1
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Montazersaheb S, Farahzadi R, Fathi E, Alizadeh M, Abdolalizadeh Amir S, Khodaei Ardakan A, Jafari S. Investigation the apoptotic effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on MDA-MB 231 breast cancer epithelial cells via signaling pathways. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26959. [PMID: 38455550 PMCID: PMC10918200 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26959] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The discovery of novel cancer therapeutic strategies leads to the development of nanotechnology-based methods for cancer treatment. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have garnered considerable interest owing to their size, shape, and capacity to modify chemical, optical, and photonic properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Ag-NPs on inducing of apoptosis in MDA-MB 231 cells by examining specific signaling pathways. Materials and methods The cytotoxicity of Ag-NPs was determined using an MTT assay in MDA-MB 231 cells. The apoptotic effects were assessed using the Annexin-V/PI assay. Real-time PCR and western blotting were conducted to analyze the expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins, respectively. Levels of ERK1/2 and cyclin D1 were measured using ELISA. Cell cycle assay was determined by flow cytometry. Cell migration was evaluated by scratch assay. Results The results revealed that Ag-NPs triggered apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB 231 cells. The expression level of Bax (pro-apoptotic gene) was increased, while Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic gene) expression was decreased. Increased apoptosis was correlated with increased levels of p53 and PTEN. Additionally, notable alterations were observed in protein expression related to the Janus kinase/Signal transducers (JAK/STAT) pathway, including p-AKT. Additionally, reduced expression of h-TERT was observed following exposure to Ag-NPs. ELISA results demonstrated a significant reduction in p-ERK/Total ERK and cyclin D1 levels in Ag-NPs-exposed MDA-MB 231 cells. Western blotting analysis also confirmed the reduction of p-ERK/Total ERK and cyclin D1. Decreased level of cyclin D is associated with suppression of cell cycle progression. The migratory ability of MDA-MB-231 cells was reduced upon treatment with Ag-NPs. Conclusions Our findings revealed that Ag-NPs influenced the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and migration in MDA-MB 231 cells, possibly by modulating protein expression of the AKT/ERK/Cyclin D1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Raheleh Farahzadi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ezzatollah Fathi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahsan Alizadeh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahabaddin Abdolalizadeh Amir
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Khodaei Ardakan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sevda Jafari
- Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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2
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Aljuffali IA, Anwer MK, Ahmed MM, Alalaiwe A, Aldawsari MF, Fatima F, Jamil S. Development of Gefitinib-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Physicochemical Evaluation, Stability, and Anticancer Activity in Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1549. [PMID: 38004415 PMCID: PMC10674849 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current study, the toxic effects of gefitinib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (GFT-loaded SLNs) upon human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) were investigated. GFT-loaded SLNs were prepared through a single emulsification-evaporation technique using glyceryl tristearate (Dynasan™ 114) along with lipoid® 90H (lipid surfactant) and Kolliphore® 188 (water-soluble surfactant). Four formulae were developed by varying the weight of the lipoid™ 90H (100-250 mg), and the GFT-loaded SLN (F4) formulation was optimized in terms of particle size (472 ± 7.5 nm), PDI (0.249), ZP (-15.2 ± 2.3), and EE (83.18 ± 4.7%). The optimized formulation was further subjected for in vitro release, stability studies, and MTT assay against MCF-7 cell lines. GFT from SLNs exhibited sustained release of the drug for 48 h, and release kinetics followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, which indicates the mechanism of drug release by swelling and/or erosion from a lipid matrix. When pure GFT and GFT-SLNs were exposed to MCF-7 cells, the activities of p53 (3.4 and 3.7 times), caspase-3 (5.61 and 7.7 times), and caspase-9 (1.48 and 1.69 times) were enhanced, respectively, over those in control cells. The results suggest that GFT-loaded SLNs (F4) may represent a promising therapeutic alternative for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A. Aljuffali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Md. Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia; (M.M.A.); (A.A.); (M.F.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Mohammed Muqtader Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia; (M.M.A.); (A.A.); (M.F.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Ahmed Alalaiwe
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia; (M.M.A.); (A.A.); (M.F.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Mohammed F. Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia; (M.M.A.); (A.A.); (M.F.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Farhat Fatima
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia; (M.M.A.); (A.A.); (M.F.A.); (F.F.)
| | - Shahid Jamil
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Knowledge University, Erbil 44001, Iraq;
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Ali JH, Walter M. Combining old and new concepts in targeting telomerase for cancer therapy: transient, immediate, complete and combinatory attack (TICCA). Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:197. [PMID: 37679807 PMCID: PMC10483736 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase can overcome replicative senescence by elongation of telomeres but is also a specific element in most cancer cells. It is expressed more vastly than any other tumor marker. Telomerase as a tumor target inducing replicative immortality can be overcome by only one other mechanism: alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). This limits the probability to develop resistance to treatments. Moreover, telomerase inhibition offers some degree of specificity with a low risk of toxicity in normal cells. Nevertheless, only one telomerase antagonist reached late preclinical studies. The underlying causes, the pitfalls of telomerase-based therapies, and future chances based on recent technical advancements are summarized in this review. Based on new findings and approaches, we propose a concept how long-term survival in telomerase-based cancer therapies can be significantly improved: the TICCA (Transient Immediate Complete and Combinatory Attack) strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Haj Ali
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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4
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Yang R, Han Y, Guan X, Hong Y, Meng J, Ding S, Long Q, Yi W. Regulation and clinical potential of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) in breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:218. [PMID: 37612721 PMCID: PMC10463831 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01244-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT/hTERT) serves as the pivotal catalytic subunit of telomerase, a crucial enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance and human genome stability. The high activation of hTERT, observed in over 90% of tumors, plays a significant role in tumor initiation and progression. An in-depth exploration of hTERT activation mechanisms in cancer holds promise for advancing our understanding of the disease and developing more effective treatment strategies. In breast cancer, the expression of hTERT is regulated by epigenetic, transcriptional, post-translational modification mechanisms and DNA variation. Besides its canonical function in telomere maintenance, hTERT exerts non-canonical roles that contribute to disease progression through telomerase-independent mechanisms. This comprehensive review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms governing hTERT in breast cancer and elucidates the functional implications of its activation. Given the overexpression of hTERT in most breast cancer cells, the detection of hTERT and its associated molecules are potential for enhancing early screening and prognostic evaluation of breast cancer. Although still in its early stages, therapeutic approaches targeting hTERT and its regulatory molecules show promise as viable strategies for breast cancer treatment. These methods are also discussed in this paper. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruozhu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xinyu Guan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yue Hong
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jiahao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shirong Ding
- Department of Oncology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Qian Long
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Wenjun Yi
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, China.
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5
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Pandurangi R, Karwa A, Sagaram US, Henzler-Wildman K, Shah D. Medicago Sativa Defensin1 as a tumor sensitizer for improving chemotherapy: translation from anti-fungal agent to a potential anti-cancer agent. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1141755. [PMID: 37305575 PMCID: PMC10251204 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1141755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant defensins including Medicago Sativa defensin 1 (MsDef1) are cysteine-rich antifungal peptides which are known for potent broad-spectrum antifungal activity against bacterial or fungal pathogens of plants. The antimicrobial activities of these cationic defensins are attributed to their capacity to bind to cell membranes to create potentially structural defects tin the cell membranes to interact with intracellular target (s) and mediates cytotoxic effects. Our earlier work identified Glucosylceramide (GlcCer) of fungus F. graminearum as a potential target for biological activity. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) cancer cells overexpress GlcCer on the surface of plasma membrane. Hence, MsDef1 may have a potential to bind to GlcCer of MDR cancer cells to induce cell death. We have characterized the three-dimensional structure of MsDef1 and the solution dynamics using of 15N-labeled MsDef1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy which showed that GlcCer binds MsDef1 at two specific sites on the peptide molecule. The ability of MsDef1 to permeate MDR cancer cells was demonstrated by measuring the release of apoptotic ceramide in drug resistant MCF-7R cells. It was also shown that MsDef1 activated dual cell death pathways ceramide and Apoptosis Stimulating Kinase ASK1 by disintegrating GlcCer and oxidizing tumor specific biomarker thioredoxin (Trx) respectively. As a result, MsDef1 sensitizes MDR cancer cells to evoke a better response from Doxorubicin, a front-line chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. The combination of MsDef1 and Doxorubicin induced 5 to10-fold greater apoptosis in vitro MDR cells MDA-MB-231R compared to either MsDef1 or Doxorubicin alone. Confocal microscopy revealed that MsDef1 facilitates a) influx of Doxorubicin in MDR cancer cells, b) preferential uptake by MDR cells but not by normal fibroblasts and breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). These results suggest that MsDef1 targets MDR cancer cells and may find utility as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Hence, the extension of antifungal properties of MsDef1 to cancer my result in addressing the MDR problems in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Pandurangi
- Sci-Engi-Medco Solutions Inc (SEMCO), St Charles, MO, United States
| | - Amol Karwa
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hazelwood, MO, United States
| | - Uma Shankar Sagaram
- DeLuca Biochemistry Laboratories, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Dilip Shah
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St Louis, MO, United States
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6
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Pandurangi RS, Cseh O, Luchman HA, Ma CX, Senadheera SN, Forrest ML. Rational Drug Design of Targeted and Enzyme-Cleavable Vitamin E Analogs as a Neoadjuvant to Chemotherapy: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation on Reduction of the Cardiotoxicity Side Effect of Doxorubicin. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:372-386. [PMID: 36926453 PMCID: PMC10012254 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Traditional drug design focuses on specific biological targets where specific receptors or biomarkers are overexpressed by cancer cells. Cancer cells circumvent the interventions by activating survival pathways and/or downregulating cell death pathways for their survival. A priori activation of apoptosis pathways of tumor (AAAPT) is a novel tumor-sensitizing technology that sensitizes tumor cells that are not responding well to the current treatments by targeting specific survival pathways involved in the desensitization of tumor cells and tries to revive them selectively in cancer cells, sparing normal cells. Several vitamin E derivatives (AMP-001, AMP-002, AMP-003, and AMP-004) were synthesized, characterized, and studied for their anti-tumorigenic properties and their synergistic potential with the standard chemotherapy doxorubicin in various cancer cells including brain cancer stem cells in vitro. Preliminary studies revealed that AAAPT drugs (a) reduced the invasive potential of brain tumor stem cells, (b) synergized with Federal Drug Application-approved doxorubicin, and (c) enhanced the therapeutic index of doxorubicin in the triple-negative breast cancer tumor rat model, preserving the ventricular function compared to cardiotoxic doxorubicin alone at therapeutic dose. The AAAPT approach has the advantage of inhibiting survival pathways and activating cell death pathways selectively in cancer cells by using targeting, linkers cleavable by tumor-specific Cathepsin B, and PEGylation technology to enhance the bioavailability. We propose AAAPT drugs as a neoadjuvant to chemotherapy and not as stand-alone therapy, which is shown to be effective in expanding the therapeutic index of doxorubicin and making it work at lower doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu S. Pandurangi
- Sci-Engi-Medco
Solutions Inc. (SEMCO), 573, Lexington Landing Pl, St. Charles, Missouri 63303, United States
| | - Orsolya Cseh
- HRIC
2A25, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N, Canada
| | | | - Cynthia Xiuguang Ma
- Siteman
Cancer Center, Washington University School
of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Sanjeewa N. Senadheera
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Marcus Laird Forrest
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
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7
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Wang Q, Pan Y, Luo H, Zhang Y, Gao F, Wang J, Zheng J. Novel Approaches for the Solid-Phase Synthesis of Dihydroquinazoline-2(1 H)-One Derivatives and Biological Evaluation as Potential Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:8577. [PMID: 36500678 PMCID: PMC9737648 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the design of antineoplastic drugs, quinazolinone derivatives are often used as small molecule inhibitors for kinases or receptor kinases, such as the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib, p38MAP kinase inhibitor DQO-501, and BRD4 protein inhibitor PFI-1. A novel and convenient approach for the solid-phase synthesis of dihydroquinazoline-2(1H)-one derivatives was proposed and 19 different compounds were synthesized. Cytotoxicity tests showed that most of the target compounds had anti-proliferative activity against HepG-2, A2780 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Among them, compounds CA1-e and CA1-g had the most potent effect on A2780 cells, with IC50 values of 22.76 and 22.94 μM, respectively. In addition, in an antioxidant assay, the IC50 of CA1-7 was 57.99 μM. According to bioinformatics prediction, ERBB2, SRC, TNF receptor, and AKT1 were predicted to be the key targets and play an essential role in cancer treatment. ADMET prediction suggested 14 of the 19 compounds had good pharmacological properties, i.e., these compounds displayed clinical potential. The correct structure of the final compounds was confirmed based on LC/MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital &
- Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Ying Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Hongjun Luo
- Bio-Analytical Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Fenfei Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jinhong Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
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8
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Pandurangi RS, Tomasetti M, Verapazham ST, Paulmurugan R, Ma C, Rajput S, Anjanappa M, Nakshatri H. A Priori Activation of Apoptosis Pathways of Tumor (AAAPT) technology: Development of targeted apoptosis initiators for cancer treatment. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0225869. [PMID: 33556062 PMCID: PMC7870153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells develop tactics to circumvent the interventions by desensitizing themselves to interventions. Amongst many, the principle routes of desensitization include a) activation of survival pathways (e.g. NF-kB, PARP) and b) downregulation of cell death pathways (e.g. CD95/CD95L). As a result, it requires high therapeutic dose to achieve tumor regression which, in turn damages normal cells through the collateral effects. Methods are needed to sensitize the low and non-responsive resistant tumor cells including cancer stem cells (CSCs) in order to evoke a better response from the current treatments. Current treatments including chemotherapy can induce cell death only in bulk cancer cells sparing CSCs and cancer resistant cells (CRCs) which are shown to be responsible for high recurrence of disease and low patient survival. Here, we report several novel tumor targeted sensitizers derived from the natural Vitamin E analogue (AMP-001-003). The drug design is based on a novel concept "A priori activation of apoptosis pathways of tumor technology (AAAPT) which is designed to activate specific cell death pathways and inhibit survival pathways simultaneously and selectively in cancer cells sparing normal cells. Our results indicate that AMP-001-003 sensitize various types of cancer cells including MDA-MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer), PC3 (prostate cancer) and A543 (lung cancer) cells resulting in reducing the IC-50 of doxorubicin in vitro when used as a combination. At higher doses, AMP-001 acts as an anti-tumor agent on its own. The synergy between AMP-001 and doxorubicin could pave a new pathway to use AAAPT leading molecules as neoadjuvant to chemotherapy to achieve better efficacy and reduced off-target toxicity compared to the current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu S. Pandurangi
- Sci-Engi-Medco Solutions Inc., St Charles, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Marco Tomasetti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Section of Experimental and Occupational Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sekar T. Verapazham
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Ramasamy Paulmurugan
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Ma
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sandeep Rajput
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Manjushree Anjanappa
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Harikrishna Nakshatri
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Assessment of telomerase as drug target in breast cancer. J Biosci 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-020-00045-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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10
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Ornnork N, Kiriwan D, Lirdprapamongkol K, Choowongkomon K, Svasti J, Eurtivong C. Molecular dynamics, MM/PBSA and in vitro validation of a novel quinazoline-based EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor identified using structure-based in silico screening. J Mol Graph Model 2020; 99:107639. [PMID: 32534372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2020.107639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
EGFR-TK has been a target strongly associated with the development of NSCLCs. A structure-based virtual screening campaign was launched against EGFR-TK by virtual screening a 3D library of 167 commercially available small molecules downloaded from ChemBridge Corporation. The virtual screen identified 12 virtual hit molecules, which were biologically evaluated against an EGFR-TK inhibitor-sensitive NSCLC cell line, A549. A quinazoline-based molecule 1, was most active and displayed ∼58% cytotoxicity at 20 μM single dose. The mode of cell death suggests molecule 1 induced apoptosis, which is characteristic of EGFR-TK pathway inhibition. A 50 ns MD simulation was conducted on three different systems: free EGFR-TK, molecule 1 complexed to EGFR-TK, and the positive control, lapatinib, complexed to EGFR-TK. The MD simulations showed increase in stabilisation of the EGFR-TK structure for the complexed systems, i.e., lower RMSDs and RMSFs for complexed EGFR-TK structures compared to the free EGFR-TK system. The binding affinities were estimated using MM/PBSA in the last 10 ns of the MD simulation that revealed comparable binding free energies between molecule 1 and lapatinib, ΔGbind = -25.0 and -23.9 kcal/mol, respectively. Per residue binding free energy decomposition studies revealed non-polar interactions contributed mostly to the binding free energies. Residues Leu718, Arg841 and Phe856 were predicted to contribute most to the binding free energies for molecule 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narittira Ornnork
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Duangnapa Kiriwan
- Genetic Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | | | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Jisnuson Svasti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Chatchakorn Eurtivong
- Program in Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand.
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11
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Wang S, Yan WW, He M, Wei D, Long ZJ, Tao YM. Aloe emodin inhibits telomerase activity in breast cancer cells: transcriptional and enzymological mechanism. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1383-1396. [PMID: 32207090 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00062-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomerase plays an essential role in cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated inhibition mechanism of aloe emodin (AE) on three different types of breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. METHODS The cells were treated with different concentrations of AE. Relative length of telomere and human telomerase reverse-transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA level was analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Protein level was assayed by Western blot. Sodium bisulfite methylation sequencing was performed to assess the methylation status of gene promoter. Enzymology kinetics was applied to reveal the interaction between AE and telomerase. Ultraviolet-visible titration and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) melting experiment were carried out to study the interaction between AE and telomeric DNA. RESULTS Continuous AE exposure of these cells for 48 h results in shortening of telomeres and inhibition of telomerase. The transcription of hTERT was repressed by activation of E2F1 and inactivation of c-myc proteins. Significant demethylation of CpG islands in hTERT gene promoter was observed in MDA-MB-453 and MCF-7 cells. AE competed with dNTP for occupation of the enzyme active site. AE was a telomeric G-quadruplex structure stabilizer as indicated by titration test and FRET experiments. CONCLUSIONS AE was a competitive inhibitor of telomerase and a G-quadruplex structure stabilizer. AE decreased the transcription of hTERT gene in the three breast cancer cell lines via up-regulation E2F1 and down-regulation c-myc expressions. The suppressed transcription was also related to the demethylation of the gene promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China.,Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Wen Yan
- College of Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Min He
- College of Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wei
- College of Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zu-Ji Long
- College of Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ming Tao
- College of Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, People's Republic of China.
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Semenok D, Medvedev J, Giassafaki LP, Lavdas I, Vizirianakis IS, Eleftheriou P, Gavalas A, Petrou A, Geronikaki A. 4,5-Diaryl 3( 2H)Furanones: Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Influence on Cancer Growth. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24091751. [PMID: 31064095 PMCID: PMC6539231 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24091751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from their anti-inflammatory action, COX inhibitors have gathered the interest of many scientists due to their potential use for the treatment and prevention of cancer. It has been shown that cyclooxygenase inhibitors restrict cancer cell growth and are able to interact with known antitumor drugs, enhancing their in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity. The permutation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic aryl groups in COX inhibitors leads to cardinal changes in the biological activity of the compounds. In the present study, thirteen heterocyclic coxib-like 4,5-diarylfuran-3(2H)-ones and their annelated derivatives—phenanthro[9,10-b]furan-3-ones—were synthesized and studied for anti-inflammatory and COX-1/2 inhibitory action and for their cytotoxic activity on the breast cancer (MCF-7) and squamous cell carcinoma (HSC-3) cell lines. The F-derivative of the –SOMe substituted furan-3(2H)-ones exhibited the best activity (COX-1 IC50 = 2.8 μM, anti-inflammatory activity (by carrageenan paw edema model) of 54% (dose 0.01 mmol/kg), and MCF-7 and HSC-3 cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 10 μM and 7.5 μM, respectively). A cytotoxic effect related to the COX-1 inhibitory action was observed and a synergistic effect with the anti-neoplastic drugs gefitinib and 5-fluorouracil was found. A phenanthrene derivative exhibited the best synergistic effect with gefitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii Semenok
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo Innovation Center, 3 Nobel Street, 143026 Moscow, Russia.
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 9 Institutsky lane, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia.
| | - Jury Medvedev
- Saint-Petersburg State University, Institute of Chemistry, Universitetskiy Prospekt, 26, 198504 Petergof, Russia.
| | - Lefki-P Giassafaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Iason Lavdas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ioannis S Vizirianakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Phaedra Eleftheriou
- Department of Medical Laboratory Studies, School of Health and Medical Care, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Antonis Gavalas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Anthi Petrou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Athina Geronikaki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Huang L, Jin K, Lan H. Luteolin inhibits cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells through downregulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:3842-3850. [PMID: 30930986 PMCID: PMC6425390 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Luteolin is a flavonoid, which has been extensively investigated due to its antitumor effects; however, the underlying mechanisms of its action remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of luteolin in breast cancer (BC), and explored how luteolin suppresses the growth and induces the apoptosis of BC cells. The MTS assay was used to determine the anticancer activity of luteolin. Colony formation and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the effects of luteolin on cell growth and invasion. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, western blotting was performed to analyze cellular apoptosis and signaling pathways elicited by luteolin. The present study revealed that the proliferation of the BC cell line MDA-MB-231 was effectively suppressed by luteolin in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, luteolin was revealed to increase apoptotic rates in BC cells. Dose-dependent cell cycle arrest in S phase was observed following treatment with luteolin in MDA-MB-231 cells. Mechanistically, luteolin reduced telomerase levels in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, luteolin inhibited phosphorylation of the nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α and its target gene c-Myc, to suppress human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression, which encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase. Collectively, the results of the present study indicated that luteolin may inhibit BC cell growth by targeting hTERT, suggesting that the mechanism of hTERT regulation by luteolin may justify further study regarding its potential as a therapeutic target for BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital of Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
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14
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Ebelt ND, Kaoud TS, Edupuganti R, Van Ravenstein S, Dalby KN, Van Den Berg CL. A c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor, JNK-IN-8, sensitizes triple negative breast cancer cells to lapatinib. Oncotarget 2017; 8:104894-104912. [PMID: 29285221 PMCID: PMC5739608 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) have poor prognosis compared to other breast cancer subtypes and represent 15-20% of breast cancers diagnosed. Unique targets and new molecularly-targeted therapies are urgently needed for this subtype. Despite high expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, inhibitors such as lapatinib have not shown therapeutic efficacy in TNBC patients. Herein, we report that treatment with the covalent JNK inhibitor, JNK-IN-8, synergizes with lapatinib to cause cell death, while these compounds as single agents have little effect. The combination significantly increases survival of mice bearing xenografts of MDA-MB-231 human TNBC cells. Our studies demonstrate that lapatinib treatment increases c-Jun and JNK phosphorylation indicating a mechanism of resistance. Combined, these compounds significantly reduce transcriptional activity of Nuclear Factor kappa B, Activating Protein 1, and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2. As master regulators of antioxidant response, their decreased activity induces a 10-fold increase in reactive oxygen species that is cytotoxic, and is rescued by addition of exogenous antioxidants. Over expression of p65 or Nrf2 also significantly rescues viability during JNK-IN-8 and lapatinib treatment. Further studies combining JNK-IN-8 and lapatinib may reveal a benefit for patients with TNBC, fulfilling a critical medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy D Ebelt
- Institute of Cellular & Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Austin, TX 78723, USA.,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Tamer S Kaoud
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Ramakrishna Edupuganti
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sabrina Van Ravenstein
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kevin N Dalby
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Carla L Van Den Berg
- Institute of Cellular & Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Austin, TX 78723, USA.,Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Austin, TX 78723, USA
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15
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Shagufta, Ahmad I. An insight into the therapeutic potential of quinazoline derivatives as anticancer agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2017; 8:871-885. [PMID: 30108803 PMCID: PMC6072504 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00097a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of worldwide human mortality. A wide range of cytotoxic drugs are available on the market, and several compounds are in different phases of clinical trials. Many studies suggest that these cytotoxic molecules are also associated with different types of adverse side effects; therefore researchers around the globe are involved in the development of more efficient and safer anticancer drugs. In recent years, quinazoline and its derivatives have been considered as a novel class of cancer chemotherapeutic agents that show promising activity against different tumors. The aim of this article is to comprehensively review and highlight the recent developments concerning the anticancer activity of quinazoline derivatives as well as offer perspectives on the development of novel quinazoline derivatives as anticancer agents in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shagufta
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences , School of Arts and Sciences , American University of Ras Al Khaimah , Ras Al Khaimah , United Arab Emirates . ;
| | - Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences , School of Arts and Sciences , American University of Ras Al Khaimah , Ras Al Khaimah , United Arab Emirates . ;
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Jäger K, Walter M. Therapeutic Targeting of Telomerase. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7070039. [PMID: 27455328 PMCID: PMC4962009 DOI: 10.3390/genes7070039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length and cell function can be preserved by the human reverse transcriptase telomerase (hTERT), which synthesizes the new telomeric DNA from a RNA template, but is normally restricted to cells needing a high proliferative capacity, such as stem cells. Consequently, telomerase-based therapies to elongate short telomeres are developed, some of which have successfully reached the stage I in clinical trials. Telomerase is also permissive for tumorigenesis and 90% of all malignant tumors use telomerase to obtain immortality. Thus, reversal of telomerase upregulation in tumor cells is a potential strategy to treat cancer. Natural and small-molecule telomerase inhibitors, immunotherapeutic approaches, oligonucleotide inhibitors, and telomerase-directed gene therapy are useful treatment strategies. Telomerase is more widely expressed than any other tumor marker. The low expression in normal tissues, together with the longer telomeres in normal stem cells versus cancer cells, provides some degree of specificity with low risk of toxicity. However, long term telomerase inhibition may elicit negative effects in highly-proliferative cells which need telomerase for survival, and it may interfere with telomere-independent physiological functions. Moreover, only a few hTERT molecules are required to overcome senescence in cancer cells, and telomerase inhibition requires proliferating cells over a sufficient number of population doublings to induce tumor suppressive senescence. These limitations may explain the moderate success rates in many clinical studies. Despite extensive studies, only one vaccine and one telomerase antagonist are routinely used in clinical work. For complete eradication of all subpopulations of cancer cells a simultaneous targeting of several mechanisms will likely be needed. Possible technical improvements have been proposed including the development of more specific inhibitors, methods to increase the efficacy of vaccination methods, and personalized approaches. Telomerase activation and cell rejuvenation is successfully used in regenerative medicine for tissue engineering and reconstructive surgery. However, there are also a number of pitfalls in the treatment with telomerase activating procedures for the whole organism and for longer periods of time. Extended cell lifespan may accumulate rare genetic and epigenetic aberrations that can contribute to malignant transformation. Therefore, novel vector systems have been developed for a 'mild' integration of telomerase into the host genome and loss of the vector in rapidly-proliferating cells. It is currently unclear if this technique can also be used in human beings to treat chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Jäger
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin 13353, Germany.
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin 13353, Germany.
- Labor Berlin-Charité Vivantes Services GmbH, Sylter Str. 2, Berlin 13353, Germany.
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17
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Chen Y, Zhang Y. Functional and mechanistic analysis of telomerase: An antitumor drug target. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 163:24-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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18
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Yadav M, Singh AK, Kumar H, Rao G, Chakravarti B, Gurjar A, Dogra S, Kushwaha S, Vishwakarma AL, Yadav PN, Datta D, Tripathi AK, Chattopadhyay N, Trivedi AK, Sanyal S. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cancer drug gefitinib modulates cell growth and differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells via histamine receptors. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:2178-90. [PMID: 27180173 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor gefitinib (Iressa) is used for treating non-small cell lung cancer. Gefitinib also induces differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and patient samples lacking EGFR by an unknown mechanism. Here we dissected the mechanism of gefitinib action responsible for its EGFR-independent effects. METHODS Signaling events were analyzed by homogenous time-resolved fluorescence and immunoblotting. Cellular proliferation and differentiation were assessed by ATP measurement, trypan blue exclusion, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation and flow-cytometry. Gefitinib and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) interactions were assessed by β-arrestin recruitment, luciferase and radioligand competition assays. Role of histamine receptors (HR) in gefitinib actions were assessed by HR knockdown or pharmacological modulation. EGFR and HR interaction was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Gefitinib reduced cyclic AMP content in both AML and EGFR-expressing cells and induced ERK phosphorylation in AML cells. Dibutyryl-cAMP or PD98059 suppressed gefitinib-induced AML cell cytostasis and differentiation. Gefitinib bound to and modulated HRs with subtype selectivity. Pharmacological or genetic modulations of H2 and H4 HRs (H2R and H4R) not only suppressed gefitinib-induced cytostasis and differentiation of AML cells but also blocked EGFR and ERK1/2 inhibition in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, in MDA-MB-231 cells gefitinib enhanced EGFR interaction with H4R that was blocked by H4R agonist 4-methyl histamine (4MH). CONCLUSION HRs play critical roles in anti-cancer effects of gefitinib in both EGFR-deficient and EGFR-rich environments. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE We furnish fresh insights into gefitinib functions which may provide new molecular clues to its efficacy and safety issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Yadav
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar Singh
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Harish Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Geeta Rao
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Bandana Chakravarti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226014, UP, India
| | - Anagha Gurjar
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Shalini Dogra
- Division of Pharmacology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Sapana Kushwaha
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Achchhe Lal Vishwakarma
- Division of Sophisticated and Analytical Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Prem Narayan Yadav
- Division of Pharmacology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Dipak Datta
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Anil Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Naibedya Chattopadhyay
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Arun Kumar Trivedi
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India
| | - Sabyasachi Sanyal
- Division of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, UP, India.
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Combination of SF1126 and gefitinib induces apoptosis of triple-negative breast cancer cells through the PI3K/AKT–mTOR pathway. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:422-7. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Holysz H, Lipinska N, Paszel-Jaworska A, Rubis B. Telomerase as a useful target in cancer fighting-the breast cancer case. Tumour Biol 2013; 34:1371-80. [PMID: 23558965 PMCID: PMC3661921 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-0757-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase was initially considered as a relevant factor distinguishing cancer from normal cells. During detailed studies, it appeared that its expression and activity is not only limited to cancer cells however, but in this particular cells, the telomerase is much more abundant. Thus, it has become a very promising target for an anticancer therapy. It was revealed in many studies that regulation of telomerase is a multifactorial process in mammalian cells, involving regulation of expression of telomerase subunits coding genes, post-translational protein–protein interactions, and protein phosphorylation. Numerous proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are engaged in this mechanism, and the complexity of telomerase control is studied in the context of tumor development as well as aging. Additionally, since numerous studies reveal a correlation between short telomeres and increased genome instability or cell mortality, the telomerase control appears to be one of the crucial factors to study in order to improve the cancer diagnostics and therapy or prevention. Interestingly, almost 100 % of adenocarcinoma, including breast cancer cells, expresses telomerase which makes it a good target for telomerase-related therapy. Additionally, telomerase is also supposed to be associated with drug resistance. Thus, targeting the enzyme might result in attenuation of this phenomenon. Moreover, since stem cells existence was reported, it must be considered whether targeting telomerase can bring some serious side effects and result in stem cells viability or their regenerative potential decrease. Thus, we review some molecular mechanisms engaged in therapy based on targeting telomerase in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Holysz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355, Poznan, Poland
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Kaur J, Tikoo K. p300/CBP dependent hyperacetylation of histone potentiates anticancer activity of gefitinib nanoparticles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2013; 1833:1028-40. [PMID: 23384777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gefitinib is an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, approved for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this report we demonstrate that gefitinib loaded PLGA nanoparticles (GNPs), in comparison to gefitinib, exhibited higher anti-cancer activity on A549 lung carcinoma cells and A431 skin carcinoma cells. Increased inhibition of pEGFR in both the cell types explains its higher anti-cancer activity. Interestingly, gefitinib resistant, H1975 (T790M EGFR mutant) lung carcinoma cells was also found to be sensitive to GNPs. Our data shows that GNPs hyperacetylate histone H3 in these cells, either directly or indirectly, which may account for the augmented cell death. GNPs were proficient in activating histone acetyltransferases (p300/CBP), which in turn induces the expression of p21 and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, inhibition of histone acetyltransferases by garcinol results in alleviation of cell death caused by GNPs. In addition to this, nuclear intrusion of GNPs results in the inhibition of NO production in nucleus, possibly through nuclear EGFR, which might be responsible for preventing cell proliferation in resistant cells. To best of our knowledge, we provide first evidence that GNPs potentiate cell death by activating p300/CBP histone acetyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Punjab, India
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Tekedereli I, Alpay SN, Tavares CDJ, Cobanoglu ZE, Kaoud TS, Sahin I, Sood AK, Lopez-Berestein G, Dalby KN, Ozpolat B. Targeted silencing of elongation factor 2 kinase suppresses growth and sensitizes tumors to doxorubicin in an orthotopic model of breast cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41171. [PMID: 22911754 PMCID: PMC3401164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K), through its phosphorylation of elongation factor 2 (eEF2), provides a mechanism by which cells can control the rate of the elongation phase of protein synthesis. The activity of eEF-2K is increased in rapidly proliferating malignant cells, is inhibited during mitosis, and may contribute to the promotion of autophagy in response to anti-cancer therapies. The purpose of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of targeting eEF-2K in breast cancer tumors. Through the systemic administration of liposomal eEF-2K siRNA (twice a week, i.v. 150 µg/kg), the expression of eEF-2K was down-regulated in vivo in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of a highly aggressive triple negative MDA-MB-231 tumor. This targeting resulted in a substantial decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation in the tumors, and led to the inhibition of tumor growth, the induction of apoptosis and the sensitization of tumors to the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin. eEF-2K down-modulation in vitro resulted in a decrease in the expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1 with a concomitant increase in the expression of p27Kip1. A decrease in the basal activity of c-Src (phospho-Tyr-416), focal adhesion kinase (phospho-Tyr-397), and Akt (phospho-Ser-473) was also detected following eEF-2K down-regulation in MDA-MB-231 cells, as determined by Western blotting. Where tested, similar results were seen in ER-positive MCF-7 cells. These effects were also accompanied by a decrease in the observed invasive phenotype of the MDA-MB-231 cells. These data support the notion that the disruption of eEF-2K expression in breast cancer cells results in the down-regulation of signaling pathways affecting growth, survival and resistance and has potential as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Tekedereli
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - S. Neslihan Alpay
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Clint D. J. Tavares
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Zehra E. Cobanoglu
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tamer S. Kaoud
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ibrahim Sahin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anil K. Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for RNAi and Non-Coding RNA, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for RNAi and Non-Coding RNA, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kevin N. Dalby
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BO); (KND)
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for RNAi and Non-Coding RNA, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BO); (KND)
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Fukuoka H, Cooper O, Ben-Shlomo A, Mamelak A, Ren SG, Bruyette D, Melmed S. EGFR as a therapeutic target for human, canine, and mouse ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:4712-21. [PMID: 22105169 DOI: 10.1172/jci60417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing disease is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as a result of an adenoma arising from the ACTH-secreting cells in the anterior pituitary. ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas lead to hypercortisolemia and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Pituitary-directed medications are mostly ineffective, and new treatment options are needed. As these tumors express EGFR, we tested whether EGFR might provide a therapeutic target for Cushing disease. Here, we show that in surgically resected human and canine corticotroph cultured tumors, blocking EGFR suppressed expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), the ACTH precursor. In mouse corticotroph EGFR transfectants, ACTH secretion was enhanced, and EGF increased Pomc promoter activity, an effect that was dependent on MAPK. Blocking EGFR activity with gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, attenuated Pomc expression, inhibited corticotroph tumor cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis. As predominantly nuclear EGFR expression was observed in canine and human corticotroph tumors, we preferentially targeted EGFR to mouse corticotroph cell nuclei, which resulted in higher Pomc expression and ACTH secretion, both of which were inhibited by gefitinib. In athymic nude mice, EGFR overexpression enhanced the growth of explanted ACTH-secreting tumors and further elevated serum corticosterone levels. Gefitinib treatment decreased both tumor size and corticosterone levels; it also reversed signs of hypercortisolemia, including elevated glucose levels and excess omental fat. These results indicate that inhibiting EGFR signaling may be a novel strategy for treating Cushing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Fukuoka
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
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Abstract
MYC is a key regulator of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, differentiation, and apoptosis. MYC deregulation contributes to breast cancer development and progression and is associated with poor outcomes. Multiple mechanisms are involved in MYC deregulation in breast cancer, including gene amplification, transcriptional regulation, and mRNA and protein stabilization, which correlate with loss of tumor suppressors and activation of oncogenic pathways. The heterogeneity in breast cancer is increasingly recognized. Breast cancer has been classified into 5 or more subtypes based on gene expression profiles, and each subtype has distinct biological features and clinical outcomes. Among these subtypes, basal-like tumor is associated with a poor prognosis and has a lack of therapeutic targets. MYC is overexpressed in the basal-like subtype and may serve as a target for this aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Tumor suppressor BRCA1 inhibits MYC's transcriptional and transforming activity. Loss of BRCA1 with MYC overexpression leads to the development of breast cancer-especially, basal-like breast cancer. As a downstream effector of estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor family pathways, MYC may contribute to resistance to adjuvant therapy. Targeting MYC-regulated pathways in combination with inhibitors of other oncogenic pathways may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer, the basal-like subtype in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Xu
- Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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25
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Moreno E, Plano D, Lamberto I, Font M, Encío I, Palop JA, Sanmartín C. Sulfur and selenium derivatives of quinazoline and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine: synthesis and study of their potential cytotoxic activity in vitro. Eur J Med Chem 2011; 47:283-98. [PMID: 22104973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2011.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis, cytotoxic activities and selectivities of 35 derivatives related to quinazoline and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine are described. The synthesized compounds were screened in vitro against four tumoral cell lines - leukemia (CCRF-CEM), colon (HT-29), lung (HTB-54) and breast (MCF-7) - and two cell lines derived from non-malignant cell lines, one mammary (184B5) and one from bronchial epithelium (BEAS-2B). MCF-7 and HTB-54 were the most sensitive cell lines with GI(50) values below 10μM for eleven and ten compounds, respectively. Two compounds (2o and 3a) were identified that evoked a marked cytotoxic effect in all cell lines tested and one compound, 7h, was potent and selective against MCF-7. A preliminary study into the mechanism of the potent derivatives 2o, 3a and 7h indicated that the cytotoxic activities of these compounds might be mediated by inducing cell death without affecting cell cycle phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Moreno
- Sección de síntesis, Departamento de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea, 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain
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26
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Curcumin sensitizes chemotherapeutic drugs via modulation of PKC, telomerase, NF-κB and HDAC in breast cancer. Ther Deliv 2011; 2:1275-93. [DOI: 10.4155/tde.11.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Several tumor markers are overexpressed in breast cancer. Chemotherapy in breast cancer fails due to resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. A phytochemical such as curcumin can be used in a therapeutic modality as it elicits anti-tumor effects. Methods: Action of curcumin on the expression of several tumor markers, such as protein kinase C, telomerase, NF-κB and histone deacetylase in MCF-7 (ER positive), MDA-MB-231 (ER negative), MCF-12F (control) and also in mice mammary tumors were investigated. Results: Curcumin downregulated the expression of tumor markers both in vitro and in vivo and sensitized tumor cells to the chemotherapeutic drugs cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel. Discussion: Curcumin may be of considerable value in synergistic therapy of cancer such that the drug dose level could be minimized reducing the associated toxicity.
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27
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Gladych M, Wojtyla A, Rubis B. Human telomerase expression regulation. Biochem Cell Biol 2011; 89:359-76. [DOI: 10.1139/o11-037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since telomerase has been recognized as a relevant factor distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells, it has become a very promising target for anti-cancer therapy. A correlation between short telomere length and increased mortality was revealed in many studies. The telomerase expression/activity appears to be one of the most crucial factors to study to improve cancer therapy and prevention. However, this multisubunit enzymatic complex can be regulated at various levels. Thus, several strategies have been proposed to control telomerase in cancer cells such as anti-sense technology against TR and TERT, ribozymes against TERT, anti-estrogens, progesterone, vitamin D, retinoic acid, quadruplex stabilizers, telomere and telomerase targeting agents, modulation of interaction with other proteins involved in the regulation of telomerase and telomeres, etc. However, the transcription control of key telomerase subunits seems to play the crucial role in whole complexes activity and cancer cells immortality. Thus, the research of telomerase regulation can bring significant insight into the knowledge concerning stem cells metabolism but also ageing. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of numerous telomerase regulation mechanisms at the transcription level in human that might become attractive anti-cancer therapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gladych
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Przybyszewskiego 49 St., 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Aneta Wojtyla
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Przybyszewskiego 49 St., 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Blazej Rubis
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Przybyszewskiego 49 St., 60-355 Poznan, Poland
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28
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Hu Y, Shen Y, Ji B, Wang L, Zhang Z, Zhang Y. Combinational RNAi gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting human EGFR and TERT. Eur J Pharm Sci 2011; 42:387-91. [PMID: 21238587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Both human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and epidermal growth factor receptor (hEGFR) are ideal targets for RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Two shRNA expression plasmids pU6-shTERT and pU6-shEGFR targeting hTERT and hEGFR, respectively, were separately formulated as pegylated immuno-lipopolyplexes, a novel non-viral gene delivery system. In vitro studies showed that when pU6-shTERT and pU6-shEGFR were combined and applied to SMMC-7721 cells, there was a significant additive effect on cytotoxicity as well as cell apoptosis, compared to pU6-shTERT or pU6-shEGFR alone, with a cell viability of 50.9±7.4%, 79.2±3.6% and 77.1±3.6%, respectively, and with a cell apoptotic rate of 44.8±0.9%, 25.1±0.4% and 29.5±0.8%, respectively. In vivo study in SMMC-7721 xenograft tumor model demonstrated that intravenous administration of PILP-formulated pU6-shTERT and pU6-shEGFR caused an additive effect on tumor growth inhibition, compared to pU6-shTERT or pU6-shEGFR alone, with a tumor growth inhibition rate of 74.0%, 36.3% and 46.1%, respectively, which is consistent with the downregulated EGFR and TERT mRNA expression. The results suggest that combinational RNAi gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting human EGFR and TERT with pegylated immuno-lipopolyplexes is a new and good strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, PR China
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29
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Lee CH. A mechanistic study on gefitinib-induced apoptosis reveals a new link between EGFR and hTERT in breast cancers. Arch Pharm Res 2010; 32:1333-4. [PMID: 19898793 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-009-1920-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Hoon Lee
- National Cancer Center Institute, Division of Cancer Biology, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
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