced the expression of Bcl-xl by disrupting the binding of let-7b to the 3'UTR of Bcl-xl. The effects of the two polymorphic variants on chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity were determined by cell counting kit 8 assays. Overexpression of the Bcl-xl mutated (C) allele in BEL-7402 HCC cells significantly decreased fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity, as compared with mock transfection and overexpression of the wild-type allele. From this, it was concluded that let-7b increased 5-FU sensitivity by repressing Bcl-xl expression in HCC cells. These results suggest that SNP (rs3208684) may be a potential marker for personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ma
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Rui Guo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Ting Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Xia Pan
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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Radiation oncology in vitro: trends to improve radiotherapy through molecular targets. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:461687. [PMID: 25302298 PMCID: PMC4180203 DOI: 10.1155/2014/461687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Much has been investigated to improve the beneficial effects of radiotherapy especially in that case where radioresistant behavior is observed. Beyond simple identification of resistant phenotype the discovery and development of specific molecular targets have demonstrated therapeutic potential in cancer treatment including radiotherapy. Alterations on transduction signaling pathway related with MAPK cascade are the main axis in cancer cellular proliferation even as cell migration and invasiveness in irradiated tumor cell lines; then, for that reason, more studies are in course focusing on, among others, DNA damage enhancement, apoptosis stimulation, and growth factors receptor blockages, showing promising in vitro results highlighting molecular targets associated with ionizing radiation as a new radiotherapy strategy to improve clinical outcome. In this review we discuss some of the main molecular targets related with tumor cell proliferation and migration as well as their potential contributions to radiation oncology improvements.
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Yasser M, Shaikh R, Chilakapati MK, Teni T. Raman spectroscopic study of radioresistant oral cancer sublines established by fractionated ionizing radiation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97777. [PMID: 24841281 PMCID: PMC4026477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an important treatment modality for oral cancer. However, development of radioresistance is a major hurdle in the efficacy of radiotherapy in oral cancer patients. Identifying predictors of radioresistance is a challenging task and has met with little success. The aim of the present study was to explore the differential spectral profiles of the established radioresistant sublines and parental oral cancer cell lines by Raman spectroscopy. We have established radioresistant sublines namely, 50Gy-UPCI:SCC029B and 70Gy-UPCI:SCC029B from its parental UPCI:SCC029B cell line, by using clinically admissible 2Gy fractionated ionizing radiation (FIR). The developed radioresistant character was validated by clonogenic cell survival assay and known radioresistance-related protein markers like Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Cox-2 and Survivin. Altered cellular morphology with significant increase (p<0.001) in the number of filopodia in radioresistant cells with respect to parental cells was observed. The Raman spectra of parental UPCI:SCC029B, 50Gy-UPCI:SCC029B and 70Gy-UPCI:SCC029B cells were acquired and spectral features indicate possible differences in biomolecules like proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Principal component analysis (PCA) provided three clusters corresponding to radioresistant 50Gy, 70Gy-UPCI:SCC029B sublines and parental UPCI:SCC029B cell line with minor overlap, which suggest altered molecular profile acquired by the radioresistant cells due to multiple doses of irradiation. The findings of this study support the potential of Raman spectroscopy in prediction of radioresistance and possibly contribute to better prognosis of oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Yasser
- KS-121, Teni Laboratory, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar-Node, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Rubina Shaikh
- KS-04, Chilakapati Laboratory, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar-Node, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Murali Krishna Chilakapati
- KS-04, Chilakapati Laboratory, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar-Node, Navi Mumbai, India
- * E-mail: (MKC); (TT)
| | - Tanuja Teni
- KS-121, Teni Laboratory, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar-Node, Navi Mumbai, India
- * E-mail: (MKC); (TT)
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Lauxen IS, Oliveira MG, Rados PV, Lingen MW, Nör JE, Sant'ana Filho M. Immunoprofiling of oral squamous cell carcinomas reveals high p63 and survivin expression. Oral Dis 2013; 20:e76-80. [PMID: 23738964 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a multifactorial disease composed of cells that show somatic mutations and epigenetic changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of proteins involved in the development and maintenance of epithelia, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue samples. METHODS A tissue microarray containing 65 primary human OSCC specimens was immunolabeled for bcl-2, survivin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p21, p53, p63, and cleaved caspase-3. RESULTS Samples were scored for percentage of positively stained tumor cells and staining intensity. A total immunostaining score was also calculated, using the product of percentage and intensity scores. All specimens showed high scores, > 75%, for p63 and survivin, and 75.4% of the specimens also presented high EGFR expression. All cases showed p53-positive cells. p21 showed a diffuse staining pattern. The percentage of cells positive for cleaved caspase-3 and bcl-2 was low. CONCLUSIONS The high frequency of tumor cells expressing p63 and survivin highlights the role of these proteins in the malignant transformation of oral epithelium. Collectively, our results suggest that p63 and survivin may constitute attractive targets for cancer therapy in patients with OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Lauxen
- Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Palve VC, Teni TR. Association of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1L isoform expression with radioresistance of oral squamous carcinoma cells. Radiat Oncol 2012; 7:135. [PMID: 22873792 PMCID: PMC3487741 DOI: 10.1186/1748-717x-7-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral cancer is a common cancer and a major health problem in the Indian subcontinent. At our laboratory Mcl-1, an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family has been demonstrated to be overexpressed in oral cancers and to predict outcome in oral cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. To study the role of Mcl-1 isoforms in radiation response of oral squamous carcinoma cells (OSCC), we investigated in the present study, the association of Mcl-1 isoform expression with radiosensitivity of OSCC, using siRNA strategy. Methods The time course expression of Mcl-1 splice variants (Mcl-1L, Mcl-1S & Mcl-1ES) was studied by RT-PCR, western blotting & immunofluorescence, post-irradiation in oral cell lines [immortalized FBM (radiosensitive) and tongue cancer AW8507 & AW13516 (radioresistant)]of relatively differing radiosensitivities. The effect of Mcl-1L knockdown alone or in combination with ionizing radiation (IR) on cell proliferation, apoptosis & clonogenic survival, was investigated in AW8507 & AW13516 cells. Further the expression of Mcl-1L protein was assessed in radioresistant sublines generated by fractionated ionizing radiation (FIR). Results Three to six fold higher expression of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1L versus pro-apoptotic Mcl-1S was observed at mRNA & protein levels in all cell lines, post-irradiation. Sustained high levels of Mcl-1L, downregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax & Bak and a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in apoptosis was observed in the more radioresistant AW8507, AW13516 versus FBM cells, post-IR. The ratios of anti to pro-apoptotic proteins were high in AW8507 as compared to FBM. Treatment with Mcl-1L siRNA alone or in combination with IR significantly (P < 0.01) increased apoptosis viz. 17.3% (IR), 25.3% (siRNA) and 46.3% (IR plus siRNA) and upregulated pro-apoptotic Bax levels in AW8507 cells. Combination of siRNA & IR treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cell proliferation and clonogenic survival of radioresistant AW8507 & AW13516 cells, suggesting a synergistic effect of the Mcl-1L siRNA with IR on radiosensitivity. Interestingly, during the development of radioresistant sublines using FIR, high expression of Mcl-1L was observed. Conclusion Our studies suggest that Mcl-1L isoform has an important role in the survival and radioresistance of OSCC and may be a promising therapeutic target in oral cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinayak C Palve
- Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
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Mishra R. Biomarkers of oral premalignant epithelial lesions for clinical application. Oral Oncol 2012; 48:578-84. [PMID: 22342569 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2012.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Oral cancer is the sixth most common form of cancer worldwide, and the majority of cases occur in India and Southeast Asia. Its major risk factors in the western world include smoking and drinking alcohol, whereas in Asia, it is primarily caused by tobacco/areca nut/betel leaf chewing and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Little is known about this type of cancer despite recent advances in cancer biology. The generally asymptomatic nature of the early oral lesions causes them to remain undetected in many cases. Thus, the disease progresses substantially before the patients seek treatment and is a major contributing factor to the severity of this disease. Therefore, there is a great need to create awareness for its prevention and early diagnosis. The application of advanced molecular biological and biochemical methodologies to elucidate its biomarkers may aid in early detection; however, much more work must be done for this information to be effectively applied in the clinical setting. This review focuses on the need for systematic diagnoses in the early detection of oral cancer using molecular and biochemical approaches, thereby reducing the number of advanced cases in the chewing tobacco-dominated oral cancer population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajakishore Mishra
- Centre for Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ratu-Lohardaga Road, Brambe, Jharkhand, India.
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Mallick S, Agarwal J, Kannan S, Pawar S, Kane S, Teni T. PCNA and anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 proteins predict disease-free survival in oral cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. Oral Oncol 2010; 46:688-93. [PMID: 20729132 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2010.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
At our laboratory, we recently observed cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins Myeloid Cell Leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) to be altered in oral tumours/cell lines. The present study aimed to evaluate the above proteins for predicting response and outcome in oral cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy. Pre-treatment oral cancer biopsy samples from 39 patients were examined for Mcl-1 and PCNA proteins using immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinico-pathological variables using disease-free survival (DFS) as the primary endpoint. We observed high expression of Mcl-1 in older versus younger patients (p=0.013) and in tobacco chewers+/-alcohol versus smokers+/-alcohol (p=0.037); and PCNA in node-positive versus node-negative tumours (p=0.037). On univariate analysis, high PCNA (p=0.007), Mcl-1 (p=0.050), node positivity (p=0.040) and co-expression of PCNA and Mcl-1 (p=0.008), had a significant impact on DFS. On multivariate analysis, low PCNA/Mcl-1 (p=0.006) co-expressing tumours were associated with improved DFS. Thus our study suggests that in patients undergoing primary radiotherapy, PCNA could be of potential predictive value to identify patients with risk of nodal metastases and in combination with Mcl-1 may have potential prognostic value to differentiate patients with poor DFS. These markers may be used for future trial patients requiring radiotherapy for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Mallick
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India
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Apoptosis-inducing activity and tumor-specificity of antitumor agents against oral squamous cell carcinoma. JAPANESE DENTAL SCIENCE REVIEW 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Hypoxia-induced Bcl-2 expression in endothelial cells via p38 MAPK pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 394:976-80. [PMID: 20307495 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis and apoptosis are reciprocal processes in endothelial cells. Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, has been found to have angiogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of Bcl-2 in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in endothelial cells and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were exposed to hypoxia followed by reoxygenation. Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion mouse model was used and Bcl-2 expression was assessed. Bcl-2 expression increased in a time-dependent manner in response to hypoxia from 2 to 72h. Peak expression occurred at 12h (3- to 4-fold, p<0.05). p38 inhibitor (SB203580) blocked hypoxia-induced Bcl-2 expression, whereas PKC, ERK1/2 and PI3K inhibitors did not. Knockdown of Bcl-2 resulted in decreased HAECs' proliferation and migration. Over-expression of Bcl-2 increased HAECs' tubule formation, whereas knockdown of Bcl-2 inhibited this process. In this model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, Bcl-2 expression was increased and was associated with increased p38 MAPK activation. Our results showed that hypoxia induces Bcl-2 expression in HAECs via p38 MAPK pathway.
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