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Del Bufalo D, Damia G. Overview of BH3 mimetics in ovarian cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102771. [PMID: 38875743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102771] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related death, still with a dismal five-year prognosis, mainly due to late diagnosis and the emergence of resistance to cytotoxic and targeted agents. Bcl-2 family proteins have a key role in apoptosis and are associated with tumor development/progression and response to therapy in different cancer types, including ovarian carcinoma. In tumors, evasion of apoptosis is a possible mechanism of resistance to therapy. BH3 mimetics are small molecules that occupy the hydrophobic pocket on pro-survival proteins, allowing the induction of apoptosis, and are currently under study as single agents and/or in combination with cytotoxic and targeted agents in solid tumors. Here, we discuss recent advances in targeting anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family for the treatment of ovarian cancer, focusing on BH3 mimetics, and how these approaches could potentially offer an alternative/complementary way to treat patients and overcome or delay resistance to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Experimental Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via M. Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy.
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Yang B, Lin Y, Huang Y, Shen YQ, Chen Q. Thioredoxin (Trx): A redox target and modulator of cellular senescence and aging-related diseases. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103032. [PMID: 38232457 PMCID: PMC10827563 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103032] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin (Trx) is a compact redox-regulatory protein that modulates cellular redox state by reducing oxidized proteins. Trx exhibits dual functionality as an antioxidant and a cofactor for diverse enzymes and transcription factors, thereby exerting influence over their activity and function. Trx has emerged as a pivotal biomarker for various diseases, particularly those associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging. Recent clinical investigations have underscored the significance of Trx in disease diagnosis, treatment, and mechanistic elucidation. Despite its paramount importance, the intricate interplay between Trx and cellular senescence-a condition characterized by irreversible growth arrest induced by multiple aging stimuli-remains inadequately understood. In this review, our objective is to present a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the structure and function of Trx, its involvement in redox signaling pathways and cellular senescence, its association with aging and age-related diseases, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target. Our review aims to elucidate the novel and extensive role of Trx in senescence while highlighting its implications for aging and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yumeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yibo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Ying-Qiang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Yan H, He L, Lv D, Yang J, Yuan Z. The Role of the Dysregulated JNK Signaling Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases and Its Potential Therapeutic Strategies: A Comprehensive Review. Biomolecules 2024; 14:243. [PMID: 38397480 PMCID: PMC10887252 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020243] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
JNK is named after c-Jun N-terminal kinase, as it is responsible for phosphorylating c-Jun. As a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, JNK is also known as stress-activated kinase (SAPK) because it can be activated by extracellular stresses including growth factor, UV irradiation, and virus infection. Functionally, JNK regulates various cell behaviors such as cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, and metabolic reprogramming. Dysregulated JNK signaling contributes to several types of human diseases. Although the role of the JNK pathway in a single disease has been summarized in several previous publications, a comprehensive review of its role in multiple kinds of human diseases is missing. In this review, we begin by introducing the landmark discoveries, structures, tissue expression, and activation mechanisms of the JNK pathway. Next, we come to the focus of this work: a comprehensive summary of the role of the deregulated JNK pathway in multiple kinds of diseases. Beyond that, we also discuss the current strategies for targeting the JNK pathway for therapeutic intervention and summarize the application of JNK inhibitors as well as several challenges now faced. We expect that this review can provide a more comprehensive insight into the critical role of the JNK pathway in the pathogenesis of human diseases and hope that it also provides important clues for ameliorating disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Yan
- Department of Ultrasound, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; (H.Y.); (L.H.)
| | - Lanfang He
- Department of Ultrasound, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China; (H.Y.); (L.H.)
| | - De Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Zhu Yuan
- Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
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Zhu Z, Yang Q, Tian X, Man D, Wang J, Zhang J, Han B. MSTRG3207 promotes apoptosis in zebrafish ZF4 cells via sponging dre-miR-736/bbc3/LOC101885512 axis during cold acclimation. Gene 2024; 894:148010. [PMID: 37981079 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148010] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in a variety of biological processes. It has been recently reported that lncRNAs can regulate mRNA expression by binding to microRNAs (miRNAs) as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, the involvement of this regulatory mechanism during cold acclimation in fish remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a ceRNA network mediated by lncRNAs in cold-acclimated zebrafish ZF4 cells through bioinformatic analysis of the mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA profiles obtained from ZF4 cells cultured at 18 °C for 30 days. A previously uncharacterized lncRNA, MSTRG3207, was selected for further analysis. MSTRG3207 was upregulated and dre-miR-736 was downregulated during cold acclimation. MSTRG3207 was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and functionally characterized. The binding of MSTRG3207 to dre-miR-736 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Under cold acclimation, MSTRG3207 promoted apoptosis by sponging dre-miR-736 and upregulating bbc3 and LOC101885512, two apoptotic genes targeted by dre-miR-736. Taken together, our findings indicate that MSTRG3207 upregulation promotes apoptosis by sponging dre-miR-736 during cold acclimation in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Qianting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiaoying Tian
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Da Man
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Junfang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bingshe Han
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Marine Biomedical Science and Technology Innovation Platform of Lin-gang Special Area, Shanghai, China.
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Qin J, Cao M, Hu X, Tan W, Ma B, Cao Y, Chen Z, Li Q, Hu G. Dual inhibitors of ASK1 and PDK1 kinases: Design, synthesis, molecular docking and mechanism studies of N-benzyl pyridine-2-one containing derivatives as anti-fibrotic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115057. [PMID: 36603508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115057] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Utilizing fragment-based hybrid designing strategies, 24 N-benzyl pyridine-2-one containing derivatives were synthesized by successfully incorporating 6-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl) pyridin-2-amine of scaffold of ASK1 inhibitor (GS-444217). These newly synthesized compounds were screened in cell-free ASK1 and PDK1 kinase and cellular vitality assays. Among all compounds tested, both 21c and 21d displayed single digit potency of 9.13, 1.73 nM in inhibiting ASK1, and exhibited excellent enzyme inhibitory activity against PDK1 (the inhibition rates at 10 μM were 13.63% and 23.80%, respectively). Specifically, both compounds inhibited the TGF-β1 induced fibrotic response and blocked the up-regulated protein expression levels of ASK1-p38/JNK signaling pathways and possessed the potency in reducing PDK1/Akt phosphorylation. The results herein showed the potential lead characteristics of 21c or 21d as dual inhibitors ASK1/PDK1 kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Qin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Meng Cao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xinlan Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Wenhua Tan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Binghao Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Qianbin Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Small Molecules for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Disease, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Zang L, Song Y, Tian Y, Hu N. TAT-Beclin 1 represses the carcinogenesis of DUSP4-positive PTC by enhancing autophagy. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1425-1436. [PMID: 36474060 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08109-2] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DUSP4 is a pro-tumorigenic molecule of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). DUSP4 also exists as an autophagic regulator. Moreover, DUSP4, as a negative regulator of MAPK, can prevent Beclin 1 from participating in autophagic response. This study aimed to explore whether TAT-Beclin 1, a recombinant protein of Beclin 1, could inhibit the tumorigenesis of DUSP4-positive PTC by regulating autophagy. METHODS First, we divided PTC tissues into three groups according to DUSP4 expression levels by immunohistochemical analyses, and evaluated the relationship between autophagic molecules (Beclin 1 and LC3II) and DUSP4 using Western blotting assays. After overexpression of DUSP4 by lentiviral transduction, the in vitro and in vivo roles of TAT-Beclin 1 on DUSP4-overexpressed PTC cells were assessed (including autophagic activity, cell survival and function, and tumor growth). The roles of TAT-Beclin 1 in the survival of DUSP4-silenced PTC cells were also evaluated. RESULTS Our results showed that the expression levels of autophagic proteins decreased with the increase of DUSP4 expression in PTC tissues. In PTC cells, DUSP4 overexpression-inhibited autophagic activity (including Beclin 1 expression, LC3 conversion rate and LC3-puncta formation) and -promoted cell proliferation and migration were reversed by TAT-Beclin 1 administration. In vivo assays also showed that DUSP4-overexpressed PTC cells had stronger tumorigenic ability and weaker autophagic activity, which was blocked by TAT-Beclin 1 administration. CONCLUSION TAT-Beclin 1, as an autophagic promoter, could repress the carcinogenesis of DUSP4-positive PTC, which implies that the use of TAT-Beclin 1 for the PTC patients' treatment might be determined according to the DUSP4 level in their tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zang
- Department 5 of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050005, Hebei, China
| | - Yanmei Song
- Department of Infection Management/Public Health, Hebei People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050057, Hebei, China
| | - Yanhua Tian
- Department 2 of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050005, Hebei, China
| | - Ning Hu
- Department 4 of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No.215 Heping West Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050005, Hebei, China.
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